(Part 3) Best dog breeds books according to redditors
We found 348 Reddit comments discussing the best dog breeds books. We ranked the 135 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 41-60. You can also go back to the previous section.
>Will the puppies that come out LOOKING more like the GSD parent MOST LIKELY have most "GSD traits", and the puppies with the physical appearance of the lab have a higher propensity for the "lab traits"? Or is it 100% random?
In by far the most authoritative long-term study ever done, Scott and Fuller experimented with cross breeds and found, for example, that a puppy from Cocker and Basenji parents that looks like a Cocker is not more likely to behave like a Cocker than like a Basenji, but is most likely to show less extreme behavior traits than either breed.
>The results of this experiment are almost completely negative with regard to the hypothesis that coat color, hair length or "somatype" is strongly correlated with temperament and behavior.
About choosing a puppy, there are many puppy temperament tests, and some are pretty complicated. Research has not found a strong predictive value for any of them except some sensitivity tests, like reaction to wheeled objects like carts and bikes, and the "fetch test", and only if the tests are performed several times. For example:
>Fetch is taught entirely by play methods, except that the leash is used to direct the puppy to the tester the first and second week. The leash is also used if the puppy fails to bring the object directly to her. A rubber ball or tennis ball is used in teaching fetch. If the puppy simply goes to the object the first time it is considered satisfactory, but we have many puppies who pick the ball up the first time and come directly back with it. We also have pheasant and duck wings for the puppy who has no interest in a ball. Many shepherds as well as retrievers will bring a wing but will not pick up a ball.
>We have come to the conclusion that what we are testing here is the puppy's willingness to do something for the tester. The desired result is to get the puppy to go merrily to the object, pick it up and bring it back to the tester's hand. The first week we give the puppy three chances to fetch after it has had a chance to smell the ball, see it bounce and roll, and gotten adjusted to the room. The tests start with the first command given; "Puppy, fetch." The second week the puppy has four chances, still on leash. The third week he is given five chances, starting off lead and reverting to the lead if it is necessary to get the puppy to come to the tester with the object. The fourth week the puppy has three chances. The fifth week the puppy has only three chances again. Any puppy who is not bringing the object to the tester off lead in the fifth week is rejected, for it will not make a Guide Dog. Usually such a rejected puppy can be taught to retrieve without much difficulty, but we have found that one who will not learn in the time allotted will not be a willing worker as a Guide Dog. This applies equally to all breeds that we have tested and trained.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Knowledge-Behavior-Dogwise-Classics/dp/1929242042
Oh dear, I see you updated that wolves and dogs are considered the same species, which is great, but
>And the danger is that you just never know when the wolf part of that hybrid is going to come out
This isn't quite accurate. There isn't a separate "wolf part" and a "dog" part of a wolfdog that combust when combined like a bottle of Drano. Wolfdogs are not "confused" like many uneducated websites try to teach - there's no more confusion in a wolfdog's brain than there is in the brain of someone of mixed races (probably less since canines don't really get hung up on ideas like cultural identity ;))
Canine behavior exists on a spectrum. You can think of it like a scale with doggy dogs on one end and wolves on the other. ALL dogs fall somewhere on that spectrum - wolfdogs and doggy dogs alike. Many things can affect where an animal falls on that spectrum, including socialization, positive and negative experiences, and to an extent breeding.
While wolfdogs tend to fall closer to the wolf end of the spectrum, making them somewhat shy and timid, they're by no means unpredictable. I find their reactions much more predictable than doggy dogs because they're expressive about how they feel, but that expressiveness makes a lot of folks uncomfortable.
Wolfdogs aren't for everyone, for sure... But chihuahuas aren't for everyone, either. If you're curious to learn more about them, please feel free to creep on my profile. I have 1 wolfdog and 2 coyote dogs and would be happy to talk about the reality of living with them.
Edit for info - for anyone who's genuinely curious to learn more about wolves, dogs, wolfdogs, and canine behavior in general, I HIGHLY recommend Between Dog and Wolf by Andrew Miller and Jessica Addams. It's a very informative, very fun read and will help anyone confused on canine behaviors, particularly as they pertain to wolfdogs.
Raising and caring for an American Pitbull Terrier isn't much different from any other dog. As for a book that I can recommend, this one is really great. It goes over the history of the breed, characteristics, breed standard, puppy care, everday care, training, activities that the breed enjoys, health care, behavior, and how to care for them when they become seniors. It's really informative.
Good luck and thank you for the kind words.
Read Dachshunds for Dummies.
Watch kikopup on Youtube for tips on how to train.
Get on your hands & knees and look around for what dangers & attractions puppy will find/destroy, then remove them before he arrives.
Get a dog crate, and teach him that it's the best den a doggo ever had (eg, feed in there, sleep in there, etc).
Learn the Calming Signals that all dogs instinctively use to communicate with body language.
Join rawfeeding yahoo newsgroups to learn how to feed real meat, not kibble crap.
Join a local dachshund meetup group to socialize your dog as often as possible (eg, monthly), so he learns good manners & social behaviors. Take him everywhere, to expose him to your whole world, so he learns to embrace rather than fear it.
Love your puppy. He'll have to be housetrained, which WILL involve mistakes, and takes months to perfect, so please be gentle.
Let your dog be a real dog...which means don't pick him up every few minutes, and do let him sniff & play. Small dog syndrome (then nasty bites later on) comes from being overly protective.
Puppy school at Petsmart was very helpful for us. Ramps are good, stairs are not necessarily evil but best avoided when possible. We put 1 sofa cushion onto the floor so our doxies can climb up & down without danger to backs. We've only had 1 doxie "go down" with IVDD, and Dodgerslist (see RHS of this page) is a most excellent resource. Minis are less susceptible than Standards to back issues, but best to be cautious. Lastly, consider getting a 2nd one after this puppy gets a bit older, cuz they do better with doggie companionship rather than solo. Best wishes for your brand new furbaby. Enjoy him. He's precious. He'll make you happy too.
As another shiba owner, constant work is required, but they're so worth it. I highly recommend reading Shiba Inu's (A Complete Pet Owners Manual) and The Culture Clash to anyone that is seriously considering a Shiba.
Your German Shepherd Puppy Month By Month https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AC0IX1G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_WT2Fzb1S582PC
This. So awesome!!
Dogs: A New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior and Evolution
or their new book (haven't read it yet myself):
What Is a Dog?
or...
Genetics and the Social Behavior of the Dog
Andis and Oster are both good brands. You can definitely learn to groom your Poodles yourself. Invest in “the Kalstone book” as a resource.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DNL412G/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
This book (a book I highly recommend you get) suggests burdock for treating arthritis. Another book, Natural Health for Dogs & Cats, has a few pages on different ways to help arthritis. Plus talks about using herbs and dosage in general with your pets. Do a lot of research before you do anything. And start small on dosage and types of herbs. Don't try everything at once, some dogs have allergies or adverse reactions.
With my dog anytime I try something new with her I will initially only use a quarter of the recommended dosage for a few days, increasing up to the full amount every few days and monitoring everything to see if there's any signs of side effects (for instance, when I tried giving her fish oil more than once a week, lots of diarrhea happened...) or allergies.
If you only get one of the books above I'd go with Dr. Pitcairn's Natural Health, but honestly I like having two sources to compare (hence why I got both), and use them both frequently. The Natural Health book also has a large first aid/emergency response section which I found reassuring knowledge for "just in case".
If you're starting from nothing, this and this are both great primers for getting you started. They're by the same author (Patricia McConnell) who is a behaviorist, and they're super readable and informative. They have little anecdotes about being a behavior professional, which will help give some insight into the field.
Culture Clash is also a great early read.
The Dog's Mind is a good reference book - it's more technical and less novel-y than the books I listed above.
Inside of a Dog is another good one. Similarly scientific, so perhaps a bit dry, but great information.
When you've worked your way up a bit, I do still highly recommend the book from my original post! :)
The Everything Boxer Book is what I purchased (along with Boxers for dummies) when I was looking to get my first boxer.
It's a fantastic book, and probably has everything you need. I highly recommend it.
I also have a breeder recommendation for you. I have currently put money down on an upcoming litter that should be born any day here.
greyoaksboxers.com in friendship wisconsin. Their website is horrible, but they have a great reputation, are AKC inspected and approved this last fall, and have Euro males on site.
Virtually any dog in the universe can fit the criteria of what you described, but all breeds have their little variations.
For example, my favorite breed is the German Shepherd. And there are German Shepherds that do really well in apartment life, and others that don't. If you go to a breeder for your dog, you're going to want to find a breeder that emphasizes pet quality, safe, sane dogs. The difference between a Labrador from hunting lines and lines bred for therapy and service dog work is night and day. If you go to a shelter to adopt a dog, I would recommend taking a qualified trainer with you that's well-read on selection testing dogs, and most of all, use the resources at your disposal. Talk to the people who run the shelter and/or the rescue. They have the most experience with the dog. They will be able to help you the best.
With the two breeds you mentioned (Golden Retrievers, specifically) keep in mind the shedding issue. Labs shed too, but Golden's are just about as bad as Shepherd's (which are both, very bad.) If you have carpet, be prepared to vacuum everyday. If you intend to let your dog sleep with you on the bed, or chill on the sofa, be ready to clean your furniture daily. Your clothes will be covered in hair if you do not. Your boss will not like you showing up to work wearing your dog.
Also, please, if you haven't already, look into your apartments restrictions for pets and dog breeds, and keep in mind that if you intend on moving, you will be taking your dog with you. I love all breeds of dogs, but apartments do not. Rottweilers, German Shepherd's, Doberman's, Pitbulls (and mixes) come under notorious scrutiny when moving. For your future dogs sake, pick a breed or mixed breed that your landlords are cool with.
Some of my favorite books include:
Dog Training for Dummies which is a very basic introduction to how dogs learn, and explains the different methods available to you in an unbiased manner.
Some of my personal favorite books include:
How To Be Your Dogs Best Friend by the Monks of New Skete.
The Art of Raising A Puppy by the Monks of New Skete
The Divine Canine by the Monks of New Skete
If you haven't already guessed, I'm a huge fan of the Monks of New Skete. The put huge emphasis on calm, structured leadership and positive method obedience that works in real life situations. Plus, they're German Shepherd people. Double points.
Animals in Translation by Temple Grandin.
Dr. Temple Grandin is a high-functioning autistic that teaches at Colorado State University's veterinary science department. I've taken several classes with her, and her understanding of animals is absolutely impossible to challenge. This book is more about genetic theory and science-backed training methods. It's good reading material if you want to know more about animals (she discusses dogs and livestock in detail) but is not a training guide. She also has a lot of technical articles available on her website here.
Inside of a Dog by Alexandra Harowitz. This is a cursory introduction to canine ethology. It is not a guide, but if you want to know about how dogs think (how dogs can "smell time" for example) this is where you start.
How to Speak Dog by Stanley Coren emphasizes communication with dogs, backed in animal biology and evolution.
Canine Body Language: A photographic guide by Brenda Aloff describes in vivid detail what dogs are "saying." It's not a training guide, but will help you understand your dog much better.
Katz on Dogs by Jon Katz, a great common sense training guide to working with dogs in the home, and outdoors.
Soul of a Dog also by Jon Katz, which goes into greater detail on the personal side of working with dogs, with very helpful examples.
Imagine Life With a Well Behaved Dog by Julie Bjelland. Great book on structure and positive method dog training.
Natural Health for Dogs and Cats by Dr. Pitcairn was one of my college textbooks and it's a great start for dog nutrition and chemical-free health care for dogs. This is not a training guide, but nutrition and health are just as important (if not more) than training, so I figured I'd share.
With the exception of the first book on the list, all of these books are fairly detailed. I would highly recommend the Monks of New Skete books before any of the others. But they're all very good.
Additionally, you can read many of the articles on the AKC.org website regarding dog training, and Leerburg has some great comprehensive advice on training the working dog, which can also be applied to training family pets. He also sells a variety of videos and ebooks on the same subject matter.
TL;DR How To Be Your Dogs Best Friend & The Art of Raising A Puppy explain everything you ever need to know about training a dog, ever.
I highly recommend: http://www.amazon.com/Dachshunds-For-Dummies-Eve-Adamson/dp/0470229683
Also, I only have one dog and he gets along great!
Recommended: Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook
Poor Peach! if you are interested in looking at dog training books there is a good one I read on amazon-http://www.amazon.com/Dog-Training-Discipline-Obedient-Housebreaking-ebook/dp/B01CGGRYBS
Does he realize he makes you incredibly anxious? Maybe its something you should just come out and say to him. :)
Some Books:
I would put something on it as a precaution since bite wounds can easily get infected. I have this book which recommends flushing the wound with water and using Neosporin for small superficial wounds.
I have been in the same situation lately! Was seeking help as well, on how to decide. I really want one, but I am not sure I will be able to handle all the responsibilities...
I came across this great book that helped me to decide - and I decided I will wait a bit longer before getting a dog.
I am sending you the link to the book if you are interested: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M18KGUV
Good luck on making the right decision, keep us posted! :)
It looks like part terrier to me, but I am no dog expert. I would look at his behavior. Terriers were bred for very different traits than other classes of dogs.
"All kinds of dogs have a number of hard-wired traits bred into them. Hounds love to follow their noses, Retrievers love to fetch and Herding dogs love to herd. With few exceptions, these are pretty harmless activities and don’t stand in the way of training. Terriers, however, were bred to hunt and kill vermin independently, digging underground and barking excitedly, almost impervious to pain".
https://www.amazon.com/Terrier-Centric-Dog-Training-Tenacious-Tremendous-ebook/dp/B00A3EIYYC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497131880&sr=8-1&keywords=terrier-centric+dog+training
JK Brandon writes a series with two Labradors who are also detectives. He's rewritten at least one of his books for younger audiences.
Off hand I can't recall anything that would have made the regular version of the book out of line for teens, but I could be wrong.
I've read A Howl in the Night and The Twilight Howl (in that order).
I'm super glad you posted this because he's got more books now so I have something to look forward to reading!
As someone with a Tibetan Mastiff I can confirm most of these. For example, #2 for their original purpose of guarding against wolves, leopards, etc. One additional detail is they're one of the first dogs to utilize a spiked collar, to protect their necks against them.
7, can confirm. My pup doesn't want to come inside since its gotten below 40 degrees F. He loves it so much.
8, they're actually better watch dogs than guard dogs. They'll use their bark and size to intimidate any potential intruders. Their bite can be strong, but it won't be nearly the same as say a German Shepard.
If anyone is interested, I recommend this book (recommend kindle version just because of the price) since it covers not just owner care, but history and expectations too.
http://www.amazon.com/Tibetan-Mastiff-Comprehensive-Owners-Guide-ebook/dp/B008BGDI7M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1417629856&sr=8-2&keywords=tibetan+mastiff
http://www.amazon.com/Pembroke-Welsh-Corgi-Comprehensive-Owners/dp/B0058M8C3M/ref=pd_sim_b_3 this book helped me out a lot when I got my two corgis in 07.
They are very easy to teach so look up the potty training method where you take em out every 45min and basically throw them a party when they do it right on the grass.
I don't know what you don't understand. I answered both of those things, not my problem if you don't understand.
Here's some help