My Bookshelf
Listed below are some fantastic references for dog training, diet, breed types, cognition, dog evolution & behavior. I am not a paid sponsor for any these publications or authors (although free books would be nice). I’ve simply listed some references that I have found incredibly helpful in both raising my dogs, as well as a broader understanding of our history with dogs and cockapoos.
How To Tame A Fox (And Build A Dog) - - Dugatkin & Trut, 2017
I received this book as a Christmas present and was excited to have this study join my shelf! I first learned of the experiments of fox domestication in high school, and later again as a dog breeder through a Duke University course. Written by an evolutionary biologist and historian (Lee Dugatkin) as well as an evolutionary geneticist (Lyudmila Trut), this book covers the silver fox domestication experiment occurring in Siberia since 1959. Using fox domestication as a proxy for human’s past domestication of the wolf.
A used copy will cost approximately $10. Find it on Amazon here.
Dog Bible-- Kristin Mehus-Roe, 2005
One of the first books I purchased as a dog owner was the Dog Bible, a encyclopedia of sorts. It is a compilation of information spanning the topics of dog genetics, development, breed types, law and ordinances, puppy training, diet, traveling & daily life, and much more.
Most importantly for a new dog owner, this book has a massive section dedicated solely to Health. Topics include: Infectious diseases and vaccinations, medications, emergency/first aid, poisonous foods (specific table-scraps), and poisonous household plants. All of this is crucial when first bringing a puppy home in order to avoid the accidental ingestion of a toxic substance or conversely: rushing to the vet and having a pricey bill for something that is harmless. I highly recommend this book first and foremost for new dog owners.
Standard issue runs about $25 new, or find them used on Amazon starting at roughly $2.00, link here.
The Genius of Dogs, Brian Hare & Vanessa Woods
I was introduced to The Genius of Dogs via my certification course Dog Emotion & Cognition. The instructor of the course is Brian Hare, and evolutionary anthropologist who’s collaboration with his wife, Vanessa Woods, has produced and amazing piece on the intelligence of dogs, and what we mean by “intelligent”. It was (and continues to be) an eye-opening course and book. With at-home tests, one can determine their dog’s cognitive profile to better help with training and bonding.
“Dr. Hare is the director of the Duke Canine Cognition Center, associate professor in evolutionary anthropology at the Center for Canine Cognitive Neuroscience at Duke University in North Carolina, and one of the top canine cognition experts in the world.
The journey began with a gut reaction. When Dr. Brian Hare watched chimpanzees fail to read a simple human hand gesture in a cognition test, he blurted out, "My dog can do that!" The psychology professor running the test challenged him to prove it, sending Dr. Hare on a 15-year odyssey to unlock the cognitive and evolutionary mysteries of our four-legged friends.”
Link to Dognition website
Link to Amazon for the book. Find it used starting at $2, a nice paperback should cost around $13
The Multiple-Dog Family - - Sheila Webster Boneham
An easily read, small book packed with recommendations and solutions to those wishing to have more than one dog in their home. Having multiple dogs in a home has its rewards and consequences, so be sure to understand your limitations in both space and patience. Training can be a breeze with an older, well-mannered dog in the house, but patience can run thin, and sharing can be difficult. Additionally, adopting two siblings from the same litter helps with loneliness and crate training, but can make bad habits hard to break.
Find the book on amazon here. I bought my copy for .99 cents!
The Dog Lover’s Guide to Travel - - Kelly E. Carter
A collection of destinations and events that welcome dogs. It highlights cities and hotels that welcome dogs, but lacks any depth and detail. I would still recommend using this in conjunction with more detailed guides, or using air bnb to find more quaint (less commercial) stays. Nonetheless, it is inexpensive and has been useful in planning trips.
Find it on amazon here. An inexpensive copy should be a few dollars.
The Domestic Dog: it’s evolution, behavior, and interactions with people - James Serpell
“Covering topics such as behavioral modification and training, dog population management, the molecular evidence for dog domestication, canine behavioral genetics, cognition, and the impact of free-roaming dogs on wildlife conservation. It is an ideal volume for anyone interested in dogs and their evolution, behavior and ever-changing roles in society. The ultimate book about the domestic dog, ideal for anyone interested in their evolution, behavior and ever-changing roles in society A new edition of a classic text, presenting the latest research on dog behavior, training, domestication, genetics and cognition Includes seven entirely new chapters by leading experts in the field, incorporating two decades of new evidence and discoveries”
Find it on Amazon here.
Classes & Courses
Coursera - Duke University’s Dognition
“Dog Emotion and Cognition will introduce you to the exciting new study of dog psychology, what the latest discoveries tell us about how dogs think and feel about us, and how we can use this new knowledge to further strengthen our relationship with our best friend”
American Kennel Club - Canine College
“Breeding comes with great responsibility, but preparing yourself with knowledge will ensure a rewarding experience. The AKC Education portal, sponsored by Royal Canin offers courses covering a wide range of breeder education topics, such as breeding basics, genetics, selection, and anatomy. Like the AKC, Royal Canin is committed to improving the lives of the dogs we serve“
Courses Completed as of 2018:
Genetics pt. 1
Genetics pt 2
Breeding Basics
Breeding Systems
Inbreeding, Line Breeding, Heterosis vs Breeding Depression, and Outcrossing
Websites & Articles
Cockapoo For Life
“One of the first facts people come out with about Cockapoos is, they are hypoallergenic! It has become something of a self-perpetuating myth. And it isn’t true”
Cockapoo – The Cocker Spaniel Poodle Mix
“In this guide we will take an indepth look at the Cockapoo mix; helping you to get to grips with his training and care, as well as knowing what to expect from his personality”
“11 Things You Should Know About the Cockapoo” - Alice Willis - www.yourdogadvisor.com
A fresh and engaging resource that reflects Alice’s personal experience and research into Cockapoos, their requirements, coat types, and much more. This inviting article is also full of links leading you to exciting articles on agility training, health concerns, and grooming!
“Cockapoo – A Complete Guide To The Cocker Spaniel Poodle Mix”
A great, comprehensive read about the Cockapoo. This covers aspects of hypoallergenic expectations, exercise requirements, and overall temperatment. Additionally, they link some fantastic rescue organizations in their article!
Books
Dog Bible-- Kristin Mehus-Roe, 2005
One of the first books I purchased as a dog owner was the Dog Bible, a encyclopedia of sorts. It is a compilation of information spanning the topics of dog genetics, development, breed types, law and ordinances, puppy training, diet, traveling & daily life, and much more.
The Genius of Dogs, Brian Hare & Vanessa Woods
I was introduced to The Genius of Dogs via my certification course Dog Emotion & Cognition. The instructor of the course is Brian Hare, and evolutionary anthropologist who’s collaboration with his wife, Vanessa Woods, has produced and amazing piece on the intelligence of dogs, and what we mean by “intelligent”. It was (and continues to be) an eye-opening course and book. With at-home tests, one can determine their dog’s cognitive profile to better help with training and bonding
The Multiple-Dog Family - - Sheila Webster Boneham
An easily read, small book packed with recommendations and solutions to those wishing to have more than one dog in their home. Having multiple dogs in a home has its rewards and consequences, so be sure to understand your limitations in both space and patience. Training can be a breeze with an older, well-mannered dog in the house, but patience can run thin, and sharing can be difficult. Additionally, adopting two siblings from the same litter helps with loneliness and crate training, but can make bad habits hard to break.
The Dog Lover’s Guide to Travel - - Kelly E. Carter
A collection of destinations and events that welcome dogs. It highlights cities and hotels that welcome dogs, but lacks any depth and detail. I would still recommend using this in conjunction with more detailed guides, or using air bnb to find more quaint (less commercial) stays. Nonetheless, it is inexpensive and has been useful in planning trips.
The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behavior and Interactions with People, 2nd Edition (2017) - James Serpell
“Covering topics such as behavioral modification and training, dog population management, the molecular evidence for dog domestication, canine behavioral genetics, cognition, and the impact of free-roaming dogs on wildlife conservation. It is an ideal volume for anyone interested in dogs and their evolution, behavior and ever-changing roles in society. The ultimate book about the domestic dog, ideal for anyone interested in their evolution, behavior and ever-changing roles in society A new edition of a classic text, presenting the latest research on dog behavior, training, domestication, genetics and cognition Includes seven entirely new chapters by leading experts in the field, incorporating two decades of new evidence and discoveries”