Introduction
Building a better life with your dog
Goals of the Guide: building a better, easier life with your dog
Broader learning resources
The terms ‘owner’ and ‘obedience’
Acknowledgements: Our team and contributors
Section 1
Behavioral Foundations and Puppy Rearing
Introduction: Puppies don’t raise themselves, and the first few weeks and months are crucial
Chapter 1-1: Getting a dog
Chapter 1-2: Puppy developmental phases
Chapter 1-3: Pet Insurance - why it matters
Chapter 1-4: Socialization concept & fundamentals
Chapter 1-5: Socialization to other people
Chapter 1-6: Socialization to dogs
Chapter 1-7: Environmental socialization
Chapter 1-8: Reactivity
Chapter 1-9: Fear imprint stages (fear periods)
Chapter 1-10: Chewtoy training
Chapter 1-11: Crate training
Chapter 1-12: Errorless learning
Chapter 1-13: Potty training, penning, and the expanding circle of freedom
Chapter 1-14: Puppy Nipping
Chapter 1-15: Bite control
Chapter 1-16: Separation anxiety
Chapter 1-17: (cross-reference) Behavioral training the first year
Chapter 1-18: Playing with your puppy & teaching her problem-solving
Chapter 1-19: Puppy exercise and over-exertion
Chapter 1-20: Rebellious period
Chapter 1-21: Puppies and patience
Section 2
Core Training Concepts
Introduction: What ‘training’ is and why you have to do it
Chapter 2-1: Training as a two-piece process: comprehension and motivation
Chapter 2-2: Associative learning: The Basics
Chapter 2-3: Primary vs. learned reinforcers
Chapter 2-4: Different primary motivators and how to use them
Chapter 2-5: Marking and timing
Chapter 2-6: Trial-and-error learning
Chapter 2-7: Shaping
Chapter 2-8: Pairing cues
Chapter 2-9: Verbal vs. visual communication
Chapter 2-10: Clicker training
Chapter 2-11: Single-event learning
Chapter 2-12: Unintentional reinforcement
Chapter 2-13: Intermittent reinforcement and jackpot rewards
Chapter 2-14: Improving a behavior: adherence, responsiveness, duration, and form
Chapter 2-15: Going slow & rate of progression
Chapter 2-16: Regression
Chapter 2-17: Generalizing context
Chapter 2-18: Training sessions
Chapter 2-19: Consistency & follow-through: errorless learning in operant conditioning
Chapter 2-20: Repetition & Maintenance
Chapter 2-21: Self-reinforcing behaviors
Chapter 2-22: Don’t blame your dog’s behavior on their personality
Chapter 2-23: Classes & professional trainers
Chapter 2-24: Teaching your dog how to behave in the real world
Chapter 2-25: Untraining undesirable behaviors: a basic intro
Chapter 2-26: Behavioral training in the first year of life
Chapter 2-27: Building core capabilities
Chapter 2-28: Loose leash walking
Chapter 2-29: Off-leash requirements
Chapter 2-30: Human food
Chapter 2-31: Resource guarding
Section 3
Husbandry
Introduction: Husbandry is your responsibility
Chapter 3-1: Cooperative care
Chapter 3-2: Grooming & Coats
Chapter 3-3: Nail trimming
Chapter 3-4: Ear cleaning
Chapter 3-5: Tooth brushing
Chapter 3-6: Diseases and Health Issues to know and be mindful of
Chapter 3-7: Medical schedule, vaccines, and vet visits
Section 4
A Dog’s Basic Needs
Introduction: 12 basic needs you have to meet
Chapter 4-1: Need for physical activity
Chapter 4-2: Over-exertion
Chapter 4-3: Benefits of social time with other dogs
Chapter 4-4: Need for company
Chapter 4-5: Need for open-ended exploration
Chapter 4-6: Need for ‘training’/behavior work
Chapter 4-7: Need for occupation
Chapter 4-8: Pet sitters and walkers
Section 5
Dog Physiology and Psychology
Introduction: Dogs are not primates - you need to see the world through their eyes
Chapter 5-1: Overheating
Chapter 5-2: Hydration & water access
Chapter 5-3: Proximity & touch from a dog’s perspective
Chapter 5-4: Olfactory sense: the importance of your dog’s nose
Chapter 5-5: Reading dog body language
Chapter 5-6: Open-ended observation: learning your dog
Chapter 5-7: Recognizing healthy vs unhealthy dog-dog play
Chapter 5-8: Communicating with dogs: how dogs perceive *our* body language
Chapter 5-9: Rules for interacting with other people’s dogs
Chapter 5-10: Service dogs
Chapter 5-11: Do not de-bark your dog!
Section 6
Breeds & finding your dog
Chapter 6-0: Introduction: Be thoughtful about getting your dog
Chapter 6-1: Adoption, puppies, and older dogs
Chapter 6-2: Choosing a reputable adoption center
Chapter 6-3: Choosing a reputable breeder
Chapter 6-4: The role breed can play in behavior
Chapter 6-5: Puppy personality variation
Chapter 6-6: Lifestyle fit of dog breed & personality
Chapter 6-7: Hound breeds
Chapter 6-8: Terrier breeds
Chapter 6-9: Bully breeds
Chapter 6-10: Herding breeds
Chapter 6-11: Guard breeds & breeds with heightened guard instinct
Chapter 6-12: Gun/Retriever dogs
Chapter 6-13: Other breeds
Chapter 6-14: Mixed breeds
Appendix 1
Foundational Behaviors
Introduction: Foundational behaviors
Chapter 7-1: Sit
Chapter 7-2: Down
Chapter 7-3: Settle
Chapter 7-4: Stay & Release
Chapter 7-5: Look/Check-in
Chapter 7-6: Leave it
Chapter 7-7: Give/Drop
Chapter 7-8: Touch/Target
Chapter 7-9: Bell/Outside
Chapter 7-10: Paw
Chapter 7-11: Tuck
Chapter 7-12: Recall
Appendix 2
Secondary Behaviors
Introduction: Advanced behaviors and fun activities
Chapter 8-1: Dog Sports
Chapter 8-2: Place
Chapter 8-3: Roll-Over
Chapter 8-4: Pretty
Chapter 8-5: Heel
Chapter 8-6: Paws Up
Chapter 8-7: Wave
Chapter 8-8: Bow
Chapter 8-9: Speak