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In this April 2025 selection of the Dog Lovers Book Club, discover comprehensive guides to canine fitness training, understand the philosophy behind humane dog training, and learn how our canine companions can help us worry less.
We also have a stunning dog photography book celebrating black dogs plus a wonderful selection of children's educational books with wonderful tales of rescued sighthounds to celebrate that April is Adopt-a-Greyhound Month.
Price: $55.00 from gameondogs.com.au
THE WORKOUT BOOK FOR DOGS
A Complete Guide to Canine Fitness
by Carmen Heritier, Sandra Rutz
At long last, we have a book that takes the mystery out of fitness training! We all care about our dogs’ physical wellbeing but how do we develop and maximise their potential? How do we help a dog to recover from injury? And how do we make the best use of fitness equipment?
by Carmen Heritier, Sandra Rutz
At long last, we have a book that takes the mystery out of fitness training! We all care about our dogs’ physical wellbeing but how do we develop and maximise their potential? How do we help a dog to recover from injury? And how do we make the best use of fitness equipment?
Authors Carmen Heritier and Sandra Rutz have devised practical, easy-to-follow exercises, which are designed to address the key components of fitness: Strength, Relaxation, Flexibility, Co-ordination and Tactile awareness.
The exercises are categorised to target specific parts of the body, and they are graded so they are suitable for dogs new to fitness training, those ready for more advanced work, and the ‘professionals’ needing a bigger challenge still. There are also exercises for dogs with specific needs, such as puppies and seniors, dogs recovering from injury and those with on-going health issues. The training is outlined step-by step, and is based on 100 per cent positive reinforcement.
The Workout Book For Dogs is a comprehensive guide for all those who want to enhance their knowledge, and understanding, of canine fitness.
If you are professional working in the field, it will expand your repertoire, if you are the handler of a sports dog, it will help you to keep him at peak performance, and if you own a companion dog, you can take pride in keeping him fit and healthy.
The Workout Book For Dogs is packed full of ideas to make training both fun and varied, which means your dog will enjoy it, too! Illustrated with over 200 colour photographs.
Paperback, 204 pages
Publisher: The Pet Book Publishing Company Ltd, 1st December 2022
Publisher: The Pet Book Publishing Company Ltd, 1st December 2022
Price: $49.00 from gameondogs.com.au
CARE OF THE CANINE ATHLETE
by Lowri Davies (Author)
Care of the Canine Athlete offers outstanding advice on every aspect of preparing and caring for the canine competitor.
CARE OF THE CANINE ATHLETE
by Lowri Davies (Author)
Care of the Canine Athlete offers outstanding advice on every aspect of preparing and caring for the canine competitor.
Keeping your dog fit, preventing injury and aiding recovery is of paramount importance to all canine sports competitors.
For many years, the canine competition world had lagged behind other sports, relying on makeshift methods and half understood truths, yet still expecting dogs to reach their full athletic potential.
Publisher: The Pet Book Publishing Company Ltd , 19th July 2018
Publisher: The Pet Book Publishing Company Ltd , 19th July 2018
Price: $55.00 from gameondogs.com.au
NB: These last 2 titles can be purchased as a Wellness Bundle for the special price of A$99.
by Vivian Zottola MSc, foreword by Dr. Nicholas Dodman
"Vivian Zottola's book is an excellent guide to giving dogs the best lives they can enjoy in a human-dominated world." - Marc Bekoff, author of Canine Confidential and Dogs Demystified.
Dog ownership and training is much more nuanced than learning Sit. Stay. Come. Discover the philosophy behind humane dog training from an expert with 20+ years of experience.
For millions, dogs are a vital part of their family, and one might assume that after thousands of years of living together, understanding one another would be easy. Yet even after attempts at breeding dogs to our liking, reading countless training books, and watching TV shows, a fundamental misunderstanding of our relationship still exists. We make noble efforts to bring dogs into our lives and care for them, but we still struggle to find a middle ground between undervaluing and overvaluing their lives. Ultimately, we risk breaking the delicate bond and hurting the very ones we aim to protect: dogs.
This nonfiction book delves into systemic issues in our relationship with dogs and provides practical solutions. The author has worked successfully with hundreds of people and their dogs of all ages and breeds for over two decades, helping to mend fractured relations. She offers readers a fresh perspective on best practices in humane pet-keeping, ethical training and management that can save lives.
“The sack wasn't just drifting gently along like everything else, it was turning of its own accord. There was definitely something inside it, struggling against the side of the plastic bag, kicking at it, squeaking and squealing in terror. He had no idea what it might be, only that it was alive and in danger of drowning.”
When Patrick saves a litter of Greyhound puppies from the canal, he can’t bear to hand them all over to the RSPCA. He pleads with his parents: couldn’t he just keep one of them? But nothing will convince them and Patrick cries himself to sleep – only to be woken by a Greyhound puppy licking his face!
Patrick christens his puppy Best Mate, and that’s what he becomes. Patrick’s favourite thing is to watch Best Mate running at full stretch on the heath, a speeding bullet, a cheetah-dog.
DOTTY AND THE LONELY FARM
by Kylie Miller (Author), Karen Erasmus (Illustrator)
Dotty and the Lonely Farm is a heart-warming children's picture book that whisks young readers into a tale of friendship and purpose.
BEING A GOOD DOG IN THE HUMAN'S WORLD
Understanding the Psychology of Misbehaving Dogs and Why Yours Cowers, Growls and Bitesby Vivian Zottola MSc, foreword by Dr. Nicholas Dodman
"Vivian Zottola's book is an excellent guide to giving dogs the best lives they can enjoy in a human-dominated world." - Marc Bekoff, author of Canine Confidential and Dogs Demystified.
Dog ownership and training is much more nuanced than learning Sit. Stay. Come. Discover the philosophy behind humane dog training from an expert with 20+ years of experience.
For millions, dogs are a vital part of their family, and one might assume that after thousands of years of living together, understanding one another would be easy. Yet even after attempts at breeding dogs to our liking, reading countless training books, and watching TV shows, a fundamental misunderstanding of our relationship still exists. We make noble efforts to bring dogs into our lives and care for them, but we still struggle to find a middle ground between undervaluing and overvaluing their lives. Ultimately, we risk breaking the delicate bond and hurting the very ones we aim to protect: dogs.
This nonfiction book delves into systemic issues in our relationship with dogs and provides practical solutions. The author has worked successfully with hundreds of people and their dogs of all ages and breeds for over two decades, helping to mend fractured relations. She offers readers a fresh perspective on best practices in humane pet-keeping, ethical training and management that can save lives.
The book is packed with historical facts, ground-breaking research in canine science, real-life stories, and client cases for others to draw lessons from. If you're looking to grasp the root causes of pet dog behaviour problems and understand how to effectively implement and manage change to enhance your bond with your dog, then this book is a perfect fit for you.
Paperback, 286 pages
Publisher: Palmetto Publishing, 4th March 2025
Price: $43.73 from www.amazon.com.au
Paperback, 286 pages
Publisher: Palmetto Publishing, 4th March 2025
Price: $43.73 from www.amazon.com.au
SIT, STAY, GROW
How Dogs Can Help You Worry Less and Walk Into a Better Future
by Angelika von Sanden
Complete with a foreword from Dr Russ Harris (author of The Happiness Trap and ACT Made Simple), Sit, Stay, Grow is a joyful guide to observing and learning with the dog in your life.
Hardcover, 176 pages
Publisher: Hardie Grant Books, 4th March 2025
BLACK DOGS
Stories of Love and Friendship
by Fred Levy
Black Dogs features over 50 stunning portraits of photographer Fred Levy's Canine Noir series alongside heart-warming profiles about each dog and their loving companionship.
Meet over 50 adorable black dogs, each brought to life through a stunning photographic portrait and heart-warming story.
In this perfect gift book for dog owners and animal lovers, photographer Fred Levy turns his camera lens to black dogs of every breed to showcase their beauty, power, and lovable nature. Inside you'll meet:
Denver, a Labrador who is a natural protector and loves his favourite toy, Big Red Meanie; Kendra, a German Shepherd who is a dog blood donor and has saved many lives; Frida, a mini Dachshund who, like her namesake (Frida Kahlo), is feisty and determined and even responds to commands in Spanish; Blackberry, a Newfoundland who is a big, fluffy lovebug and likes to chase shadows; Day-Z, a Brussels Griffon who is a pretty princess spoiled rotten by her parents and often gets mistaken for a cat due to her small size; Duncan, a Cocker Spaniel who is silly and goofy and loves his family. And many more adorable doggos with amazing, unique personalities!
RRP: $35.00. For stockists, visit www.simonandschuster.com.au
A bittersweet classic children’s story of a champion Greyhound’s journey through life
by Michael Morpurgo (Author)
Joy and heartbreak combine in this bittersweet tale of a champion Greyhound’s journey through life – and from owner to owner…
How Dogs Can Help You Worry Less and Walk Into a Better Future
by Angelika von Sanden
Complete with a foreword from Dr Russ Harris (author of The Happiness Trap and ACT Made Simple), Sit, Stay, Grow is a joyful guide to observing and learning with the dog in your life.
In this book, counsellor Angelika von Sanden invites us to face life's challenges supported by our furry friends, but also to join into their playfulness and joy, and to use the daily dog walk as a time for meaningful contemplation.
Across fourteen chapters, Sit, Stay, Grow explores how dogs can inspire us to have fun, teach us how to tackle difficult questions and to take different perspectives. Complete with a short 'Taking a thought for a walk' activity at the end of each chapter, this simple and accessible practice can help you lead a more enriching life.
As well as giving us their unconditional love, in good times and in bad, dogs are great listeners. Observing their habits and how we interact with them, can help us live with less worries and more moments of happiness.
Across fourteen chapters, Sit, Stay, Grow explores how dogs can inspire us to have fun, teach us how to tackle difficult questions and to take different perspectives. Complete with a short 'Taking a thought for a walk' activity at the end of each chapter, this simple and accessible practice can help you lead a more enriching life.
As well as giving us their unconditional love, in good times and in bad, dogs are great listeners. Observing their habits and how we interact with them, can help us live with less worries and more moments of happiness.

Hardcover, 176 pages
Publisher: Hardie Grant Books, 4th March 2025
Price: $22.49 from www.amazon.com.au
Stories of Love and Friendship
by Fred Levy
Black Dogs features over 50 stunning portraits of photographer Fred Levy's Canine Noir series alongside heart-warming profiles about each dog and their loving companionship.
Meet over 50 adorable black dogs, each brought to life through a stunning photographic portrait and heart-warming story.
In this perfect gift book for dog owners and animal lovers, photographer Fred Levy turns his camera lens to black dogs of every breed to showcase their beauty, power, and lovable nature. Inside you'll meet:
Denver, a Labrador who is a natural protector and loves his favourite toy, Big Red Meanie; Kendra, a German Shepherd who is a dog blood donor and has saved many lives; Frida, a mini Dachshund who, like her namesake (Frida Kahlo), is feisty and determined and even responds to commands in Spanish; Blackberry, a Newfoundland who is a big, fluffy lovebug and likes to chase shadows; Day-Z, a Brussels Griffon who is a pretty princess spoiled rotten by her parents and often gets mistaken for a cat due to her small size; Duncan, a Cocker Spaniel who is silly and goofy and loves his family. And many more adorable doggos with amazing, unique personalities!
These moving photographs have been shared worldwide, spreading awareness of the problem known as Black Dog Syndrome, where black dogs have a harder time getting adopted than dogs of other colours.
Embark on a warm and fuzzy romp with these extraordinary animals and discover why we can't forget them!
Hardcover, 128 pages
Publisher: Quarto US, 11th March 2025
For Ages: 0 - 99 years old
Perfect for dog lovers and fans of pet-centered memoirs, this heartfelt narrative captures the profound companionship humans share with dogs—and the ways these animals change lives.
Patricia Eagle’s account of her lifetime of relationships with dogs reveals the clarity, strength, and wisdom she gained from them, even in the most challenging of situations. As Eagle chronicles the lives of her ten dogs over seven decades and the lessons she’s learned from them — including how to become a better dog owner and companion, and even a better human—her dogs come alive on the page, each with their own unique personality, from the feisty to the meek.
If you are a dog person, if you are considering getting a dog yourself, or if you want to better understand someone who loves dogs — this book is for you.
Embark on a warm and fuzzy romp with these extraordinary animals and discover why we can't forget them!
Hardcover, 128 pages
Publisher: Quarto US, 11th March 2025
For Ages: 0 - 99 years old
Price: $18.25 from www.booktopia.com.au
DOG LOVE STORIES
by Patricia EaglePerfect for dog lovers and fans of pet-centered memoirs, this heartfelt narrative captures the profound companionship humans share with dogs—and the ways these animals change lives.
Patricia Eagle’s account of her lifetime of relationships with dogs reveals the clarity, strength, and wisdom she gained from them, even in the most challenging of situations. As Eagle chronicles the lives of her ten dogs over seven decades and the lessons she’s learned from them — including how to become a better dog owner and companion, and even a better human—her dogs come alive on the page, each with their own unique personality, from the feisty to the meek.
If you are a dog person, if you are considering getting a dog yourself, or if you want to better understand someone who loves dogs — this book is for you.
With the benefit of Eagle’s hard-earned wisdom, discover how dogs can change you and can help you learn to listen better, to trust and be trusted, to nurture with devotion, and to love with all your heart.
Paperback, 264 pages
Publisher: She Writes Press, 16th April 2025
Publisher: She Writes Press, 16th April 2025
RRP: $35.00. For stockists, visit www.simonandschuster.com.au
BOOK CLUB - KIDS' CORNER
BORN TO RUNA bittersweet classic children’s story of a champion Greyhound’s journey through life
by Michael Morpurgo (Author)
Joy and heartbreak combine in this bittersweet tale of a champion Greyhound’s journey through life – and from owner to owner…
“The sack wasn't just drifting gently along like everything else, it was turning of its own accord. There was definitely something inside it, struggling against the side of the plastic bag, kicking at it, squeaking and squealing in terror. He had no idea what it might be, only that it was alive and in danger of drowning.”
When Patrick saves a litter of Greyhound puppies from the canal, he can’t bear to hand them all over to the RSPCA. He pleads with his parents: couldn’t he just keep one of them? But nothing will convince them and Patrick cries himself to sleep – only to be woken by a Greyhound puppy licking his face!
Patrick christens his puppy Best Mate, and that’s what he becomes. Patrick’s favourite thing is to watch Best Mate running at full stretch on the heath, a speeding bullet, a cheetah-dog.
Until one day Best Mate is kidnapped by a Greyhound trainer, and begins a new life as a champion race dog. Suzie, the Greyhound trainer’s step-daughter, loves Best Mate on first sight and gives him a new name, Bright Eyes. But what will happen when he can’t run any more?
Paperback : 256 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins GB, 9th March 2024
For Ages: 8 - 10 years old
Publisher: HarperCollins GB, 9th March 2024
For Ages: 8 - 10 years old
Price: $13.85 from www.amazon.com.au
DOGMATIX AND THE INDOMITABLES Vol. 2
The Romans Go to the Dogs
by Rene Goscinny (Created by), Albert Uderzo (Created by), Hervé Benedetti
Enjoy this fantastic spin-off to the timeless classic series Asterix!
Dogmatix and his crew of indomitable animals - Gluttonix and Stamina the dogs, Asmatix and Nocturnix the owls, and Bantera the cat - return to continue resisting the Roman invaders. And these animals won't let sleeping dogs lie General Labienus erect a huge new statue in Lutetia.
But when Nocturnix the druid creates a new potion - to disastrous effect - Dogmatix may have to team up with the Romans to save the day.
Plus: Stamina may have found her master, Clovogarlix. And he wants to play fetch and hide and go seek. But is Clovogarlix a dog lover, or is there more to these games?
The Romans Go to the Dogs
by Rene Goscinny (Created by), Albert Uderzo (Created by), Hervé Benedetti
Enjoy this fantastic spin-off to the timeless classic series Asterix!
Dogmatix and his crew of indomitable animals - Gluttonix and Stamina the dogs, Asmatix and Nocturnix the owls, and Bantera the cat - return to continue resisting the Roman invaders. And these animals won't let sleeping dogs lie General Labienus erect a huge new statue in Lutetia.
But when Nocturnix the druid creates a new potion - to disastrous effect - Dogmatix may have to team up with the Romans to save the day.
Plus: Stamina may have found her master, Clovogarlix. And he wants to play fetch and hide and go seek. But is Clovogarlix a dog lover, or is there more to these games?
Paperback, 80 pages
Publisher: Papercutz, 11th March 2025
For Ages: 7 - 12 years old
Price: $17.53 from www.booktopia.com.au
Publisher: Papercutz, 11th March 2025
For Ages: 7 - 12 years old
Price: $17.53 from www.booktopia.com.au
DOGS VS. HUMANS
A Showdown of the Senses
by Stephanie Gibeault, illustrated by Barbie Edlund
Whose five senses are superior: dogs or humans? In a showdown of the senses, who would come out as top dog: canines or humans?
About the Author: Stephanie Gibeault is a children's author who holds a Master of Science in animal behaviour, a bachelor's degree in ecology and evolution, and a professional dog trainer certification.
Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Owlkids Books, 18th March 2025
For Ages: 6 - 9 years old
by Stephanie Gibeault, illustrated by Barbie Edlund
Whose five senses are superior: dogs or humans? In a showdown of the senses, who would come out as top dog: canines or humans?
This junior nonfiction book creates a fierce but fun competition, comparing the ways dogs and humans perceive the world through each of the five senses: sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing.
As dogs and humans are playfully pitted against each other, with one round for each sense, young readers will discover the scientific and evolutionary explanations behind our differences. It's a close race! Humans win for sight, with better depth perception, distance, and colour vision.
But dogs are stronger sniffers-with their noses, some can even locate people buried in an avalanche or detect an illness before a doctor has diagnosed it. And the winner is... Well, in the end, it's a tie! With lively, cartoon-style illustrations, this book is an engaging and informative introduction to dog behaviour that can help kids better understand and appreciate their canine companions.
About the Author: Stephanie Gibeault is a children's author who holds a Master of Science in animal behaviour, a bachelor's degree in ecology and evolution, and a professional dog trainer certification.
Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Owlkids Books, 18th March 2025
For Ages: 6 - 9 years old
Price: $37.25 from www.booktopia.com.au
ALBERT, THE GREYHOUND WHO LOVES TO RUN
by Kylie Miller, Karen Erasmus (Illustrator)
The heart-warming, true story of Albert, an anxious adopted Greyhound who overcomes his fear of cats to find a safe home, a warm bed, and a family of his own.
The book features Albert, a two-year-old Greyhound, who runs away from his new home after being spooked by the family cat. The true story of Albert's escape and nine weeks on the run captured the imagination and interest of animal lovers worldwide as author Kylie Miller worked to bring him home. Albert's adventures – and eventual return – were reported nationally in the Australian media.
Albert, The Greyhound Who Loves to Run is a fictionalised account but includes real-life characters, including Greyhound Teddy, Cleo the cat, and Albert's great love and saviour, Rhonda. It's a universal story of love, family, persistence, friendship and belonging that applies to the thousands of pets seeking happy, forever homes each year.
Albert, The Greyhound Who Loves to Run is the first in a series of Greyhound picture books.
Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Laneway Press, 3rd May 2022
ALBERT, THE GREYHOUND WHO LOVES TO RUN
by Kylie Miller, Karen Erasmus (Illustrator)
The heart-warming, true story of Albert, an anxious adopted Greyhound who overcomes his fear of cats to find a safe home, a warm bed, and a family of his own.
The book features Albert, a two-year-old Greyhound, who runs away from his new home after being spooked by the family cat. The true story of Albert's escape and nine weeks on the run captured the imagination and interest of animal lovers worldwide as author Kylie Miller worked to bring him home. Albert's adventures – and eventual return – were reported nationally in the Australian media.
Albert, The Greyhound Who Loves to Run is a fictionalised account but includes real-life characters, including Greyhound Teddy, Cleo the cat, and Albert's great love and saviour, Rhonda. It's a universal story of love, family, persistence, friendship and belonging that applies to the thousands of pets seeking happy, forever homes each year.
Albert, The Greyhound Who Loves to Run is the first in a series of Greyhound picture books.
Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Laneway Press, 3rd May 2022
Price: $19.21 from www.amazon.com.au
by Kylie Miller (Author), Karen Erasmus (Illustrator)
Dotty and the Lonely Farm is a heart-warming children's picture book that whisks young readers into a tale of friendship and purpose.
It follows Dotty, a spirited adopted Greyhound whose energy and enthusiasm bring joy to the farm she calls home. With her best friend, Chloe, Dotty romps around the farm, but when the clock strikes eight and Chloe hurries to the school bus, Dotty feels all alone.
Dotty sets off on a journey and discovers each animals role in the busy farm community. Visiting the hens, the cow and the sheep, Dotty learns that everyone on the farm has a very important job. Can she find a job of her own?
Join Dotty as she learns the value of friendship, purpose, and the joy of discovering where she truly belongs.
Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Laneway Press, 1st September 2024
Price: $21.21 from www.amazon.com.au
BONITO THE HERO
Paperback, 34 pages
Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Laneway Press, 1st September 2024
Price: $21.21 from www.amazon.com.au
A Spanish Greyhound's Tale of Speed and Bravery
by Natalie Knox (Author, Illustrator)
"I'm trim, I'm slim, I'm built for speed. I'll dash and flash, when off the lead."
On Fireworks night all the neighbourhood dogs are terrified. Bonito, the Spanish Greyhound, doesn't mind the loud bangs. They remind him of his old life with the hunters. When a puppy bolts in fright, Bonito springs to the rescue. Can his speed and bravery save the day?
Bonito the Hero tells an enchanting tale of a Greyhound who realises his uniqueness can make a big difference when it counts.
by Natalie Knox (Author, Illustrator)
"I'm trim, I'm slim, I'm built for speed. I'll dash and flash, when off the lead."
On Fireworks night all the neighbourhood dogs are terrified. Bonito, the Spanish Greyhound, doesn't mind the loud bangs. They remind him of his old life with the hunters. When a puppy bolts in fright, Bonito springs to the rescue. Can his speed and bravery save the day?
Bonito the Hero tells an enchanting tale of a Greyhound who realises his uniqueness can make a big difference when it counts.
Beautifully written and illustrated, this picture book is sure to be a favourite with dog lovers and those who have a soft spot for rescued hounds.
Publisher: Poppy Seed Publishers Limited, 9th March 2024
For Ages: 3-7 years old
Price: $24.25 from www.amazon.com.au
CLYDE THE GREYHOUND
by Beck Feiner, Robin Feiner
by Beck Feiner, Robin Feiner
Sometimes Clyde feels like a square dog in a round hole...
Lucy adores her adopted Greyhound. She takes him on spa dates and gives him toys, the best organic meals, a whole wardrobe of strange outfits, and even a flashy new name! But why isn’t he happy yet?
From the bestselling team behind If I Was Prime Minister and Aussie Legends Alphabet comes an endearing story about staying true to ourselves.
Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Hardie Grant Children's Publishing, 3rd November 2022
For Ages: 3 - 99 years old
Lucy adores her adopted Greyhound. She takes him on spa dates and gives him toys, the best organic meals, a whole wardrobe of strange outfits, and even a flashy new name! But why isn’t he happy yet?
From the bestselling team behind If I Was Prime Minister and Aussie Legends Alphabet comes an endearing story about staying true to ourselves.
Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Hardie Grant Children's Publishing, 3rd November 2022
For Ages: 3 - 99 years old
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