Dog Lovers Book Club - January 2024

Written by Australian Dog Lover 13:29:00 - 0 Comments

It's a new day. It's a new month. It's a New Year! And it's time to read new books!

Whether you chose to spend your summer holidays at home or away, here are our top picks of new releases for the January 2024 - Dog Lovers Book Club where you can learn about positive dog training, raw feeding, dog grooming and so much more...

BARKING UP THE RIGHT TREE
The Science and Practice of Positive Dog Training
by Ian Dunbar

When Dr Ian Dunbar introduced his SIRIUS(R) Puppy Training in 1982, dog training mostly comprised punishing adult dogs for bad habits and lack of compliance. Dunbar focused on verbally cuing and creatively luring to achieve desirable behaviour and using "life rewards" - sniffing, walking, play with dogs, and interactive games - to reinforce speedy compliance and good habits from the outset. His "dog's point of view" approach revolutionised the field, and today there are few trainers who have not been strongly influenced by it.

While positive reinforcement is now widely adopted, this new book details how other reward-training techniques have strayed from Dunbar's original, quick and easy, highly effective lure-reward approach for teaching dogs ESL, in which we can verbally cue specific responses, offer heartfelt praise for success, and give guidance when dogs err. With Dunbar's method, we can teach dogs when and where to eliminate, what to chew, when and for how long to bark, and when and how to appropriately let off steam.

Barking Up the Right Tree offers proof that aversive punishment seldom works to eliminate undesirable behaviour or to get the dog back on track. Dunbar presents numerous non-aversive yet highly effective solutions for misbehaviour and noncompliance - simply by using the words you teach, and without even raising your voice.

The culmination of fifty-plus years at the vanguard of dog behavioural science, Barking Up the Right Tree is an indispensable guide for anyone who wants harmonious, two-way communication with a calm, confident, well-behaved, happy canine companion.

Hardcover. 272 pages
Publisher: New World Library, 5th December 2023

Price: $55.25 at www.booktopia.com.au

THE MODERN DOG PARENT HANDBOOK
The Holistic Approach to Raw Feeding, Mental Enrichment and Keeping Your Dog Happy and Healthy
by Bryce and Kenzie Francois

Invest in your pet's long-term health and wellbeing with this guide to easy, everyday practices and recipes you can implement in your dog's daily routine. 

In this book, Bryce and Kenzie Francois - long-time pet owners and creators of The BK Pets - break down the best ways to mentally engage your dogs and teach you how to raw feed your pets to cut out all the harmful, processed ingredients commonly found in commercial pet food. 

Perfect for health-conscious dog owners with anxious or allergy-prone pets, Bryce and Kenzie offer helpful advice and activity ideas designed to foster confidence in dogs who struggle socially, ensuring that you'll see multiple positive changes in your dog in no time.

Learn to craft immune-boosting Smoothie Treats, which tools best help your pets burn excess energy, or even how to make a DIY snuffle mat - the pawsibilities are endless thanks to this go-to pet-parenting resource! Armed with this holistic approach to the mental and physical health of man's best friend, all pet parents and dog lovers can rest easy knowing their precious pups will remain happy and healthy for years to come.

Paperback, 160 pages
Publisher: St Martins Press, 5th December 2023

Price: $33.74 from www.amazon.com.au

A DEDICATION TO DIFFICULT DOGS 

A Heartwarming Tale Shedding Light on Canine Mental Health 
by Dr Dennis Wormald 

 
Are you ready to uncover the shocking reality of canine mental health in our modern world? Do you want to read the emotions of “misbehaving” dogs in a way you won’t be able to unsee?

Immerse yourself in the fictional world of Allen and Nella, two beloved puppies who find themselves misunderstood by the people around them. Their captivating story unfolds with vivid depictions of their emotions, and the factors contributing to their anxiety. As their behavioural struggles intensify, they embark on a quest for help, but their paths diverge in unexpected ways.

Each chapter of the book ends with a "Chapter Reflections" section, where some research and theory of canine behaviour is presented to shed light on the unfolding story. These short and accessible chapters strike the perfect balance, providing just the right amount of information without overwhelming the reader.

Allen’s barking is trained with force, providing quick results, but will he find happiness? Nella’s anxiety is managed with empathy, but will a soft-handed approach work? Join the dogs on their journey and see the devastating impact of ignorance about dog behaviour, and the power of compassion.

As a Veterinarian with a PhD in dog anxiety, author Dr Dennis Wormald brings a wealth of knowledge to this remarkable story, which is inspired by his clinical work in dog behaviour medicine. His guidance will empower you to navigate the complexities of dog behaviour with empathy and compassion.

Gain practical insights into decoding your dog's emotions, pre-empting behavioural issues, and forging an unbreakable bond of trust. Whether you're considering welcoming a new puppy, or already dealing with an anxious dog, this book is an invaluable resource.

Paperback,‎ 264 pages
Publisher: ABAdog Pty Ltd, 14 May 2023

Price: $29.69 from www.amazon.com.au

Do you need help with understanding your dog's behaviour? We have 4 copies of "A Dedication to Difficult Dogs" to give away in our book giveaway before 17/01/2024.

MUSTER DOGS

From Pups to Pros
by Lisa Millar

A new companion book to the heart-warming show for fans of Back Roads and The Flying Vet. How ten dogs stole the hearts of millions and changed lives forever, for fans of the TV show now streaming on ABC iview and Netflix.

When Muster Dogs first hit screens in 2022, viewers were enchanted. Five lively Kelpie pups adopted into farming homes across Australia and put on an intensive training program and became instant stars. Could they learn to herd and muster within a year? Could they prove that working with natural ability was an optimum way to farm?

With the help of expert breeders and trainers, these dogs and their new trainers showcased not only what the puppies were capable of but how using dogs contributed to better stock, farm management and environment.

Among those who lost their hearts to these amazing puppies was narrator Lisa Millar. Muster Dogs quite literally changed her life. In this book Lisa tells us about her journey over two seasons, bringing us up to date with the characters of series 1 - human and canine - and introducing us to five new Collie pups, trainers and the hurdles of season 2.

Many questions have been asked about Muster Dogs. How did it start? Why did it resonate with audiences? Lisa addresses the show's impact, brings us stories from behind the scenes, and takes us deep into country life, all the while examining the powerful relationship between human and dog. 

With tips from trainers and experts, this is a book that will immerse you in affection, resilience, and loyalty, all set against the wide brown (and green) land that is our productive heartland.

Paperback, 304 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers, Imprint: ABC Books AU, 17th January 2024

Price: $28.50. Now available for Pre-order at www.booktopia.com.au

DOG GROOMING FOR BEGINNERS
Simple Techniques for Washing, Trimming, Cleaning & Clipping all Breeds of Dogs
by Jorge Bendersky

Dog Grooming for Beginners teaches you everything you need to know to groom your dog safely and correctly - no experience required.

Save money and bond with your dog by learning the tricks and techniques of dog grooming. From haircuts to shampoos to brushing teeth, this affordable, adapted edition of DIY Dog Grooming teaches you the skills to make your dog look like they have been professionally groomed.

Even if you have no experience all, Dog Grooming for Beginners has all the details you need to implement a grooming routine that is customized for your unique dog, whether big or small, with long hair or short, curly or silky. Grooming your dog is not just about making them look good and smell good, it also keeps them healthy and happy.

Following photo-illustrated step-by-step instruction, learn how to: 

✔️ Embrace the emotional benefits of grooming your own dog 

✔️ Get your dog comfortable with being groomed 

✔️ Prepare a grooming space 

✔️ Choose a shampoo, products, and tools to build the perfect grooming kit for you 

✔️ Safely trim nails, brush teeth, and clean ears like a professional groomer 

✔️ Use scissors and clippers with confidence 

✔️ Groom all types of coats 

Troubleshoot beauty mistakes 

✔️ With these skills employed, all the dogs on the block will be envious of your pampered pooch and their beautiful coiffure.

Paperback, 144 pages
Publisher: Quarto US, New Shoe Press, 28th November 2023

Price: $24.90 from www.booktopia.com.au

BOOK CLUB - KIDS CORNER

WILLA AND WOOF 6: DOUBLE THE DRAMA
by Jacqueline Harvey

Adventure, imagination and loads of fun! 

The school is putting on a play about sea creatures and Willa is a shark. But the new kid, Rory, is coming between Willa and Tae, Willa’s best same-age friend. 

Plus Frank, her best old-age friend, is acting strangely too. She’ll need the help of Woof, her best four-legged friend, to sort out her friendships, practise her lines and save the school production in time. Can Willa deal with all the drama?

Paperback, 128 pages
Publisher: Penguin Books Australia, Imprint: Puffin, 31st October 2023


RRP: $12.99. Available from all good bookstores and online. For details, visit www.penguin.com.au

The O.D.D. SQUAD: RISE OF INVISIDOG
by Stuart Heritage, illustrated by Vincent Batignole

Do you want to laugh your pants off? Of course you do. In which case - come on into the world of the O.D.D. Squad - a team of (sort of) heroic animal crime-fighters you'll never forget. Though maybe not for the right reasons . . .

Justice City. Rain soaks its streets. Crime soaks it more. The fate of the entire city has been left in the hands (well, paws) of one brave superhero.

That's right - dun dun dunnnnnn - INVISIDOG!

Invisidog hunts for danger wherever he finds it. There is no job too big, and no criminal too tough for the mighty Invisidog. He is the shadows!! And actually, that's kind of the problem. Because Invisidog's amazing superpowers . . . are kind of rubbish.

Turns out being invisible isn't all that helpful when you're trying to rid a city of terrible criminals. They tend to have a habit of ignoring you for one thing. So Invisidog's going to have to think BIG. Can he convince the most amazing superheroes of all time - adorable-but-mighty Quack Attack, and the world's greatest thinker, Detective Octopus - to join forces?

(What does O.D.D. Squad stand for? Well you'll have to read and find out, won't you?)

Paperback, 240 pages
Publisher: Penguin Books Australia, Imprint: Puffin, 23rd January 2024

RRP: $16.99 at www.penguin.com.au

DON’T TRUST CATS

(Life Lessons from Chip the Dog)
by Dev Petty, illustrated by Mike Boldt

Chip the dog from Don't Eat Bees is back, with more "wisdom" to share, including some hard-won life lessons about cats. 

Chip has been described as very smart and also a dog. And because he's a very good boy, he's going to share his tips on how to live your best life, namely- Don't trust cats. Not even the little, fluffy ones with big eyes. Nohow, no meow.

Trust the squirrel you always chase, trust grandpa (sure, he cheats at cards but he always has treats), and trust that skunk (he seems nice. What could possibly go wrong?). Do NOT trust cats, especially not Mittens.

In this fabulously funny pet story, dog AND cat lovers will enjoy seeing their own fur-friends in Chip's earnest yet ridiculous guide to life.

Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: DoubleDay & Co, 2nd January 2024
For Ages: 4 - 7 years old

RRP: $32.59 from www.amazon.com.au

MY DOG AND I

by Luca Tortolini, illustrated by Felicita Sala

A delightfully imaginative story of a little girl who's always wanted a dog and shows us that love knows no bounds

Out for a walk one day, a girl stumbles upon a lost "dog." Having always wanted a dog of her own, she brings the "little" creature home and takes care of it in secret, hiding it from her parents. 

Proud of her new "dog," she plays with it, feeds it, and even takes it around town--much to the chagrin of the townspeople and other kids who have been mean to her in the past. But one day, when her "little" friend gets the urge to chase something and ends up wandering off, she finds herself with too much sadness to bear. Will she ever find her "dog" again?

Hardcover, 48 pages
Publisher: Abrams, 21st December 2023
For Ages: 4 - 7 years old

RRP: $35.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

CHICO THE SCHNAUZER
by Taryn Brumfitt, illustrated by Levi George

From Australian of the Year and founder of the Body Image Movement, Taryn Brumfitt, comes the delightful story of Chico the Schnauzer, a dog who learns to embrace all the wonderful things his unique body can do!

Chico the Schnauzer goes on the biggest playdate of his life, spending time with all his dog friends. 

There’s Susie the Sausage Dog, Penelope the Poodle and Digby the Dalmatian, just to name a few. Chico is amazed to learn about all the things their bodies are good at. He may not be able to do all that they can, but Chico discovers all the incredible things his own body can do!

Hardback, 24 pages
Publisher: Penguin Books Australia, Imprint: Puffin, 23rd January 2024

Price: $14.99 at www.amazon.com.au

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