Here are a list of the books on my shelf. I am the training coordinator and one of the evaluation homes for my rescue, so most of the books I have pertain to issues more than basic obedience trianing. But here goes:
Foundation Books:
The Dog Listener by Jan Fennell **(Good foundation here, clear and easy to read)**
The Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell**(Very nice and clear explination on communication styles between species)**
Don't Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor**(Great descriptions of terminolgy used in other books as well as a good description/examples on how to apply)**
The Dog Whisperer by Paul Owens**(A little "out" there for my tastes, but some good points on how to get yourself prepared for training)**
Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson**(I don't particularly like Jean's books, personal preference but I know she comes very well recommended by others that I respect)**
The Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller **(very nice explination of clicker training with a clear training method outlined)**
Additional Books:
Bones would Rain from the Sky by Suzanne Clothier **(Very good read, nice book to get in-touch with your dog, deals with the everything but training which is why I dont consider it a foundation book)**
The Rosetta Bone by Cheryl Smith **(Very good at a slightly upper level explination on communication with pictorial examples, mostly the pictures are of shepherd or retriever breeds, so might be difficult to match with our smoosh faces)**
Childproofing your Dog by Brian Kilcommons **(deals specifically with children and dogs in a household, good reference book)**
How to Be the Leader of the Pack by Patricia McConnell **(This is the best written description of the NILF program that I have found, love this book)**
HANDBOOK OF APPLIED DOG BEHAVIOR & TRAINING by Stephen Lindsay **(this is a graduate text on animal behaviors, I have vol 1 and 2; 3 just came out so I dont have that one yet, but you really have to want to read these to get through them. They are college texts)**
NEW KNOWLEDGE OF DOG BEHAVIOR by Clarence Pfaffenberger **( this is a very good book on learning how the animal behavior field got a start, this book is old circa 1950's or so, but very good information. He was actually part of the study that documented and explained the first and second fear imprint stages. Great book for people interested in the history of behavioral studies in dogs)**
I also have several little booklets from Clothier and McConnell that address specific issues such as seperation anxiety, leash aggression, and leadership.
www.dogwise.com is where I got them, most were ~$5-$10 very informative
Also, I would recommend that you go to
www.flyingdogpress.com this is Suzanne Clothier's website and she has several articles that are free, My personal favorite is "He just wants to say Hi" good read for anyone.
Hope this helps!
If you find anything that works for you in introducing the 2 please post that! I am still trying to figure out what the best way to introduce my 2 when the time comes.
Yes it does sound like we are in the same boat. Along with getting our second female we are counting down the days until we get our new babies. I will be getting mine on Thursday morning. I think when I first introduce them I will bring Ginger outside in the front yard so maybe she does not feel completely invaded. Although she is not agressive in any way I don't want bring home our new baby and in all of the excitment make her feel like we don't love her anymore. I will let you know how it goes.
) and let them know what you are trying to aviod, if they are worth their salt, they will know immediately when you tell them you have 2 female boxers. Being prepared and stopping things before they get out of hand will help. 