Resolving Problem Behaviors

Baer, Nancy, and Steve Duno. Leader of the Pack: How to Take Control of Your Relationship with Your Dog. New York: HarperCollins, 1996.

The alpha wolf in a wolf pack behaves in a certain manner in order to maintain his position as leader. This book is based on the idea that if humans treated their dogs in a similar manner, many of the common canine behavior problems would be resolved. Although applicable to all dogs, the authors' focus is on dominant and aggressive dogs. Recommended but should be read in conjunction with a general training manual.

Campbell, William E. Behavior Problems in Dogs. 2nd ed. Goleta, CA: American Veterinary, 1992.

Campbell, William E. Behavior Problems in Dogs. 3rd ed. Grants Pass, OR: BehavioRx® Systems, 1999.

Animal behavior expert Campbell explores both causes of and solutions for a wide range of canine behavior problems. The ideas presented frequently contain perspectives and insights not commonly found in other training manuals. Highly recommended both as a reference manual for specific problems and as an advanced guide to dog behavior.

Campbell, William E. Owner's Guide to Better Behavior in Dogs. 2nd ed. Loveland, CO: Alpine, 1995.

This title presents much of the same information as does Behavior Problems in Dogs. The first half of the book discusses canine behavior, and the second half discusses behavioral problems. Cartoons, symbols, and clear organization make this book easy to use. Recommended as an alternative to Behavior Problems in Dogs.

Dodman, Nicholas H. The Dog Who Loved Too Much: Tales, Treatments, and the Psychology of Dogs. New York: Bantam, 1996.

Dodman is a professor of behavioral pharmacology at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. He writes of his experiences in consulting with clients and their problem dogs. Problems include aggression, fear of thunder, destructiveness, housetraining, and obsessive behaviors. In addition to behavior modification, Dodman uses medications to help resolve problems. The lack of an index limits this title's usefulness for quick reference. Recommended as an entertaining read as well as a useful source of information, especially on the uses of medication to change canine behavior.

Dodman, Nicholas H. Dogs Behaving Badly: An A-to-Z Guide to Understanding and Curing Behavioral Problems in Dogs. New York: Bantam, 1999.

This title is similar to the one above, but it differs in emphasis. The Dog Who Loved Too Much provides information through entertaining storytelling, while Dogs Behaving Badly emphasizes information with only short stories to illustrate certain points. Behavioral problems and possible solutions are discussed in more depth than in many titles. The index allows it to be used as a quick reference. Highly recommended.

Dunbar, Ian. Dog Aggression: Fighting Dogs. Videocassette. Berkeley, CA: James & Kenneth, no date.

In this 60 minute video, Dunbar discusses dogs who fight with other dogs. He maintains that it is not dominant dogs who fight but the more unsure middle dogs. He believes the ratio of fights to injuries-resulting-in-trips-to-vet indicates whether the problem is serious or is less serious squabbling. Aggressive dogs must learn both bite inhibition and social skills. The social skills may safely be acquired in"Growl" classes where all dogs are muzzled. The British setting of this video is reflected in the accents and vocabulary. Strongly recommended, although some trainers would disagree with Dunbar's use of verbal corrections and leash jerks.

Dunbar, Ian. Dog Behavior: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet. New York: Howell, 1999.

In writing a beginner's level book on dog behavior, Dunbar focuses on behaviors that humans often define as misbehavior, such as digging and chewing. The main solution in preventing this misbehavior is through the socialization and training of puppies. Punishment has no place in Dunbar's methods, only reward-based training. The idea includes not punishing a dog for growling and not correcting a dog in the same way an alpha wolf might. Recommended. Has some great ideas, yet also seemed too simple in places.

Evans, Job Michael. The Evans Guide for Housetraining Your Dog. New York: Howell, 1987.

Evans is a former dog breeder and trainer at the New Skete Monastery. He discusses many aspects of housetraining: training methods, corrections, crates, schedules, nutrition, and health. He explores the controversial topic of whether a dog understands a correction given after the fact. He also covers submissive urination and scent marking. He fails to mention, however, that some puppies are not physically able until the age of six-months to be reliably housetrained. Highly recommended for first time dog owners and for dog owners needing help with housetraining.

Joubert, Stephen. Final Hope: Gaining Control of Your Aggressive Dog. New York: Howell, 1998.

Joubert helps the reader determine if his dog is truly aggressive or is merely dominant or young or exuberant or untrained. Initial chapters discuss the causes, types, and signs of canine aggression. The remainder of the book discusses methods for safely gaining control of and retraining aggressive dogs. Highly recommended for those with an aggressive dog.

Wood, Deborah. Help for Your Shy Dog: Turning Your Terrified Dog into a Terrific Pet. New York: Howell, 1999.

Author and dog trainer, Wood discusses both the problems and rewards of working with timid dogs. She addresses issues of extreme timidity although owners of mildly shy dogs could also benefit from her advice. The true story of a shy dog and how that particular dog's problems were worked out follows each chapter. Recommended.