BEHAVIOR RESOURCES

(Compiled as of November 1997)

There are a number of excellent books and training guides available that are intended to teach pet owners how to apply the basic principles of learning and training in a humane, effective, and logical manner. At the other extreme, many training books and manuals have been written by self-professed experts who advocate techniques that may be scientifically unsound, inappropriate, or inhumane. Following these techniques will seldom lead to improvement of the problem and might even aggravate some conditions.

The best way to select a book, video or training manual is to seek the guidance or recommendation of a veterinarian, behaviorist, or obedience trainer who you trust and respect. It can also be useful to assess the background, expertise and, in particular, the education of the author(s). Be certain that the book you choose, covers the training techniques, products, and topics for which you are seeking assistance. In general the most recent publications will include the most recent advances in behavior, training, and products. However, some of the older texts are the best resources for obtaining a sound understanding of the psychology of learning and the basic behavior of dogs and cats. Although, inclusion in the reference list below is not intended to be an endorsement, the publications have been screened and are included based on the following criteria:

A. The author has a sound knowledge of basic canine and feline behavior

B. Training techniques emphasize positive reinforcement, motivation, and shaping rather than punishment

C. Correction techniques have been designed to train or encourage the pet to perform an appropriate behavior and set the pet up to succeed, rather than punishing the pet for inappropriate behavior.

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