Below is an annotated bibliography of resources to help you in your training journey. I’ll update this list periodically. I’ve included books and online materials on balanced, force-free, and LIMA (least intrusive, minimally aversive) methods so you can familiarize yourself with what’s out there and make an informed decision about the best approach for your dog. I have not included information on e-collar training because I do not use them; they are expensive and come with a steep learning curve that makes them an impractical option for most of my clients.
If you need help understanding some of the terms you’re likely to run across in your research, check out my Glossary page.
American Kennel Club. akc.org. Probably the best known purebred registry in the United States, the AKC’s website offers a plethora of information on breed standards, training, canine sports, obedience testing, and my personal favorite, a dog breed selector that helps you figure out whether that adorable Lab mix you saw at the shelter is likely to be happy living in your home.
Millan, Cesar. Better Dog, Better Human, Season 1. National Geographic, 2021-2022. If you enjoy celebrity trainers and/or reality TV, Millan’s newest series — the first season of which is available on Disney Plus — is worth watching. Millan is a polarizing figure in dog-training circles, but he has refined and updated his approach since his Dog Whisperer days, and I find most of the advice he dispenses on BDBH to be sound. If you’re new to training, the show can help familiarize you with common tools, techniques, and terminology.
Pryor, Karen. Getting Started: Clicker Training for Dogs. Karen Pryor Clicker Training, 2005. If you are interested in clicker training, this slim volume is an excellent starting point, as it outlines the method in detail and provides step-by-step instructions, accompanied by photos, to guide you through the activities you will be doing with your dog. The book includes recommendations for further reading, including a list of titles aimed at clicker training other species, including cats, birds, horses, and rabbits.
Southend Dog Training. Instagram account. @southenddogtraining or visit instagram.com/southenddogtraining. Excellent source of information and advice on balanced training from a group of trainers in the United Kingdom. Reels offer tips — often accompanied by demonstrations — on safety, correct use of equipment, and techniques for correcting common behavior issues. Their work with reactive dogs is particularly impressive. Parents, be advised that they frequently use adult language and humor to connect with viewers, so you may want to wait until the kids are in bed to watch their videos.
Sylvia-Stasiewicz, Dawn, and Larry Kay. Training the Best Dog Ever. Workman Publishing, 2012. A detailed training plan based on positive reinforcement. I disagree with some of the authors’ assertions, but most of the methods are sound, and the training log at the back was such a good idea that I borrowed the concept to use in my own classes. If you’re curious about what the force-free movement has to offer, this is a good starting point, as the instructions are clear and easy to follow, and each activity comes with an explanation of the reasoning behind it.
Tenderfoot Training. https://tenderfoottraining.com/ Doug and Elizabeth Simpson based their approach to dog training on the philosophy and techniques they learned from the natural horsemanship movement. They offer in-person training at their property in Colorado, but online options are available for those unable to travel. I took Pearl to Boulder in the summer of 2024 to study with Doug and Elizabeth, and it was a game-changer. Pearl went to Boulder afraid of her own shadow; four months later, she began working toward an AKC Therapy Dog title. I now rely almost exclusively on the Tenderfoot method to teach leash pressure and loose-lead walking to all of my clients, including those in the dog-training program at Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Clayton. I found them through their Instagram account, where they frequently share useful training tips. Their methods are probably best described as LIMA — least intrusive, minimally aversive.
Tucumcari Dog Training 