Resources
I am always seeking to learn more about dog learning and behavior. This ensures that I'm teaching my clients with the most current, most effective methodology. Each of the authors, blogs, books, or videos listed below are the sources I go to when looking to continue my education. I hope that you are able to benefit from this consolidated knowledge base as well.
Dr. Patricia McConnell is a leader in the field of dog training and behavior. Her books - mostly written for dog owners - range from general information to guidance on more specific training issues (reactivity, house-training, shyness, etc).
Dr. Ian Dunbar is often credited with being the father of "puppy kindergarten" classes - before him, most training classes were geared toward owners of adult dogs who needed help with problem behaviors. His work is an amazing resource for puppy parents - particularly Before and After Getting Your Puppy.
Nicole Wilde is known for her work with wolves and wolf-dogs, but her books and blog are focused on helping people with their dogs at home...no wolf-dogs necessary!
Victoria Stilwell is a dog trainer and TV personality who emphasizes the use of positive training. Her blog is one of my top go-to's for dog behavior issues or even a quick brush-up on the basics!
Debbie Jacobs is a dog trainer right here in Vermont who specializes in supporting nervous, shy, and fearful dogs and their people.
Dr. Sophia Yin was an extremely well-regarded veterinarian and dog behaviorist. Her legacy of knowledge lives on through her informative videos and blog, covering a multitude of dog training issues.
Grisha Stewart specializes in helping reactive dogs through her Behavior Adjustment Training methodology. Her unique strategy empowers a defensive, uncomfortable dog to learn a better way to deal with fear and discomfort and teaches owners how to help their companions. Her YouTube channel provides guidance in many basic dog training issues as well.
Jean Donaldson is an author and trainer who runs a school for dog trainers, and whose books and blog give incredible insights and guidance for understanding and communicating with your dog.
Dr. Alexandra Horowitz and Julie Hecht are both animal behavior scientists. Dr. Horowitz does research on how dogs think and experience the world, and her work has been highlighted by popular media many times. Julie (who, full disclosure, worked in the same animal behavior & cognition lab as me while I was getting my MA) writes a hilarious and intelligent blog for the Scientific American.
The online libraries of the Karen Pryor Academy and the Center for Shelter Dogs are chock full of resources as well.
