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Answers to Go

Answers to Go

Sunday, June 27, 2021

SAN MARCOS PUBLIC LIBRARY

625 E. HOPKINS ST.

512-393-8200

Q. I have a new dog and am trying to teach her manners. What resources do you have at the library to help me?

A. The San Marcos Public Library has a variety of books and DVDs pertaining to dogs, dog behavior, and human-dog communication. Also, if you are looking to become inspired (and sometimes we dog owners need that) you may want to read a story about dogs.

First, you may want to check out some of the library’s canine training books. Here is a short selection:

“Training Your Superpuppy” by Gwen Bailey.

“Your Dog: the Owner's Manual: Hundreds of Secrets, Surprises, and Solutions for Raising a Happy, Healthy Dog” by Marty Becker.

“Citizen Canine: Ten Essential Skills Every Wellmannered Dog Should Know” by Mary Burch.

“Divine Canine: the Monks' Way to a Happy, Obedient Dog” from the monks of New Skete.

The library has over 150 breed specific dog books. If you don’t find your dog’s breed in our individual breed collection, you may want to consult with the American Kennel Club’s “The Complete Dog Book: the photograph, history, and Official Standard of Every Breed Admitted to AKC Registration, and the Selection, Training, Breeding, Care, and Feeding of Pure-bred Dogs.”

If you are interested in viewing some DVD training videos and documentaries, you may want to start with “The Dog Whisperer” from Cesar Millan. The Library has seasons 1-3 of this helpful series. In addition, there is a Train Your Dog DVD, described as “Two certified Los Angeles dog trainers guide you step by step through simple, gentle techniques from basic obedience to behavior issues.” In addition to the training videos, the library also has a wonderful movie called “A Dog's Life: a Dogamentary” that “explores the positive effects of the intense bond between dogs and humans.”

Dog training books are helpful, but so are books that help you understand your canine friend. Some dog behavior books are:

“Chaser: Unlocking the Genius of the Dog who Knows a Thousand Words” by John W. Pilley.

“The Best Dog Tricks on the Planet: 106 Amazing Things your Dog Can do on Command” by Babette Haggerty

“Soldier Dogs: the Untold story of America's Canine Heroes” by Maria Goodavage

The human-dog connection goes back centuries. Some books that help you understand the bond between humans and canines may be helpful to you. “In Bond with your Heart; Train with your Brain: Techniques for Training & Motivating Humans & Other Animals” by Joel Silverman you will learn what stimulates us as living creatures. “Let Dogs be Dogs: Understanding Canine Nature and Mastering the Art of Living with your Dog” by Marc Goldberg and “Training for Both Ends of the leash: a Guide to Cooperation Training for You and Your Dog” by Kate Perry both help you learn to live with your dog. Another resource for living with your dog is the magazine Dogster (we also have Catster, for feline friends).

Finally, you may need a little motivation in dealing with your canine companion. Fiction books about dogs can be very inspiring. Some favorites are:

• “A Dog's Life” by Peter Mayle

• “A Dog’s Way Home” by Bruce Cameron

• “Good Boy: my Life in Seven Dogs” by Jennifer Boylan

• “The Art of Racing in the Rain: a novel” by Garth Stein

To find more fiction books, search the library’s catalog for “dogs fiction.” To find any of these books, just visit the San Marcos Public Library

Suzanne Sanders is the new columnist for the library. She is the Community Services Manager for the San Marcos Public Library and came from the Austin Public Library in 2015 after having served there as a librarian for over 20 years. She gratefully accepts your questions for this column.

San Marcos Record

(512) 392-2458
P.O. Box 1109, San Marcos, TX 78666