An Aisling

List of Resource Materials


We strive to be responsible pet owners and have attempted to educate ourselves on canines' health and behavior. The following is a list of resources that we found to be the most helpful. We do not receive any benefits for our recommendations. We just want to assist other animal lovers in finding information that is beneficial.


Television Show:

  1. The National Geographic Channel's show titled "Dog Whisperer" hosted by Cesar Millan. This show provides great insight into the minds of dogs and the dangers of treating dogs like human beings.

Books on Canine Behavior:

The following books are (in my opinion) good sources of information. However, they certainly don't explain the behavior of all dogs. I have at least one dog that doesn't fit into any of the categories in any of these books.

  1. The Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell. This has to be one of my favorite books on dog behavior. I've read all of Patricia's books and I like this one the best. My husband and I have read this book several times because we still find ourselves slipping back into our bad habits (like talking to the dogs like they understand English). We use many of her training tips and I have to say that they have been a great help.
  1. Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems by Cesar Millan. This is another great book on dog behavior. Like Patricia's book, this is one of my favorite books. We have read this book several times too. We really have benefited from Cesar's tricks for establishing ourselves as leaders of our "pack" (COMPLETELY NON-VIOLENT METHODS!!!). We can tell that the dogs are happier knowing that we are the "leaders."
  1. The Dog's Mind: Understanding Your Dog's Behavior by Bruce Fogle and Anne Wilson. This book isn't necessarily about dog training. Instead, it gives you really good insight into the mind of the dog without being too scientific. We think that this is another great book.
  1. Dogspeak: How to Understand Your Dog and Help Him Understand You from the Editors of Pets Part of the Family. This is a great book because it shows actual pictures of dogs and it tells you what behavior they are exhibiting.

Books on Canine Health:

  1. First Aid for Dogs, What to Do When Emergencies Happen by Bruce Fogle, D.V.M. One of the reasons that I like this book is that it walks you through emergencies. For instance, if your dog starts scratching it asks if "there's been any sudden violent scratching, tearing, biting or other self-mutilation?" If so, then it tells you to see a vet now. It also gives you a next step if that description didn't fit and there's only mild scratching. If that describes your dog's action then it tells you what steps you need to take. However, if that doesn't fit, it gives you another scenario, etc.
  1. Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, 3rd Edition by James M. Giffin, MD and Liisa D. Carlson, DVM. It's a pretty detailed book and (fortunately for me) it doesn't get too technical.

Books on Rhodesian Ridgebacks:

  1. The Rhodesian Ridgeback Today and the Pet Owner's Guide to the Rhodesian Ridgeback by Stig G. Carlson. I thought that both books were good. The Rhodesian Ridgeback Today is more detailed than his other book.


Should you know of other resources that our visitors could benefit from, please don't hesitate to contact me at an.aisling@hotmail.com.


Back to Top

E-mail: an.aisling@hotmail.com
Last Updated: July 2, 2008