Two Must have Books for those cold winter nights! Nothing is better than curling up with a good book. I wanted to share two books I would highly recommend!
The first Book is "Cesar's Rules" by Cesar Millan and Mellissa Jo Peltier.
The book encompasses some of my favorites, Cesar of course...Ian Dunbar, Martin Deeley, and Joel Silverman. Many other behaviorists and trainers also, but those above are most interesting to me as I am familiar with them. The similarities and differences are outlined in philosophy, but all have a common ground to help owners achieve balance along with engaging their dog in training that is critical for bonding and safety of the pet. I was very happy to have a book that those of us that are seasoned owners could sink our teeth into.
As Cesar points out, (paraphrasing) A well trained dog is not necessarily a well balanced dog. This book will show you how to achieve both, a well trained balanced dog. As I have read all of Cesar's books, I have two favorites and this is one of them.
In our licensed Shelter home, that takes on only a very few fosters at a time from neglect and mill situations, I have always worked towards balance. As I see this as the most important first step. As we get our dog's trust we can then move on to the training aspect. I loved trying some of the games outlined by Ian Dunbar to engage our balanced fosters, and have always enjoyed Martin Deeley's insight and perspective on training techniques. I loved Joel Silverman's input and knowledge that he has so graciously shared. Joel by the way has a new book coming out soon that I am indeed very excited about. "Take 2-Training Solutions for Rescued Dogs." ...looks to be a tremendous book so also on my list of must haves when it comes out!
As many of you know...."Baldwin", my mill puppy I adopted out of 28 puppies from a back yard breeder relinquish last year, has been raised Cesar's Way as I have understood the philosophy. In fact, all of the 18 puppies that came to live with us were raised with Leadership, as I had to become the Mother dog basically with the little ones 5-6 weeks old with no mother. Of course, I am so very proud of all of them, we lucked out on temperament and stability. Baldwin is so very balanced as he has an extremely good temperament, been raised going to events with Leadership, daycare with other well balanced dogs since he was 16 weeks old, and has been in agility since he was 6 months old. As I see him as the best dog I have ever had the pleasure of sharing my life with, I still want to increase that bond as we learn together. "Cesar's Rules" is just the book I have been longing for, and the introduction to other behaviorists/trainers allowed me to view their insights and knowledge. It is a "Must Have" book truly! With the Holidays coming up, I cannot think of a better gift!
The second book is "Oogy:The dog Only a Family could Love"
This incredible book details the courage and commitment of a one time bait dog, and a family willing to go the distance for a dog that had known no human kindness. Tears are shed through this book, but the lessons this wonderful dog has taught and then shared by his family brings home that no matter how terrible life can be, if we remain positive and hopeful we can survive it. Oogy's story has had a profound effect on me and as the author/owner Larry Levin says on Oogy's Facebook page,
"What we've learned is you can't avoid bad things happening, you can't let them define who you are. You have to wait and see what's going to come out at the other end."
You must get this book....You will LOVE Oogy.
Both books are bookstores now and online!
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