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

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.

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.

Successful Dog Adoptions by Sue Sternberg
Paws to Consider: Choosing the Right Dog for You and Your Family by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson

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

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 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

ASPCA Complete Cat Care Manual by Andrew Edney, Roger Caras
The Cornell Book of Cats: A Comprehensive and Authoritative Medical Reference by Mordecai Siegal

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

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

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.