Recommended Reading
Items listed in bold are must-haves. Look for them first!
Dogs (General)
- The Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell.
When humans communicate with dogs, a lot can get lost in the translation. Teaches readers how to retrain themselves to speak consistently in a language dogs understand, and avoid sending conflicting and confusing messages. - The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson
Understanding the relationship between humans and dogs. They aren’t people in furry suits! - Dogs for Dummies by Gina Spadafori, Marty Becker
Even if you’re not a dummy, it’s a good book if you haven’t had many dogs of your own. - The Intelligence of Dogs: A Guide to the Thoughts, Emotions and Inner Lives of Our Canine Companions by Stanley Coren
- The Dog Who Loved Too Much: Tales, Treatments and The Psychology of Dogs by Nicholas Dodman
- Pack of Two: The Intricate Bond Between People and Dogs by Caroline Knapp
Training & Behavior
- Don't Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor
Use behavioral training on people, dogs and other animals to make changes. End undesirable behavior; learn "affection training". - How to be Leader of the Pack by Patricia McConnell, Ph.D.
- Power of Positive Dog Training, 2nd Ed. by Pat Miller
Walk
away from punishment-based training methods and learn how you can reward your dog to obtain and reinforce the behaviors you could only dream about achieving! - Feeling Outnumbered? How to Manage and Enjoy Your Multi-Dog
Household by
Karen London and Patricia McConnell, Ph.D.
Great info for those with more than one dog at home. - Good Owners, Great Dogs by Brian Kilcommons, Sarah Wilson
- Dog Behavior: An Owner's Guide to a Happy, Healthy Pet by Ian Dunbar
- How to Teach an Old Dog New Tricks by Ian Dunbar
These off-leash, lure-reward techniques work on puppies and adult dogs alike. Witty, humane, reliable and FUN! - Positive Perspectives: Love Your Dog, Train Your Dog by Pat Miller
A complete dog training, puppy raising, problem solving, and basic health guide.
Overcoming Dog Problems
- The Cautious Canine by Patricia McConnell
Help for fearful dogs. - I'll Be Home Soon! by Patricia McConnell Help for those whose dog suffers badly from Separation Anxiety, help in preventing it from developing, and tips on how to raise a dog with good "house manners."
- Dogs Are From Neptune by Jean Donaldson Candid answers to urgent questions about aggression and other aspects of dog behavior!
- Childproofing Your Dog: A Complete Guide to Preparing Your Dog for the Children in Your Life by Brian Kilcommons, Sarah Wilson
- Mine: A Practical Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs by Jean
Donaldson
For those whose dogs who have trouble sharing their “stuff” with humans.
Choosing a Dog
- Successful Dog Adoptions by Sue Sternberg
- Paws to Consider: Choosing the Right Dog for You and Your Family by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson
Dog Health
- The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health
Delivers animal health expertise in everyday language that all pet owners can understand. This in-depth new resource, authored by over 200 veterinary experts, covers the full spectrum of today's pets, from dogs, cats and horses to birds, reptiles, fish and other exotic pets. - ASPCA Complete Dog Care Manual
Puppies
- Before & After Getting Your Puppy by Ian Dunbar
Outlines everything you need to know to select the right puppy, as well as all the crucial lessons a puppy must be taught during its impressionable early development. - Puppy Primer by Patricia McConnell
Cats (General)
- Cats for Dummies by Gina Spadafori
Great book for your first cat (or the first one you’ve had on your own). - Kittens for Dummies by Dusty Rainbolt
Great book for your first cat (or the first one you’ve had on your own). - The New Encyclopedia of the Cat by Bruce Dogle, DVM
A great breed book with descriptions, breed tendencies and lots of helpful information including behaviors and interactions. (Includes lots of pictures!) - Good Owners, Great Cats by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson
- Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat--Not a Sour Puss by Pam Johnson-Bennett
Cat Health
- ASPCA Complete Cat Care Manual by Andrew Edney, Roger Caras
- The Cornell Book of Cats: A Comprehensive and Authoritative Medical Reference by Mordecai Siegal
Cat Behavior
- Twisted Whiskers: Solving Your Cat's Behavior Problems by Pam
Johnson-Bennett
Great book on your cat's behaviors, and the reasons they behave in these ways. - Psycho Kitty? by Pam Johnson-Bennett
- Cat Vs. Cat: Keeping Peace When You Have More Than One Cat
by Pam Johnson-Bennett
shows how to plan, set up, and maintain a home environment that will help multiple cats—and their owners—live in peace. - The Cat Who Cried for Help: Attitudes, Emotions and the Psychology of Cats by Nicholas Dodman
Miscellaneous
- Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul by Jack Canfield
- Lost and Found: Dogs, Cats and Everyday Heroes at a County Animal Shelter by Elizabeth Hess
- Goodbye Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Lost a Pet by Gary Kowalski
Kids
- The Bookshop Dog by Cynthia Rylant, 1996, Blue Sky Press, New York.
- Bentley and Blueberry by Randy Houk, 1993, HSUS/The Benefactory.
- Max Deluxe by Maira Kalman, 1996, Viking Books.
- Koko's Kitten by Dr. Francine Patterson, 1985, Scholastic, Inc.
- Dog Breath by Dav Pilkey, 1994, The Blue Sky Press, New York.
- Dogzilla by Dav Pilkey, The Blue Sky Press, New York.
- Kat Kong by Dav Pilkey, The Blue Sky Press, New York.
- A Home For Nathan by Claudia Roll, 1999, The William Snyder Foundation for Animals
- A Dog's Best Friend, An Activity Book for Kids and Their Dogs by Lisa Rosenthal, 1999, Chicago Review Press.
- Norman to the Rescue by Loren Spiotta-DiMare, 1998, HSUS/The Benefactory.
- Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters From Obedience School by Mark Teague.
- Muddy Four Paws by Jean Ure, 1998, Barron's Educational Series, Inc.
- Snow Kittens by Jean Ure, 1998, Barron's Educational Series, Inc.

