Here are my Top Ten Dog Books!

Top Ten dog books is the first installment of my dog related Top Ten picks.

Like the Free Tips page, there are new topics added periodically. Stay tuned and visit voice4dogs often.

The mentioned dog books and my book Dump Dog are available at Dogwise, All Things Dog!



My all time favorite is still Suzanne Clothier's "Bones Would Rain From From the Sky". It is in my opinion the best relationship book - and Suzanne Clothier is the real deal. Seeing her work with dogs is inspirational.


"The Other End of the Leash" by Dr. Patricia McConnell fuses science with relationship. Patricia McConnell, an ethologist, discusses primate and canine behaviors in a way that is comprehendible and applicable for the average dog owner.

Like Suzanne Clothier, Patricia McConnell has the same congruity between the written word and her actions around dogs. Both dog experts share their insights with passion and work mindfully with dogs.


"Stress in Dogs" is by Martina Scholz and Clarrisa von Reinhardt.

The book was originally published in Germany but is available in English. Many of my clients look at me perplexed when I explain that their dog's misbehavior is caused by stress - or that stress contributes to the problem their dog has. "Stress in Dogs" analyzes that question. Documented studies and surveys underline the statements made about stress.

Because the studies were conducted in Germany, it involves largely intact dogs. It might be interesting for readers to find out that it is indeed possible to live with dogs that are not neutered.


Vilmos Csanyl is another scientist and pet owner who fuses science with relationship in his book "If Dogs Could Talk". Vilmos Csanyl is head of the Ethology Department at the University in Budapest, Hungary. His Ethology Research Group is doing amazing work to gain insights into behaviors and cognitive abilities of the socially evolved companion dog.

Like "Stress in Dogs", most dogs in Hungary are intact. Contrary to popular belief, propagated by almost all dog professionals in North America, sexual hormones don't cause aggression and behavior problems.


Leslie McDevitt's book "Control Unleashed" is geared toward the agility competitor. Even so, it is a worthwhile read for every dog owner, and dog professional. Truly positive and mindful of the dog, it outlines applicable methods to deal with high arousal. One of the best How To books, it deals with the real world - rescue dogs with issues.


"Canine Neuropsychology" by James O'Heare is an excellent little book that explains how a dog's brain and hormones function, and their role in behavior and behavior problems. There is a chapter included that outlines solutions for the hyper and reactive dog that can go hand in paw with behavior modification.


Elizabeth Marshall Thomas authored two classic dog books on behavior and relationship I pick up again and again.

How do dogs that live within a human society behave if not cued and micro-managed by their human owners? "The Hidden Life of Dogs" and the "Social Life of Dogs" document how they mate, raise their offspring, form social bonds and behave if not coerced into artificial obedience.

I also enjoy Thomas' dog Christmas Story "Certain Poor Shepherds".


"Dog Language" by Roger Abrantes is an illustrated encyclopedia of dog behavior and communication. An excellent dog book for everyone who seeks to understand their pooch a bit better.


"Pets at Risk" by Alfred J. Plechner, DVM, is one of the more technical dog books. It analyzes the connection between physical diseases, behavior and adrenalin and thyroid hormone imbalances. A very interesting book, but I wish he had addressed the role sexual hormones play as well.


Find more interesting and valuable dog info reading my other Top Ten Topics:
Communication Signals

Dog Games and Things To Do

Dog Myths Debunked

How to Score Leadership Points

Pet Peeves - Such as Puppy Mills and Shock Collar

Reasons Why Your Dog Doesn't Listen

Simple Tips From Dog Experts

Tips on House Training

Tips on Temperament Testing