More Great Books!
Can we all just retire from everything else and read dog/animal-related books for the next few weeks? No? Me either. But still, so many new great books out there! Here are some I am excited about, in no particular order:
Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog, by Zazie Todd is releasing October 1st, and I can’t wait. I have always loved Zazie’s seamless ability to combine science and common sense in her earlier books (Wag: How to Make Your Dog Happy, and Purr, How to Make Your Cat Happy), her blog, and her podcast, The Pawsitive Post in Conversation with Zazie Todd, PhD and Kristi Benson CTC.
There are so many needy dogs out there. So many dogs who put their humans through hoops trying to avoid the things that set their dogs off–other dogs, visitors, loud noises. . . And so very many ideas about how to work with them. Some of these ideas are based on methods based on research and experience, but more seem still to be based on what your neighbor said his uncle told him. Few do a better job than Zazie of understanding what we really, truly know about dogs, and what science tells us what works to help them. I can’t wait for this book, full stop.
But I don’t have to wait until October lst, because Zazie will be talking about the book in the final installment of her too cool for school podcast series Bark! Fest. In it she and co-cost Kristi Benson interview authors of notable dog-related books. I had the pleasure of speaking yesterday about The Education of Will, and will be riveted today by Cat Warren and Marc Bekoff talking about emotions in dogs. Zazie’s talk on Bark! and reactive dogs is scheduled for September 26, at 1 pm Eastern.
You can register Zazie’s talk here, for free. All talks can be listened to about 3 days after the event, so sign up and enjoy when you can, although live is always so much fun. I’ll be there, and will try to catch as many talks as I can. Zazie and Kristi, and the audience!) ask great questions, and are full of compassion and kindness. Who doesn’t need more of that now?
Welcoming Your Puppy From Planet Dog, by Kathy Callahan. Kathy writes regularly for Whole Dog Journal, and is also the author of 101 Rescue Puppies.
I haven’t yet read every, single page of this book, but I can tell you that I was sold early on when I turned a page titled “Yes, You Can Sleep with Your New Puppy.” How can you not ADORE a book that acknowledges that taking a pup from sleeping in a pile of warm bodies, and then put it into a lonely, cold crate in a new environment doesn’t create a problem? Ah, some say, but won’t the puppy pee in the bed? Not if you take Kathy’s advice, and feed before 7 pm, offer no water after 8:30, and most importantly, take the pup out for a “motion-filled adventure” just before bed to stimulate elimination. She’s done it over 200 times with the puppies she’s fostered, and it works.
I truly LOVE this book. If I was fostering, breeding, or getting a new puppy, I’d read it twice, and still keep it within reach every day.
Manage It! Hacks For Improving Your Dog’s Behavior, by Juliana DeWillems is another book I really, really love. I had a chance to review it before it came out, and here’s what I said about it:
Finally! A much-needed book about what every professional trainer knows: The management of a behavioral problem can be just as important as training, and often more practical. Kudos to DeWillems for giving us this essential book!
Management is a topic that I’ve always felt had short shrift. If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a few hundred times that professional trainers rely on management far more than many dog owners think. Yes, yes, I could train my dogs to be perfectly polite to visitors while staying in the room that people enter, but if I don’t know who’s calling, it is soooo much easier to call them into another room and shut the door or a gate rather than teaching them to go lie down on a mat. It took some training, but probably a tenth as much time, and I’d much rather spend my time and energy on working sheep, or some new trick.
I get asked questions about dog behavior all the time, wherever I go, (which is fine, except for the times I was having surgery on my face or busy in a stall in a public bathroom). When I suggest management, people often respond as if “just managing” the issue is some kind of failure; that somehow, to be “good enough,” dog lovers should always fix the issue through training. I often remind them, as does Juliana, that “training” almost always includes management, by creating an environment that brings out the behavior you want, and prevents habits you don’t. The book has in-depth sections on common problems we humans have with normal canine behavior, like barking or overly-excited greetings, and it might be one of the most important “training” books of the year. (And Dogwise tells me it’s selling like crazy.)
Abandoned, Chronicling the Journeys of Once-Forsaken Dogs, by Katherine Carver. What a gorgeous and inspiring book! Don’t let the title fool you, this is a beautiful book celebrating the benefits of animal adoption. The author photographed each dog right after being rescued, and then a year later after being adopted into a new and forever home.
The book was inspired by the author’s Sheltie, Biscuit, who had “been abandoned on a rural highway, terrified and malnourished.” A year later, he was a happy, confident member of the family, and Katherine’s life was changed forever. She spent 10 years documenting the changes in abandoned dogs, and all they gave their forever families, highlighted by her exquisite photography. It’s coming out in early October, but you can order it now. (A note: Can we not call ordering things before they can be shipped “pre-ordering?” If I click on “pre-order,” I’m ordering it, right? Okay, old-lady, word-nerd person now going silent.)
Why Animals Talk, The New Science of Animal Communication, by Arik Kershernbaum just arrived, and I haven’t had a chance to read it yet. But I’ve skimmed through, and I can’t wait to learn more about wolves in Italy mimicking the howls of domestic dogs to live under the radar, whether hyraxes–one of my favorite animals ever–use syntax in their complex song-like barks, and lying, cheating chimpanzees (who are really good at it). I’m taking a week off soon, and this book is high on my “Nothing To Do But What I Want” list. If you love animal behavior, as it seems most dog lovers do, this is a great book for you. (And would be a super holiday present for friends?)
Now you! Torture us with yet MORE books we need to retire to find time to read!
MEANWHILE, back on the farm: What I (we) did last weekend (and many to come), or, The Many Joys of Country Living: Lest the photos of the sheep and the birds and the flowers and the dogs make life on the farm look blissful, here’s what we’re dealing with now:
Okay, all, your turn! What are you reading, eating, growing, battling? (Please send mailing address if you’d like to foster Chuckles. Then please come out and catch him yourself, because we have failed miserably.)
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About the Author
Patricia B. McConnell, PhD, CAAB Emeritus is an applied animal behaviorist who has been working with, studying, and writing about dogs for over twenty-five years. She encourages your participation, believing that your voice adds greatly to its value. She enjoys reading every comment, and adds her own responses when she can.
LEARN MORE FROM PATRICIA’S BOOKS & DVDs!
Patricia is known the world over for her clear and engaging books and DVDs on dog training and canine behavior problems. You can also “meet” Patricia in person on her seminar DVDs, from The Art & Science of Canine Behavior to Treating Dog-Dog Reactivity.
Thanks for the book recommendations! I’ve added two to my “Notify Me” tab in Libby. Sorry for all the other problems; that is quite the nightmare list –”Black mold and woodchucks and worms; oh my!”
And that’s life…a variety of experiences, things to be done, things to be done forever, etc. The book I recommend is called “The Art of Racing in the Rain”, a beautiful book about a man and his dog! I will definitely look into some of your recommendations in this post. Your farm looks wonderful. And speaking of weasels, I saw my first cross the path in front of me on the path while riding my e-bike. Did not recognize what is was a first, but fellow rider identified it. Very exciting!
I always love it when you share book recommendations. I definitely need to pick up the management book. We’re currently deep into management while we figure out how to fix the problem. Aramis, our new Great Pyrenees, has bonded to me like he’s a GSD and resource guards me from the other critters. He’s attacked Falkor Bash a few times for the crime of being petted by me or the crime of walking too close when I was petting Aramis. He doesn’t have any issue with any of the other humans petting Falkor or being close to him, just me. Cats are chased away if they are near me. Except for this one issue Aramis is an incredible dog, brilliantly smart, and responsive. Currently we’re managing by only allowing one dog access to me at a time but that’s frustrating for everyone. We’ll get there but I want a magic wand to wave and make it all fine.
I love your fall deer. For many years my folks had a yard moose. She’d come every fall to eat the crabapples off the ground, mow and fertilize the lawn then m0ve on to winter quarters. Some years she’d bring her mate and baby. https://www.flickr.com/photos/33350160@N02/albums/72157687346446352
The endless tasks on a farm!! Here in Texas it’s not woodchucks but armadillos.
I’m reading Familaris which is the prequel to the Story of Edgar Sawtelle. Both are great books wrapped around loving dogs.
I came across Karen Callahan through her new podcast Pick of the Litter and as I just happened to be getting my first puppy in 15 years (!) I picked up her book. And I was also hooked with her underlying philosophy that you CAN sleep with your new puppy!! It has made all the difference. And you’ve got to read her take on rearranging the burners … brilliant!
The jumping worms are terrible and when we moved to our new residence 5 years ago I didn’t take any of the flowers from my beautiful 7 gardens because they had become infiltrated with the worms. We don’t have them here and I don’t buy any plants from neighborhood plant sales for fear of getting them. I hope all garden centers are aware of them and make sure they don’t sell plants with infected soil.
Me as I read your post at the end: Jumping worms!? Nooooooooo! I’m so sorry!
Chuckles the Woodchuck!!! NO WAY!! We also have our first ever woodchuck as of the past month and I also refer to it as “Chuckles”!! And have also failed miserably attempting to trap it.
Dang, if only we could get both of them, maybe they’d fall in love and we could release them into the beautiful horizon for a happily ever after… far from your farm and our house. Are my tulips going to be toast?? 😫
Wood chucks are scary! One wondered into my country yard before I had a fence. My first beloved dog thought to play with it until it bit him on the leg! The battle was on. It lasted long enough for me to go in the house, get my camera, and take pictures.
My wonderful dog won with no injuries except for the scratch from the initial encounter. The contest did kill the wood chuck. Not an encounter I’d ever want to repeat. Glad your wood chuck moved on.
To Barb: I’m not sure that Chuckles has moved on. Just better at staying out of sight. Please send your dog!
As someone involved in rescue, lots of great books. (Also, benefit of puppy sleeping with you is that you’re more likely to notice if they wake up and start looking for a pee spot). I’ll be adding these to my to-read list.
I attended yesterday’s webinar with yourself, Zazie Todd and Kristi Benson. They say you should never meet your heroes, but I’m so glad I “met” you. Your kindness and compassion towards both humans and dogs is something I have rarely experienced in the dog training world. But your book The other end of the leash was the first dog training book that spoke me and I have wanted to meet you since then. Thank you for all the book recommendations, I only wish there were more hours in the day and on behalf my all family, including three dogs and two cats, we want to thank you for showing us there is a kind way to train both humans and their furry friends.
How kind of YOU Kamila! Thank you. The webinar was great fun, Zazie and Kristi rock!
Oh boy…my tastebuds are quivering at the sight of that pie! Ugh, mold is the worst. You have my sympathies for dealing with it, the woodchuck and those disgusting worms. Country living has its pros and cons, doesn’t it? Here’s hoping the chore list gets smaller quickly.
I forwarded this to my sister, who is going to get a puppy just after the new year. (I’ve sworn off puppies…I’ve been the one to train, take to puppy classes (3 sets each dog), take to vet appointments, etc., for 6 dogs. Just did the math, and that’s 108 classes! I’ve told my dear husband that if he wants another puppy, he gets the honors of doing it all!)
I also told my sister about your collection of books…we’ve been reading them for years! My favorite has always been The Puppy Primer. AND I LOVE the (old) cover you had with an American Eskimo on the front. We rescued an AE in the 80’s from the Dane County Humane Society, back when it was on Packer’s Avenue. She was our kids’ first pet, and she died shortly after our twins left for college. She was 17 years old, and the sweetest dog you’d ever want to have! Thanks, Trisha – for helping us with our myriad collection of dogs!
When I think of the many amazing blogs that you share with all of us……..LOVE IS THE WAY I WALK IN GRATITUDE!
Love the book recommendations… adding a few of these to my reading list! I don’t have woodchucks here in far Northern California. But I do have gophers, moles and now ground squirrels! Trapping was sure a challenge until a friend loaned me the “squirrelinator” and I’ve trapped 5 so far. Between drought conditions, lots of high temps and hot winds, bark beetles, and squirrels, I’ve lost a few trees, shrubs and several perennials. I didn’t bother planting a vegetable garden until I get the critter problems resolved. In the meantime, my Italian Greyhound has yet to catch any critters! He gives the squirrels a good chase but they get under the woodpile before he can catch them.
Kat— I SO enjoyed your moose pictures. Thank you for sharing!
I must buy the book “Abandoned” for my friend who spends 75% of her life at our local shelter.
Then, I must get “Bark!” when it comes out to help me with my dog reactive, guarding (of me) rat terrier…
Thanks for all the recommendations!
Now I must go make a gluten-free pie 😊
Few days late on this. Very much looking forward to reading a number of these, especially Zozie Todd’s “Bark!” and Julianne Dewillem’s “Manage It!” I have two books I would recommend, and am interested in other’s thoughts on them. One is Kathy Sdao’s “Plenty in Life is Free,” that challenges the NILIF protocol. The other is actually a human “self-help” book, “Rewire Your OCD Brain” by Catherine Pittman, PhD and William Youngs, PhD. I am very interested in the thought that reactivity in dogs could be related to OCD issues in people. Very interesting book about how our brain works, and interested in how this might apply to dogs.
Trisha, thanks for the book recommendations. They sound really interesting. Do you know if “Bark” is just about reactivity due to fear or also due to frustration? While Nanuk has made a lot of progress, he’s still quite reactive to other dogs and cats. The only “fear” involved is FOMO. I always wonder if training suggestions have actually been proven effective in these cases, or if they were only tested in the far more common fear-reactivity.
Beth, glutenfree pie sounds lovely. (I have celiac.)
Ann, I loved “Plenty in Life is Free”!
The most intriguing English dog book I’ve read recently is: “What Is a Dog” by Raymond Coppinger and Lorna Coppinger. It presents an entirely different story of how dogs came to be and what a “normal” dog is. Since it from 2016, I’m not sure if science has moved on.
I am a bit late with this reply, but wanted to mention that I have ALWAYS had my puppies sleep no the bed with me when they first came into our home- as someone else mentioned, their stirring/waking/moving in the middle of the night helped me to know they needed a potty break. Sadly this phase only lasts maybe 2 or 3 weeks tops, by which time they are able to sleep through the night, and it reminds me of just how short a season puppyhood is. I have never minded those few short weeks of interrupted sleep, as I often had an older dog at the same time who likely also needed a middle of the night bathroom break. The phases of life seem so similar at times . .
And like all of us, I am always appreciative of all things Tricia, including her book suggestions & reviews!!
I’m so sorry about all your struggles at the farm! Makes me realize what a spoiled city kid I am. The worst I’ve had to complain about, other than the usual heat and drought, was the neighborhood dysfunctional couple, a pair of feral cats that invaded the backyard for several days in May. Just outside the bedroom windows, they performed their own version of WWE Smackdown followed by cat porn, like a creepy pay-per-view channel on an endless loop that couldn’t be turned off.🙀They eventually moved on after I chased them out a few times, yelling and blasting my son’s old super soaker over their heads to rain down on them.
They wouldn’t have dared try that when Missy the Sprollie was queen of the yard, but six weeks earlier I lost her when she suddenly couldn’t stand or walk without help, or eat without vomiting. I always have a far too long list of books I want to read, and now Abandoned is added to it, as it is her story. Her former family moved away with their other dogs and left her to fend for herself. She was such a gentle, loving, well behaved girl that I can’t imagine how anyone could do that. Her eventual foster mom knew them and knew Missy was a good dog. Every day she would take food and water to where Missy hung out, gradually earning her trust. She fostered her for several months until I adopted her. The nine years I had with Missy weren’t nearly enough.
For five dogless months I was miserable without her, but the grief and guilt I felt kept me from adopting another dog. She was only 11 and I felt like I failed her somehow. Finally the depression lifted on Labor Day, the same day that Daizey, a 4 year old Golden Shepherd, was posted online for adoption. Her owner was a lady who loved her but could no longer care for a large dog due to her own health issues. I adopted Daizey (or maybe she adopted me) two weeks ago tomorrow. In an almost spooky way, her personality is very much like Missy’s, and she looks like a taller, slightly fluffier version of Duncan, who was her buddy until cancer took him in 2020. I still miss Missy every day, but I am so grateful for Daizey, who is as good and sweet a dog as I have ever met.
Gonna have to read Familiaris too. I didn’t know The Story of Edgar Sawtelle had a prequel!
So many books, so little time! This is a wonderful list.
Good news – Zazie Todd plans to post all the Barkfest videos, including the interview with Trisha, on her YouTube channel after she catches her breath after the heroic effort of putting on the whole event.
Jumping worms – oh no. They are truly horrible for the environment. Your other garden problems pale in comparison. UGH.