K9 Obedience
Links, articles and other info concerning basic and advanced obedience for K9s
American Kennel Club
"The American Kennel Club, a not-for-profit organization established in 1884, maintains a purebred dog registry, sanctions dog events and promotes responsible dog ownership."
- Responsible Dog Ownership- "The AKC is committed to helping dog owners raise happy, healthy dogs. This list is certainly not exhaustive, but it contains some of the essential ways you can be the best dog owner you can be."
- AKC's Canine Good Citizen Program- "The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club."
United Kennel Club
"Established in 1898, the United Kennel Club is the largest all-breed performance-dog registry in the world, registering dogs from all 50 states and 25 foreign countries. More than 60 percent of its 13,000 annually licensed events are tests of hunting ability, training and instinct. UKC prides itself on its family-oriented, friendly, educational events. The UKC has supported the "Total Dog" philosophy through its events and programs for over a century. As a departure from registries that place emphasis on a dog's looks, UKC events are designed for dogs that look and perform equally well."
Cesar Millan - The Dog Whisperer
"Cesar Millan teaches that, in order to properly fulfill both our dogs and ourselves, we need to become our canine's calm, assertive pack leaders. A dog that doesn't trust it's human to be a good pack leader becomes unbalanced and often exhibits unwanted or anti-social behaviors."
Even though he's becoming more and more commercialized, his philosophy is sound and worth learning. Below are the two books he has written. I don't have the second one yet but I intend to get it soon.
- Cesar's Way- "There are at least 68 million dogs in America, and their owners lavish billions of dollars on them every year. So why do so many pampered pets have problems? In this definitive and accessible guide, Cesar Millan - star of National Geographic Channel's hit show Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan - reveals what dogs truly need to live a happy and fulfilled life."
- Be the Pack Leader- "Filled with practical tips and techniques as well as real-life success stories from his clients and his popular television show Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, Cesar helps you understand and read your dog's energy as well as your own so that you can move beyond just correcting behavioral issues and take your connection with your dog to the next level."
The Koehler Method of Dog Training
"The Koehler Method produces a dog capable of performing the basic obedience exercises, both on and off-leash in about 13 weeks. Your dog will perform these exercises willingly, happily, and with uncompromised reliability. More importantly, the method will provide you with an understanding of canine behaviour unclouded by today's petty insecurities. You will be able to employ this understanding to achieve other training goals. Best of all, you will be able to confidently enjoy the companionship of a well behaved dog."
The Koehler Method is not a popular method these days. Say what you will, it is an effective method and produces a well behave dog when used properly.
The Monks of New Skete
Yes, these monks can train dogs. If I ever have the desire to live the monastic life, this is where I would go. I recommed their two books.
- The Art of Raising a Puppy- "A clear, compassionate guide for raising a puppy, illustrated with more then 80 photographs explains the stages of puppy development, how to communicate, and how to deal with common problems like chewing, jumping up and paper training."
- How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend- "In this book the monks build upon the basic puppy training covered in the "Art of Raising a Puppy". It covers how to select a dog to fit your lifestyle, how to read a pedigree, how and when to train, and how to properly use praise and discipline with wisdom, compassion and caring that the brothers are known for."
Leerburg Dog Training
Probably the largest dog training website on the internet. Packed full of articles, videos, podcasts, you name it, it's here. There is even a discussion board too. A word of warning though - Ed can be very opinionated, but he also knows what he's talking about, so don't let getting your feelings hurt get in the way of learning what he has to offer. I have a few of the videos he has for sale and wish list for more.
Superdogs are made, not born
"Scientific studies have shown a dog's innate temperament and trainability can be altered by the type of environment provided. While we can't change their aptitudes the dog has inherited, we can take these aptitudes and with careful handling turn almost any pup into a super working dog and a super companion.
Hopefully this article will provide some of the answers for the breeder. Each of the critical periods is explained in everyday language. What must be done and what must not be done is spelled out in detail, along with the reasons why."
PDF file, opens in new window.
Service Dogs of America
This is an interesting site geared mainly towards working dogs and is an affiliate of the UKC. I admit that I haven't read much of the site yet but I do know that it has caused some controversy in the SAR community with its plans to develop titles for search and rescue. The fear is that someone could title their dog with this organization and then believe they are qualified to deploy as a dog/handler team on an actual search. Those of us involved with SAR know that there is much more to search and rescue than having a title on your dog.
Dog Breed Information Center
A good site with descriptions for numerous dog breeds, even those not registered by the AKC and UKC.
Dr P's Dog Training and Behavior
A virtual library of info about dog training and behavior. Full of great articles.
Working Dogs Cyberzine
An Internet magazine for and about working and sporting dogs.
Free Dog Training Info
Same as above...and free.
Beyond Basic Dog Training by Diane L. Bauman
A good book if you are wanting to go beyond basic obedience and perhaps title a dog. It avoids pattern training and creates a "thinking dog" that will perform in all kinds of situations and not just by following the same routine. A slightly different approach to training but an effective one.
Dogwise
A huge assortment of dog books. Some good, some bad.