I would like some recommendations of books for a first time puppy / dog owner.

I really like this book, Purely Positive Training

I have it, but got it when Chula was maybe 9 months old. If I had it when she was a young pup there would have been many things I would have done differently, based on this book.

Thanks,I will tell her.

Lynne, I am curious, how does the author of the book solves the problem of extinguishing self-rewarding behaviors?

"Puppy Preschool: Raising Your Puppy Right--Right From the Start" by John Ross and Barbara McKinney.

I have it on my own bookshelf and I would highly recommend it, especially for first-time owners. Here's a link to Amazon and the reviews:

http://www.amazon.com/Puppy-Preschool-Revised-Raising-Right---Right/dp/0312375913/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316634236&sr=1-1

Cheri, is what this review saying true?

"... growling instead of "no," wrestling to gain alpha status ... chapter listing the "worst breeds" and the consequences of owning one (e.g., GSDs will eat your small dog, or your Springer Spaniel will turn on you someday)..."

Ana, I've been perusing the book to find the passages quoted in that review, and I've finally figured out that I have a newer edition. I believe the review you referred to was for the 1996 edition; I have the 2008 edition. In the preface, the author explains that he has chosen to leave out the section on breed choices, in pertinent part, because:

"...my opinion about breed significance has changed. It is a fact that some breed characteristics can influence behavior. And some breeds tend to fit into the role of well-behaved family pet more easily than others. However, I truly believe that if you train and handle your dog properly, any breed of dog, or mix of breeds, can turn out to be a great and wonderful companion."

I'm having a hard time believing he would have made such a statement about GSDs, and as far as Springer Spaniels, that is one of the author's chosen breeds.

What the author refers to as "the growl" is basically used as most of us would use the word "no." He just suggests saying "Nhaaa" in a deep, guttural tone.

It has been three years since I read this book, and I am skimming it today, and have still failed to find any reference to wrestling with your dog.

I own a number of dog training/dog behavior books. I find that exact methods differ in all of them, and there will be things here and there that I do not agree with or choose to do differently. I still think that, overall, the advice of these authors would be helpful to a first-time puppy owner.

Thanks Cheri!

I would definitely recommend getting at least 2 books/videos: one that advocates use of corrections and the other based on a purely R+/P- method. This way the new puppy owner would learn about these 2 very different approaches and will be able to make informed choices for their individual dog.

 Quote: Ana Kozlowsky

Lynne, I am curious, how does the author of the book solves the problem of extinguishing self-rewarding behaviors?

Her recommendations revolve around better management. This is from the book:
'When you really start being proactive, incidents that once were disciplinary problems now become management issues. When a dog exhibits an unacceptable behavior once, it's more likely he'll do it again if nothing changes. The answer is to process that valuable information he has given you and prevent the unwanted behavior next time through correct management.'

Regarding puppies and behavior, she states, 'prevent it, ignore it, or teach an alternative incompatible behavior'

Here's a blurb about the author, Sheila Booth, in case anyone isn't familiar with her:
http://www.puppyworks.com/speaker/booth.html