We have always felt that reading, researching, and just the general study of any topic of interest is the BEST way to get started in learning about the thing that one is passionate. We imagine that you are probably a person of the same thinking, if you are spending your time looking through this website for research sake, LOL. Reading and study helps us all by giving us a clearer perspective and understanding of the subject matter, and just a lot of great questions to ask from others who already possess a strong, respectable understanding of the topic.

Training dogs is no different, so here is a handful of the most helpful literature and video references that I currently own and have FREQUENTLY read/viewed (as a training novice) in beginning my own personal reference library. They have helped me to gain a stronger beginners' understanding of working dogs and the history of working molosser breeds, enabling me to ask more intelligent questions to the knowledgeable people who have mentored me thus far. I highly recommend ANY of these titles to anyone interested in learning about training in different applications, or about the fascinating history of the world's molosser dog breeds of today.

- Barkada Working Dog

NOTE: WE DO NOT CONDONE THE ACT OF DOG FIGHTING IN ANY WAY. IT IS A SEVERE CRIME, AND VIOLATORS SHOULD BE PROSECUTED TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW.

HOWEVER, THE HISTORY OF GAME-BRED FIGHTING ANIMALS IS THAT OF MANY OF THE GREATEST DOMESTICATED DOG BREEDS OF OUR TIME. THEREFORE, WE FEEL THAT IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THE HISTORICAL ROOTS OF OUR BELOVED BULLDOG BREEDS.

Training Dogs; A Manual by Col. Konrad Most 

This book is considered a classic in canine training philosophies. Although much of the information can be considered outdated in comparison to modern methods of training, I still feel as though this is an excellent book to read. 

Der Schutzhund (The Protection Dog) by Helmut Raiser, Translated by Armin Winkler

This is an EXCELLENT reference for building an understanding of a working dogs basic drives and common reactions (ie avoidance, flight, explanation of "fight drive", and more). This is one of my personal favorites.

How To Be Your Dog's Best Friend by The Monks of New Skete

An excellent book on general behavior for all dog enthusiasts, from the avid trainer to the dedicated pet owner.

The Working Pit Bull by Dianne Jessup 

This book is a great illustration of the wonderful, all-purpose, working bullbreed, The American Pit Bull Terrier. A great book to own for any bulldog lover. 

Schutzhund; Training Theory and Methods by Stewart Hilliard and Susan Barwig

This is an excellent training reference for the new schutzhund enthusiast. It covers topics from working dog selection, specific training concepts, to schutzhund competition rules. 

Advanced Schutzhund by Ivan Balabanov

Another great book for the introduction to general concepts of training and advanced competition rules for schutzhund sport.

Schutzhund Obedience; Training in Drive by Gottfried Dildei

This is a wonderful book that very specifically describes suggested exercises for building a motivated, working, obedience dog. One of my personal favorites.

Dog Training With the Touch by Tom Rose and Annetta Cheek

This is an EXCELLENT book, focusing on schutzhund training concepts, but applying to many other concepts of dog ownership and training. It has an exceptional section on scent work.

Tracking: From the Beginning by Gary Patterson

This is a very helpful reference for scent work, and a great addition to anyone's collection.

Decoys and Aggression; A Police K9 Training Manual

by Dr. Stephen Mackenzie

This is a great literature reference for those who are interested in developing skills as a protection decoy. 

Protection Series (1-3), DVD

This video is a popular choice for anyone beginning work in protection training. (ALL PROTECTION TRAINING SHOULD BE CONDUCTED/DIRECTLY SUPERVISED BY A FULLY-QUALIFIED, EXPERIENCED TRAINER. VIDEO IS NOT MEANT TO BE A PRIMARY MODE OF INSTRUCTION FOR ANY TYPE OF ANIMAL TRAINING). Covers various topics from prey/defense-motivated aggression, driving/stick work, and much, much more. 

Obedience Without Conflict; Clear Communication (1) and The Game (2)

This is an awesome video set to watch, and we would recommend it to anyone interested in ANY type of obedience training, basic to competition. It focuses on the methods of motivated, operant behavior conditioning.

Raising Your Dog, DVD

This is another great production from the Monks of New Skete. It covers a great range of topics in dog ownership, all helping to strengthen the bond between animal and the owner.

The World of Fighting Dogs by Carl Semencic

This book is a great book to see many rare, working molosser breeds in picture and verbal description. Another well known book by Carl Semencic is "Gladiator Dogs".

The History of Fighting Dogs by Dieter Fleig

This is a great reference for learning about the roots of the ancient to modern molosser breeds, dating back to over 1000 years ago, to the Regency era of bullbaiting, and countless other periods in history where the molosser breeds have been documented.

Thirty Years of Fighting Dogs by George C. Armitage

This is a documented record of dozens of the organized pit-rings that took place in the late 1800's and early 1900's, when the Pit Bull dog was imported to the United States from England.

Fighting Dog Breeds by Dieter Fleig

This gives the reader a look at over a dozen different rare to common molosser-type breeds, from the Boxer, the English Bulldog, the Dogue de Bourdeaux, and more. Excellent quality pictures and illustrations.

Leerburg Video Collection 

Below are links to some of the training videos that we own that can be found exclusively at http://leerburg.com.

They are good additions to a video library, but again... it cannot be emphasized enough that videos are not meant to be substitutions for live and interpersonal training.

How To Raise A Working Puppy, Leerburg Video 

Handler Training for a Companion Dog "B", Leerburg Video

Building Drive and Focus w/ Bernard Flinks,

Leerburg Video

Training the New Helper, Leerburg Video

 Training the Trial Helper, Leerburg Video

Training a Competition Heeling Dog, Leerburg Video