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The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook: Featuring the Hierarchy of Dog Needs®
Get the dog training results you’ve always wanted—combining love with the science of dog psychology
Find the roadmap to success in this easy-to-follow Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook
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. Learn how to prevent behavior problems before they escalate! 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.
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. Foreword by Marc Bekoff, PhD, co-founder with Jane Goodall of the Ethologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, and author of 31 books. 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 i dentify 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
T he 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.
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 .
What the experts are saying about The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Manual
“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.
Find the roadmap to success in this easy-to-follow Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook
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. Learn how to prevent behavior problems before they escalate! 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.
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. Foreword by Marc Bekoff, PhD, co-founder with Jane Goodall of the Ethologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, and author of 31 books. 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 i dentify 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
T he 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.
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 .
What the experts are saying about The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Manual
“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.
- GenresDogsNonfiction
346 pages, Paperback
Published July 5, 2022
88 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 25, 2023
As a Holistic Behavior Consultant, I can finally recommend to my clients a dog training workbook that aligns with my philosophy, with scientific evidence and best ethical practices in the 21 century.
Most importantly, it is from nose to tail written to help dogs reach their potential trauma-free. You will find anything you need through the index. It’s written responsibly with no room for confusion or assumptions.
The table of content was likely designed by a German Shepherd. It has an excellent overview.
The book opens a new dimension to understanding the dog’s hierarchy of needs in a way that benefits you and your dog.
Everything is in the correct order and in the right place. This part likely was designed by a border collie.
It covers every aspect of dog parenting, dog care, and puppy training to address complex behavior issues, whether you have a Tea Cup, Spaniel, Nordish Breed, Mastiff, or Guardian.
I did not find anything wrong a Beagle would bark about.
It even shares dog training secrets that not even a Belgian Malinois couldd sniff and dig out.
It discusses dog nutrition, allergies, and
Introducing the dog to babies. I’m sure Pitbull terriers would be proud of this section.
But it also addresses complex behaviors, aggression, anxieties, and gives people clear strategies within the do no harm philosophy.
As a dog professional, I’m impressed by how helpful it is in my business. It has a plethora of examples and references to books and studies.
I have this book in my favorites on Kindle and a hard copy on my desk next to my coffee mug for easy access during my online training consultations.
There’s no way you can do wrong to your do if you and your family study this book and apply what you learned to your beloved dog.
Whether you want to have a dog, about to adopt a dog, already have a dog with behavior problems, or struggling with severe aggression, this book is a great starting point.
To sum up, this book will help you be proactive with training and caring for your dog. It also gives you force-free and fear-free solutions to address existing problems.
English is my third language, as you likely have noticed from my review, but I had no problem understanding even the scientific terms.
Most importantly, it is from nose to tail written to help dogs reach their potential trauma-free. You will find anything you need through the index. It’s written responsibly with no room for confusion or assumptions.
The table of content was likely designed by a German Shepherd. It has an excellent overview.
The book opens a new dimension to understanding the dog’s hierarchy of needs in a way that benefits you and your dog.
Everything is in the correct order and in the right place. This part likely was designed by a border collie.
It covers every aspect of dog parenting, dog care, and puppy training to address complex behavior issues, whether you have a Tea Cup, Spaniel, Nordish Breed, Mastiff, or Guardian.
I did not find anything wrong a Beagle would bark about.
It even shares dog training secrets that not even a Belgian Malinois couldd sniff and dig out.
It discusses dog nutrition, allergies, and
Introducing the dog to babies. I’m sure Pitbull terriers would be proud of this section.
But it also addresses complex behaviors, aggression, anxieties, and gives people clear strategies within the do no harm philosophy.
As a dog professional, I’m impressed by how helpful it is in my business. It has a plethora of examples and references to books and studies.
I have this book in my favorites on Kindle and a hard copy on my desk next to my coffee mug for easy access during my online training consultations.
There’s no way you can do wrong to your do if you and your family study this book and apply what you learned to your beloved dog.
Whether you want to have a dog, about to adopt a dog, already have a dog with behavior problems, or struggling with severe aggression, this book is a great starting point.
To sum up, this book will help you be proactive with training and caring for your dog. It also gives you force-free and fear-free solutions to address existing problems.
English is my third language, as you likely have noticed from my review, but I had no problem understanding even the scientific terms.
September 12, 2023
Do yourself and your dog(s) a favor and get this BOOK! For anyone looking for a fantastic, comprehensive resource on both dog training and more importantly enhancing the lives of their canine companion, this is a MUST have. This is so much more than a training book, it is a book on maximizing your dog’s world, making your life with your dog the best it can possibly be, and caring for your dog’s needs physically, mentally, and emotionally.
In my years of teaching dog training and volunteering I have met many pet parents, all who want the best for their dogs. Yet, so many have been told to “dominate” their dogs or use painful tools to seek compliance by “so-called experts.” Wanting the best for their furry family member they go along, thinking it’s the right thing to do, only to find out how quickly this can destroy their precious bond and lead to a fearful dog, a dog who becomes unwilling to try new behaviors, and who simply shuts down. No one wants to cause their dog pain or fear, but sharing our lives with another species can be frustrating at times and many pet parents simply do not know what else to do or where to turn.
We now KNOW better! The Do No Harm Handbook provides wonderfully detailed, understandable, and actionable dog training advice. It is written clearly so that even first time pet parents can understand why and how to train their dogs. Moreover, the Handbook provides a newer, ethical roadmap and approach to caring for our four-legged loved ones. It gives everyone and anyone the ability to apply force free training strategies to their daily lives. Force free training simply means not using fear or pain to gain compliance or teach behaviors. It does NOT mean permitting unwanted or dangerous behaviors. It DOES mean working WITH your dog versus AGAINST your dog to make everyone’s lives better.
The Handbook features the Hierarchy of Dog Needs which will help anyone seeking to make their dogs’ lives better, meet their basic needs, improve their care, enhance bonding, and make the most of the time we have with our beloved pets. Whether your pup is 12 weeks, 12 months, or 12 years old you can benefit from the knowledge generously shared in the book.
Our pets are our family and deserved to be treated as such, with love and respect. And for my fellow dog-nerds, yes this is a fantastic resource, painstakingly researched, and carefully crafted to satisfy the most stringent among us. Whether you are a new or experienced dog parent, a canine professional, or simply a dog lover, this book will quickly become a favorite resource and one you can return to time and time again. Buy this book. Your dog will thank you!
In my years of teaching dog training and volunteering I have met many pet parents, all who want the best for their dogs. Yet, so many have been told to “dominate” their dogs or use painful tools to seek compliance by “so-called experts.” Wanting the best for their furry family member they go along, thinking it’s the right thing to do, only to find out how quickly this can destroy their precious bond and lead to a fearful dog, a dog who becomes unwilling to try new behaviors, and who simply shuts down. No one wants to cause their dog pain or fear, but sharing our lives with another species can be frustrating at times and many pet parents simply do not know what else to do or where to turn.
We now KNOW better! The Do No Harm Handbook provides wonderfully detailed, understandable, and actionable dog training advice. It is written clearly so that even first time pet parents can understand why and how to train their dogs. Moreover, the Handbook provides a newer, ethical roadmap and approach to caring for our four-legged loved ones. It gives everyone and anyone the ability to apply force free training strategies to their daily lives. Force free training simply means not using fear or pain to gain compliance or teach behaviors. It does NOT mean permitting unwanted or dangerous behaviors. It DOES mean working WITH your dog versus AGAINST your dog to make everyone’s lives better.
The Handbook features the Hierarchy of Dog Needs which will help anyone seeking to make their dogs’ lives better, meet their basic needs, improve their care, enhance bonding, and make the most of the time we have with our beloved pets. Whether your pup is 12 weeks, 12 months, or 12 years old you can benefit from the knowledge generously shared in the book.
Our pets are our family and deserved to be treated as such, with love and respect. And for my fellow dog-nerds, yes this is a fantastic resource, painstakingly researched, and carefully crafted to satisfy the most stringent among us. Whether you are a new or experienced dog parent, a canine professional, or simply a dog lover, this book will quickly become a favorite resource and one you can return to time and time again. Buy this book. Your dog will thank you!
January 17, 2023
Great info but little help
I bought the book to get info on how to deal with aggression between dogs. The book recommends a professional trainer. That was no help at all. The book is listed as “training and behavior handbook”, but there was little in the way of training and mostly behavioral psychology, which I already knew, having studied in college. The “training” part was more of what Not to do than what To do. A lot of great information, but absolutely nothing that was helpful to me. Lots of what and little how.
I bought the book to get info on how to deal with aggression between dogs. The book recommends a professional trainer. That was no help at all. The book is listed as “training and behavior handbook”, but there was little in the way of training and mostly behavioral psychology, which I already knew, having studied in college. The “training” part was more of what Not to do than what To do. A lot of great information, but absolutely nothing that was helpful to me. Lots of what and little how.
July 12, 2023
This book is really helpful: it details many important subjects that we need to learn about to live with our dogs, educate them (and us!), and help them navigate the human world. Another very interesting point: this book is science-based, with all the references at the end, yet very handy and easy to read.
July 12, 2023
This book has been my go to for dog care in all life stages.
I am studying dog behaviour and it has made my studies easier as I can also find references to other work in her book for further study. So many times, I've scoured the internet for information that I already had.
It is worth every penny!
I am studying dog behaviour and it has made my studies easier as I can also find references to other work in her book for further study. So many times, I've scoured the internet for information that I already had.
It is worth every penny!
October 9, 2025
Not especially helpful for someone coming to it trying to figure out how to train a dog without reading 300 pages. Lots of acronyms, random info, and forms to deal with what to do when your dog bites someone in the US.
September 16, 2024
5 stars for the information! There were so many sentence structure oddities and grammar issues, though, which became very distracting.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews