Dog Lovers Book Club - March 2023

Written by Australian Dog Lover 16:50:00 - 0 Comments

On this first day of Autumn, we're looking forward to cooler nights and the occasional morning lie-in with our dogs and many good books!

With a focus on providing canine enrichment and raising independent resilient dogs, here's our Dog Lovers Book Club selection for March 2023.

CANINE ENRICHMENT FOR THE REAL WORLD
Making It a Part of Your Dog's Daily Life
by Allie Bender, Emily Strong

In the world of dogs, there is now more awareness than ever of the need to provide enrichment, especially in shelters. But what exactly is enrichment? 

The concept is pretty straightforward: learn what your dog's needs are, and then structure an environment and routine that allows the dog to engage in behaviours they find enriching. 

To truly enrich your dog's life, you should offer them opportunities to engage in natural or instinctual behaviours.

Aside from the limitations we have to place on a dog in today's modern, busy world, the biggest constraint to enriching your dog's life is your imagination.

Paperback, 236 pages
Publisher‏:‎ Dogwise Publishing, 23 September 2019

Price: $28.53 from www.amazon.com.au

WONDERDOG
The Science of Dogs and Their Unique Friendship with Humans
by Jules Howard

A celebration of dogs, the scientists who've lived alongside them, and how canines have been key to advancements in science for the betterment of all species.

Almost everywhere there are humans on planet Earth, there are dogs. But what do dogs know and understand of the world? Do their emotions feel like our own? Do they love like we do? What do they think of us?

Since our alliance first began on the hunt and on the farm, our relationship with dogs has evolved considerably. And with domestic dog population rising twenty per cent in the last decade alone, it is a bond that will continue to evolve. In order to gauge where our relationship with dogs goes from here, author and zoologist Jules Howard takes a look at the historical paths we have trod together, and at the many scientists before him who turned their analytic eye on their own four-legged companions.

Charles Darwin and his contemporaries toyed with dog sign language and made special puzzle boxes and elaborate sniff tests using old socks. Later, the same questions drove Pavlov and Pasteur to unspeakable cruelty in their search for knowledge. Since then, leagues of psychologists and animal behaviourists have built upon the study of dogs and their much-improved methods have fetched increasingly important results: dogs have episodic memory similar to ours; they recognise themselves as individuals; and, in addition to their expert sense of smell, dogs' noses can even detect thermal radiation.

With the help of vets, ethologists, neurologists, historians and, naturally, his own dogs, Wonderdog reveals the study of dogs to be key in the advancement of compassion in scientific research, and crucial to making life on Earth better for all species.

Hardcover, 288 pages
Publisher: ‎Pegasus Books, 1st November 2022

Price: $52.25 from www.booktopia.com.au 

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DOG
by Jen & Ryan Tate

Australia has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world, and during lockdown, many people had the same idea: to adopt or welcome a dog into their lives. Now, there are many new dog owners who need advice and guidance on raising and training their new furry friend.

How to Train Your Dog by Jen and Ryan Tate is your solution. With almost 30 years of experience between them and their own dog-training business, Jen and Ryan are Australia’s most expert animal trainers who help dog owners develop happy and confident pets at any age.

Dog training is a well-studied science, and in their informative book they impart all their practical advice so you can feel prepared, stay in control and enjoy a great relationship with your new dog. It includes:

✔️ Choosing the right breed for you and your lifestyle
✔️ Preparing your home and the first 48 hours with your pup
✔️ House training and basic training
✔️ Socialisation and confidence building
✔️ Play, exercise, tricks and rewards
✔️ Resolving common behavioural issues related to separation anxiety such as barking, digging and chewing
✔️ Tips on how to raise an independent dog to suit your needs
✔️ Ongoing learning and fun for adult dogs

Accessible, well-organised and filled with evidence-based training techniques, this is the perfect handbook for creating a stress-free and enjoyable bond with your puppy or dog and ensuring they live their best life with you.

Trade Paperback, 288 pages
Publisher: Penguin Books Australia, Imprint: Ebury Australia, 16th March 2021

RRP: $32.99. Available from all good book stores and online resellers. Visit www.penguin.com.au

SMALL ANIMAL TOXICOLOGY(2nd Edition)
Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion 
by Lynn R. Hovda, Ahna Brutlag, Robert H. Poppenga, Katherine Peterson (Editors)

This book puts all the information needed to rapidly and accurately manage poisonings in small animal patients at the clinician's fingertips.

✔️ Provides concise, bulleted information focused on the most important facts needed when treating a poisoned cat or dog.

✔️ Carefully organised for ease of use in an emergency, with important toxicants arranged alphabetically within categories.

✔️ Details clinically relevant information on the most common toxicants encountered by small animals.

✔️ Presents a wealth of colour photographs to aid in plant identification.

✔️ Includes 14 new topics to this edition covering cyclosporine A, sleep aids, tacrolimus, bath salts, synthetic marijuana, poisonous lizards, imidacloprid, spring bulbs, and sodium monofluoroacetate etc.

Paperback, 992 pages
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc (US), 22nd April 2016

Price: $133.50 from www.booktopia.com.au

WHIPPETS
The Good, the Bad and the Dog
by Jane Eastoe, Meredith Jensen (Illustrator)

A beautifully illustrated guide to Whippets, forming part of a new series and packed with tips and tricks to keep your furry friends happy.

There are many things to consider when you become a dog owner. How often do I need to walk them? How much training will they need? What is poisonous to my pet? 

This playful book takes a fresh look at the wonderful world of Whippets and explains everything you need to know about this energetic breed while celebrating their gentle personalities. Breed character, reasons to own a Whippet and likes and dislikes are covered along with tips for training, making friends, grooming, sleeping, feeding and playing.

Illustrated by Meredith Jensen and packed full of adorable photographs, dog lovers will adore this playful celebration of Whippets.

Hardcover, 96 pages
Publisher: Batsford Books, 27th February 2023

Price: $19.20 from www.fishpond.com.au

BOOK CLUB – KIDS’ CORNER

MOLLY
The true story of the dog who rescues lost cats
by Colin Butcher

The heartwarming story of the man-and-dog team behind the United Kingdom Pet Detective Agency - how Colin, in need of a new lease on life, rescues Molly the dog, and how Molly in turn rescues many more beloved lost pets.

As a veteran of the Royal Navy and long-time police officer, Colin Butcher was no stranger to dangerous situations. But a career in uniform can wear anyone down, so, in 2003, Colin left the force to start his own private detective agency, specializing in helping reunite people with their missing pets. And yet, despite his hundreds of successes, there were still heartbreaking cases where Colin couldn't find the missing on his own. He knew he needed a partner.

When Colin first met Molly, his friends doubted that she would be up for the job. Where Colin was battle-tested, Molly was young and inexperienced. She was wilful, wayward, and stubborn. But Colin could tell that Molly was unusually charismatic and intelligent. He decided to take a risk and bring on Molly for training.

Yes, Molly is no ordinary deputy, but a black Cocker Spaniel, and this is no ordinary detective agency. Trained by the top canine behavioural experts at Medical Detection Dogs, Molly can find missing cats--who are uniquely skilled at eluding humans--by detecting a unique scent signature, and she has been wildly successful.

The work is not always easy. Molly has faced hardships ranging from a near-fatal snakebite to the challenge of winning over Colin's girlfriend, Sarah. But through it all, Colin and Molly share an enduring love and affection. More than a working relationship, Molly is part of the family. Together, they are the Sherlock and Watson of missing pets.

Paperback, 320 pages
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends, 31 January 2023
For Ages: 9 - 12 years

Price: $23.91 from www.amazon.com.au

PUSH-PULL MORNING
Dog-Powered Poems about Matter and Energy
by Lisa Westberg Peters, Serge Bloch (Illustrator)

Introduce children to physics through play, poetry, and a puppy in this joyous celebration of how physics matters in our everyday lives.

This remarkable picture book explores scientific concepts (gravity, magnetism, electricity, friction, etc.) through the story of the relationship between a child and a puppy.

Acclaimed author Lisa Westberg Peters' poems convey concepts in a way that children will remember-often with humour. 

Who could forget the various phases when they're presented in the form of a dog-solid when eating dinner, liquid when pouring herself into her basket, and gas when leaping erratically after a fly? Serge Bloch's whimsical illustrations extend the humour-and the love-in this tale of a child, a dog, and the energy that abounds in their world.

Extensive notes at the end of the book define and explain the physics subjects included in the poems.

Hardcover, 40 pages
Publisher: Wordsong, 21st February 2023
For Ages: 8 - 12 years old

RRP: $38.25 from www.booktopia.com.au

HEDGEHOG THE WONDER DOG
by Dannika Patterson, illustrated by Ross Morgan

Anyone can see that Hedgehog the Wonder Dog is no ordinary dog. Tell her to sit, and she’ll shake a paw; tell her to fetch and she rolls over.

But it’s only kids like Sam who can sense her true superpowers.

A story about the healing powers of wonder dogs and super brave kids.

Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Ford Street Publishing, 1st February 2023
For Ages: 4 - 8 years old

RRP: $26.95 at www.booktopia.com.au

BUSTER FOLLOWS HIS NOSE
by Paula Stevenson, Jenny Hale (Illustrator)

A story demonstrating the loyalty of a blind and faithful old sheepdog named Buster, who is always diligent in his duty of guarding and protecting Tilly, the youngest and most vulnerable member of the family when she becomes lost in the Australian bush.

By following g his nose Buster can easily lead Tilly home, but he can't make her understand what he wants. 

He stays with Tilly and looks after her all through the night, keeping her warm and warning wild dingoes to stay away until the search party of family and friends, alerted by Buster's barking, eventually find them in the early morning mist.

Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Little Pink Dog Books, 18th May 2022
For Ages: 4 - 10 years old

Price: $23.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

REGGIE THE RESCUE DOG
by Gina Dawson, illustrated by Bima Perera

Angus and Elsa have moved houses, and finally they have time and space for a dog! The family adopts a rescue dog to give her a second chance. But do they really know how much work is involved in training and caring for a rescue dog, and winning back her trust?

With every family member pitching in, Reggie slowly changes from a sad and frightened dog to a friendly, well-mannered family member, and one day it's Reggie's turn to rescue someone, making the family proud and happy. 

A beautifully illustrated and heartwarming story, Reggie the Rescue Dog is about responsibility, commitment, making good choices, and enjoying the benefits that wonderful dogs can give us.

Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: New Holland Publishers, 21st February 2023
For Ages: 5 - 7 years old

Price: $18.25 at www.booktopia.com.au

CINDERELLA - WITH DOGS!
by Linda Bailey, illustrated by Freya Hartas

A hilarious picture book featuring a dog-loving kingdom and the most fabulous, far-out fairy DOGmother ever!

Here is a Cinderella story like no other. When Cinderella wishes for a fairy godmother, she's not expecting one that barks! And this fairy dogmother has a different agenda. Yes, Cinderella will have a new dress, but made of a cozy dog blanket. 

Yes, they will go to the ball, but they will run there and chase squirrels along the way. There's nothing like a canine companion to get a girl out of the house and her mind off her troubles! 

Yes, indeed, dogs do make everything better - and are a reminder that you don't need "happily ever after" when you have the joy of now. 

Readers will get a kick out of this retelling with its lovable cast of characters and refreshing ending.

Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Penguin Group USA, 7th February 2023
For Ages: 3 - 7 years old

RRP: $38.25 from www.booktopia.com.au

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