The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook belongs in the library of every dog lover, on the top shelf, thumb-worn from regular use. It shows us how to nurture and enrich our dog’s lives, returning the love and acceptance our dogs so readily provide to us. The author fascinates the reader with many little-known facts about our dogs that serve to enhance the bond we all seek with our beloved, yet mysterious family companions. It engenders trust and love with those who speak to us through these pages.
From the foreword by Dr. Marc Bekoff, PhD
Find the roadmap to success in the easy-to-follow Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook
Designed for Professionals, Pet Parents and Dog Trainers
Foreword by Marc Bekoff, PhD, co-founder with Jane Goodall of the Ethologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, and author of 31 books
Get the dog training results you’ve always wanted—combining love with the science of dog psychology
Are you tired of spending countless hours poring over articles, books, and other training resources searching for the key to the relationship you dream of with your dog? The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook provides force-free, practical solutions to common and complex behavior problems for both dog trainers and pet parents. This comprehensive guide is a transformational problem-solving gift to pet parents for the heartbeats at our feet. It is also designed for professional presentations, teaching basic manners classes, and includes private behavioral consultation Treatment Plans with citations and a detailed index to make finding topics easy. Learn how to prevent behavior problems before they escalate.
Renowned dog psychologist and trailblazer in positive dog training, Linda Michaels, a Top Ten Magazine best dog trainer illustrates the most effective, ethical methods endorsed by the greatest minds in dog training and behavior. This meticulously researched handbook tackles the simplest and the most challenging issues including:
Nutrition—Unravel the mysteries of dog nutrition
Veterinary and grooming visits—Help your puppy or rescue dog feel safe from the very first visit
Aggression—Learn to identify red flags, including formulas for human and dog-dog aggression, sibling rivalry, and resource guarding treatments
Separation anxiety—Create a Doggy Enrichment Land and follow the step-by-step treatment plan for desensitization and counter-conditioning
Trainer secrets, good manners, and basic skills—Discover effective solutions for calm greetings, puppy “no bite”, “no jump”, lightening recall, and leash-walking
The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook is a definitive “must have” for dog lovers and seasoned trainers alike—a classic treasure belonging on the top shelf of every library.
What the experts are saying about The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook. BARKS from the Guild Book Review by Katherine Porter
“This is how our dogs would choose to interact with us, and what most dog lovers would choose to practice … if they only knew how.”
— Marc Bekoff, PhD, professor emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Fellow of the Animal Behavior Society, former Guggenheim Fellow
“… the single most important modern guide to ensuring that every aspect of our dogs’ lives is the best it can be.”
— Lisa Tenzin-Dolma, founder of The International School for Canine Psychology & Behaviour Ltd.
Do No Harm Dog Training Handbook : Review by The Doodle Pro
The Doodle Pro and Linda Michaels, MA Psychology
Biography—Linda Michaels, MA, Psychology, creator of the bold, internationally acclaimed Hierarchy of Dog Needs holds a master’s degree in Experimental Psychology, conducted laboratory research in behavioral neurobiology, and has many years of shelter experience working with the most difficult behavioral cases. Her unique combination of academic excellence and hands-on skills with dogs, wolfdogs, and the famed Belyaev foxes, creates a bridge between the worlds of research, dog trainers and pet parents. Linda focuses on the psychological aspects of dog behavior that often mirror human conditions—without using dominance methods or shock collars that often worsen behavior problems—closing the door on the perceived need and advisability of using punitive methods. Find her in international trade magazines and as a featured expert in Psychology Today online, Newsweek online, Huffington Post Live, and Wolf Dog Radio.
From the Author
The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook Featuring the Hierarchy of Dog Needs was initially designed as my own personal guide for teaching basic manners classes and evolved into a reference resource for private behavior consultations. The handbook was created to be a practical guide for both training formats. It is also written for pet parents who want to get an inside look at dog training and behavior, and for those who seek force-free techniques and solutions for specific problems.
“Do No Harm” Dog Training is exactly what it says it is! Stating objectives clearly, without reservation, is my new mantra—that is, let’s “Do No Harm” physically OR psychologically to our dogs. Psychological harm can be devastating, as many of us know, and it can easily last a lifetime both in us and in our dogs.
Professional organizations that care for and treat sentient beings all have ethical codes, directing their members to “Do No Harm”. The dog training “industry” and moreover, the dogs, deserve an ethical code as well. These organizations all outline acceptable “standards of care” for their members. They include: The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Psychological Association (APA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
Reviews from our readers….
“If you only buy one dog training book, this should be the one”
“Out of all the training books I’ve purchased (and there have been MANY), this book, hands down, is one of the clearest, most comprehensive, and most helpful books out there. Thoroughly referenced, with citations throughout, this book contains the most up-to-date, science-based information. All delivered from a compassionate, dog-centered perspective, in a highly engaging and approachable tone. Perfect for anyone who wants the best of the best for the dogs in their care. Thrilled to have this book in my collection!”
“This book is almost magical in the way it is two books in one. It could absolutely be used as a text book for a serious, state-of-the-art, academically stringent academy for dog trainers. But at the same time, it is highly accessible, written with such clarity it is an invaluable book for pet parents. You can read it from cover to cover for the most comprehensive, in-depth discussion of modern dog behavior I know of, or you can use the extensive index to go directly to practical, effective advice for a particular issue. As a dog trainer, I get a lot of friends and family asking for advice, especially when they are bringing a new dog into their life. I used to send them a collection of book recommendations and YouTube video links. Now I just point them to this book … or if I really like them … it makes a great gift.”
“I’ve learned more from this book than from the 1000’s or hours of courses I’ve taken or dozens of dog training books I’ve read. 10/10. Highly recommended!”
““I am so thrilled and happy and wanted to share some good news with you all! I run a rescue and got a call from someone wanting to surrender a small dog. In talking to the older lady owner I found out her young energetic small dog has some common minor behavior issues. She called a trainer to help. The price of the first visit, $300, was more than she could afford so she decided to surrender her dog to rescue. I recommended the Do No Harm Handbook and she immediately ordered the book, received it in 2 days and has already begun applying its principles! She called me today to tell me how thrilled she is with the book and that it has everything she needs. She is going to introduce all her friends to the book too! Thank you so much for making a difference in dogs’ lives, and in giving committed humans the hope, knowledge and tools to live in harmony with their animal companions.”
“Such wonderfully put together information. You gave me a fresh outlook to revamp my lesson and behavior plans for Housetraining and Aggression. I will be using the vet portion of the manual with a fearful dog at the vet this week. I want to get the Hierarchy of Dog Needs into the veterinary clinic in a presentation and at some local clinics and shelters. The Hierarchy shows how important it is for the pet parent and their animals to feel comfortable and happy. I also want to try to apply this to a dog I’m trying to work with at the shelter. I love this training tool! Thanks Linda!”
“This book is long overdue! We are going through a dog training Revolution…no more pain, “dominance,” alpha dog, pack leader! Every subject is covered to help you build that relationship with your best friend through kindness, love and understanding. This book should be mandatory for dog training schools today🐾 and will be a necessity for my clients.”
“I am a professional dog trainer and longtime dog parent, as well as being a veterinary technician. I am passionate about improving quality of life for pets and their people, and this book has it all! It has enough science and “nerdy“ explanations to satisfy those of us who want to know the “why” behind the recommendations, yet it is completely accessible for the average dog guardian. If you only buy one dog training book, this should be the one!”
“So much more than a training handbook! Go beyond training and understand the Hierarchy of Dog Needs (HDN) and how it directly affects dog behavior.
This force-free, fear-free, and scientifically researched guide will help to build a strong and trusting bond with a dog, and will help a dog thrive within the family home.
No matter where you are in your dog journey, just getting started or an experienced pet handler, help yourself and the dogs by adding this book to your reading list!”
“As a pet parent, this is the book I would have loved to read before I got my dachshunds. Not because I had it all wrong all this time, but because of the thorough and simple explanations with the lovely Hierarchy of Dog Needs guide, showing step-by-step how to avoid and prevent many common dog owner headaches. To us, dog behavior sometimes is unwanted but for our dogs the behavior is completely natural. Still, dogs don’t live in their own world but in our human world. We need to take responsibility for that.
My own dogs led me to the point where I’m now starting my own business in educating dog owners on positive reinforcement and clicker training. This book gives me so much for free! It’s a complete guide to how pet parents can become best friends to their dogs. Although, in Sweden, some of the training gear mentioned in the book is illegal here, I know they’re not elsewhere and need to be addressed for what they are – not training tools but harmful equipment meant to use pain to change behavior. That’s not how we want to do it! We humans are better than that. We know better in our hearts. Love as a need for dogs is so indisputable, but still we don’t talk about how you love your dog. Linda does.
The book is so well written, easy to understand even for one who has not English as a primary language. I love how all the references to research and science also is often is true for us humans, as I work in human psychological care.
Much Love for this book and its guidance!
Well done, Linda.”