Certainly, the commercial side And friends. And so is a gift, if it is a thoughtful expression of love. That’s why I have at least 15 books sitting near my desk already wrapped or waiting to be decorated to send to dear family and friends this holiday season. I love giving books as gifts, as long as they are carefully chosen for the recipient. It’s no surprise that I love giving books, coming from someone who obviously loves books himself and, oh, writes books. I’m careful to only send books to people I know will appreciate them, keeping in mind my beloved father who gave me a camera every Christmas for many years. (though he left the art world to support his growing family). Except for the year he bought me a model train. I didn’t care about the train set, but remembering the happy look on his face while playing with trains warms my heart forever. Of course, all of this leads to a list of books that I think are great gifts for dog and animal lovers. I look forward to hearing other ideas from Hive.
Let’s start with books related to living with dogs. Where do I start? So many! However, to get started. . .
Please manage! Hacks to improve your dog’s performanceby Juliana DeWillems. Every dog owner needs this book, and every trainer needs it too. I’ve said for years that the difference between a professional dog trainer and a dog lover is how much they value management and training. And who doesn’t like a book that says, “Of course, you can let your puppy sleep in your bed with you when you bring him home!” Seriously, this is a great book.
Dog reinforcement for the real worldwritten by Allie Bender. This is another crazy, practical book that acknowledges that many companion dogs don’t have bright lives and offers multiple ways to enrich your dog’s life without having to quit your job or move into a child’s home. Illustrated by example. Every dog I know deserves this book, unless they tend to a herd of sheep or cows during the day and spend their nights on the couch with you.
bark! Science that helps anxious, fearful, and hyper-reactive dogswritten by Zazie Todd. No one combines a love and understanding of science, a love of dogs, a love of people who love dogs, and writing about dogs like Zazie Todd. Where she gets her energy from is a mystery to me, but as in her previous books (Wag, Purr), Zazie writes about fearsome dogs with compassion, practicality, and a deep understanding of biology. I am. This is a must-have for anyone who has a fearful dog or works with dogs.
Dog Smart: Life-Changing Lessons in Dog Intelligence, Written by Jennifer Holland. Cy Montgomery, one of the world’s greatest authors on animal behavior, says in this book: . . Your socks will fall off! It is wise to be wary of such messages. Jennifer is committed to traveling the world to understand what’s going on inside those adorable heads sleeping on our couches, and reading about what she discovers is… It’s comparable to any novel.
Treat Everyone Like a Dog: How a Dog Trainer’s Worldview Can Improve Your Life Written by Karen London. This is not a new book, and you probably know that Karen is a close friend and colleague, but even if I didn’t know her and like her, I would still give this book a rave review. Probably. I reread this book every year. Because even with all our experience and training, we need reminders that we can apply the science of animal training to our own lives. Who knew? Whether you’re a dog lover, a dog trainer, or someone with a dog phobia, everyone will benefit from reading this book.
Abandoned: Documenting the Journeys of Once-Abandoned Dogs by Katherine Carver Written by Katherine Carver. This is a completely different kind of book than the ones mentioned above. This is a collection of stunningly beautiful photos of dogs who were found abandoned and then revisited a year later after finding their forever homes. The piece was inspired by Catherine’s dog Biscuit, who was found scared and starving on the highway. Each set of “before and after” photos includes a short essay about the dog. This book is both a work of art and an inspiration, and the perfect holiday gift for anyone who has rescued a dog or works in the shelter/rescue world.
What about books for people who love animals and nature in addition to living with dogs and dog training?
family alice, David Roblewski, author of the acclaimed novel, The story of Edgar Sawtelle. I can’t wait to get used to this book. I loved David’s first book so much that I couldn’t breathe when he introduced himself at the seminar. No one understands the depth of our relationship with our dogs better than David. I haven’t started copying yet, so I’ll quote it. bookstore here: “Alternating hilarious and heartbreaking, mysterious and captivating stories, “Familiaris” takes us from the halls of a small-town auto factory to the epic Midwestern firestorms and ambitious World War II era. A dog training program that takes readers on an unforgettable journey back into humanity’s distant past. It explores the dynamics of love and friendship, the messy nature of family, the universal desire to create something lasting and beautiful, and, of course, the cross-species partnership between homos. Familiar of sapiens and canines. ”
A vast world: How animal senses reveal hidden realms around us, Ed Yong. Just in case you thought you knew what “reality” was, read this amazing book that describes the amazing ability of non-human animals to perceive sights, sounds, and smells that we don’t know about. please. I learned a lot from this book, including information I learned while studying animal behavior in college. They went out at night and recorded crickets covered in snow, and determined the temperature by the speed of their chirps. We watched bees do the ‘figure eight dance’, learned how bees speak, and discovered hidden food sources 400 meters away. Ed Yong is one of our great science writers and this book is the perfect gift for the animal lover on your gift list.
Serviceberry: The richness and reciprocity of the natural world, Written by Robin Wall Kimmerer. This morning I finished reading this little treasure. I was able to easily finish reading it in two or three quick reads. But it will remain for the rest of my life. This is a book about the “gift economy,” exemplified by Berry Bush, a service that provides a buffet of sweet berries for “free.” Berries feed all kinds of living things, which themselves feed the earth and feed themselves in every way. Like the “little free library” of the plant world, people value community and shared resources over economies of scarcity and competition. I can’t think of a more perfect book for our time. (I bought 5 pieces, but I wish I had bought more.)
Mythopedia: Encyclopedia of mythical beasts and their magical stories. I bought this for the two kids in my life (5 and 12 and why didn’t you buy it for me?) and I wish I could have been there to see them rip open the packaging. . It’s a gorgeous book, full of color, whimsy, and animal magic. Look, it’s amazing.
There are many other great books out there, But this is the start of a great conversation this week. (Note: I have written about some of these books in the past. If you want to read more, just do a quick search.
Meanwhile back at the farm: We spent a heavenly few days in Chicago last week with our dear friends Matt and Kelly. tip top tail dog trainingthe perfect quick getaway. It’s the four of us at the shadowy tip of Millennium Park’s famous “Cloud Gate” (or Jelly Bean). Make your selfie your own personal journey.
The Field Museum is a must-see Whenever I’m in Chicago. I could spend many days there. This is Jim, under “The world’s largest animal known to have ever walked the Earth.” Patagotitan marjoram. I’m sure someone made this up. . .
can’t visit chicago Instead of going to Shedd Aquarium, we received some rare beluga therapy there. Please bring two beluga whales and call me in the morning.
close to home, And while it wasn’t as dramatic, it was still fun to watch these Canada geese explain their ability to walk on water.
And, without a doubt, one of the best parts of traveling is I’m coming home to my dogs! Maggie and Skip warmed up the couch for us.
Don’t hesitate to jump in There are lots of books for your holiday book suggestions. We look forward to your ideas, please incorporate them!
