 Curl Up to a Good Book
So you want to know the best books on just about everything, eh? Okay, here's the list. I've read about 300 books on dogs and I own the best of the best. If you want to invest in a set of references for dogs, these are the books you need. If you see something you like, try buying it through BarnesandNobel.com by clicking on the links. By doing so, you are helping to support this website! Thank you.
Australian Shepherd, general:All About Aussies: ~ This is the absolute bible on Aussies, it contains an overview of all things Aussie, training techiniques, hostory, commentary, I'm talking everything. If you need one book, this is it. It covers a little of just about every subject on this list. No Aussie home should be without one. Australian Shepherd Contacts: Any ASCA National Specialty Catalog (available through host club for current year) and Aussie Times (available with membership to ASCA) ~ This is indespensible for contacts of local and non-local breeders, exhibitors, Aussie products, club information. Good for the competitive Aussie enthusiast. Australian Shepherd Structure: The Australian Shepherd in Drawings, Vicki Mistrietta (can be found at various AKC shows, or by contacting the author) Vicki does a wonderful job illustrating the Australian Shepherd and its faults, qualities and gaits. Its also really good for artists looking for Aussie form and muscle structure.
Behavior: ~ This isn't exactly a dog behavior book, but I think everyone ought to read this, you'll use it with your kids, with co-workers, and of course, with your dog. It fosters cognitive thought rather than following step-by-step procedures as outlined in more obedience books.
Obedience Training and Theory:
~ I'm a positivie obiedience backer, but while Diane is not a positive instructor, she does teach the 'thinking' dog, rather than the spontaneous dog, and all of her methods are useful, for the Kohler-method trainer or the positive method trainer.
Psychology:
A fascinating read, I try to reread this book every six months or so. While he is a big fan of drugs, and I'm sure there are better ways to deal with things, his methods and explanations of dog behavior (fear of thunder, aggression, etc) are fascinating and very helpful. General Genetics:Genetics of the Dog by Malcolm Willis ~ Would you believe this was light reading for me? Not to say that it isn't intensely scientific and required a lot of work and hi-lighting. Fascinating discussion of all things genetic, for the breder or enthusiast, but don' texpect straightforward commentary, you will know the ins and outs by the time you are done. Too bad it is out of print.
Breeding Philosophy:
~ I'm basing my entire breeding program on this book, and that's speaking a mouthful. Mrs. Craige does a regular column in the AKC Gazette so if you are a fan of that you will ove this. Filled with anectedotes and other vignettes, its as much fun to read as it is educational.
Breeding/Midwifery:
~ Written a bit tongue-in-cheek, this is an excellent book for the novice as well as the seasoned breeder. It explains basic genetics (if you didn't pick up Willis' dog book or Craige's) and then it gets to the dirty work (which Craige specifically does not cover). Learn about feeding a pregnant bitch, whelping, and post-whelping care.
Health:
~ Whenever my dog starts to limp, shake his head or act funny, I run to my shelf for this book. Not so in-depth as a veterinary manual, but covering a wider range of topics for the average owner and breeder, this ensures your dog gets the best care right away when you can't make it to a vet, or don't know if its worth the trip.
Structure (also understanding standards): ~ This is the second in a series by Mrs. Brown after her husband and partner's death. Explains why standards say what they say, explains te affect of faults on a dog, and hs very interesting commentary. A must read for breeders.
Conformation Handling and Junior Handling: ~ Yes, I recommend this for non-juniors as well. The reason? It has all the help you'll need as a novice competitior along with all the tricks you need if you are advanced. Good handling translates between the two, but in dog shows, good handling will take your dog a long way, its not just for Juniors. Sadly, also out of print. Dog Tricks:0684863235 ~ My dog knows all the ones he's physicially capable of. Your dog does not need to be an obedience whiz to pass this training course. The tricks are fun and the presure is off for you and your buddy. And besides, and Aussie needs a job and this stimulates his brain.
Puppy Training:
~ This is the book you want if you've never trained or raised a young puppy, or if you want tips on doing it 'the right way.' |
|
