Caesar: On Deaf Ears. Written by Loren Spiotta-DiMare. Illustrated by Kara Lee. The Benefactory, Inc., 1997. 32 pages. A beautifully written story about a puppy who presents a training challenge because he is deaf. With love, patience and determination, an animal control officer successfully trains Caesar. Nonfiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. K-3.

The Dog Whisperer: A Compassionate, Nonviolent Approach to Training. By Paul Owens, Norma Eckroate. Adams Media Corporation, 2007. 289 pages. Publisher's summary: trainer Paul Owens offers a compassionate, nonviolent approach to dog training. His spiritual approach links sound training principles with intuitive and effective insights. Interest level: Gr. 7 & up.

How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend: The Classic Training Manual for Dog Owners. By Monks of New Skete, Monks of New Skete (Editor) Little, Brown & Company, 2002. 352 pages. Publisher's summary: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend remains unrivaled as a basic training guide for dog owners. Like no other book, this guide can help you understand and appreciate your dog's nature as well as his or her distinct personality -- and in so doing, it can significantly enrich the life you share with your dog. Interest level: Grades 7 & up.

Good Dog!: Kids Teach Kids About Dog Behavior and Training. By Evelyn Pang and Hilary Louie. Dogwise Publishing, 2008. 88 pages. Both kids and adults will learn a great deal from this book. The accomplished young authors began their careers by participating in a shelter dog training program that helps homeless dogs become more adoptable. The concise three chapter book focuses on how to be safe around dogs, how to enjoy dogs, and clicker training. A glossary is included where you will find definitions for jargon such as "bite inhibition" and "calming signals." This highly acclaimed dog training manual will definitely be a hit with kids. Interest level: ages 8-14. (paperback)

The Loved Dog: The Playful, Nonaggressive Way to Teach Your Dog Good Behavior. By Tamar Geller. Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group, 2007. 256 pages. Publisher's summary: Tamar Geller's mission in life is to teach her cruelty-free method of "life coaching" for dogs and their people. Her revolutionary play-training uses mutual understanding and respect... She helps you and your dog learn a common language, resulting in a loving, respectful relationship that will bring you years of joy and companionship. Tamar's play-training approach is so gentle, even children can get involved. Nonfiction. Interest level:Gr. 7 & up.

The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs. By Patricia B. McConnell. Random House Publishing Group, 2003. 246 pages. Publisher's summary: Shares a revolutionary, new perspective on our relationship with dogs, focusing on our behavior in comparison with that of dogs. An applied animal behaviorist and dog trainer with more than twenty years experience, Dr. Patricia McConnell looks at humans as just another interesting species, and muses about why we behave the way we do around our dogs, how dogs might interpret our behavior, and how to interact with our dogs in ways that bring out the best in our four-legged friends. Interest level:Gr. 7 & up.

The Right Way the First Time: Teaching Your Dog Kindly and Humanely. Written by Alana Stevenson. Training With A Heart, 2007. 144 pages. From the publisher: Positive training is rewarding dogs for what they do ....Positive training is a way of teaching your dog desired behaviors, redirecting and preventing unwanted behaviors, and encouraging your dog to work with you to achieve the best results in a positive, fun way. Nonfiction. Interest level: Grade 7 and up.

Children's Fiction about Training Dogs:

"The Trouble with Dogs," said Dad. By Bob Graham. Candlewick Press, 2007. 32 pages. A kind loving family, trying to tame their rambunctious puppy, hires an unkind dog trainer. Humaneness prevails again, in this sequel to the award-winning "Let's Get a Pup!" Said Kate. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. K-3.

Second chance : a tale of two puppies. Written by Judy Masrud. Illustrated by Cathy Pool. Birdseed Books, 2006. 81 pages. Publisher's summary: Two different families each adopt a littermate at a local animal shelter on the same day; each has a son who badly wants a dog. In alternating chapters, the book contrasts the differences between the boys and how they handle the responsibilities of raising and training their pups while highlighting positive training techniques. Recommended reading for children and their parents before acquiring a puppy. Also recommended for elementary humane education programs. Illustrated fiction chapter book. Interest level: Grades 3-6.

Next Topic: Dogs who are chained >

Back to Booklist Main Page>

©2007-2009 Humane Education Teacher