Living with DINOS™: A Resource Guide
2013 Note: For the most up to date version of this resource list, please visit Dogs In Need of Space here.
Living with some DINOS isn’t always easy, but you’re not alone and there is help! Below you’ll find a list of resources gathered from our Facebook fans. This resource guide reflects the tools, trainers, and techniques that have been helpful for their individual DINOS. Every dog is different and there are many types of DINOS, so please keep in mind that what works for one DINOS family, may not work for another. But this list is a great place to start!
Please note that being included in this list is not an endorsement by the blog’s author.
Please see the DINOS website for the most up to date list, including Books and DVDs!
Please see the DINOS Website for: Training Classes for DINOS
Articles and Videos
On Service Dog Etiquette from Please Don’t Pet Me
Suzanne Clothier’s classic, “He Just Wants to Say Hi”.
Dr. Ian Dunbar’s look at Canine Body Language
Karen Overall’s pdf of her Relaxation Protocol
Doggone Safe on bite prevention and dog safety for kids
Bad Rap’s take on Dog/Dog Tolerance levels in adult dogs
Dr. Patricia McConnell’s blogs on dog-dog Reactivity Treatments + How to Stop an Approaching Dog (video)
Dr. Sophia Yin’s video of her work with a Fear Aggressive/Reactive dog
How to Help Your Fearful Dog from Casey Lomonaco
A collection of articles about Aggression and Reactivity from Karen Pryor’s website (various authors)
A video to help Dogs and Kids learn how to safely interact from Karen Pryor Clicker Training
Reactive Champion blog includes info on medications, supplements, and many other resources
Proper Dog Intros and Multi-Dog Home Management from Pat Miller in Whole Dog Journal
DINOS handouts
Tellington TTouch Methods: based on circular movements of the fingers and hands and using a combination of specific touches, lifts, and movement exercises, TTouch helps to release tension and increase body awareness. For dogs with various behavioral issues, such as fear, aggression, etc.
Hilton Herbs: “Tranquility Support” is an herbal calmer that will not dope or sedate your dog, but is reported to help maintain a healthy and balanced nervous system and a calm outlook. Recommend to help with over excitable dogs, rescue animals that may have received bad treatment, or simply tense, nervous sensitive dogs.
Healing Touch for Animals: Healing Touch for Animals is a holistic approach designed to support the health and well-being of animals through energy medicine and intention. HTA techniques are reported to restore harmony and balance to the animal’s energy system while providing physical, emotional, mental and instinctual stability.
Nose Work for Dogs: also called scent work, this fun activity channels your dog’s natural curiosity and interest in using his nose. This is a terrific activity for reactive or fearful dogs as it can be done one dog at a time and requires no training. An excellent confidence booster.
Agility: a fun, mental and physical exercise for dogs that builds teamwork, skills, and confidence. From home-made courses in your own yard to competition trials, agility can be adapted for just about any dog.
Dock Diving: is a dog sport in which dogs compete in jumping for distance or height from a dock into a body of water. Dogs jump one at a time and do not need to interact with one another in order to participate.
Lure Coursing, Weight Pull, and Disc Dog: three more fun dog sports that can be done without interacting with other dogs!
The DINOS Café Press Store! It’s here!! Now you can warn MDIFs off in style! Includes “Keep Back – My Dog Needs Space” gear for you and your dog!
Dog Flags and bandanas with color coded messages such as, “I’m Shy” and “Please Don’t Approach”
“Give Me Space” leash sleeves and bandanas suitable for all dogs, as well as specialty items for blind or deaf dogs in need of space. An Australian company.
“Do Not Distract” Vest from Clean Run, includes “do not pet” patch. Great for dogs in training and/or working dogs.
Angel Vest: called the “white cane for dogs”, this device is designed to assist blind dogs in feeling things in front of them. Might be useful for blind dogs who needs space, as it provides a slight buffer zone around their face.
“Dog in Training” Vest from Cricket Mara of the Pawsitive Dog in Corrales, New Mexico
Caution Badges: a variety of distinct message badges for your leash, custom designs available too, from Bold Lead Designs.
Dexil Friendly Dog Collars: collars, harnesses, and leashes with clear, bold messages, such as Caution and No Dogs.
Italian Basket Muzzles: flexible, with leather straps and a removable front grill for more access. Dogs can pant, bark, and drink water while wearing.
2013 UPDATE: Check the DINOS website for the most up to date version of this resource guide!
Trackbacks & Pingbacks
Comments are closed.
notes from a dog walker 
Just wanted to add a training class using Control Unleashed techniques that is held in Minnesota at Paws Abilities (http://www.paws4u.com/). It’s called “Growl Class.”
Chako Pit Bull Rescue & Advocacy in Sacramento, CA also offers classes for Dog Reactivity and Basic Obedience for Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes, in addition to many other programs and resources for Pit Bull owners. Our main website is http://www.chako.org and our classes can be found at http://www.meetup.com/pitbulls
I bought one of those italian basket muzzles years ago when Lacy was on “probation” with animal control..she is a pit bull and got out one day..barked at the neighbors dogs so even though there was no biting..she was required to wear a muzzle in public for a year.
My fault she got out..and I don’t blame the neighbor for reacting..but I think it was over kill…anyway. I still have the muzzle and occasionally use it for large dog intro’s, I’ve had it for 6 years..and it wasn’t expensive at all..less than $30 I think. Really durable.
And she can pant, drink and take treats with it on..
(oh and lesson learned..teach your dog recall, manners, crate training..etc, from day one, cause it’s not cute when they scare someone. And that goes for small dogs too)
Wow – that is overkill! I wonder if they would require a muzzle if it had been a different breed? Anyway, thanks for sharing that the muzzle held up for your gal. And those are some good lessons learned!
Wanted to add that Blazing Trails K9 Academy in Lancaster/Antelope Valley CA offers classes that work with reactive dogs (our classes are done on a drop in basis with the majority of the students having worked with reactive dogs-all breeds welcome) We also have freeplay/dog/dog socialization classes particularly during spring/summer/fall months. Website is http://www.blazingtrailsk9.com
What a great resource!! You have found your calling! Will definitely share on our blog and FB…along with every person with a DINO I know!
-Jennifer
Thanks Jen! I hope it helps some of your DINOS pals : )
I love that you included information on Service Dogs here. Because not every dog who needs space, needs space because of fear or anxiety. Some dogs need space to do their jobs.
Thanks Kit, you’re absolutely right! DINOS is for any dog that needs space: to train, to work, to relax, etc. Thanks for reading!
Fetch Dog Training in Minneapolis, MN offers classes for reactive dogs – called Calm Confident Connected. http://www.fetchmpls.com
We offer offer both a shy souls class & reactive rovers class at Toledo Dog Training. http://www.toledodogtraining.com Keep up the great work & education!
Thanks Tonya – I’ll add your classes!
Alamo City Bully Breeds United in San Antonio, TX offers low cost Pit Bull only training classes.http://www.meetup.com/Alamo-City-Bully-Breeds-United/
Karen Pearce Training also in San Antonio, TX is a trainer experienced with working with dogs with issues. She is the trainer for Alamo City Bully Breed United. http://www.karenpearcetraining.com/default.html
I bought a Baskerville muzzle for vet trips with my dog. The BEST muzzle ever and I got it for less then $20 at EntirelyPets.com
The Animal Humane Society (Minnesota) offers Reactive Rovers classes at their Golden Valley location, and I’m pretty sure their Now Boarding and Woodbury locations as well.
MARS (Midwest Animal Rescue & Services) has an agility class just for DINOS!
Thanks Elisabet!
The Acadrmy in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada offers reactive dog classes. It’s on the website as well
MassDOG members have been interviewed in some excellent press coverage of the off leash recreation issue, for example, on WBUR 90.
The products that Dexil Friendly Dog Collars do are the BEST for this type of problem. I’m hearing from many people in different countries that they are being seen around a lot, if this can be a worldwide system then all would know what dogs not to approach. A truly fantastic idea that will prevent a lot of harm to children, adults and other dogs.