Picking sides

I know I've only been on the job for 2 weeks, but I'm already aligning myself with the dogs.  I've heard two of my co-workers say they hate a particular dog.  Someone told me today that he dislikes a puppy and that she gets uglier every day.  This was prompted by my comment that she was a cute puppy.  These are conscientious, hardworking people who make every effort to give the dogs the best environment possible for a shelter dog.  Those comments just got under my skin.

I like to imagine myself a little more well read than most people, especially when it comes to dog behavior.  Having had a problem dog, I tried everything.  I've read dozens of books on dog behavior, and I have my favorites. 

The Culture Clash: A Revolutionary New Way to Understanding the Relationship Between Humans and Dome

Jean Donaldson

This would be my all time favorite, especially for someone with an aggressive dog.  This book put my dachshund in a whole new light for me.  He's got normal dog behaviors, he makes sense to other dogs. 

The Power of Positive Dog Training

Pat Miller

Another great book about positive reinforcement in dog training.

Then, the first book I read on positive reinforcement that really changed the way I think about teaching dogs was The Dog Whisperer.  I'm not talking about Cesar Millan, my dog whisperer is Paul Owens.

The Dog Whisperer: A Compassionate, Nonviolent Approach to Dog Training

Paul Owens

1 comment

I don't think my co-workers are against the animals.  I just see a guy bring his knee up when a dog jumps up, and I cringe.  There's a better way, and I'm so glad I found it.  I'm o.k. with the side I picked.