Years ago, when we first realized the significance of the problems we faced with Lucas, I picked up every book I could on the subject of fear. Some were duds, but some were so valuable that I’ve returned to them several times when facing a particular problem.
Now, I’m going back to the literature. This time, instead of reading with Lucas in mind, I’m reading with Cooper in mind. As I’ve mentioned before, it’s the same problem (reactivity) but it’s entirely different. I’ve also picked up a few additional books that I’m diving into this week.
Over the years, I’ve received countless emails, comments, and FB messages about challenges some of you are facing with your reactive dogs. To that end, I wanted to share my reading list – the ones I have earmarked on my bookshelf and the new ones I have yet to peruse. When available, I’ve linked to the resource on Amazon (and, yes, they’re Amazon affiliate links), and if not available on Amazon, I’ve linked to where you can locate them.
Here are my 4 favorite resources for learning about loving and training reactive dogs:
Feisty Fido: Help for the Leash-Reactive Dog
by Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D. and Karen B. London, Ph.D.
In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with Dr. McConnell. This book is full of valuable information, but I credit one section with saving our behinds in many instances: “Using a ‘U-Turn’ to Leave Trouble Behind.” Honestly, it changed everything for us. I’m also intrigued by “Abandonment Training,” which is addressed at the end of the book, but I’m not brave enough to attempt it on my own.
The Cautious Canine-How to Help Dogs Conquer Their Fears
by Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D.
Another fabulous resource from Dr. McConnell. More of a booklet than a full text (it clocks in at 30 pages), it gives all the details you need to identify triggers and create a treatment plan. The most helpful section? “What to do when you and your dog get surprised.”
A Guide to Living With & Training a Fearful Dog
by Debbie Jacobs, CPDT-KA, CAP
I wrote a full review of this valuable resource. It’s super practical, and my favorite part is that she is wholly understanding of the struggles involved in working with reactive dogs. This is one I’ve turned to again and again.
Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know
by Alexandra Horowitz
No, it’s not about dog training or fearful dogs, specifically. However, I learned so much about canine cognition and got a glimpse at how dogs see the world through this readable book. I felt like I knew my guys a little bit better after I finished it, and it helped me be even more sympathetic to Lucas’ struggles.
Here’s what I just received from Amazon and am starting this weekend:
Fired Up, Frantic, and Freaked Out: Training the Crazy Dog from Over the Top to Under Control
by Laura VanArendonk Baugh CPDT-KA KPACTP
Click to Calm: Healing the Aggressive Dog (Karen Pryor Clicker Book)
by Emma Parsons
Scaredy Dog! Understanding and Rehabilitating Your Reactive Dog
by Ali Brown
Rereading these books has been a great exercise. Since I first read them years ago – the Patricia McConnell ones in 2007 – I’ve learned a lot about dog training and, specifically, my dogs. I’m approaching them with new eyes and a fresh perspective. For instance, in 2007, we hadn’t started using a clicker yet! So, I’m getting a ton of valuable insights from revisiting the literature.
Do you have any experience with my three new books? Any books to add to the list (reactive dog specific or not)? Have you approached old resources with new insights?
Great list and helpful reviews! Thanks for compiling this. I’d like to go back and re-read some of these that I’ve already read and then check out some of the newer ones. I’m glad you made this review; I always need a good place to point people to for help with reactive dogs!
Thanks, Abby! I’m actually super inspired by your HUGE reading list!! I was actually thinking of printing it out and working through it. BTW, I haven’t had a chance to comment, but I am SO HAPPY that it sounds like Rainer found a home!!
I’m in the middle of reading Behaviour Adjustment Training, which puts a new spin on dealing with reactivity. I was already doing most of the things the book talks about but never formally realized I was using functional rewards. Now that I know, I can be more conscious & precise about it.
I haven’t blogged about it but it seems that Maggie is ready to leave her reactive days behind her. She will never be OK with greeting another dog on leash but she now ignores other dogs unless they surprise both of us. I’m so proud of her!
Oh, my gosh, Sarah. Congratulations!!! That is HUGE!! Seriously, your achievement is my exact goal with Lucas: You don’t have to meet them, you certainly don’t have to be friends with them, but you HAVE to ignore them. Your success is a huge inspiration to me! And I’m adding that book to my list. I love learning about new techniques and methods. Thanks for the suggestion!!
We worked on “watch” from Feisty Feido for several months. I did see some very slow progress, but oftentimes Edwin would still reach his threshold within a few seconds of seeing another dog and I’d have to shove a bag of high value treats right at his nose to get his attention for a “look.” Still, better than his former immediately blowing right through his threshold. But once I read the idea on Patricia McConnell’s site of dropping treats in front of him when he saw another dog but hadn’t reacted yet, it was a total game changer for us. “Look” had resulted in the reactivity being delayed just enough for the “treats falling from the sky” method to work. A year ago, dropping treats would not have been enough to interrupt a reaction to a dog a hundred feet away but now it can help avoid one at closer range.
YES! You know, one of my biggest challenges with Lucas early on was just figuring out where his threshold actually was! It’s much easier to make progress once you know where that baseline is. 🙂 It sounds like you’ve accomplished a lot! I like the combo of the methods. I think I’m going to try that “treats falling from the sky” with Cooper, for sure!
Thanks for sharing this list – some I’ve read, some are new to me, so I will be checking them out.
Let me know what you think – I’m still combing through the new books, so the jury is out!
No comment on your new books but I loved Debbie Jacob’s book. It gave me such insight into why dogs react.
I know! It was one of my faves, too!!
Great list. I’d also add Emma Parsons’ Click to Calm because it has such practical exercises to try.
This response is coming a bit late but I just found your wonderful blog and am reading through the archives.
I loved Grisha Stewart’s “Behavior Adjustment Training” (I’m taking her 5-day instructor-training seminar later this year) so very much – I’m glad someone in the above comments also mentioned it.
Leslie McDevitt’s “Control Unleashed” was also a delightful read with focus on agility techniques (since you mentioned you were starting Cooper on agility)
Fired Up, Frantic and Freaked Out is also a great read :0)