There has been a huge shift in recent years towards an emotion centred model of understanding our dogs and how they behave.
This is good, it's based in scientific evidence, lots of research has been done to support this but it's taking a while to help owners gain understanding and access to the information out there.
There are some owners out there, I know you exist, who would really value access to this information.
What I've done is compiled a little reference list to help keen and eager owners read more about how their dogs emotions work:
1. Allof, B., 2018. Canine body language: a photographic guide. Dogwise Publishing.
This is just a really complete guide to body language. There are pictures of everything you could possibly think of with explanations.
2. Coppinger, R. and Coppinger, L., 2001. Dogs: A startling new understanding of canine origin, behavior & evolution. Simon and Schuster.
If you have that want to understand the things that pioneered the movement towards a emotionally and behaviourally informed approach to dog training Coppinger & Coppinger is really the place to start.
3. Burch, M.R. and Bailey, J.S., 1999. How dogs learn. * Howell Book House
Burch and Bailey have a really good way of explaining the essential dog training concepts that many trainers get so good at showing you. If you want to take it a bit further, here's a great resource!
4. Donaldson, J., 2002. Mine!. Dogwise Publishing.
Specifically to do with resource guarding, this general guide to resolving resource guarding issues and also realistically displays how much we can expect from a behaviour modification approach.
5. Malena DeMartini-Price, C.T.C., 2014. Treating Separation Anxiety in Dogs. Dogwise Publishing.
A comprehensive guide to treating separation related behavioural problems. Very detailed and not always easy for a layman to understand, however, this is a very useful resource!
6. Mattinson, P., 2012. Total Recall: Perfect Response Training for Puppies and Adult Dogs. Quiller Publishing.
An excellent repertoire of recall and pattern games for dogs. Great for an owner looking to get engagement.
These are just a few resources that can help you along the way with your behaviour geekery. Let me know below if they were useful!