XO Dog

For Shy and Fearful Dogs and The People Who Love Them

My 3 Favorite Books About Training Shy and Fearful Dogs

I am a voracious reader of all things dog related.

I was recently asked by a friend to list my three favorite books about behavior and training shy and fearful dogs. After mentally flipping through all the excellent books that I could choose from, three made it to the top of my list. The following titles have been “dog” eared, underlined and given as gifts because they are well written and packed full of solid information.

So here you go…

My 3 Favorite Books About Training Shy and Fearful Dogs:

Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT) 2.0

by Grisha Stewart

“With BAT 2.0, trainer/author Grisha Stewart has completely overhauled Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT) to create a new efficient and practical tool for dog reactivity. BAT 2.0 builds resilience and self-reliance by giving dogs safe opportunities to learn about people, dogs, or other “triggers.” Clear enough for all readers to follow, this book also includes technical tips and bonus chapters just for dog behavior professionals.

Learn how to:

  • Rehabilitate aggression, frustration, and fear.
  • Use survival skills to prevent reactivity on walks and at home.
  • Use a long line to safely maximize your dog’s freedom of movement.”

(Excerpt from Amazon.com)

Why I like BAT 2.0:

Finally! A book that gives in-depth, practical information on how to use functional rewards (distance, sniffing and time) to counter-condition reactivity caused by fear or frustration. Behaviour Adjustment Training 2.0 is a good blend of learning theory and easy to understand instruction.

Buy this book on Amazon here.

A Guide to Living with and Training a Fearful Dog

by Debbie Jacobs CPDT-KA, CAP

“Debbie Jacobs (CPDT-KA, CAP and finalist in the 2008 Dog Writers Association of America Writing Competition) introduces the most effective and humane ways to help fearful, shy or anxious dogs. A guide to the philosophy and techniques for working with fearful, shy or anxious dogs, the book dispels common myths and misinformation regarding fear based behaviors. It provides, in easy to understand language, the most effective and humane ways to handle dogs with fear based behavior challenges. Very useful information and full of resources for shelters, foster care givers, rescue organizations and veterinarians.” (Excerpt from Amazon.com)

Why I like A Guide to Living With and Training a Fearful Dog:

A Guide to Living With & Training a Fearful Dog is one of the only books I know to truly focus on fear: what it is and how we can help our fearful dogs achieve a good quality of life. It is a book I return to again and again.

Buy this book on Amazon here.

The Other End of the Leash

by Patricia McConnell, PhD

“Would you like to know the secrets of getting your dog to come when called? (Act less like a primate and more like a dog!) Or how to play with your dog in ways that enrich your relationship rather than harm it? There’s all that and more in The Other End of the Leash, the book that, like no other, translates dog to human and human to dog. You’ll learn why the advice to “get dominance” over your dog isn’t based on canine “pack” behavior at all, how dogs and humans share personality types, and why the individuals of two different species have come to be best friends in the truest sense of the word.

A combination of science and soul, The Other End of the Leash explains why we get along so well with dogs, and yet why we so often miscommunicate. Adult primates and adult dogs love to play, but we greet each other and express affection in very different ways. We humans love to hug—as an expression of love or comfort—while dogs see it as an assertive desire to control. (Note: Golden Retrievers have not read this chapter.)

Through a combination of heart warming stories and accessible science, readers will come away with an entirely new perspective on their relationship with their dogs.” (Excerpt from PatriciaMcConnell.com)

Why I like The Other End of the Leash:

Until I read The Other End of the Leash, I didn’t realize how very different we humans are from our canine companions in terms of verbal, non verbal and physical communication. All dogs, especially fearful dogs, will benefit from us reading this classic.

Question: What are your favorite behavior and training books?

Join the discussion at The ExtraOrdinary Dog Community on Facebook.