Welcome to the online companion for the book The Official Guide to Living with DINOS! Thanks so much for buying the book. My hope is that it will make your life with your DINOS a little easier and whole lot more fun!

Below you’ll find tons o’ links to information that pairs with each lesson from the book. There’s plenty of other handy info sprinkled around the DINOS website too, especially in the “resources for dog owners” section (see menu above).

Enjoy your online exploration and drop me a line if you find some new web territory that’s helping you and your DINOS.

Thanks again for reading and welcome to Team DINOS!

-Jessica

#1 WHAT THE HECK IS A DINOS?

Since you read the book, now you know what a DINOS is, but I sense you might want more, so here are a few links that describe DINOS (and their arch-nemesis the MDIFs!):

You might be a MDIF if…

Not all DINOS are reactive, but check out this Reactive Dog infographic to better understand those that are!

Learning to Speak Dog: Space the Final Frontier from Photo Lab.

Service Dogs are DINOS. Really! Here’s why they need us to give them space. So are some epileptic dogs. Meet Taz.

#2 YOU’RE NOT ALONE or WELCOME TO TEAM DINOS

Meet your people!! The video shows just a handful of the folks who cheered when DINOS first launched back in 2011.

Check out this interview with the founder of the Difficult Pets Support Group and my (growing) list of support groups here on DINOS.

#3 THE POOP IS ALWAYS FIRMER ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE or THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS A PERFECT DOG

Celebrating life with a not-so-perfect dog: Happy Boogie Day!

Why we love our DINOS – a collection of Love Letters.

A wonderfully helpful and touching blog about helping the book’s cover model, Willow the Wild, work through her fears. Great advice, plus it makes you feel lucky to have a special dog.

Don’t beat yourself up. It’s not always “how a dog is raised” that matters most.

#4 IT’S OK TO BE PICKY ABOUT PROFESSIONAL HELP

Dr. Sophia Yin’s Low Stress Handling, Restraint, and Behavior Modification of Dogs and Cats

Tips for choosing a dog walker from me.

Living with a reactive dog and tips for choosing a dog trainer from Sara Reusche, author of the blog Paws Abilities.

Veterinarians recommended by Team DINOS, pet care and boarding too!

#5 GEAR UP!

My Dog Needs Space Gear

Find Spray Shield here.

How to use a carabiner as a safety net.

How to muzzle train your dog the lazy way. And this way too.

Tons of ideas for fences and fence modifications.

Vests and other gear with “space” messages.

Why hands free leash belts rule.

High value treats to keep in stock.

#6 HOW TO STAY SAFE ON DOG WALKS

Tips on breaking up a dog fight.

Teach your dog “Let’s Go!” (Emergency U-Turn) by Dogmantics.

How to Stop an Approaching Dog by Dr. Patricia McConnell (blog with video).

Teaching your dog to go behind you from Dogs and Babies.

Important information about our legal rights and responsibilities as dog owners.

#7 HOW TO EXERCISE AT HOME plus MEET THE FLIRT POLE

Watch this video from BAD RAP to see the flirt pole in action.

Exercise your dogs without leaving the house. More ideas for rainy days or when you need a break from walking your dog in public.

Maybe you don’t have to walk your dog. Go beyond the daily walk in this helpful interview.

How to DIY an agility set for your back yard

Crate rest activities by Donna Hill

Buy a flirt pole here.

#8 SOCIALIZATION DOESN’T HAVE TO BE A DIRECT CONTACT SPORT or DOG PARKS AREN’T THE ONLY GAME IN TOWN.

Check out this list of Dog walking social groups for ideas near you.

Ready to learn some skills? Take a look at these dog training group classes designed for reactive dogs.

Want to foster dogs? Read this first: Life in the slow lane by BAD RAP.

#9 STOP CARING WHAT EVERYONE ELSE THINKS + STAND UP FOR YOUR DOG

More from Gavin de Becker on trusting our intuition.

Have a pit bull? You need to stand up for them too!

You really do have the right to secure your dog before the police come in to your home.

Sometimes standing up for our dogs means we need to make really, really tough choices. If you’re in this boat, you’re not alone. Please read When Is It Time to Put Down a Dog Who is Aggressive to People? from canine expert Patricia McConnell PhD, CAAB.

#10 DON’T FORGET TO HAVE FUN and TREAT YO SELF!

More about how Nose Works is awesome (and links to lots more resources).

Want to make it official? The National Association of Canine Scent Work is the official sanctioning and organizing body for the sport of K9 Nose Work.

How to take a vacation with your DINOS.

More tips for vacationing with a reactive dog.

Boarding facilities that have options for DINOS.

Please be kind to yourself. Why caregivers (that’s you) need self-compassion from Kristin Neff.