The Well Mannered Pooch - some ideas from the SJPL collection:

Good dog! : The Easy Way to Train Your Dog, by Sarah Whitehead. London, England: Collins & Brown, c2011.

Sarah’s credentials: owner of Clever Dog Training Company, Masters degree in Animal Behavior, member of the Association of Pet Behavior Counselors, and MD of Alpha Education. She is the author of several books on animal behavior.

Philosophy: “Training is all about clever strategy – not bullish tactics”

Good Dog! is a beautifully photographed training manual illustrating the instructional moves of both human trainer and canine subjects. Sprinkled throughout the chapter on “Training Your Dog,” are red-boxed highlighted common problems/solution charts to assist in the progress of the pupil.

It’s Me Or The Dog, How To Have The Perfect Pet, by Victoria Stillwell. New York: Hyperion, c2007.

Victoria’s credentials: Dog walker, volunteer and then staff member of a number of rescue agencies and shelters, star of Animal Planet’s, Me or the Dog,  behavior advisor to rescue shelters throughout the world and wasthe 2011 recipient of the “Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contributions to the Pet Industry Award, recognizes individuals in the media who have the power to influence millions of people and use this to positively promote the joys and benefits of pet ownership”

Philosophy: “Training isn’t about imposing your will on your dog; it’s about giving him the tools he needs to live in your world.”

It’s Me or the Dog teaches humans basic canine communication and treat based cognitive instruction. Nice layout – less impressive photography. Information on toys, tricks, leashes and collars included.

No Bad Dogs : The Woodhouse Way, by Barbara Woodhouse. New York, N.Y.: Fireside, 1992, c1982.

Barbara’s credentials: trainer of 17,000 dogs and their owners in her 30 years of experience, international star of PBS series, “Training Dogs the Woodhouse Way.” (Note: Barbara passed away in 1988.)

Philosophy: “There is no such thing as a difficult dog, only an inexperienced owner.”

No Bad Dogs, written in old school style, is a classic. Some questionable advise, but thoroughly entertaining. Black and white photos included.

SEARCHING FOR DOGS AND TRAINING THROUGH THE CATALOG

• Key word search:  Dog Training
• Key word search:  Dog Behavior
• Key word search:  Dog Training and Fiction
• Keyword search:   Dog and Training and Juvenile
• Keyword search:   DVDs on Dog Training

Remember: should you not have a four footed companion to practice your teaching skills on, please visit:  The San José Animal Care Center today. Share your heart and your home. Behavior modification links available. Also, some of the best training may not get through your four footed friend's noggin in the first round of instruction. If necessary, for some of the more egregious offenses, please consult with Nolo Press’, Dog Law.

Lately, animal shelters throughout the Bay Area are advertising specials about dog adoption and the reduction or elimination of fees. Last December we rescued a dog who has subsequently adopted us. Here’s our story.

It had been 27 years since I last had a dog and I had him for 17 years. Now we have a yard and a neighborhood full of kids who love dogs. But how to get one? My first dog was one of the last of a litter of pups that a pet shop owner was trying to give away. But this time I knew I wanted a different kind of rescue dog – a little fellow who needed to feel special and taken care of and would be happy to see me when I got home. It took two trips to the shelter to find a little guy and get approved.

Biscuit joined our household on Dec 27, 2010 so it’s just over eight months that we’ve been a family. They say that a sleeping dog is a happy dog. If this is true, he must be the happiest little guy on the block because he is always sleeping! He was scrawny when we got him, but now he has filled out, and is looking healthy. He adds a lot of laughter and personality to our home, but I do wish I knew some things and thought more before I just jumped in. I thought that patience and care would be enough. I was wrong. I'm slowly learning how to reduce his separation anxiety and over-protectiveness of my husband. For us, this adoption was very well worth the learning-as-I-go. Maybe in a few years we'll be better "parents" for a second adoption!

Here are some resources to help you – and your children - make your pet adoption decision.