Resources

There is so much information on the web it can be overwhelming and confusing to sort through what is valuable and credible and what is outdated or even untrue. The following are some of our favourites.

Handouts

Professional Organizations

The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA)

Pet Care and Behaviour Topics
spca.bc.ca/i-need-help-with/pet-care-behaviour

Position Statement
When training or handling animals, the BC SPCA advocates the use of force-free, humane training techniques utilizing evidence-based learning theories which foster trust and build positive human-animal relationships.
The BC SPCA is opposed to training methods or devices which employ coercion and force. Aversive, punishment-based techniques may alter behaviour, but the methods fail to address the underlying cause and, in the case of unwanted behaviour, can lead to undue anxiety, fear, distress, pain or injury.
spca.bc.ca/programs-services/leaders-in-our-field/position-statements/position-statement-on-animal-training

Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)

The leading independent certifying organization for the dog training profession.
ccpdt.org

National Canine Research Council

Committed to preserving the human-canine bond… Reliable research to promote a better understanding of our relationship with dogs
nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com

Australian Veterinary Association (AVA)

Positive reinforcement training methods for dogs are preferred in dog training and in modifying problems in behaviour. Punishment based techniques can be dangerous for both owners and dogs.
Training Brochure [PDF]

Pet Professional Guild (PPG)

Canine Resources
petprofessionalguild.com/Canine-resources

Force free position statements and open letters
petprofessionalguild.com/Position-Statements

The Association of Professional Dog Trainers

Resources for pet owners
apdt.com/resource-center

Position Statements
apdt.com/about/position-statements

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB)

Position Statements on a variety of topics related to the field of animal behaviour.
avsab.org/resources/position-statements

Puppies


AVSAB Position Statement on Puppy Socialization

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior believes that it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive early learning and socialization through puppy classes.
avsabonline.org

avsab.org/resources/position-statements/

Puppy Behaviour and Training – Socialization and Fear Prevention

Debra Horwitz, DVM, DACBB & Gary Landsberg, DVM, DACVB, DECAWBM
vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/puppy-behavior-and-training-socialization-and-fear-prevention

The SIRIUS Puppy Raising Initiative for Prospective and New Puppy Owners
Early puppy socialization classes: Weighing the risks vs. benefits
Puppy Socialization: Stop Fear Before It Starts - Dr. Yin
BEFORE You Get Your Puppy and AFTER You Get Your Puppy

FREE downloadable version of Dr. Ian Dunbar’s books.
dogstardaily.com/free-downloads

Puppy Personality Development

Informational Websites

San Francisco SPCA (SFSPCA)
I Speak Dog

We aim to strengthen the bond between dogs and their people by teaching how to read dogs’ body language to understand their emotional states and teaching why dogs do what they do.
ispeakdog.org

Dog Star Daily

Online news and digital training textbook
dogstardaily.com

Care for reactive dogs (CARE)

Counterconditioning and +R are Essential
careforreactivedogs.com/start-here

Fearful Dogs

Resources to help fearful, shy and anxious dogs
fearfuldogs.com

Mentor Trainers

Patricia McConnell, PhD

Expert on canine and feline behaviour and dog training
patriciamcconnell.com

Suzanne Clothier

Relationship Centered Training
suzanneclothier.com

Dr. Sophia Yin

The Art and Science of Animal Behavior
drsophiayin.com/resources

Youtube

Kikopup - Free training videos using progressive reinforcement
Domesticated Manners
Zak George's Dog Training rEvolution
Paw in Hand

Families with Dogs and Children

Family Paws Parent Education

Dogs & Storks, Dogs & Toddlers
familypaws.com

Doggone Safe


Dog bite prevention through education
doggonesafe.com

Books, gear and Toys

Recommended Books & DVDs for Pet Dog Owners (APDT)
Dog Wise

All the best books, e-books, DVD’s and more
dogwise.com

Clean Run

Astonishing array of dog supplies, toys, equipment, …
cleanrun.com