Note: In response to problematic changes with Yahoo email management, I will be
unable to email Dog Tips until changing to another e-mail service. But you can find
dozens of Dog Tips on the PAW website (URL below).
Now for the current Dog Tip:
Engrossing, well-researched books for mindful summer reading:
* Nim Chimpsky: The Chimp Who Would Be Human - by Elizabeth Hess
* No Way Home: The Decline of the World’s Great Animal Migrations by David S. Wilcove
* How to Afford Veterinary Care Without Mortgaging the Kids by James. L Busby.
The Minnesota veterinarian addresses the contemporary veterinary med culture of over-vaccinating,
over treating and neglecting less invasive options that, while not being as simple as dispensing meds
or as radical as performing surgery may be more effective in the long run and far less expensive in terms
of money and the animal’s overall health. He gives readers the knowledge to say ‘no’ to their veterinarians.”
His website is http://www.oldcountryvet.com
* The Loved Dog: The Playful, Nonaggressive Way to Teach Your Dog Good Behavior by Tamar Geller with
Andrea Cagan. Emphasis is on the goal of a well-mannered rather than obedient dog. The smart, well-described
play-training techniques leverage what Geller categories as the 7 basic needs: security, companionship,
hierarchy, surprise/excitement, food and exercise, mental stimulation, and love and connection.
* Stress in Dogs: Learn How Dogs Show Stress and What You Can Do to Help by Martina Scholz and Clarissa
von Reinhardt. Instead of jerking the leash, here are effective ways to reduce stress and nurture calm, better
behavior.
* Dog Body, Dog Mind by Dr. Michael Fox. This 2007 book from the excellent columnist covers vaccination
schedules and more. And to receive Dr. Fox's newsletter, send a long, self-addressed stamped envelope and $2
to The Animal Doctor Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH, 44092
* The Emotional Lives of Animals: A Leading Scientist Explores Animal Joy, Sorrow, and Empathy – and Why
They Matter by Marc Bekoff, professor of biology at the University of Colorado/Boulder. A convention among
scientists is to not name lab animals, since many for so long regarded the animal as merely an object, a resource,
to use. Bekoff broke tradition and named a test rat, who was discarded at the end of the study. This sad incident
was an awakening for the doctor, who switched his focus to ethology – the study of animal minds.
Ethics and emotion have shaped Bekofff’s career. He knew from hard research, not just experiential evidence,
that animals were sentient beings and deserved to be treated with kindnessess and respect. He studied the behavior
of coyotes, dogs and wolves, observed the body language of penguins and elephants. He saw that emotions
were experienced by the animals; the difference between humans and nonhuman animals’ emotions not in kind
but in degree.
Elephants mourn. Monkeys do not eat if they see that others suffer and/or are subjected to pain if they eat
(the empathy response). Rats laugh. He observed instances of prey and predator animals bonding at zoos and
other environments. Unlike most animal welfare advocates and people who have pets, Bekoff came to his
awareness and ethical stance through science. Science and emotion are not mutually exclusive. It’s a fascinating
and important book.
* Help For Your Fearful Dog by Nicole Wilde. A comprehensive guide covering causes, signs, management,
behavior modification, alternative health techniques and much more.
* Control Unleashed: Creating a Focused and Confident Dog by Leslie McDevitt, MLA, CDBC and CPDT.
Covers Dr. Karen Overall's canine biofeedback program to condition relaxation in dogs.
* Allergic to Pets? The Breakthrough Guide to Living With the Animals You Love by Shirlee Kalstone
(Bantam Dell, $7.99). An estimated 1 in 10 of pet owners is allergic to the animals they love. Kalstone offers a
sensible, smart array of ways to reduce and prevent allergic symptoms.
* The Little Big Book of Dogs, edited by Alice Wong and Lena Tabori. Lovely, fun gift book featuring beautiful
vintage illustrations, essays, games, recipes – and lots of smart advice for dog folks. welcomebooks.com
* My Smart Puppy DVD. Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson demo proven techniques. www.mysmartpuppy.com
* How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves by Sophia Yin, DVM. The San Francisco Chronicle columnist focuses on
the science of learning and communication, addresses human mistakes, and multiple training approaches since
not all dogs learn the same way.
* Kids and Dogs: Teaching Them to Livve, Play and Learn Together by Ruth Weston and Dr. Catriona Ross.
Discusses what levels of responsibility and understanding are associated with each stage of child development,
and avoiding dog bites.
* Hiking With Dogs: Becoming a Wilderness-Wise Dog Owner by Linda B. Mullally
And many more excellent books:
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_Books.php
===
For free tipsheets on dozens of behavior, health, safety, family integration, and other topics, skim the Dog
Tips index at:
<http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/dog_tips.php>
For excellent books to help with nearly every canine care issue, as well as cat and other companion animal
topics, see:
<http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_Books.php>
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