“Laure-Anne, you are the BOOK LADY ! You provide that function BRILLIANTLY for us all. As long as you can manage the paper and ebooks and tell us what’s worth reading, you are worth your weight in GOLD!,” Eric Brad (author, dog trainer, Canine Nation podcast host).
A systematic obsession
To stay on top of dog behaviour, I burrow through scary amounts of literature on dog training, zoology, behaviour,… It’s a tall order, but every speckle of knowledge is a step stone towards my insane goal: gain a sound multi-disciplinary knowledge of dog behaviour.
A while back, I started systematically reviewing each book. The habit has stuck, and the collection has kept growing.
Note to my readers
I mark absolute must-reads with an asterisk (*). Do not wait another moment before you start on these.
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Don’t be put off if I didn’t like a book. You may very enjoy a book I didn’t like.
So, enjoy the reviews, and get reading!
Note to my authors
If you are an author and would like me to review your book (hard copies please), please e-mail info atcanisbonus dot com and I’ll send you my postal details. I publish every review on Amazon too.
To avoid a conflict of interest, the process is free of charge. It does mean that sending me a book is no guarantee of a raving review.
101 silliest things people say about dogs
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AUTHOR: Alexandra Semyonova
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2009
SUMMARY: 101 common myths debunked one by one.
AUDIENCE: The occasional controversial opinions strongly expressed in the book means that it should not be put in the hands of complete beginners, who may be unable to read it critically.
REVIEW: This book is a little gem. It has a backyard publishing feel to it, but that just adds to its charm.
The author is an American expatriate living in the Netherlands (am biased as a fellow English-speaking expat in Dutchland). She has a Masters in Ethology, and goes through the usual dog-related myths with passion, and, at times, irritation, in an eminently readable way.
She sets the record straight on many commonly held perspectives, and crystallised my own thoughts and observations on a couple of points (how dogs are conciliatory, and need control and need predictability above all else).
She does let her passion get the better of her impartiality at times, goes off on tirades about Konrad Lorenz, Dutch training schools (been there, done that) and pit bulls. She also fails to quote her sources with each claim (instead, lumping them at the end of each chapter in a more user-friendly, but less rigorous, way). But am really knit-picking here.
So it has to be read with a pinch of salt, but is a real gem all the same.
* Animal Behavior Desk Reference, a dictionary of animal behavior, ecology and evolution
insert line here AUTHOR: Edward M. Barrows
PUBLISHING YEAR: (last revision) 2000
SUMMARY: Specialist dictionary/encyclopedia on ethology.
AUDIENCE: A must-have for the animal behaviour student.
REVIEW: Fantastic reference for in-depth, reliable, and distinct definitions of animal behaviour concepts.
APBC book for Companion Animal Behaviour
insert line here AUTHOR (EDITOR): David Appleby
PUBLISHING YEAR: (last revision) 2010
SUMMARY: In-depth analysis of some common issues surrounding companion animal behaviour, the law, and welfare. It mainly focuses on dogs.
AUDIENCE: Too free-flowing for academics, too specialized for owners, this one falls neatly into the professional category. Read it if you want to strenghten your knowledge on the common behaviour problems covered, and issues affecting small animal behaviour therapy.
REVIEW: Overall, the book was a real pleasure to read. In most places, it showed the right mix of every day English and scientific rigour.
One chapter –The importance of Positive Reinforcement– felt like the odd one out (more “Marketingese” than textbook English). The rest got the tone just right: professional and scientific, without being discouragingly dry. I finished the book in two days, that’s how much of a smooth read it is.
The book suffers from the occasional internal inconsistency, so it could do with a little dusting up in the next editing process, to eliminate (minor) mutually contradicting claims between individual sections.
The “dominance” topic is approached with commendable balance, subtlety and tact, although it occasionally read like the author had been censored into replacing sensitive, but descriptive, words, with a more politically acceptable version.
I found the chapter on old age-related behaviour issues and socialisation nothing short of revelatory. Prior to reading the book, I thought I grasped these subjects, but it gave me a whole new perspective.
The cover suggests an all-encompassing review of all common behaviour problems in all companion animals, but it is more a limited selection of behaviour problems mainly in dogs (cats and rabbits are mentioned in a couple of chapters). This happens to suit me just fine (who cares about breadth if depth is appropriate), but is a little misleading.
The author’s background section in the back shows the authors’ achievements in the field. The list reads like a who’s who in companion animal behaviourism, and is awe-inspiring. It has given me the ambition to try for a CCAB (Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist) – that would require time, though, so unlikely to happen this side of the century…
Behavioral Biology of the Dog
insert line here AUTHOR: Per Jensen (editor)
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007
AUDIENCE: Aimed at a scientific audience, it does not make for light reading. It may be a little dry for someone with no scientific background at all, but I did not find it insurmountable. If you do not have a scientific background, I advise that you familiarise yourself with the high level contents, and read individual chapters on a as-needed basis, rather than going through the whole book in one go.
SUMMARY: The book contains scientific articles about:
Zoology:
scientific classification
evolutionary history
domestication history
breed diversity history
Behaviour:
mechanism and function of behaviour
genetics of behaviour
sensory physiology
social behaviour
learning
Human influence
behaviour of free-ranging dogs
evolution of working dog breeds
individual dog personality
social cognition in dogs and human-animal interactions
behavioural problems
behavioural problems and disease
REVIEW: Some of the articles are really quite technical (e.g. the mtDNA study), so you might have to get the old biology dictionary out. But it’s well worth the effort, as it really gives you THE seminal articles you need to give you a foundation of the dog from a scientific perspective.
Some articles scrutinise some commonly disputed issues, and put these demons to rest for the time being at least (e.g. learning and history of domestication, to name but a couple).
I have found this book to be an invaluable reference when digging deep into a specific topic. It always has that ONE influential article that determined what is known on the particular topic today. Of course, as it aims to be a literature survey on that latest known information, it was out of date by the time it went to print.
The choice of topics confounded me a little, as I found that some subjects received much attention (e.g. evolutionary biology) while others were barely mentioned at all (e.g. socialisation).
Despite all that, I find it an invaluable resource if you’re serious about a career with dogs – be it as a trainer or a behaviourist.
Bones would Rain from the Sky (if Dogs could Pray)
AUTHOR: Suzanne Clothier
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2005
SUMMARY: Autobiography of author’s journey history in her dog training career.
AUDIENCE: You might enjoy this book as a professional if you want to reflect upon some of the more philosophical aspects of our relationship with dogs. I would say that it is more squarely aimed at owners, though.
REVIEW:
I started off deeply relating with SC’s strong love of animals from early childhood. Her personal struggle to train without ego (or in my case, without crippling self-doubt) also rung deep. She lost me after a couple of chapters, though, as I found myself wishing for more substance and less free-flowing emotional exploration.
As I understand it, the author’s objective was to present her perspective on a balanced dog-owner relationship in a thought-provoking way. And that it does. It does not, however, offer much in the way of verifiable facts or tangible suggestions, which is what I am always on the look out for. To be fair, it does not claim to.
I also found that the author could lose herself in flights of lyricism and (from my perspective) New Age philosophy.
Finally I found the standards of the ideal dog-owner relationship suggested in this book depressingly high. It left me feeling that my up-till-then satisfying relationship with my dog was somehow insufficient. It also made me temporarily judgemental of other dog owners.
So all in all, I did not really enjoy reading that book, but it remains critically acclaimed in the field so it may well be just a matter of personal taste?
Canine Body Language – a Photographic Guide
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AUTHOR: Brenda Aloff
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2009
SUMMARY: Dog’s body language in pictures.
AUDIENCE: Its format is a little dry and its depth is quite specialized, so I would not recommend it for the average dog owner. This is more a professional handbook than coffee table material.
REVIEW: I really enjoyed that one and found it of immense educational value.
It is a very comprehensive and visual (photographic) review of canine body language. It teaches you to look out for very subtle signs of stress, fear, unease, aggression, playing, etc.
To be truly useful as a reference tool, it could do with a more coherent structure. As it stand, I did not understand the logic behind the decision to place a particular sign in a particular chapter.
Once you have read, re-read and read it some more, your confidence at interpreting, and using dog communication will grow leaps and bounds. You’ll quickly learn to train your eye to recognize the signs.
The most important lesson I have learnt in this book, was to look at the combination of signs to get the full picture. It offers hours of mind-boggling observation games to play at the dog park.
In my experience, it takes a lot of practice to finally grasp the patterns hidden in the book, but once you’ve got it, it’s close to life-changing (particularly if you’re thinking of being involved with dogs professionally) as you will uncover a flurry previously undetected signals.
* Changing problem behavior
AUTHOR: James O’Heare
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2010
SUMMARY: A guide to approaching behaviour change like a behaviour analysis project.
AUDIENCE: You’re not going to get much out of this book unless you are already well-versed in the technical lingo of animal training and behaviour. Definitely not for the average owner. Do you know what, scratch that, it’s not even for most trainers, unless they’ve done quite a lot of homework on the behaviour science side of things.
REVIEW: So, we’ve established that this book ain’t no Da Vinci Code. Now onto the nitty gritty…
James O’Heare does it again. He demonstrates a masterly grip on behaviour science (mainly behaviourism, some ethology), and takes it to the next level.
I, once again (he seems to repeat that chapter in other books), read the section on the different currents in the animal behaviour change with delight. It was intelligent, concise, and clear. James O’Heare affiliates himself with the ‘behaviour analysis’ current, which distinguishes itself through its emphasis on the ‘contingency statement’ (discriminating stimulus, motivating operation, response, consequence). The approach is very similar to the medical model but for one thing: it focuses a lot less (if at all) on diagnoses. Behaviour analysis seems to see diagnosing as superstitious at best, and as harmful at worst. Behaviour analysis strongly sets itself apart from the Alpha Male Jock Dog Training, the ‘been good with dogs for 20 years’ kind of trainer. Behaviour analysis is hardcore science. They are also strongly dedicated to the principle least invasive method. And not just on paper either: they effectively only ever recommend the use of positive (R+ to you and me) methods, even if in principle, increasingly invasive methods could be tolerated if warranted.
At times, I found the style refreshingly concise and clear. He bull’s eyes on some theoretical concepts like nobody’s business, getting it so delightfully right and sometimes introducing it with a refreshing twist. But at other times, his adherence to exact technical terminology could become unnecessarily ‘jargony’ in my view. I understand the need for exact terminology, but many paragraphs could, in my opinion, be written in a more popular style without affecting coherence, clarity or correctness.
I found the level of detail in explaining the classics (e.g. shaping, operant conditioning) a little redundant, given the target audience. Much shorter chapters focusing only a lot less on the basic explanation, and practically only on the behaviour-analysis-relevant flavour of these concepts.
As a project manager in a previous life, I had expected some PRINCE2-like methodology. That is actually not what this book attempts to deliver. I found myself day-dreaming of integrating the concepts into a project management model, but soon gave up. I think he was wise not to attempt an all-encompassing risk/budget/timeline control methodology to behaviour change projects. Still, the title misled me a little.
I guess the main intellectual baggage I am walking away from, having read this book, is a strongly renewed conviction of the need to measure baseline behaviour, set objectives, and measure progress, in as quantitative and objective a manner as possible. That, and, of course, the sacro-saint focus on the contingency statement.
In conclusion, I am extremely glad this book was brought to my attention. Aside from the above-mentioned baggage, it has also refreshed, and sometimes somewhat shifted, my understanding of key concepts. But above all, it’s made me discover this unmissable author: James O’Heare. Watch this space for a lot more review on this master of theory.
Control Unleashed
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AUTHOR: Leslie McDevitt
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007
SUMMARY: Technical manual for running an off-leash training class
AUDIENCE: An invaluable professional manual, but not something you’ll be reading in front of the fire petting Fido’s head with the old glass of Port…
REVIEW: This was a bit of an awkward read, as the style needed a little grooming. The design and photos also gave it the feel of a mom-and-pops job. As an added barrier to reading pleasure, the author also adhered to a structure pattern a little too rigidly, giving it all the creative juice of a lawnmower instructions manual.
That said, it is a very informative, very thorough manual on how to organise offleash classes. I will certainly re-use it if I organise off-leash classes.
It makes some pretty good, tangible, suggestions on the set-up of these classes, and has some real gems in it, like the insightful way in which she approaches dog-dog reactivity: treat the dog for looking at other dogs, instead of looking away.
I wish I could give it more stars, as it has so much potential, but the book just didn’t give me my reading kick. Still, try it. It might be a question of personal taste.
* Culture Clash
AUTHOR: Jean Donaldson
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2006
SUMMARY: Modern dog training perspectives in layman’s terms (It’s the best I can do here. Just can’t do it justice)
AUDIENCE: If you’re professional, read it now, recommend it to your customers, give it to shelter adopters!
REVIEW: An absolute must-read.
This book has a special place in my heart, as it is the one that gave me the courage to pursue my dream of becoming a dog behaviourist back in 2008.
I have read it again and again and again (and some more) since then.
To give you an idea: I always ear-mark interesting passages for further study, and one of my friend (a book store owner), on discovering the state of the book, was in shock when he saw the abuse. There’s practically not a page left unmarked!
The first time I read it, I could not put it down. I read it in one stretch, hardly stopping to eat or sleep. .
Note: This book is often part of the compulsory reading material for some animal behaviour diplomas, as an added bonus!
It introduces many essential principles of modern dog training, dog learning and body language concepts in layman’s terms. It doesn’t go in to detail, but give you a taste for an approach that is at once scientifically rigorous, and force-free.
Added bonus: a couple of passages will have you in stitches with laughter.
This book is a treasure-trove of invaluable training suggestions written in an unpretentious, easy, flowing prose.
Dog (the), its behavior, nutrition and health
AUTHOR: Linda P. Case
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2005
SUMMARY: High-level summary of scientific knowledge on dog’s behaviour, health (some stats), and nutrition
AUDIENCE: It may be more appropriate for student veterinarians who want their insight into dogs to go beyond anatomy and pathology, than for behaviourists seeking to deepen their general knowledge of the dog.
REVIEW: This book is quite reminiscent of of Lindsay’s “Handbook…” in terms of style and coverage.
I like it a lot and I would have it as a must-read if it was not a little redundant with its fellow must-read (Lindsay’s “Handbook”). It is shorter than Lindsay’s, in its defence (that bugger took me the best part of 1.5 years…).
Linda Case’s book is a literature survey on what was ‘known’ (to whatever extent we ever know anything) about dogs in the scientific community at the time of writing (2005). In other words, it is a condensed collection of reliable information about dogs which will give you the confidence to identify and refute old wives’ tales. It will also help you understand the dog as a subject of scientific study.
The writing style remains academic, of course, and this text can easily be used as a serious reference for whatever publication you intend on writing in a related subject.
What makes the book strong, is perhaps also its weakness, is that it covers a broad area without being too voluminous (well, it is 500 pages, but if you compare it to Lindsay, it’s virtually a beach magazine). But it simply is not long enough to cover some of the topics at sufficient depth.
I also felt, at times, that the choice of particular topics (within chapters), was a little random, but having said that, this is my comment to just about any book trying to tackle all scientific information about dogs in a holistic way. It’s an impossible task.
Having said all that, I am very positively biased towards the author. We talked a lot for an interview I wrote about her, and she was just adorable. So, basically, buy it. She’s lovely!
Dog Behavior Problems: a Counselor’s Handbook
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AUTHOR: William Campbell
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2008
SUMMARY: Anecdotes about running a dog behaviour counselling practise.
AUDIENCE: Wannabe small animal behaviour therapists.
REVIEW: I was a little disappointed with this one.
From the title, I was hoping it would give me a comprehensive tool kit on running a dog behaviourist practice (à la Nicole Wilde, with “So you want to be a dog trainer”). Instead, I found that the anecdotes inconsistently switched from shallow to specific, with little practical value.
I was a little uncomfortable with some strong assertions on some of still disputed points (you guessed right: the old dominance demon), without backing these up with more than personal anecdotes.
So I don’t know, maybe I should give it another chance? All I know is I didn’t really get much out of it.
* Dog Sense
AUTHOR: John Bradshaw
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2011
SUMMARY: Dog Sense is a giant research literature survey, written in layman’s terms, about dogs’ behaviour through: evolution, domestication, cognitive abilities, emotions, genetics, and training methods.
AUDIENCE:
It was tough selecting a readership stamp, as:
Owner: It’s a long read, but in layman’s term. It will help you shed the clinging few old wife’s tales and let you look at your dog for what he is.
Professional: It’s fast becoming the bible of science-based trainers.
Academic: It’s bursting with ideas for cognitive ethologists, comparative psychologists, and clinical behaviourists.
REVIEW
In terms of scope, Dog Sense (aka In Defence of Dogs) combines the grounds of two pop science giants –Culture Clash (dog training and learning) and Inside of a Dog (dogs’ senses and cognitive abilities)– in one volume.
Dog Sense takes you through what we know and what we don’t know about (among other things):
1/ Dogs’ emotions: covering jealously (THANK YOU, finally someone is covering this in pop science) and shame. It takes a very interesting twist on love –I expected to be admonished for clinging to the certainty that my dog saw me as more than a meal-ticket, but nope.
2/ Dog’s evolutionary history: discussing the rise of the canid family, and the potential details of speciation from wolves, including an interesting twist on the Coppingers’ theory. Another THANK YOU for being the only other author I’ve read (with Linda Case) who explicitly mentions that the domestic dog and the gray wolf share a common ancestor: the dog does not directly descend from today’s grey wolf.
3/ Breeds: THANK YOU also, for making the oft-understated point that working strains of pedigree dogs are not the magic answer to all welfare problems associated with purebred dogs. Granted, they are not primarily selected for their appearance (a la showring), but for extreme behaviours, making them unsuitable as pets.
4/ And a few other chapters full of similar gems on dog training, learning, intelligence, socialisation, etc.
True to form, I had to find something negative to say about it. Well, two things:
1/ Breadth and depth… Where Jean Donaldson summarizes, John Bradshaw… analyzes. The discussion and analysis in certain chapters stretched too long and dug too deep for the layman.
2/ Countless paragraphs started with ‘Scientists say that…’, implying a consensus in the scientific community. My objection is: he does so even on topics that are far from clear-cut like… dominance. In his 2009 opinion piece (Dominance in domestic dogs: useful construct or bad habit?), he did a better job at presenting the inconvenient literature too. The book is thus open to accusations of intellectual dishonesty by detractors. Brevity and oversimplification are inevitable in pop science, but it would have been safer to say ‘Many scientists’ instead.
Still, a dog book boils down to a simple question: “Would the world be a better place if every dog owner had read this book?” With Dog Sense, my answer is: Yes, yes, a million times yes.
Dogs: a new understanding of canine origin, behaviour and evolution
AUTHORS: Ray and Lorna Coppinger
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2004
SUMMARY: Observations of a scientist couple on the dog’s evolution. Also touches on training and sports.
AUDIENCE: A little too technical to be read for entertainment purposes without being rigorous enough to be used quotable in mainstream academia. Perhaps the person who will enjoy it the most is the scientifically literate owner with a speculative bend.
REVIEW: I am a little torn on this one. This book is widely quoted by respectable sources, yet I find it lacking A LITTLE in structure and scientific rigour. Given the authors’ academic background, I presume this is more the result of a marketing decision than a lack of skill.
I found the choice to devote so much space to dog sleighing surprising – and a little frustrating (I am not all that interested in dog sports). Ray Coppinger has a lot of expertise on the subject, but the focus on sports was disproportionate in a generic book about dogs.
The most valuable part of this book is, without doubt, is the Coppingers’ thought-provoking discussions on the evolution and origin of the dog, explaining their trademark “Pinocchio” hypothesis in their own words. The Coppingers’ theory on the origin of the dogs is frequently quoted, and deservedly so in my opinion.
Ray Coppinger seems disparaging of dog trainers focus on conditioning theory, but I did not understand the nature of his reservations, nor did he engage me to think of alternatives. A point worth exploring, certainly.
I am glad I read it, but I see it more as a must-read in the most literal meaning of the word – it WILL be in a compulsory reading list if you are studying dogs. So, I did not particularly enjoy it, but, as it is quoted so often, it would have been unprofessional not to read it.
(the) Dog’s Mind
insert line here AUTHOR: Bruce Fogle
PUBLISHING YEAR: 1990
SUMMARY: Interpretations (often pack theory-based) of commonly observed dog behaviour.
AUDIENCE: The audience is, in theory, dog owners looking to debunk myths about dogs. Unfortunately, it disseminates the occasional myth by itself, so to be taken with a pinch of salt. So I would put it in the hands of critical readers who are already well-read in the field, and want to finally read this often-quoted book.
REVIEW: Perhaps I am completely incorrect, given the weight of the author’s name in the field, but the book read like it was written by a general veterinary practitioner with little in the way of academic credentials in behaviour.
As with 99% of books written in the 1990′s (publication date here 1990) , the book is predictably littered with dominance theory-related interpretations.
The most interesting chapter was, for me, the description of the effect of old age on a dogs’ behaviour. He makes some very interesting obverations in it.
In my opinion, this book should be removed from compulsory reading lists (it is still in many curricula on dog behaviour) in the edition that I read. To be fair, I purchased mine second hand and it could well be that he re-wrote some chapters in subsequent editions.
Dogs as they are
insert line here AUTHOR: Eric Brad
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2012
SUMMARY: Lively essays on critical dog questions through popular science.
AUDIENCE: If you are an owner struggling with inconsistencies with traditional training methods, this book has your name written all over it. It’ll be the launching platform you need to discover the fascinating world of dog fact, so you can, once and for all, leave dog fiction behind.
CONTENTS
Dominance and pack theory
Projecting emotions vs. observing them objectively
Dogs not getting along: the signs, and how to interpret them
Examples and theories of canine humour
Little known dog body language signals
The story of fostering a traumatized dog
REVIEW: Organised in a collection of themed essays, the book gives you the low down on every conceivable canine stereotype and runs them past the latest and greatest science popularization sources.
Eric Brad is the host OF Canine Nation, a well-respected podcast. He also writes for magazines and websites, and his dogs are agility trial champions. But above all, he is clearly enamored with all thing dogs, and this passion shines through every line.
Many of us share his traumatic story of re-education. It all starts when your dog crosses some unforgivable line. Then you desperately work your way through the traditional dog training tips, but it gets worse. So you start digging through the technical literature yourself and, if you’re lucky, you’ll hit gold and get to one of the greats (Ray Coppinger, Jean Donaldson, Alexandra Horowitz,…). You’ve opened that door, and knowledge just keeps pouring in. Hopefully, you’ll be working your way through increasingly challenging material –with your dog’s problems far behind you– until you feel emboldened to share your discoveries in that journey of learning in a book. And that’s just what Eric did.
Clearly a gifted writer, Eric Brad’s prose is vanilla-smooth on top, rock-solid at the bottom. The background research is near impeccable, as he showed me the perfect three’s:
a good grasp of
a wide array of
recent references.
His literature research is a welcome relief from the flurry of apocryphal writings about dogs.
A couple of things need to be polished to make this book perfect in my eyes: availability in hard-copy, pictures, more fleshed out examples and more in-text references.
Domestic Dog: its Evolution, Behavior and Interactions with People
insert line here AUTHOR (EDITOR): James Serpell
PUBLISHING YEAR: 1995
SUMMARY: A collection of significant dog-related scientific research articles.
AUDIENCE: Makes for a very dry read if you are unused to scientific articles. The contents would only be useful to the layman in summarised and vulgarised form, but are completely inaccessible if you don’t have a bit of a scientific bend. For academic work, it is emminently quotable with some classic review articles, though.
REVIEW: The choice of research topics seemed a little random – a common complaint with me ; P – given the title’s broad coverage ambitions it has, and the wealth of research available. This resulted in the book lacking in natural flow, instead giving it a random/chaotic feel.
The other side of the coin is that the information in this book was immensely reliable (explanations on experimental design used, clear quotes), which only a few dog books can claim.
So, for me, the function of this book was to bust popularmyths on subjects like feral dog behaviour, separation anxiety, or the origins of breed selection.
* Dominance in dogs: fact or fiction
AUTHOR: Barry Eaton
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2010
SUMMARY: List of pack theory counter-arguments (I mean, against the pack theory)
AUDIENCE: For those of you who have developed a real aversion to the dominance theory, it will crystallise your arguments. For those of you who interpret every dog behaviour in terms of dominance, it might make a dent.
REVIEW: Another must-read (sorry!). At least this one won’t take you long, It’s tiny.
It lists, in layman’s terms, the arguments against the pack theory (dog comes from wolf, wolves try to dominate each other, dog tries to dominate us).
The problem with this book is that it aims at condemning the dominance theory. This makes it inevitably one-sided, as it fails to report any experiment/observations that suggest that there might something to the pack theory (they exist, so the jury is still arguably out there still).
I personally found the book extremely enjoyable, and would recommend it to anyone as long as you remember that it is not a balanced survey on the subject of dominance, but a collection of very sound arguments against the public’s (and some trainers’) obsession with the topic.
* Dr Dunbar’s Good Little Dog Book
AUTHOR: Ian Dunbar
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2003
SUMMARY: Illustrated positive training exercises using Ian Dunbar’s now treat-prompt classic method.
AUDIENCE: First-dog owners about to adopt a dog.
REVIEW: Another must-read, if only for how much clout Dr Dunbar enjoys among positive trainers. Ian Dunbar has acquired a solid reputation as one of the pioneers of humane, gentle training methods.
It gives complete, structured, illustrated, tangible and clear guidance on teaching your dog basic canine manners. It also touches on subjects of lure-weening, behaviour extinction, etc. in practical, layman’s terms.
I did not enjoy it as much as I thought, probably because it aims at being a manual for dog owners, so not that much technical knowledge to be gleaned for me. Also, his methods have been re-hashed by countless positive trainers since publication. So I wouldn’t buy it to access unique, technical information, but more to credit the guy with practically inventing positive dog training methods.
Emotional lives of animals (the)
AUTHOR: Marc Bekoff
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2008
SUMMARY: Collection of anecdotes and observations supporting the case for “bioanthropomorphism”, i.e. the assertion (which I share) that animals have emotions. This assertion is still disputed by hard-line scientists in the field, given the difficulty in quantifying and verifying emotions.
AUDIENCE: Dog owners with an interest in animal welfare, and who appreciate pop science.
REVIEW: I was quite disappointed in this book. Bekoff is somewhat of an idol in the positive dog training world, thanks to his advocacy work on animal rights. As a scientist and popular press writer, he is in an ideal position to spread his message: let’s stop seeing animals in a purely exploitative way. They have intrinsic value aside from the advantages they can mean to us.
Disappointingly enough, I found most of the examples he gave utterly unconvincing. If I had not already been a fervent defender of animal rights and a strong believer that they do have emotions, the book might have discredited that very point for me.
Too many examples used in this book are little more than wild speculation and often poorly documented anecdotes.
At this stage, I fail to see much added value in this book, as it basically just preaches to the choir. No self-respecting sceptic would be influenced by it, and most definitely not hard-liner scientists.
So the report card, knowing Mr. Bekoff’s biography, professional reputation, and impressive record of published studies is this: Can do better!
Empowerment Training
AUTHOR: James O’Heare
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2011
SUMMARY: Background theory and implementation techniques to promote empowerment in the domestic dog.
AUDIENCE: Specialist trainers with a solid scientific background and/or applied behaviourists/behaviouralists.
REVIEW: I am quite conflicted about writing this review as I will not give it a lot of stars, yet I love what the author is about. His background research is gargantuan, and he displays an awe-inspiring grasp of the multi-disciplinarian science topics behind behaviouralism.
Throughout this book, O’Heare proposes that empowerment, to be promoted through creativity, persistence, industriousness and resilience, is a powerful tool to improve the quality of life of a reaction-depressed dog (in extreme cases, one displaying learnt helplessness).
Whilst I love his academic tone (no assertion is left unreferenced, no new concept is left undefined), his thoroughness is perhaps also his downfall. Some chapters are thorough and exact to the point of tedium. Here is an example. Bearing in mind the likely reader (experienced trainers/behaviourists with a solid scientific background), attempting to explain shaping in its most minute details is impractical.
The same can be said to the chapter on learning theory, although I can see that these are necessary to explain the parallels with strict behaviouralist terminology, which boils everything down to a technical contingency statement (discriminating stimulus, motivating operation, response, consequence) in the most elegant way. However the basics could be somewhat abridged, as one must assume that the readers are proficient in these concepts.
I am reading a couple of his books at the same time, so I have noticed that the introductory chapter on theoretical orientation (wonderfully written, by the way) finds itself in more than one book. I can see that this is required, but it feels a little redundant if you read several of his books in a row.
The theoretical orientation chapter defines different currents among pet behaviour specialists, including his own credo: behaviour analysis. He distinguishes behaviour analysis from the medical model (i.e. from Karen Overall and other diagnosis-based practitioners). He makes some very good points about the pitfalls of the medical model, such as the application of sometimes superstitious training techniques and the reliance on often outdated ethological principles, but he rejects it outright. I feel that a therapeutic model making use of diagnosis is extremely helpful, as long as the training techniques and their ethological foundation continued to be viewed and applied critically, and in light of the latest science.
He also prefaces the book with the fact that this is a first draft. Unfortunately, it has that feel to it indeed. For example, I am concerned that creativity, persistence and industriousness have the potential to be expressed in inappropriate contexts, and are counterproductive to possible concurrent extinction projects. The idea of focusing on creativity, etc. to promote well-being is very intriguing, but I would need concrete recommendations about how to prevent their inappropriate generalisation. I am not sure whether the omission of a chapter addressing these concerns is just “first-draft syndrome”, or whether the original idea has not been thought through to its conclusion, with the necessary risk analysis in mind.
Finally, tiny tiny tiny point: an index would be lovely.
So, as I have a soft spot for him, all in all, I am glad I read the book. I am looking forward to a refined second or third edition, though.
* Ethical dog trainer (the)
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AUTHOR: Jim Barry
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2009
SUMMARY: Ethical toolkit for the dog trainer, including a review of contemporary divisive issues.
AUDIENCE: A smooth read for anyone involved in dog training professionally, and wanting to explore the ethical aspects of our profession in a short and pleasantly written format.
REVIEW: An absolute must-read. In fact, THE must -read of must-reads.
Barry is a pioneer in his work with the positive training of gun dogs. In his previous life, he was a Philosophy scholar.
His credentials place him at the almost impossibly serendipitous crossroads of philosophy and dog training: enabling him to discuss the ethics of the profession from a rational, structured standpoint.
The book shows dog training in a sophisticated light, demonstrating the many rare qualities one needs to do the job: empathy, integrity, tact, and a finely attuned sense of moral responsibility.
He discusses many real-life conundrums (euthanasia, abandonment, threat to child/public, etc.), and offers a system to work through the choices to the best of one’s abilities.
SUMMARY: Foundations of learning theory. Including some reference to historic scientific work.
AUDIENCE: A must-read to all wannabe behaviourists and for science-curious owners.
REVIEW: I very much enjoyed this book.
The author’s PhD in animal behaviour gives the text the academic credence. This is not insignificant in the ever so muddled and subjective political world of dog publications.
The book seeks to offer an comprehensive, balanced summary of the contemporary body of knowledge on dog learning.
The book explains the learning principles, sprinkling them with examples of significant supporting research (Skinner, Pavlov, etc.).
The book is structured in a logical manner, making it a flowing, convenient read.
It introduces the core concepts that any dog trainer should be familiar with, such as conditionning, punishment/reward, extinction, etc.
I was particularly impressed with the objectivity and honesty with which she tackled the more political subjects, like use of aversives in training.
Evolution of Canine Social Behavior
insert line here AUTHOR: Robert Abrantes
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2003
SUMMARY: Overview of social behaviour in the Canis genus (i.e. gray wolves, dogs, etc.), and related evolutionary theories.
AUDIENCE: Do not purchase this book hoping for a therapist’s handbook for canine behaviour problems. It does not seek to serve that purpose. It is, however, very useful background research material for academic work.
REVIEW: This book is a very short overview of the theories relating to social behaviour in the dog and its cousins. It will not provide you much in the way of tangible knowledge focusing on dogs, but it will give you a sound base for thinking about dominance, behavioural genetics, sexual strategies, aggression, etc. in their comparative evolutionary context.
It is a treatise on ethology, rather than applied canine behaviourism. It focuses not only on dogs, but on all canines, mainly the gray wolf.
Feisty Fido
AUTHORS: Patricia McConnell’s and Karen B. London
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2005
SUMMARY: Pocket-sized booklet explaining the industry’s best rehabilitation programme for dogs that are aggressive to other dogs when on-leash.
AUDIENCE: If you’re an owner or trainer interested in on-leash reactivity, it’s definitely worth a read, and it will yield non-negligible results if you follow it to the letter. But please do not expect it to resolve the problem fully without further work and specialist help. I see this book as a valuable explanatory tool, rather than a self-sufficient treatment protocol.
REVIEW: Both authors have impressive credentials: they are both clinical behaviourist diplomates AND zoology doctorates. They bring together common-sense and academia, an extremely rare commodity in the world of dog publishing.
Feisty Fido talks of a problem with epidemic proportions: reactivity to other dogs when on the leash.
Gradually re-introduce your dog to the stimulus (another dog)
Distract your dog from the stimulus
Increase your voice control over your dog even in the presence of the stimulus
Associate the stimulus with a pleasant outcome, effectively ‘re-wiring’ the unpleasant feeling previously triggered the presence of another dog.
An important side note: The authors appear to be the first to recommend the “where’s the dog” technique: rewarding your dog for looking at the other dog, somewhat of a paradigm shift in the community where, hitherto, we would train the dog to look at the owner. This subtle change of approach makes their techniques that much powerful.
Given the authors’ credentials, it is little wonder that the book promotes non-invasive and evidence-based methods. Thus fear not: no paranoid, dogmatic, dominance-based advice from our two good ladies.
As ever with dog-dog reactivity, the demands of the programme are somewhat unrealistic, and the prognosis is often guarded. Still, reading the book will help you open the bonnet of a desensitization programme, and will deliver sizable improvements.
As often with these highly specialized booklets, I would sooner place it in the hands of a budding specialist trainer than those of a dog owner. My concern is that leash reactivity is best handled by a specialist, as a botched job might achieve the opposite effect.
Fight!
AUTHOR: Jean Donaldson
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2004
SUMMARY: Protocol on how to deal with dog-dog aggression. Aimed at a professional audience.
AUDIENCE: Pick this one up if you are unfamiliar with the force-free protocols for dog-dog reactivity.
REVIEW: This book lacked a little meat on the bone, in my opinion. Or at least it didn’t tell me anything I didn’t know, which is a disappointment considering the author.
She is a great generalist, and fabulously gifted at making abstract concepts clear to the layman, so I guess a highly focused, technical subject, isn’t her strong suit.
Perhaps this book did not get away with JD’s trademark conversational prose, and needed a more structured and technical approach?
I think it pretty much covered all there was to cover, but it left me feeling a little unsatisfied, somehow.
An additional (but small) frustration with this book is the frequent reference to using a bomb-proof dog, when this is in clearly a very rare commodity.
So, all in all, a very good summary and explanations of the protocols out there, but it’s a tad unrealistic at times.
Getting a grip on aggression cases
insert line here AUTHOR: Nicole Wilde
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2008
SUMMARY: A high-level approach to tackling dog aggression professionally
AUDIENCE: Get this one if you are after a very good introductory book on the subject, but don’t expect THE exhaustive toolkit for all aggression problems.
REVIEW: I was hoping for a book cataloging an exhaustive list of aggression issues, with detailed instructions and advice on protocol. Instead, I was left feeling I had to order and sort the information to be able to make sense of it, and to then do my homework on the details of the treatments that are mentioned. I can imagine that there is a certain element of protectionism in keeping detailed information protocols to oneself, but it felt like the book ‘didn’t do what it said on the package’.
It had some particularly useful chapters, including the introduction to the various kinds of aggression and their treatment (regretably, it stayed introductory), the history-taking form template, and the assessment scale of aggression severity.
*Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training. I to III
insert line here AUTHOR: Steven R. Lindsay
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2000
SUMMARY: Comprehensive review of every possible aspect of dogs. This book is a one-spot scientific tool kit for every aspiring (and established) behaviourist
AUDIENCE: One of the most quoted body of work on dogs and behaviour, both in academic and technical circles. For the scientifically literate specialist trainer or the companion animal applied behaviour student/researcher. Perhaps vets with a lot of time on their hands would also greatly benefit from this one to give them a solid groundings on the body of knowledge on canine behaviour and behaviour problems.
REVIEW: This is a bible for serious dog behaviour therapists. If you haven’t read and understood it, don’t take on a case.
It is by no means an easy read, with three volumes of dry academic text. But it offers an incredibly comprehensive overview of the relevant body of knowledge, from the history of dog training to the physiology of the dog’s brain.
What I love most about it? Its balanced, impartial tone and its broad, yet deep, coverage. If SL has a political agenda, it certainly eludes me. He reports research from the proponents of all views, and clearly separates fact and opinion, showing impressive integrity in the process.
His chapter on punishment should be framed in every training school in the world. It is sober, reasonable and balanced.
Lindsay’s trilogy is years of labour (to read as well as to write!), and is a compulsory read in many behaviourist curricula.
* How to run a dog business
insert line here AUTHOR: Veronica Boutelle
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007
SUMMARY: An invaluable guide to running your own dog business: from operational to strategic advice.
AUDIENCE: Definitely pick this one up it if you want to start your own dog business.
REVIEW: It is jam-packed full of tips, lessons learnt and best practices.
It offers you an exhaustive list of known risks and challenges, and how to manage them, for the usual dog businesses (mainly dog trainer, behaviourist, and walker).
It suggests pricing structures, marketing strategies, sales lines, etc. In other words, she goes through all the predictable pains, decisions and questions, and points you in the right direction.
Veronica Boutelle is clearly a savy entrepreneuress, with the writing skills to boot.
If you’re serious about starting a dog business, save yourself a lot of avoidable headaches and give yourself a chance to succeed: read this book.
Let’s play with our dog
AUTHOR: Dee Woodcock
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2005
SUMMARY: Suggestions for games to play with your dog
AUDIENCE: Very useful if you’re after some low-tech entertainment ideas for your dog on a rainy day. Also a useful and very handy (compact) book for play therapy if you are an behaviourist/specialist trainer.
REVIEW:
It was very short, so nice and portable if you wanted to take it along to customer appointments for training sessions.
Some nice ideas, but the format is so small that the number of game suggestions is limited.
It gives a great breakdown of the teaching steps for each game, including some good guidance on how to move to an intermittent ratio of reinforcement.
The design is a little on the dull side. Perhaps the lack of pictures? Perhaps the fact that the few pictures that were in there were in black and white?
Leukste spelletjes voor uw hond (de) (Nicest games for your dog – the)
AUTHOR: Brigitte Eilert-Overbeck
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007
SUMMARY: Suggestions for games with your dog
AUDIENCE: You’d need to speak Dutch, for starters. But once you’re over that hurdle, the book is source of low-tech entertainment games ideas for your dog.
REVIEW:
I love that it’s tiny and very portable, so you can bring it along to your appointments.
I don’t like that I couldn’t find an English translation, though.
I loved that it taught things like sorting the laundry and other great tricks.
Man Meets Dog
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AUTHOR: Konrad Lorenz
PUBLISHING YEAR: 1949
SUMMARY: Auto-biographical account of Lorenz’ life with his pet dogs.
AUDIENCE: As a specialist (ethologist or specialist trainer), it is quoted in so many specialist texts that you owe it to yourself to check what the fuss is about, if only out of historical interest. As an owner, you won’t find much in the way of reliable knowledge about your dog’s behaviour.
REVIEW: His (conjectured) bonds with the Nazi party aside, it is hard not to be charmed by his absent-minded professor persona.
His tales betray a complete lack of common sense which reminded me greatly of… myself! In his mind, the following (and more) seemed like ‘a good idea’:
Bringing in yet another “pet” home, including a marmouset monkey,
Letting a jackal runt be nursed by his own lactating bitch (a resounding disaster),
Entrusting the care of his toddlers to… a dog, on the hunch that “dogs don’t attack infants”,
Getting away from urgent essays, instead escaping for entire afternoons, swimming (naked) down the Danube with his dog
As I was reading the book, I kept thinking of his poor long-suffering wife (and my own poor long-suffering husband, by extension).
The book gives a great historical perspective on the body of knowledge and opinions on dog behaviour in the 1940′s. Some have a remarkably modern feel (e.g. reward more than punish, reward within seconds of the dog’s behaviour, dogs have emotions), and some are quite scary (e.g. recounting a man walking down the street with his dog and a … whip, lashing the dog on the nose whenever it would not heel, etc.).
He sometimes makes some surprising (and disturbing at times) assertions with little in the way of supporting evidence, but hey, the guy eventually got a Nobel Prize, so I guess he gets to be a tad sure of himself. In that vein, some of his authoritative remarks on women are particular gems. This book is not to be put in the hands of anyone with the remotest trace of feminist sensibilities.
An added dimension of interest for me was that he was an ethologist (some would say he is the founder of Ethology), and yet he essentially wrote a book about dog training (i.e. the realm of behaviourists, ethologists’ conceptual opposites when it comes to research principles). This gave rise to some very quaint contradictions, but only made the book more charming and quaint to me.
What transpired above all was that, in spite of the ‘human dominion’ mindset of the time (seeing dogs as little more than commodities), he himself was genuinely devoted and attached to his dogs, and truly enjoyed their company.
In this book, you will find his famous assertion that many dogs descend from jackals and various other original, but later widely disproved, theories.
So the book gives great fly-on-the-wall insights into the life of a scientific legend, and into the 1940′s perspectives on dog training. Don’t buy it if you’re after an otherwise educational read, though, because the points it makes are as romanticised, unverifiable, simplified, and embellished as it gets.
Measuring behaviour – an introductory guide
AUTHORS: Paul Martin & Patrick Bateson
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007
SUMMARY: Overview of the standards and techniques of behaviour measurement in research.
AUDIENCE: If you’re past your first year in Psych/Ethology, it will serve as a wonderful, concise, refresher of the fundamentals. If you’re new to the field, it’ll give you the entry point that you need to get your feet wet without drowning.
CONTENTS
Overview of the behaviour sciences
Pre-study decisions
Sampling and recording methods (e.g. ad libitum, one-zero, etc.)
Testing measure reliability and validity
Assessing research design
Statistical analysis
Specific aspects (e.g. bout length, sequences, dyadic exchanges, etc.)
Interpreting and presenting findings
REVIEW
A must-have if you are contemplating a scientific career on dog behaviour. Otherwise, leave it well alone: the target audience is firmly academic.
If you’re studying ethology, it’s likely a compulsory read for your college –and rightly so. What the book lacks in depth (it’s just 170 pages), it makes up in breadth: taking you through a wide sweep at all essential topics for measuring behaviour.
A couple of paragraphs gave me the clearest explanations I’d ever read: e.g. four questions of ethology, sampling vs. recording methods, the interrelated behaviour sciences, etc. And the list of annotated references offers a great tool if you want to dig deeper.
I do have an ax to grind though: some statistics chapters were soooo superficial that they barely covered the conceptual level. The chapter on Findings presentation took it even further, to the meager agenda that was covered seemed to have been picked haphazardly. As this chapter isn’t core to that what the book purports to do, I would have done away with that chapter altogether, to make room for more details in other sections.
Verdict time: I love that it is succinct, I hate that it is succinct… A classic all the same.
Oh, Behave!
insert line here AUTHOR: Jean Donaldson
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2008
SUMMARY: ‘Dear Jean’ letters, with the typically humorous, clear, intelligent answers that Jean Donaldson has such a knack for.
AUDIENCE: Dog owners after a hilariously written, but reliable, myth buster about their dog’s common behaviour.
REVIEW: The format is somewhat unstructured, which is a little typical for Jean Donaldson. But it actually works in the book’s favour, leaving you wondering what the next letter will cover.
Reading Jean Donaldson’s books is, as ever, an educative experience. This book is no exception. The author effortlessly and breezily approaches technical and scientific subjects. She demonstrates, once again, her clear understanding of the science behind the profession, and does a great job at spreading that knowledge.
I particularly loved her chapter about genetics. Making alleles clear to the common mortal is no mean feat. And she pulled it off!
On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals
insert line here AUTHOR: Turid Rugaas
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2005
SUMMARY: Observations on stress-indicating and appeasement body language in dogs by Turid Rugaas
AUDIENCE: For owners, it’ll be a real eye opener if you’re not all that familiar with canine body language. For professionals, it’s a milestone of a book in the field, and you don’t want to get caught not having read it.
REVIEW: I very much enjoyed reading this, although it totally lacked scientific rigour.
Turid Rugaas is widely accredited for discovering, or at least popularising, dogs’ calming signals. In fact ‘cut-off signals’, as they were then called, were already described in 1962 (Chance). Regardless, Turid Rugaas has had an incredible (and very constructive) influence on professionals in the field of canine communication.
Some professionals have put their allegiance in Turid Rugaas’ work beyond the topic of calming method, and rally behind her as a bona fide dog training guru. Such groups are flourishing all over Europe, and put great focus on the dog’s emotions, rejecting a purely scientific approach to canine behaviour, which they perceive to be reductionistic.
Reluctant as ever to accept anything on authority, I was bent on trying to disprove her observations – I hadn’t heard of Chance then. But I have to concede that my anecdotal observation match Mrs Rugaas’. Interpreting calming signals is now a tool I constantly use.
I have also observed a tendency by fellow dog professionals to take the concepts very literally indeed, running away with it the way most people did with dominance not so long ago. It is now common to see people who systematically interpret even gestures with a physical purpose (e.g. scratching because of an itch) as a calming signal (scratching as a diversion).
So, the book offers a very detailed analysis (with some, but not enough, illustrations) of dog recurring ‘calming’ postures in dogs. It will help you interpret dogs’ hitherto hidden messages, and help you put them at ease.
The author’s love for dogs is literally bursting out of the book, and it makes for a warm, uncomplicated read.
To be very critical about it, the book could be more thorough, comprehensive, and better structured if it is to become a standard academic reference. It could also do with a lot more illustrations given the subject matter.
One on One
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AUTHOR: Nicole Wilde
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2004
SUMMARY: Help for tough client communication during private training sessions.
AUDIENCE: A real boon for beginning private trainers. Will save you a lot of blunders and arm you to deal with the common awkward moments in our field.
REVIEW: Wouldn’t you know it, Nicole Wilde has done it again. With her usual vim and common sense, she loads you with suggestions on how to phrase the difficult messages like: “work harder”, “pay me”, or “I wouldn’t work with you for all the money in the world” in a charming way!
I have already started using some of her suggestions and already my business is running a lot smoother. Thanks for saving me some of these repeat communication headaches! Once again, her inner saleswoman has come out to help the rest of us dog trainers. WITH As the added bonus of thorough and attractively laid-out history questionnaires and contracts.
My only bone of contention? The book is so encouraging of aspiring trainers to take the plunge that it downplays at times the importance of a formal specialist education, which I think is an open door to adding more insufficiently informed professionals on a field that is already struggling with professionalisation.
Oh, and, if I am to be really picky, I guess the presentation could be a lot more attractive. This book was published on a budget, and it shows a little in the design. It would be great if she got hand-picked by one of the big publishers, and her books were given the snazzy presentation they deserve.
But, all in all, I loved it. It’s a breezy read (you’ll be done in two days), and it’s packed with effective suggestions that you can apply right away if you give one-on-one training sessions. I highly recommend it.
(the) Only Dog Tricks You’ll Ever Need
insert line here AUTHOR: Gerilyn J. Bielakwiewicz
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2005
SUMMARY: Series of dog tricks and how to teach them with excellent supporting explanations on training theory.
AUDIENCE: Owners who want to learn the industry secrets in a non-intimidating volume, for practical, witty, real-life tricks. Also very useful as a trainer to spice up your classes with a ‘fun’ section.
REVIEW: Despite its modest title, this is one of the best books I have read on dog trainingin general (not just tricks).
It gives you clear, thorough methodology to teach each step, from basic manners to intricate tricks.
The book uses specific examples to beautifully illustrate generic training principles (backward chaining, behaviour shaping, intermittent vs. continous ratios, etc.).
I found it full of fantastic training suggestions, and it gave me second wind when I was hitting a dry spot with my own rescue dog.
(the) Other End of the Leash
insert line here AUTHOR: Patricia McConnell
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2003
SUMMARY: Autobiographical account of the author’s life as a behaviourist
AUDIENCE: A peak for owners who are curious about the life behind the scenes of the life of a specialist trainer/behaviourist. For specialist trainers, a nice “Am not the only one” read with charming anecdote after charming anecdote.
REVIEW: Very enjoyable read.
Autobiographical depiction of the ups and downs of a dog owner, trainer and behaviour therapist, focusing on her relationships to her dogs. There are many interesting anecdotes from her rich history with dogs, and it makes you feel slightly less inappropriate for having a less than perfect dog.
A thoroughly enjoyable, flowing, easy read. Watch out, though. It is not fact-packed or educative, nor does it claim to be.
Don’t ask me why I thoroughly enjoyed this one, and not Suzanne Clothier’s, as they have a lot in common.
Playtime for your dog – Keep him busy throughout the day
AUTHOR: Christina Sondermann
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2006
SUMMARY: Suggested interactive games and game material to keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated
AUDIENCE: Pick this one up if you’re after a pleasantly illustrated (a rare boon in this type of books) book on tricks/games to play with your dog on a rainy day. Professional trainers and behaviourists can also use it as a source of inspiration for tricks class or play therapy.
REVIEW: I loved that this book was so thorough and well illustrated. It ranges from games using next to no material to the latest brain toys. It is full of really good, original ideas for that rainy day when your dog needs to burn some calories but you can’t get to the park. It suggests games aimed at problem-solving, impulse control, agility, overcoming fears, etc.
AUDIENCE: With its spotless contents and affordable price, it should be a standard handout for every puppy class client.
SUMMARY: Pocket-sized booklet teaching puppy owners how to avoid and deal with common puppy problems using modern methods.
REVIEW
This book is not only insanely useful, it’s also insanely small. Whatever her secret is to compact so much good stuff in so little space, I want in. She covers all the crucial areas in a breezy, uncomplicated style that hits the spot again and again.
Given the date of edition (2002), many authors were still obsessed by punishment-based methods and the pack theory but… Not so Dee Woodcock: the advice she gives is rational and well-informed.
She divides the booklet in handy little sections:
Management: Crate training, house training, setting boundaries, etc.
Training: Methods to teach the crucial cues (sit, come back, etc.) with AND without clicker.
Body language: Dee Woodcock also shares dog trainers’ secrets on the subtle body language signs that will have you read your dog like no one else in no time. Mastering body language is an invaluable tool for reading budding signs long before they develop into full-blown problems, and the author does a great job at covering the subject in just a few lines.
Addressing typical puppy problems: Humane and effective tips on dealing with typical complaints like jumping up, play biting, begging, separation intolerance, stealing, chewing, etc.
My one gripe: I wish the pictures were illustrating the local text, rather than all condensed in the central section.
I shouldn’t blow its trumpet too much because, frankly, if the word spread, specialist trainers and behaviourists may soon be out of work…
SUMMARY: Brick-sized treatise on the mechanics of genes on population dynamics and trait expression – in (nearly) everyday language.
AUDIENCE: A classic must-read if you’re remotely interested in biology –> zoology –> understanding genes AND if you enjoy complex, subtle and far-reaching theoretical speculation into evolutionary dynamics.
REVIEW: Richard Dawkins is an evolutionary biologist with out-of-this-world theoretical insight into anything and everything he puts his mind to.
In this book, he meshes the works of Darwin (evolution), Trivers (game theory), and Mendel (genetics) into an intuitively appealing and internally consistent model to expose the mechanics of genetic inheritance.
He does away not only with the two ugly, but classic, misconceptions:
Teleology –the idea that populations/organisms/genes consciously strive for success; and
Group selection –the idea that whole groups of animals, like an entire species, strive for common success.
The crux of the book is this: Dawkins proposes a daring conceptual shift from the entire organism to the individual gene as the fundamental unit of hereditary selection.
He briefly introduces (re-introduces if you’re a biologist) the nitty-gritty of molecular genetics, but quickly moves on to illustrating his points with one fascinating evolutionary example after another.
One of our lecturers warned a room full of neural scientists, behavioural psychologists and veterinary doctors that it would be a tough read for most of us. I can’t decide whether she’s right, as my background is Zoology (so slap in the middle of his subject matter). From what I recall, though, I found it reasonably jargon-free. In terms of complexity, he does go off onto mindbogglingly sophisticated flights of theory — with a couple of beautiful chapters on game theory to name but one topic.
So fasten your seat belt, because, intellectually, this is a Ferrari of a book. But if you’re up for the challenge, it will (at worst) stop you from blurting genetic stupidities, and (at best) revolutionarize your understanding of life, the universe and everything.
This book is a all-out classic, and it is one of the must-have intellectual gems of the twentieth century. Go on. Try it.
* So you want to be a dog trainer
insert line here AUTHOR: Nicole Wilde
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2001
SUMMARY: Tactical and operational guide to launching your own dog training business.
AUDIENCE: Wannabe dog trainers or established dog trainers after some fresh ideas on marketing, class curriculum, etc.
REVIEW: A must-read.
This book delivers exactly what it says on the cover: a comprehensive, detailed guide on how to set up shop as a dog trainer (and behaviour therapist).
It contains an honest account of the more negative aspects of the profession, and encourages the reader to honestly assess whether they can take those on.
The book is also full of great ideas and suggestions to give you that edge to your business.
I very much enjoyed reading this book, and it remains one of my main references in setting up my business.
Scaredy dog – Understanding and rehabilitating your reactive dog
AUTHOR: Ali Brown
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2004
SUMMARY: Treatment protocol for the easily frightened dog, or phobic dogs. For the layman.
AUDIENCE: It sits uncomfortably between two types of audiences: too basic for the professional, and too in-depth for the dog owner. I guess the niche is the very dedicated dog owner, and for them, it very clearly breaks down the therapy protocol for reactive dogs, and the beginning professional.
REVIEW: The books somewhat lacked structure, and covered some subjects at surprising depth, considering the title and target audience (layman). But do you know what? Thankfully so! Because Ali Brown’s account of dog nutrition, de-sensitisation and counter-conditioning, are simply the best explanations I’d ever read on the subject. She clearly masters the subjects, and has a way with vivid images and clear explanations.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Her background in teaching clearly shows throughout the book, as she has a real talent for making abstract concepts tangible and clear. I have even borrowed her wording to explain some concepts to non-professionals.
I suspect the book is self-published, or at least on a limited budget, so the presentation and design weren’t all that. But it really didn’t bother me.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading that book and will look out for more by Ali Brown.
Speaking for Spot
insert line here AUTHOR: Nancy Kay
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2008
SUMMARY: Explanation about dog’s common medical issues, including cancer, vaccinations, operations, etc.
AUDIENCE: Dog owners after some moral support, summary veterinary information, and communication strategies with the dog’s veterinary team when their dog’s health is hitting a snag.
REVIEW: This book was somewhat of a revelation to me, at a time when I was particularly anxious about my dog’s health (unfounded fear, it thankfully turns out). The book gave me just the boost I needed to feel empowered into acting as my dog’s medical advocate.
The book demystifies scary issues like dog cancer and vaccinations, and gives you the tools to be a better decision maker for your dog. She made me feel less obsessive about all the research I do before going to the vet’s. In fact, she exhorts her readers to do so.
She explains common and hi-tech procedures, and suggests communication tips to get a smoother and more efficient relationship with your vet and the para-veterinary team.
Her personal accounts of her own, and her dog’s medical tribulations, contribute to the approachable feel of the book. And approachable she is! She is a very friendly contact in the social media.
That book passed the ultimate litmus test: it improved an aspect of my life for the better. I no longer live in blind dread of my dog developing health issues, as I know I have a guide to cope with them.
Not really related to dog behaviour, but a great book all the same.
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Tail Talk
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AUTHOR: Sophie Colins
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007
SUMMARY: Very thorough, compact, and attractive visual guide to dog’s body language.
AUDIENCE: If you have to choose a book about dog body language as a dog owner, pick this one. If the stuff is new to you, read it again and again, and it will transform how you understand your dog.
REVIEW: This book had been on my radar for a while, but I had assumed it was just another badly-researched body language book. I reconsidered when I saw that Karen Overall had written the foreword for it.
I was well-inspired to change my mind, as it is now THE book I recommend on canine body language.
It is compact, thorough, clear, easy to use, and, above all, well-researched.
It is also easily the best designed dog book I’ve ever read. Attractive, simple, lean, and a very easy-to-read layout. It has a very elegant and very original,designey-type text arrangements and colours, and uses very professional studio pictures. It is organised like a glossary for ease of information retrieval.
It covers many subtle dog-dog communication signals beyond the reach of most canine body language books, and it can be a real eye opener to the average dog owner, as the pictures truly catch the expressions discussed.
As an added bonus: it is not obsessed by solely dominance-oriented interpretation, but uses more subtle, balanced, terminology.
Things your dog doesn’t want you to know
AUTHORS: Hy Conrad and Jeff Johnson (art director Dean Stefanides)
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2012
SUMMARY: Witty comments on dog behaviour and our dramatic attitudes to them.
AUDIENCE: A beautifully designed, witty, cheeky little book about dog’s quirks for pretty much everybody. A coffee table book if there ever was one. Don’t pick this one up hoping for thorough research or a remote practical use. This one’s just for fun.
REVIEW: This one was a welcome relief from the highbrow, science stuff for me. Actually, when it came to behaviour science, it kinda sorta mostly got it right. Only a few minor technical details here and there, but the general message is: use scepticism, common sense, and humour, when looking at your dog’s behaviour. It’s generally no big deal if only you don’t insist on viewing it in the eyes of the latest en-vogue dog training theory.
This book that is also beautifully designed (kudos to the artwork designer and photographer: a real gem), pocket-sized, and nothing short of hilarious. It’s basically a series of letters written by dogs to their owners, pet sitters, etc. about their antics.
Message? Let’s not be so romantic, dramatic, prudish and anthropomorphistic when looking at our dogs. They’re animals and, as much as they love us, they are still driven by self-interest. It encourages us to de-dramatize their little behaviour querks and ‘traumatic’ past and see life as they do: day by day.
Loved it. Clever, funny, high-quality design.
Think dog
insert line here AUTHOR: John Fisher
PUBLISHING YEAR: 1995
SUMMARY: Sample behaviour therapy cases with the author’s diagnostic and solution
AUDIENCE: Written for an audience of dog owners, but the book is unfortunately showing its age. This has shifted the audience from dog owners to professionals who are curious about that unmissable dog training figure.
REVIEW: Given that the book was published mid-1990′s, it is predictably sprinkled with speculative references to dominance.
Aside from that point, I found the book extremely informative. Particularly the chapter about herbal remedies (as he is also a self-confessed sceptic, so it sold me) and nutrition.
The book covers some common behaviour issues in dogs, and the recommended protocol for them. Although it does not cover them in nearly enough depth for professional use, I shall definitely be re-using it as a quick look-up reference.
The author’s credentials (founding member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Consultants, self-tagged advocate of modern training methods) were at odds with his position on dominance. Granted, he only advocates positive methods, not confrontation (at least in this edition), but he does nothing to combat the excessive use of the dominance concept.
Still, credit where it’s due: John Fisher was one of the most influential characters for the early positive dog training professionals (he is THE symbol for cross-over trainers, who went from traditional to positive methods).
So, I thought it was a really nice book, but to be taken with a pinch of salt.
Training the city dog
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AUTHOR: Katherine Kate
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2009
SUMMARY: Exhaustive training and management tips for owners of city dogs
AUDIENCE: This book can be a precious help to first-time city dog owners, or if you are moving your rural/suburban dog to the city.
REVIEW: “Training the city dog” is an unpretentious, simple, easy, non-technical read. And we need those once in a while. insert line here
The book gives training and management tips targeted at city dogs. It has a comprehensive approach to the potential challenges faced bycity dogs, and suggests practical, realistic solutions to them.
It does not drown you in guilt or theory, but gives you tried and tested pragmatic training tips for your city dog. insert line here
One potential point of improvement would be the couple of chapters where the author suggests search engine keywords, instead of elaborating on the concept. Similarly, the author is neither a dog trainer, nor a behaviourist, so some of the topics on training need more research and minor corrections. Perhaps in the next edition?insert line hereinsert line here
The book also gives tangible suggestions promoting responsible ownership, potentially preventing more damage from anti-dog lobbies. The world would be a better place if every city dog owner followed the author’s tips.
Truth about dogs (the)
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AUTHOR: Stephen Budiansky
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2002
SUMMARY: Witty review of the scientific body of knowledge on the domestic dog.
AUDIENCE: A gem of science popularisation, owners who are curious about the scientific body of knowledge about dog’s behaviour, perception, etc. will really enjoy it. Be critical of a couple of controversial points (punishment and pack theory) that are presented as fact.
REVIEW: I adore this book. It nearly has it all: it shows wit, critical thinking, and thorough research. He hammers down irrational beliefs with hilarious images, critical thinking and lots of references.
I am dying to give it 5 stars, but it’s going to have to be 4.9999999. That 0.00000001 smidgin, tiny speck of star dust is missing because of a couple of passages. These passages would mislead first-time dog owners: the passages on dominance and punishment.
In the 2002 edition, he mentions dominance in the context of ‘dogs are social climbers’ and ‘if you let up he’ll dominate you’. He goes way beyond the simplistic pack theory, so kudos there, but what remains is still speculation presented as fact. In practice, it doesn’t matter: he is making the point that dogs need consistency, and that they must look to us for what’s acceptable. I just don’t like that he framed it in the context of dominance.
I was also wary of his position on reward and punishment. His views could be positioned as ‘balanced training’ (rather than ‘purely positive’). There’s nothing wrong with that. Everyone can have their opinion. But his arguments were uncharacteristically weak for a book that was otherwise so internally consistent. He posits that giving dogs treats for every good deed is less dignified than just giving them ‘quiet approval’ (or something along those lines). Well sure, it takes away the magic and mystery of dog training, but how can ‘quiet approval’ be a reward to a dog? As dogs do not have a theory of mind (the ability to imagine that someone else is thinking/feeling/knowing) how could our silent approval have any meaning? He also supports the remote-controlled electric collar, which I find a tad irresponsible given how easily it can worsen behaviour problems.
Not one to end on a bad note, let me repeat myself: I loved this book. I devoured it. It was sharp, intelligent, rational, and beautifully written.
Ethologists Mark Bekoff’s and Michael Fox shared my concerns with some passages in this book, but were muuuuch more scathing ; )
Understanding and handling aggression
insert line here AUTHOR: Barbara Sykes
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2001
SUMMARY: Loose coverage of one dog’s progress from severe aggression, suffused with author’s opinion on training methods.
AUDIENCE: Dangerously open to literal application by beginning trainers dealing with dog aggression, I would recommend interpreting it with great caution. Experienced trainers will probably not benefit from this book given its shaky factual grounds and haphazard practical coverage.
REVIEW: I hesitated to write a review on this book, as I did not enjoy it much, and I’d like to re-read it and give it a chance (perhaps I misinterpreted some of it?).
It certainly did not give me what I was looking for: a comprehensive and detailed protocol to deal with dog aggression.
Rather, it contained ad-hoc, at times shallow, anecdotes, about the author’s management of one particular case: a Border Collie rescue dog reactive to humans.
I also was not entirely sure who the intended audience was: professionals or dog owners?
The author’s stance on disputed subjects (yep, dominance) had an outdated flavour to it, and was on the dogmatic side, in my view. The author did not attempt to support her very arrested opinions with reference to research.
After reading some chapters, I was left with the same feeling of frustration I have after speaking with more old-school dog trainers who view dog being a dog with suspicion (e.g. chewing toys, tug-of-war games, rough-housing, etc.). This conflicts diametrically with my own views, which is to ‘let a dog live its dogness’ as much as is practical, to avoid the frustration of these drives.
I also found that it offered little in the way of aclear description of the protocol she followed to cure the problematic Border Collie.
So perhaps I’ve missed the point entirely, but I would not recommend this book if you’re after some academic support for your dog aggression protocols.
Veterinary notes for dog owners
insert line here AUTHOR (EDITOR): Trevor Turner
PUBLISHING YEAR: 1990
SUMMARY: Notes from veterinarians on a wide variety of contemporary dog issues.
AUDIENCE: Despite the title, it would take the world’s most dedicated owner to plough through this book cover to cover. I have mainly been using it as a reference when writing essays on specialist subjects in non-University programmes, where it enjoys a mythical following .
REVIEW: Despite its age, this book stays surprisingly relevant.
It is interesting in two ways:
highly educative if you’re a little behind on your bio-medical knowledge of dogs (e.g. genetics, anatomy, physiology)
offers some veterinarians’ perspective on a wide variety of contemporary subjects such as breeding and conformation shows
The book is a little random in its choices of topic (as many such reference books are), butthat does not take away any of its value, in my opinion.
A nice, but bulky, read. It will help you approach the dog holistically, by improving your knowledge of the medical aspects of a dog.
Why dogs drink out of the toilet
insert line here AUTHORS: Marty Becker & Gina Spadafori
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007
SUMMARY: List of did-you-know’s about dogs.
AUDIENCE: The book is aimed at dog owners (i.e. not specifically for a professional audience), after a sensible answer to their dog’s million and one quirks.
REVIEW: I very much enjoyed reading this one, to my great surprise, as I had bought it more as an airport read than anything else.
It is structured as a series of Q&A’s. The questions are often interesting, and the answers are well-balanced (even when covering controversial topics) and well-researched. Ideal myth buster for the curious dog owner.
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Dog books reviews
Testimonial
“Laure-Anne, you are the BOOK LADY ! You provide that function BRILLIANTLY for us all. As long as you can manage the paper and ebooks and tell us what’s worth reading, you are worth your weight in GOLD!,” Eric Brad (author, dog trainer, Canine Nation podcast host).
A systematic obsession
To stay on top of dog behaviour, I burrow through scary amounts of literature on dog training, zoology, behaviour,… It’s a tall order, but every speckle of knowledge is a step stone towards my insane goal: gain a sound multi-disciplinary knowledge of dog behaviour.
A while back, I started systematically reviewing each book. The habit has stuck, and the collection has kept growing.
Note to my readers
So, enjoy the reviews, and get reading!
Note to my authors
If you are an author and would like me to review your book (hard copies please), please e-mail info at canisbonus dot com and I’ll send you my postal details. I publish every review on Amazon too.
To avoid a conflict of interest, the process is free of charge. It does mean that sending me a book is no guarantee of a raving review.
101 silliest things people say about dogs
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AUTHOR: Alexandra Semyonova
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2009
SUMMARY: 101 common myths debunked one by one.
AUDIENCE: The occasional controversial opinions strongly expressed in the book means that it should not be put in the hands of complete beginners, who may be unable to read it critically.
REVIEW: This book is a little gem. It has a backyard publishing feel to it, but that just adds to its charm.
The author is an American expatriate living in the Netherlands (am biased as a fellow English-speaking expat in Dutchland). She has a Masters in Ethology, and goes through the usual dog-related myths with passion, and, at times, irritation, in an eminently readable way.
She sets the record straight on many commonly held perspectives, and crystallised my own thoughts and observations on a couple of points (how dogs are conciliatory, and need control and need predictability above all else).
She does let her passion get the better of her impartiality at times, goes off on tirades about Konrad Lorenz, Dutch training schools (been there, done that) and pit bulls. She also fails to quote her sources with each claim (instead, lumping them at the end of each chapter in a more user-friendly, but less rigorous, way). But am really knit-picking here.
So it has to be read with a pinch of salt, but is a real gem all the same.
* Animal Behavior Desk Reference, a dictionary of animal behavior, ecology and evolution
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AUTHOR: Edward M. Barrows
PUBLISHING YEAR: (last revision) 2000
SUMMARY: Specialist dictionary/encyclopedia on ethology.
AUDIENCE: A must-have for the animal behaviour student.
REVIEW: Fantastic reference for in-depth, reliable, and distinct definitions of animal behaviour concepts.
APBC book for Companion Animal Behaviour
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AUTHOR (EDITOR): David Appleby
PUBLISHING YEAR: (last revision) 2010
SUMMARY: In-depth analysis of some common issues surrounding companion animal behaviour, the law, and welfare. It mainly focuses on dogs.
AUDIENCE: Too free-flowing for academics, too specialized for owners, this one falls neatly into the professional category. Read it if you want to strenghten your knowledge on the common behaviour problems covered, and issues affecting small animal behaviour therapy.
REVIEW: Overall, the book was a real pleasure to read. In most places, it showed the right mix of every day English and scientific rigour.
One chapter –The importance of Positive Reinforcement– felt like the odd one out (more “Marketingese” than textbook English). The rest got the tone just right: professional and scientific, without being discouragingly dry. I finished the book in two days, that’s how much of a smooth read it is.
The book suffers from the occasional internal inconsistency, so it could do with a little dusting up in the next editing process, to eliminate (minor) mutually contradicting claims between individual sections.
The “dominance” topic is approached with commendable balance, subtlety and tact, although it occasionally read like the author had been censored into replacing sensitive, but descriptive, words, with a more politically acceptable version.
I found the chapter on old age-related behaviour issues and socialisation nothing short of revelatory. Prior to reading the book, I thought I grasped these subjects, but it gave me a whole new perspective.
The cover suggests an all-encompassing review of all common behaviour problems in all companion animals, but it is more a limited selection of behaviour problems mainly in dogs (cats and rabbits are mentioned in a couple of chapters). This happens to suit me just fine (who cares about breadth if depth is appropriate), but is a little misleading.
The author’s background section in the back shows the authors’ achievements in the field. The list reads like a who’s who in companion animal behaviourism, and is awe-inspiring. It has given me the ambition to try for a CCAB (Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist) – that would require time, though, so unlikely to happen this side of the century…
Behavioral Biology of the Dog
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AUTHOR: Per Jensen (editor)
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007
AUDIENCE: Aimed at a scientific audience, it does not make for light reading. It may be a little dry for someone with no scientific background at all, but I did not find it insurmountable. If you do not have a scientific background, I advise that you familiarise yourself with the high level contents, and read individual chapters on a as-needed basis, rather than going through the whole book in one go.
SUMMARY: The book contains scientific articles about:
Zoology:
Behaviour:
Human influence
REVIEW: Some of the articles are really quite technical (e.g. the mtDNA study), so you might have to get the old biology dictionary out. But it’s well worth the effort, as it really gives you THE seminal articles you need to give you a foundation of the dog from a scientific perspective.
Some articles scrutinise some commonly disputed issues, and put these demons to rest for the time being at least (e.g. learning and history of domestication, to name but a couple).
I have found this book to be an invaluable reference when digging deep into a specific topic. It always has that ONE influential article that determined what is known on the particular topic today. Of course, as it aims to be a literature survey on that latest known information, it was out of date by the time it went to print.
The choice of topics confounded me a little, as I found that some subjects received much attention (e.g. evolutionary biology) while others were barely mentioned at all (e.g. socialisation).
Despite all that, I find it an invaluable resource if you’re serious about a career with dogs – be it as a trainer or a behaviourist.
Bones would Rain from the Sky (if Dogs could Pray)
AUTHOR: Suzanne Clothier
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2005
SUMMARY: Autobiography of author’s journey history in her dog training career.
AUDIENCE: You might enjoy this book as a professional if you want to reflect upon some of the more philosophical aspects of our relationship with dogs. I would say that it is more squarely aimed at owners, though.
REVIEW:
I started off deeply relating with SC’s strong love of animals from early childhood. Her personal struggle to train without ego (or in my case, without crippling self-doubt) also rung deep. She lost me after a couple of chapters, though, as I found myself wishing for more substance and less free-flowing emotional exploration.
As I understand it, the author’s objective was to present her perspective on a balanced dog-owner relationship in a thought-provoking way. And that it does. It does not, however, offer much in the way of verifiable facts or tangible suggestions, which is what I am always on the look out for. To be fair, it does not claim to.
I also found that the author could lose herself in flights of lyricism and (from my perspective) New Age philosophy.
Finally I found the standards of the ideal dog-owner relationship suggested in this book depressingly high. It left me feeling that my up-till-then satisfying relationship with my dog was somehow insufficient. It also made me temporarily judgemental of other dog owners.
So all in all, I did not really enjoy reading that book, but it remains critically acclaimed in the field so it may well be just a matter of personal taste?
Canine Body Language – a Photographic Guide
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AUTHOR: Brenda Aloff
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2009
SUMMARY: Dog’s body language in pictures.
AUDIENCE: Its format is a little dry and its depth is quite specialized, so I would not recommend it for the average dog owner. This is more a professional handbook than coffee table material.
REVIEW: I really enjoyed that one and found it of immense educational value.
It is a very comprehensive and visual (photographic) review of canine body language. It teaches you to look out for very subtle signs of stress, fear, unease, aggression, playing, etc.
To be truly useful as a reference tool, it could do with a more coherent structure. As it stand, I did not understand the logic behind the decision to place a particular sign in a particular chapter.
Once you have read, re-read and read it some more, your confidence at interpreting, and using dog communication will grow leaps and bounds. You’ll quickly learn to train your eye to recognize the signs.
The most important lesson I have learnt in this book, was to look at the combination of signs to get the full picture. It offers hours of mind-boggling observation games to play at the dog park.
In my experience, it takes a lot of practice to finally grasp the patterns hidden in the book, but once you’ve got it, it’s close to life-changing (particularly if you’re thinking of being involved with dogs professionally) as you will uncover a flurry previously undetected signals.
* Changing problem behavior
AUTHOR: James O’Heare
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2010
SUMMARY: A guide to approaching behaviour change like a behaviour analysis project.
AUDIENCE: You’re not going to get much out of this book unless you are already well-versed in the technical lingo of animal training and behaviour. Definitely not for the average owner. Do you know what, scratch that, it’s not even for most trainers, unless they’ve done quite a lot of homework on the behaviour science side of things.
REVIEW: So, we’ve established that this book ain’t no Da Vinci Code. Now onto the nitty gritty…
James O’Heare does it again. He demonstrates a masterly grip on behaviour science (mainly behaviourism, some ethology), and takes it to the next level.
I, once again (he seems to repeat that chapter in other books), read the section on the different currents in the animal behaviour change with delight. It was intelligent, concise, and clear. James O’Heare affiliates himself with the ‘behaviour analysis’ current, which distinguishes itself through its emphasis on the ‘contingency statement’ (discriminating stimulus, motivating operation, response, consequence). The approach is very similar to the medical model but for one thing: it focuses a lot less (if at all) on diagnoses. Behaviour analysis seems to see diagnosing as superstitious at best, and as harmful at worst. Behaviour analysis strongly sets itself apart from the Alpha Male Jock Dog Training, the ‘been good with dogs for 20 years’ kind of trainer. Behaviour analysis is hardcore science. They are also strongly dedicated to the principle least invasive method. And not just on paper either: they effectively only ever recommend the use of positive (R+ to you and me) methods, even if in principle, increasingly invasive methods could be tolerated if warranted.
At times, I found the style refreshingly concise and clear. He bull’s eyes on some theoretical concepts like nobody’s business, getting it so delightfully right and sometimes introducing it with a refreshing twist. But at other times, his adherence to exact technical terminology could become unnecessarily ‘jargony’ in my view. I understand the need for exact terminology, but many paragraphs could, in my opinion, be written in a more popular style without affecting coherence, clarity or correctness.
I found the level of detail in explaining the classics (e.g. shaping, operant conditioning) a little redundant, given the target audience. Much shorter chapters focusing only a lot less on the basic explanation, and practically only on the behaviour-analysis-relevant flavour of these concepts.
As a project manager in a previous life, I had expected some PRINCE2-like methodology. That is actually not what this book attempts to deliver. I found myself day-dreaming of integrating the concepts into a project management model, but soon gave up. I think he was wise not to attempt an all-encompassing risk/budget/timeline control methodology to behaviour change projects. Still, the title misled me a little.
I guess the main intellectual baggage I am walking away from, having read this book, is a strongly renewed conviction of the need to measure baseline behaviour, set objectives, and measure progress, in as quantitative and objective a manner as possible. That, and, of course, the sacro-saint focus on the contingency statement.
In conclusion, I am extremely glad this book was brought to my attention. Aside from the above-mentioned baggage, it has also refreshed, and sometimes somewhat shifted, my understanding of key concepts. But above all, it’s made me discover this unmissable author: James O’Heare. Watch this space for a lot more review on this master of theory.
Control Unleashed
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PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007
SUMMARY: Technical manual for running an off-leash training class
AUDIENCE: An invaluable professional manual, but not something you’ll be reading in front of the fire petting Fido’s head with the old glass of Port…
REVIEW: This was a bit of an awkward read, as the style needed a little grooming. The design and photos also gave it the feel of a mom-and-pops job. As an added barrier to reading pleasure, the author also adhered to a structure pattern a little too rigidly, giving it all the creative juice of a lawnmower instructions manual.
That said, it is a very informative, very thorough manual on how to organise offleash classes. I will certainly re-use it if I organise off-leash classes.
It makes some pretty good, tangible, suggestions on the set-up of these classes, and has some real gems in it, like the insightful way in which she approaches dog-dog reactivity: treat the dog for looking at other dogs, instead of looking away.
I wish I could give it more stars, as it has so much potential, but the book just didn’t give me my reading kick. Still, try it. It might be a question of personal taste.
* Culture Clash
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2006
SUMMARY: Modern dog training perspectives in layman’s terms (It’s the best I can do here. Just can’t do it justice)
AUDIENCE: If you’re professional, read it now, recommend it to your customers, give it to shelter adopters!
REVIEW: An absolute must-read.
This book has a special place in my heart, as it is the one that gave me the courage to pursue my dream of becoming a dog behaviourist back in 2008.
I have read it again and again and again (and some more) since then.
To give you an idea: I always ear-mark interesting passages for further study, and one of my friend (a book store owner), on discovering the state of the book, was in shock when he saw the abuse. There’s practically not a page left unmarked!
The first time I read it, I could not put it down. I read it in one stretch, hardly stopping to eat or sleep. .
Note: This book is often part of the compulsory reading material for some animal behaviour diplomas, as an added bonus!
It introduces many essential principles of modern dog training, dog learning and body language concepts in layman’s terms. It doesn’t go in to detail, but give you a taste for an approach that is at once scientifically rigorous, and force-free.
Added bonus: a couple of passages will have you in stitches with laughter.
This book is a treasure-trove of invaluable training suggestions written in an unpretentious, easy, flowing prose.
Dog (the), its behavior, nutrition and health
AUTHOR: Linda P. Case
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2005
SUMMARY: High-level summary of scientific knowledge on dog’s behaviour, health (some stats), and nutrition
AUDIENCE: It may be more appropriate for student veterinarians who want their insight into dogs to go beyond anatomy and pathology, than for behaviourists seeking to deepen their general knowledge of the dog.
REVIEW: This book is quite reminiscent of of Lindsay’s “Handbook…” in terms of style and coverage.
I like it a lot and I would have it as a must-read if it was not a little redundant with its fellow must-read (Lindsay’s “Handbook”). It is shorter than Lindsay’s, in its defence (that bugger took me the best part of 1.5 years…).
Linda Case’s book is a literature survey on what was ‘known’ (to whatever extent we ever know anything) about dogs in the scientific community at the time of writing (2005). In other words, it is a condensed collection of reliable information about dogs which will give you the confidence to identify and refute old wives’ tales. It will also help you understand the dog as a subject of scientific study.
The writing style remains academic, of course, and this text can easily be used as a serious reference for whatever publication you intend on writing in a related subject.
What makes the book strong, is perhaps also its weakness, is that it covers a broad area without being too voluminous (well, it is 500 pages, but if you compare it to Lindsay, it’s virtually a beach magazine). But it simply is not long enough to cover some of the topics at sufficient depth.
I also felt, at times, that the choice of particular topics (within chapters), was a little random, but having said that, this is my comment to just about any book trying to tackle all scientific information about dogs in a holistic way. It’s an impossible task.
Having said all that, I am very positively biased towards the author. We talked a lot for an interview I wrote about her, and she was just adorable. So, basically, buy it. She’s lovely!
Dog Behavior Problems: a Counselor’s Handbook
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AUTHOR: William Campbell
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2008
SUMMARY: Anecdotes about running a dog behaviour counselling practise.
AUDIENCE: Wannabe small animal behaviour therapists.
REVIEW: I was a little disappointed with this one.
From the title, I was hoping it would give me a comprehensive tool kit on running a dog behaviourist practice (à la Nicole Wilde, with “So you want to be a dog trainer”). Instead, I found that the anecdotes inconsistently switched from shallow to specific, with little practical value.
I was a little uncomfortable with some strong assertions on some of still disputed points (you guessed right: the old dominance demon), without backing these up with more than personal anecdotes.
So I don’t know, maybe I should give it another chance? All I know is I didn’t really get much out of it.
* Dog Sense
AUTHOR: John Bradshaw
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2011
SUMMARY: Dog Sense is a giant research literature survey, written in layman’s terms, about dogs’ behaviour through: evolution, domestication, cognitive abilities, emotions, genetics, and training methods.
AUDIENCE:
It was tough selecting a readership stamp, as:
REVIEW
In terms of scope, Dog Sense (aka In Defence of Dogs) combines the grounds of two pop science giants –Culture Clash (dog training and learning) and Inside of a Dog (dogs’ senses and cognitive abilities)– in one volume.
Dog Sense takes you through what we know and what we don’t know about (among other things):
1/ Dogs’ emotions: covering jealously (THANK YOU, finally someone is covering this in pop science) and shame. It takes a very interesting twist on love –I expected to be admonished for clinging to the certainty that my dog saw me as more than a meal-ticket, but nope.
2/ Dog’s evolutionary history: discussing the rise of the canid family, and the potential details of speciation from wolves, including an interesting twist on the Coppingers’ theory. Another THANK YOU for being the only other author I’ve read (with Linda Case) who explicitly mentions that the domestic dog and the gray wolf share a common ancestor: the dog does not directly descend from today’s grey wolf.
3/ Breeds: THANK YOU also, for making the oft-understated point that working strains of pedigree dogs are not the magic answer to all welfare problems associated with purebred dogs. Granted, they are not primarily selected for their appearance (a la showring), but for extreme behaviours, making them unsuitable as pets.
4/ And a few other chapters full of similar gems on dog training, learning, intelligence, socialisation, etc.
True to form, I had to find something negative to say about it. Well, two things:
1/ Breadth and depth… Where Jean Donaldson summarizes, John Bradshaw… analyzes. The discussion and analysis in certain chapters stretched too long and dug too deep for the layman.
2/ Countless paragraphs started with ‘Scientists say that…’, implying a consensus in the scientific community. My objection is: he does so even on topics that are far from clear-cut like… dominance. In his 2009 opinion piece (Dominance in domestic dogs: useful construct or bad habit?), he did a better job at presenting the inconvenient literature too. The book is thus open to accusations of intellectual dishonesty by detractors. Brevity and oversimplification are inevitable in pop science, but it would have been safer to say ‘Many scientists’ instead.
Still, a dog book boils down to a simple question: “Would the world be a better place if every dog owner had read this book?” With Dog Sense, my answer is: Yes, yes, a million times yes.
Dogs: a new understanding of canine origin, behaviour and evolution
AUTHORS: Ray and Lorna Coppinger
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2004
SUMMARY: Observations of a scientist couple on the dog’s evolution. Also touches on training and sports.
AUDIENCE: A little too technical to be read for entertainment purposes without being rigorous enough to be used quotable in mainstream academia. Perhaps the person who will enjoy it the most is the scientifically literate owner with a speculative bend.
REVIEW: I am a little torn on this one. This book is widely quoted by respectable sources, yet I find it lacking A LITTLE in structure and scientific rigour. Given the authors’ academic background, I presume this is more the result of a marketing decision than a lack of skill.
I found the choice to devote so much space to dog sleighing surprising – and a little frustrating (I am not all that interested in dog sports). Ray Coppinger has a lot of expertise on the subject, but the focus on sports was disproportionate in a generic book about dogs.
The most valuable part of this book is, without doubt, is the Coppingers’ thought-provoking discussions on the evolution and origin of the dog, explaining their trademark “Pinocchio” hypothesis in their own words. The Coppingers’ theory on the origin of the dogs is frequently quoted, and deservedly so in my opinion.
Ray Coppinger seems disparaging of dog trainers focus on conditioning theory, but I did not understand the nature of his reservations, nor did he engage me to think of alternatives. A point worth exploring, certainly.
I am glad I read it, but I see it more as a must-read in the most literal meaning of the word – it WILL be in a compulsory reading list if you are studying dogs. So, I did not particularly enjoy it, but, as it is quoted so often, it would have been unprofessional not to read it.
(the) Dog’s Mind
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AUTHOR: Bruce Fogle
PUBLISHING YEAR: 1990
SUMMARY: Interpretations (often pack theory-based) of commonly observed dog behaviour.
AUDIENCE: The audience is, in theory, dog owners looking to debunk myths about dogs. Unfortunately, it disseminates the occasional myth by itself, so to be taken with a pinch of salt. So I would put it in the hands of critical readers who are already well-read in the field, and want to finally read this often-quoted book.
REVIEW: Perhaps I am completely incorrect, given the weight of the author’s name in the field, but the book read like it was written by a general veterinary practitioner with little in the way of academic credentials in behaviour.
As with 99% of books written in the 1990′s (publication date here 1990) , the book is predictably littered with dominance theory-related interpretations.
The most interesting chapter was, for me, the description of the effect of old age on a dogs’ behaviour. He makes some very interesting obverations in it.
In my opinion, this book should be removed from compulsory reading lists (it is still in many curricula on dog behaviour) in the edition that I read. To be fair, I purchased mine second hand and it could well be that he re-wrote some chapters in subsequent editions.
Dogs as they are
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PUBLISHING YEAR: 2012
SUMMARY: Lively essays on critical dog questions through popular science.
AUDIENCE: If you are an owner struggling with inconsistencies with traditional training methods, this book has your name written all over it. It’ll be the launching platform you need to discover the fascinating world of dog fact, so you can, once and for all, leave dog fiction behind.
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REVIEW: Organised in a collection of themed essays, the book gives you the low down on every conceivable canine stereotype and runs them past the latest and greatest science popularization sources.
Eric Brad is the host OF Canine Nation, a well-respected podcast. He also writes for magazines and websites, and his dogs are agility trial champions. But above all, he is clearly enamored with all thing dogs, and this passion shines through every line.
Many of us share his traumatic story of re-education. It all starts when your dog crosses some unforgivable line. Then you desperately work your way through the traditional dog training tips, but it gets worse. So you start digging through the technical literature yourself and, if you’re lucky, you’ll hit gold and get to one of the greats (Ray Coppinger, Jean Donaldson, Alexandra Horowitz,…). You’ve opened that door, and knowledge just keeps pouring in. Hopefully, you’ll be working your way through increasingly challenging material –with your dog’s problems far behind you– until you feel emboldened to share your discoveries in that journey of learning in a book. And that’s just what Eric did.
Clearly a gifted writer, Eric Brad’s prose is vanilla-smooth on top, rock-solid at the bottom. The background research is near impeccable, as he showed me the perfect three’s:
His literature research is a welcome relief from the flurry of apocryphal writings about dogs.
A couple of things need to be polished to make this book perfect in my eyes: availability in hard-copy, pictures, more fleshed out examples and more in-text references.
Domestic Dog: its Evolution, Behavior and Interactions with People
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AUTHOR (EDITOR): James Serpell
PUBLISHING YEAR: 1995
SUMMARY: A collection of significant dog-related scientific research articles.
AUDIENCE: Makes for a very dry read if you are unused to scientific articles. The contents would only be useful to the layman in summarised and vulgarised form, but are completely inaccessible if you don’t have a bit of a scientific bend. For academic work, it is emminently quotable with some classic review articles, though.
REVIEW: The choice of research topics seemed a little random – a common complaint with me ; P – given the title’s broad coverage ambitions it has, and the wealth of research available. This resulted in the book lacking in natural flow, instead giving it a random/chaotic feel.
The other side of the coin is that the information in this book was immensely reliable (explanations on experimental design used, clear quotes), which only a few dog books can claim.
So, for me, the function of this book was to bust popular myths on subjects like feral dog behaviour, separation anxiety, or the origins of breed selection.
* Dominance in dogs: fact or fiction
AUTHOR: Barry Eaton
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2010
SUMMARY: List of pack theory counter-arguments (I mean, against the pack theory)
AUDIENCE: For those of you who have developed a real aversion to the dominance theory, it will crystallise your arguments. For those of you who interpret every dog behaviour in terms of dominance, it might make a dent.
REVIEW: Another must-read (sorry!). At least this one won’t take you long, It’s tiny.
It lists, in layman’s terms, the arguments against the pack theory (dog comes from wolf, wolves try to dominate each other, dog tries to dominate us).
The problem with this book is that it aims at condemning the dominance theory. This makes it inevitably one-sided, as it fails to report any experiment/observations that suggest that there might something to the pack theory (they exist, so the jury is still arguably out there still).
I personally found the book extremely enjoyable, and would recommend it to anyone as long as you remember that it is not a balanced survey on the subject of dominance, but a collection of very sound arguments against the public’s (and some trainers’) obsession with the topic.
* Dr Dunbar’s Good Little Dog Book
AUTHOR: Ian Dunbar
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2003
SUMMARY: Illustrated positive training exercises using Ian Dunbar’s now treat-prompt classic method.
AUDIENCE: First-dog owners about to adopt a dog.
REVIEW: Another must-read, if only for how much clout Dr Dunbar enjoys among positive trainers. Ian Dunbar has acquired a solid reputation as one of the pioneers of humane, gentle training methods.
It gives complete, structured, illustrated, tangible and clear guidance on teaching your dog basic canine manners. It also touches on subjects of lure-weening, behaviour extinction, etc. in practical, layman’s terms.
I did not enjoy it as much as I thought, probably because it aims at being a manual for dog owners, so not that much technical knowledge to be gleaned for me. Also, his methods have been re-hashed by countless positive trainers since publication. So I wouldn’t buy it to access unique, technical information, but more to credit the guy with practically inventing positive dog training methods.
Emotional lives of animals (the)
AUTHOR: Marc Bekoff
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2008
SUMMARY: Collection of anecdotes and observations supporting the case for “bioanthropomorphism”, i.e. the assertion (which I share) that animals have emotions. This assertion is still disputed by hard-line scientists in the field, given the difficulty in quantifying and verifying emotions.
AUDIENCE: Dog owners with an interest in animal welfare, and who appreciate pop science.
REVIEW: I was quite disappointed in this book. Bekoff is somewhat of an idol in the positive dog training world, thanks to his advocacy work on animal rights. As a scientist and popular press writer, he is in an ideal position to spread his message: let’s stop seeing animals in a purely exploitative way. They have intrinsic value aside from the advantages they can mean to us.
Disappointingly enough, I found most of the examples he gave utterly unconvincing. If I had not already been a fervent defender of animal rights and a strong believer that they do have emotions, the book might have discredited that very point for me.
Too many examples used in this book are little more than wild speculation and often poorly documented anecdotes.
At this stage, I fail to see much added value in this book, as it basically just preaches to the choir. No self-respecting sceptic would be influenced by it, and most definitely not hard-liner scientists.
So the report card, knowing Mr. Bekoff’s biography, professional reputation, and impressive record of published studies is this: Can do better!
Empowerment Training
AUTHOR: James O’Heare
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2011
SUMMARY: Background theory and implementation techniques to promote empowerment in the domestic dog.
AUDIENCE: Specialist trainers with a solid scientific background and/or applied behaviourists/behaviouralists.
REVIEW: I am quite conflicted about writing this review as I will not give it a lot of stars, yet I love what the author is about. His background research is gargantuan, and he displays an awe-inspiring grasp of the multi-disciplinarian science topics behind behaviouralism.
Throughout this book, O’Heare proposes that empowerment, to be promoted through creativity, persistence, industriousness and resilience, is a powerful tool to improve the quality of life of a reaction-depressed dog (in extreme cases, one displaying learnt helplessness).
Whilst I love his academic tone (no assertion is left unreferenced, no new concept is left undefined), his thoroughness is perhaps also his downfall. Some chapters are thorough and exact to the point of tedium. Here is an example. Bearing in mind the likely reader (experienced trainers/behaviourists with a solid scientific background), attempting to explain shaping in its most minute details is impractical.
The same can be said to the chapter on learning theory, although I can see that these are necessary to explain the parallels with strict behaviouralist terminology, which boils everything down to a technical contingency statement (discriminating stimulus, motivating operation, response, consequence) in the most elegant way. However the basics could be somewhat abridged, as one must assume that the readers are proficient in these concepts.
I am reading a couple of his books at the same time, so I have noticed that the introductory chapter on theoretical orientation (wonderfully written, by the way) finds itself in more than one book. I can see that this is required, but it feels a little redundant if you read several of his books in a row.
The theoretical orientation chapter defines different currents among pet behaviour specialists, including his own credo: behaviour analysis. He distinguishes behaviour analysis from the medical model (i.e. from Karen Overall and other diagnosis-based practitioners). He makes some very good points about the pitfalls of the medical model, such as the application of sometimes superstitious training techniques and the reliance on often outdated ethological principles, but he rejects it outright. I feel that a therapeutic model making use of diagnosis is extremely helpful, as long as the training techniques and their ethological foundation continued to be viewed and applied critically, and in light of the latest science.
He also prefaces the book with the fact that this is a first draft. Unfortunately, it has that feel to it indeed. For example, I am concerned that creativity, persistence and industriousness have the potential to be expressed in inappropriate contexts, and are counterproductive to possible concurrent extinction projects. The idea of focusing on creativity, etc. to promote well-being is very intriguing, but I would need concrete recommendations about how to prevent their inappropriate generalisation. I am not sure whether the omission of a chapter addressing these concerns is just “first-draft syndrome”, or whether the original idea has not been thought through to its conclusion, with the necessary risk analysis in mind.
Finally, tiny tiny tiny point: an index would be lovely.
So, as I have a soft spot for him, all in all, I am glad I read the book. I am looking forward to a refined second or third edition, though.
* Ethical dog trainer (the)
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AUTHOR: Jim Barry
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2009
SUMMARY: Ethical toolkit for the dog trainer, including a review of contemporary divisive issues.
AUDIENCE: A smooth read for anyone involved in dog training professionally, and wanting to explore the ethical aspects of our profession in a short and pleasantly written format.
REVIEW: An absolute must-read. In fact, THE must -read of must-reads.
Barry is a pioneer in his work with the positive training of gun dogs. In his previous life, he was a Philosophy scholar.
In the book, Jim Barry summarises the controversial issues in the dog world today in a lucid and balanced way (e.g. electric collar).
His credentials place him at the almost impossibly serendipitous crossroads of philosophy and dog training: enabling him to discuss the ethics of the profession from a rational, structured standpoint.
The book shows dog training in a sophisticated light, demonstrating the many rare qualities one needs to do the job: empathy, integrity, tact, and a finely attuned sense of moral responsibility.
He discusses many real-life conundrums (euthanasia, abandonment, threat to child/public, etc.), and offers a system to work through the choices to the best of one’s abilities.
And, a real treat to geeks like me, the book contains a list of commonly recurring fallacies in the dog training world, with their description and technical names (such as ad hominem, red herring, etc.).
* Excel-Erated Learning
PUBLISHING YEAR: 1996
SUMMARY: Foundations of learning theory. Including some reference to historic scientific work.
AUDIENCE: A must-read to all wannabe behaviourists and for science-curious owners.
REVIEW: I very much enjoyed this book.
The author’s PhD in animal behaviour gives the text the academic credence. This is not insignificant in the ever so muddled and subjective political world of dog publications.
The book seeks to offer an comprehensive, balanced summary of the contemporary body of knowledge on dog learning.
The book explains the learning principles, sprinkling them with examples of significant supporting research (Skinner, Pavlov, etc.).
The book is structured in a logical manner, making it a flowing, convenient read.
It introduces the core concepts that any dog trainer should be familiar with, such as conditionning, punishment/reward, extinction, etc.
I was particularly impressed with the objectivity and honesty with which she tackled the more political subjects, like use of aversives in training.
Evolution of Canine Social Behavior
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AUTHOR: Robert Abrantes
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2003
SUMMARY: Overview of social behaviour in the Canis genus (i.e. gray wolves, dogs, etc.), and related evolutionary theories.
AUDIENCE: Do not purchase this book hoping for a therapist’s handbook for canine behaviour problems. It does not seek to serve that purpose. It is, however, very useful background research material for academic work.
REVIEW: This book is a very short overview of the theories relating to social behaviour in the dog and its cousins. It will not provide you much in the way of tangible knowledge focusing on dogs, but it will give you a sound base for thinking about dominance, behavioural genetics, sexual strategies, aggression, etc. in their comparative evolutionary context.
It is a treatise on ethology, rather than applied canine behaviourism. It focuses not only on dogs, but on all canines, mainly the gray wolf.
Feisty Fido
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2005
SUMMARY: Pocket-sized booklet explaining the industry’s best rehabilitation programme for dogs that are aggressive to other dogs when on-leash.
AUDIENCE: If you’re an owner or trainer interested in on-leash reactivity, it’s definitely worth a read, and it will yield non-negligible results if you follow it to the letter. But please do not expect it to resolve the problem fully without further work and specialist help. I see this book as a valuable explanatory tool, rather than a self-sufficient treatment protocol.
REVIEW: Both authors have impressive credentials: they are both clinical behaviourist diplomates AND zoology doctorates. They bring together common-sense and academia, an extremely rare commodity in the world of dog publishing.
Feisty Fido talks of a problem with epidemic proportions: reactivity to other dogs when on the leash.
The authors go through each step of the counter-conditioning and desensitization technique, whereby you:
An important side note: The authors appear to be the first to recommend the “where’s the dog” technique: rewarding your dog for looking at the other dog, somewhat of a paradigm shift in the community where, hitherto, we would train the dog to look at the owner. This subtle change of approach makes their techniques that much powerful.
Given the authors’ credentials, it is little wonder that the book promotes non-invasive and evidence-based methods. Thus fear not: no paranoid, dogmatic, dominance-based advice from our two good ladies.
As ever with dog-dog reactivity, the demands of the programme are somewhat unrealistic, and the prognosis is often guarded. Still, reading the book will help you open the bonnet of a desensitization programme, and will deliver sizable improvements.
As often with these highly specialized booklets, I would sooner place it in the hands of a budding specialist trainer than those of a dog owner. My concern is that leash reactivity is best handled by a specialist, as a botched job might achieve the opposite effect.
Fight!
AUTHOR: Jean Donaldson
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2004
SUMMARY: Protocol on how to deal with dog-dog aggression. Aimed at a professional audience.
AUDIENCE: Pick this one up if you are unfamiliar with the force-free protocols for dog-dog reactivity.
REVIEW: This book lacked a little meat on the bone, in my opinion. Or at least it didn’t tell me anything I didn’t know, which is a disappointment considering the author.
She is a great generalist, and fabulously gifted at making abstract concepts clear to the layman, so I guess a highly focused, technical subject, isn’t her strong suit.
Perhaps this book did not get away with JD’s trademark conversational prose, and needed a more structured and technical approach?
I think it pretty much covered all there was to cover, but it left me feeling a little unsatisfied, somehow.
An additional (but small) frustration with this book is the frequent reference to using a bomb-proof dog, when this is in clearly a very rare commodity.
So, all in all, a very good summary and explanations of the protocols out there, but it’s a tad unrealistic at times.
Getting a grip on aggression cases
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AUTHOR: Nicole Wilde
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2008
SUMMARY: A high-level approach to tackling dog aggression professionally
AUDIENCE: Get this one if you are after a very good introductory book on the subject, but don’t expect THE exhaustive toolkit for all aggression problems.
REVIEW: I was hoping for a book cataloging an exhaustive list of aggression issues, with detailed instructions and advice on protocol. Instead, I was left feeling I had to order and sort the information to be able to make sense of it, and to then do my homework on the details of the treatments that are mentioned. I can imagine that there is a certain element of protectionism in keeping detailed information protocols to oneself, but it felt like the book ‘didn’t do what it said on the package’.
It had some particularly useful chapters, including the introduction to the various kinds of aggression and their treatment (regretably, it stayed introductory), the history-taking form template, and the assessment scale of aggression severity.
*Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training. I to III
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AUTHOR: Steven R. Lindsay
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2000
SUMMARY: Comprehensive review of every possible aspect of dogs. This book is a one-spot scientific tool kit for every aspiring (and established) behaviourist
AUDIENCE: One of the most quoted body of work on dogs and behaviour, both in academic and technical circles. For the scientifically literate specialist trainer or the companion animal applied behaviour student/researcher. Perhaps vets with a lot of time on their hands would also greatly benefit from this one to give them a solid groundings on the body of knowledge on canine behaviour and behaviour problems.
REVIEW: This is a bible for serious dog behaviour therapists. If you haven’t read and understood it, don’t take on a case.
It is by no means an easy read, with three volumes of dry academic text. But it offers an incredibly comprehensive overview of the relevant body of knowledge, from the history of dog training to the physiology of the dog’s brain.
What I love most about it? Its balanced, impartial tone and its broad, yet deep, coverage. If SL has a political agenda, it certainly eludes me. He reports research from the proponents of all views, and clearly separates fact and opinion, showing impressive integrity in the process.
His chapter on punishment should be framed in every training school in the world. It is sober, reasonable and balanced.
Lindsay’s trilogy is years of labour (to read as well as to write!), and is a compulsory read in many behaviourist curricula.
* How to run a dog business
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AUTHOR: Veronica Boutelle
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007
SUMMARY: An invaluable guide to running your own dog business: from operational to strategic advice.
AUDIENCE: Definitely pick this one up it if you want to start your own dog business.
REVIEW: It is jam-packed full of tips, lessons learnt and best practices.
It offers you an exhaustive list of known risks and challenges, and how to manage them, for the usual dog businesses (mainly dog trainer, behaviourist, and walker).
It suggests pricing structures, marketing strategies, sales lines, etc. In other words, she goes through all the predictable pains, decisions and questions, and points you in the right direction.
Veronica Boutelle is clearly a savy entrepreneuress, with the writing skills to boot.
If you’re serious about starting a dog business, save yourself a lot of avoidable headaches and give yourself a chance to succeed: read this book.
Let’s play with our dog
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2005
SUMMARY: Suggestions for games to play with your dog
AUDIENCE: Very useful if you’re after some low-tech entertainment ideas for your dog on a rainy day. Also a useful and very handy (compact) book for play therapy if you are an behaviourist/specialist trainer.
REVIEW:
It was very short, so nice and portable if you wanted to take it along to customer appointments for training sessions.
Some nice ideas, but the format is so small that the number of game suggestions is limited.
It gives a great breakdown of the teaching steps for each game, including some good guidance on how to move to an intermittent ratio of reinforcement.
The design is a little on the dull side. Perhaps the lack of pictures? Perhaps the fact that the few pictures that were in there were in black and white?
AUTHOR: Brigitte Eilert-Overbeck
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007
SUMMARY: Suggestions for games with your dog
AUDIENCE: You’d need to speak Dutch, for starters. But once you’re over that hurdle, the book is source of low-tech entertainment games ideas for your dog.
REVIEW:
I love that it’s tiny and very portable, so you can bring it along to your appointments.
I don’t like that I couldn’t find an English translation, though.
I loved that it taught things like sorting the laundry and other great tricks.
Man Meets Dog
PUBLISHING YEAR: 1949
SUMMARY: Auto-biographical account of Lorenz’ life with his pet dogs.
AUDIENCE: As a specialist (ethologist or specialist trainer), it is quoted in so many specialist texts that you owe it to yourself to check what the fuss is about, if only out of historical interest. As an owner, you won’t find much in the way of reliable knowledge about your dog’s behaviour.
REVIEW: His (conjectured) bonds with the Nazi party aside, it is hard not to be charmed by his absent-minded professor persona.
His tales betray a complete lack of common sense which reminded me greatly of… myself! In his mind, the following (and more) seemed like ‘a good idea’:
As I was reading the book, I kept thinking of his poor long-suffering wife (and my own poor long-suffering husband, by extension).
The book gives a great historical perspective on the body of knowledge and opinions on dog behaviour in the 1940′s. Some have a remarkably modern feel (e.g. reward more than punish, reward within seconds of the dog’s behaviour, dogs have emotions), and some are quite scary (e.g. recounting a man walking down the street with his dog and a … whip, lashing the dog on the nose whenever it would not heel, etc.).
He sometimes makes some surprising (and disturbing at times) assertions with little in the way of supporting evidence, but hey, the guy eventually got a Nobel Prize, so I guess he gets to be a tad sure of himself. In that vein, some of his authoritative remarks on women are particular gems. This book is not to be put in the hands of anyone with the remotest trace of feminist sensibilities.
An added dimension of interest for me was that he was an ethologist (some would say he is the founder of Ethology), and yet he essentially wrote a book about dog training (i.e. the realm of behaviourists, ethologists’ conceptual opposites when it comes to research principles). This gave rise to some very quaint contradictions, but only made the book more charming and quaint to me.
What transpired above all was that, in spite of the ‘human dominion’ mindset of the time (seeing dogs as little more than commodities), he himself was genuinely devoted and attached to his dogs, and truly enjoyed their company.
In this book, you will find his famous assertion that many dogs descend from jackals and various other original, but later widely disproved, theories.
So the book gives great fly-on-the-wall insights into the life of a scientific legend, and into the 1940′s perspectives on dog training. Don’t buy it if you’re after an otherwise educational read, though, because the points it makes are as romanticised, unverifiable, simplified, and embellished as it gets.
Measuring behaviour – an introductory guide
AUTHORS: Paul Martin & Patrick Bateson
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007
SUMMARY: Overview of the standards and techniques of behaviour measurement in research.
AUDIENCE: If you’re past your first year in Psych/Ethology, it will serve as a wonderful, concise, refresher of the fundamentals. If you’re new to the field, it’ll give you the entry point that you need to get your feet wet without drowning.
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REVIEW
A must-have if you are contemplating a scientific career on dog behaviour. Otherwise, leave it well alone: the target audience is firmly academic.
If you’re studying ethology, it’s likely a compulsory read for your college –and rightly so. What the book lacks in depth (it’s just 170 pages), it makes up in breadth: taking you through a wide sweep at all essential topics for measuring behaviour.
A couple of paragraphs gave me the clearest explanations I’d ever read: e.g. four questions of ethology, sampling vs. recording methods, the interrelated behaviour sciences, etc. And the list of annotated references offers a great tool if you want to dig deeper.
I do have an ax to grind though: some statistics chapters were soooo superficial that they barely covered the conceptual level. The chapter on Findings presentation took it even further, to the meager agenda that was covered seemed to have been picked haphazardly. As this chapter isn’t core to that what the book purports to do, I would have done away with that chapter altogether, to make room for more details in other sections.
Verdict time: I love that it is succinct, I hate that it is succinct… A classic all the same.
Oh, Behave!
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AUTHOR: Jean Donaldson
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2008
SUMMARY: ‘Dear Jean’ letters, with the typically humorous, clear, intelligent answers that Jean Donaldson has such a knack for.
AUDIENCE: Dog owners after a hilariously written, but reliable, myth buster about their dog’s common behaviour.
REVIEW: The format is somewhat unstructured, which is a little typical for Jean Donaldson. But it actually works in the book’s favour, leaving you wondering what the next letter will cover.
Reading Jean Donaldson’s books is, as ever, an educative experience. This book is no exception. The author effortlessly and breezily approaches technical and scientific subjects. She demonstrates, once again, her clear understanding of the science behind the profession, and does a great job at spreading that knowledge.
I particularly loved her chapter about genetics. Making alleles clear to the common mortal is no mean feat. And she pulled it off!
On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals
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AUTHOR: Turid Rugaas
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2005
SUMMARY: Observations on stress-indicating and appeasement body language in dogs by Turid Rugaas
AUDIENCE: For owners, it’ll be a real eye opener if you’re not all that familiar with canine body language. For professionals, it’s a milestone of a book in the field, and you don’t want to get caught not having read it.
REVIEW: I very much enjoyed reading this, although it totally lacked scientific rigour.
Turid Rugaas is widely accredited for discovering, or at least popularising, dogs’ calming signals. In fact ‘cut-off signals’, as they were then called, were already described in 1962 (Chance). Regardless, Turid Rugaas has had an incredible (and very constructive) influence on professionals in the field of canine communication.
Some professionals have put their allegiance in Turid Rugaas’ work beyond the topic of calming method, and rally behind her as a bona fide dog training guru. Such groups are flourishing all over Europe, and put great focus on the dog’s emotions, rejecting a purely scientific approach to canine behaviour, which they perceive to be reductionistic.
Reluctant as ever to accept anything on authority, I was bent on trying to disprove her observations – I hadn’t heard of Chance then. But I have to concede that my anecdotal observation match Mrs Rugaas’. Interpreting calming signals is now a tool I constantly use.
I have also observed a tendency by fellow dog professionals to take the concepts very literally indeed, running away with it the way most people did with dominance not so long ago. It is now common to see people who systematically interpret even gestures with a physical purpose (e.g. scratching because of an itch) as a calming signal (scratching as a diversion).
So, the book offers a very detailed analysis (with some, but not enough, illustrations) of dog recurring ‘calming’ postures in dogs. It will help you interpret dogs’ hitherto hidden messages, and help you put them at ease.
The author’s love for dogs is literally bursting out of the book, and it makes for a warm, uncomplicated read.
To be very critical about it, the book could be more thorough, comprehensive, and better structured if it is to become a standard academic reference. It could also do with a lot more illustrations given the subject matter.
One on One
AUTHOR: Nicole Wilde
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2004
SUMMARY: Help for tough client communication during private training sessions.
AUDIENCE: A real boon for beginning private trainers. Will save you a lot of blunders and arm you to deal with the common awkward moments in our field.
REVIEW: Wouldn’t you know it, Nicole Wilde has done it again. With her usual vim and common sense, she loads you with suggestions on how to phrase the difficult messages like: “work harder”, “pay me”, or “I wouldn’t work with you for all the money in the world” in a charming way!
I have already started using some of her suggestions and already my business is running a lot smoother. Thanks for saving me some of these repeat communication headaches! Once again, her inner saleswoman has come out to help the rest of us dog trainers. WITH As the added bonus of thorough and attractively laid-out history questionnaires and contracts.
My only bone of contention? The book is so encouraging of aspiring trainers to take the plunge that it downplays at times the importance of a formal specialist education, which I think is an open door to adding more insufficiently informed professionals on a field that is already struggling with professionalisation.
Oh, and, if I am to be really picky, I guess the presentation could be a lot more attractive. This book was published on a budget, and it shows a little in the design. It would be great if she got hand-picked by one of the big publishers, and her books were given the snazzy presentation they deserve.
But, all in all, I loved it. It’s a breezy read (you’ll be done in two days), and it’s packed with effective suggestions that you can apply right away if you give one-on-one training sessions. I highly recommend it.
(the) Only Dog Tricks You’ll Ever Need
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AUTHOR: Gerilyn J. Bielakwiewicz
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2005
SUMMARY: Series of dog tricks and how to teach them with excellent supporting explanations on training theory.
AUDIENCE: Owners who want to learn the industry secrets in a non-intimidating volume, for practical, witty, real-life tricks. Also very useful as a trainer to spice up your classes with a ‘fun’ section.
REVIEW: Despite its modest title, this is one of the best books I have read on dog training in general (not just tricks).
It gives you clear, thorough methodology to teach each step, from basic manners to intricate tricks.
The book uses specific examples to beautifully illustrate generic training principles (backward chaining, behaviour shaping, intermittent vs. continous ratios, etc.).
I found it full of fantastic training suggestions, and it gave me second wind when I was hitting a dry spot with my own rescue dog.
(the) Other End of the Leash
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AUTHOR: Patricia McConnell
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2003
SUMMARY: Autobiographical account of the author’s life as a behaviourist
AUDIENCE: A peak for owners who are curious about the life behind the scenes of the life of a specialist trainer/behaviourist. For specialist trainers, a nice “Am not the only one” read with charming anecdote after charming anecdote.
REVIEW: Very enjoyable read.
Autobiographical depiction of the ups and downs of a dog owner, trainer and behaviour therapist, focusing on her relationships to her dogs. There are many interesting anecdotes from her rich history with dogs, and it makes you feel slightly less inappropriate for having a less than perfect dog.
A thoroughly enjoyable, flowing, easy read. Watch out, though. It is not fact-packed or educative, nor does it claim to be.
Don’t ask me why I thoroughly enjoyed this one, and not Suzanne Clothier’s, as they have a lot in common.
Playtime for your dog – Keep him busy throughout the day
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2006
SUMMARY: Suggested interactive games and game material to keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated
AUDIENCE: Pick this one up if you’re after a pleasantly illustrated (a rare boon in this type of books) book on tricks/games to play with your dog on a rainy day. Professional trainers and behaviourists can also use it as a source of inspiration for tricks class or play therapy.
REVIEW: I loved that this book was so thorough and well illustrated. It ranges from games using next to no material to the latest brain toys. It is full of really good, original ideas for that rainy day when your dog needs to burn some calories but you can’t get to the park. It suggests games aimed at problem-solving, impulse control, agility, overcoming fears, etc.
I recommend it a lot during my behaviour programmes.
Preventing puppy problems
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2002
AUDIENCE: With its spotless contents and affordable price, it should be a standard handout for every puppy class client.
SUMMARY: Pocket-sized booklet teaching puppy owners how to avoid and deal with common puppy problems using modern methods.
REVIEW
This book is not only insanely useful, it’s also insanely small. Whatever her secret is to compact so much good stuff in so little space, I want in. She covers all the crucial areas in a breezy, uncomplicated style that hits the spot again and again.
Given the date of edition (2002), many authors were still obsessed by punishment-based methods and the pack theory but… Not so Dee Woodcock: the advice she gives is rational and well-informed.
She divides the booklet in handy little sections:
Management: Crate training, house training, setting boundaries, etc.
Training: Methods to teach the crucial cues (sit, come back, etc.) with AND without clicker.
Body language: Dee Woodcock also shares dog trainers’ secrets on the subtle body language signs that will have you read your dog like no one else in no time. Mastering body language is an invaluable tool for reading budding signs long before they develop into full-blown problems, and the author does a great job at covering the subject in just a few lines.
Addressing typical puppy problems: Humane and effective tips on dealing with typical complaints like jumping up, play biting, begging, separation intolerance, stealing, chewing, etc.
My one gripe: I wish the pictures were illustrating the local text, rather than all condensed in the central section.
I shouldn’t blow its trumpet too much because, frankly, if the word spread, specialist trainers and behaviourists may soon be out of work…
Selfish Gene (the)
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AUTHOR: Richard Dawkins
PUBLISHING YEAR: 1976 (original), 1989 (my edition)
SUMMARY: Brick-sized treatise on the mechanics of genes on population dynamics and trait expression – in (nearly) everyday language.
AUDIENCE: A classic must-read if you’re remotely interested in biology –> zoology –> understanding genes AND if you enjoy complex, subtle and far-reaching theoretical speculation into evolutionary dynamics.
REVIEW: Richard Dawkins is an evolutionary biologist with out-of-this-world theoretical insight into anything and everything he puts his mind to.
In this book, he meshes the works of Darwin (evolution), Trivers (game theory), and Mendel (genetics) into an intuitively appealing and internally consistent model to expose the mechanics of genetic inheritance.
He does away not only with the two ugly, but classic, misconceptions:
The crux of the book is this: Dawkins proposes a daring conceptual shift from the entire organism to the individual gene as the fundamental unit of hereditary selection.
He briefly introduces (re-introduces if you’re a biologist) the nitty-gritty of molecular genetics, but quickly moves on to illustrating his points with one fascinating evolutionary example after another.
One of our lecturers warned a room full of neural scientists, behavioural psychologists and veterinary doctors that it would be a tough read for most of us. I can’t decide whether she’s right, as my background is Zoology (so slap in the middle of his subject matter). From what I recall, though, I found it reasonably jargon-free. In terms of complexity, he does go off onto mindbogglingly sophisticated flights of theory — with a couple of beautiful chapters on game theory to name but one topic.
So fasten your seat belt, because, intellectually, this is a Ferrari of a book. But if you’re up for the challenge, it will (at worst) stop you from blurting genetic stupidities, and (at best) revolutionarize your understanding of life, the universe and everything.
This book is a all-out classic, and it is one of the must-have intellectual gems of the twentieth century. Go on. Try it.
* So you want to be a dog trainer
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AUTHOR: Nicole Wilde
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2001
SUMMARY: Tactical and operational guide to launching your own dog training business.
AUDIENCE: Wannabe dog trainers or established dog trainers after some fresh ideas on marketing, class curriculum, etc.
REVIEW: A must-read.
This book delivers exactly what it says on the cover: a comprehensive, detailed guide on how to set up shop as a dog trainer (and behaviour therapist).
It contains an honest account of the more negative aspects of the profession, and encourages the reader to honestly assess whether they can take those on.
The book is also full of great ideas and suggestions to give you that edge to your business.
I very much enjoyed reading this book, and it remains one of my main references in setting up my business.
Scaredy dog – Understanding and rehabilitating your reactive dog
AUTHOR: Ali Brown
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2004
SUMMARY: Treatment protocol for the easily frightened dog, or phobic dogs. For the layman.
AUDIENCE: It sits uncomfortably between two types of audiences: too basic for the professional, and too in-depth for the dog owner. I guess the niche is the very dedicated dog owner, and for them, it very clearly breaks down the therapy protocol for reactive dogs, and the beginning professional.
REVIEW: The books somewhat lacked structure, and covered some subjects at surprising depth, considering the title and target audience (layman). But do you know what? Thankfully so! Because Ali Brown’s account of dog nutrition, de-sensitisation and counter-conditioning, are simply the best explanations I’d ever read on the subject. She clearly masters the subjects, and has a way with vivid images and clear explanations.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Her background in teaching clearly shows throughout the book, as she has a real talent for making abstract concepts tangible and clear. I have even borrowed her wording to explain some concepts to non-professionals.
I suspect the book is self-published, or at least on a limited budget, so the presentation and design weren’t all that. But it really didn’t bother me.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading that book and will look out for more by Ali Brown.
Speaking for Spot
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AUTHOR: Nancy Kay
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2008
SUMMARY: Explanation about dog’s common medical issues, including cancer, vaccinations, operations, etc.
AUDIENCE: Dog owners after some moral support, summary veterinary information, and communication strategies with the dog’s veterinary team when their dog’s health is hitting a snag.
REVIEW: This book was somewhat of a revelation to me, at a time when I was particularly anxious about my dog’s health (unfounded fear, it thankfully turns out). The book gave me just the boost I needed to feel empowered into acting as my dog’s medical advocate.
The book demystifies scary issues like dog cancer and vaccinations, and gives you the tools to be a better decision maker for your dog. She made me feel less obsessive about all the research I do before going to the vet’s. In fact, she exhorts her readers to do so.
She explains common and hi-tech procedures, and suggests communication tips to get a smoother and more efficient relationship with your vet and the para-veterinary team.
Her personal accounts of her own, and her dog’s medical tribulations, contribute to the approachable feel of the book. And approachable she is! She is a very friendly contact in the social media.
That book passed the ultimate litmus test: it improved an aspect of my life for the better. I no longer live in blind dread of my dog developing health issues, as I know I have a guide to cope with them.
Not really related to dog behaviour, but a great book all the same.
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Tail Talk
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AUTHOR: Sophie Colins
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007
SUMMARY: Very thorough, compact, and attractive visual guide to dog’s body language.
AUDIENCE: If you have to choose a book about dog body language as a dog owner, pick this one. If the stuff is new to you, read it again and again, and it will transform how you understand your dog.
REVIEW: This book had been on my radar for a while, but I had assumed it was just another badly-researched body language book. I reconsidered when I saw that Karen Overall had written the foreword for it.
I was well-inspired to change my mind, as it is now THE book I recommend on canine body language.
It is compact, thorough, clear, easy to use, and, above all, well-researched.
It is also easily the best designed dog book I’ve ever read. Attractive, simple, lean, and a very easy-to-read layout. It has a very elegant and very original,designey-type text arrangements and colours, and uses very professional studio pictures. It is organised like a glossary for ease of information retrieval.
AUTHORS: Hy Conrad and Jeff Johnson (art director Dean Stefanides)
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2012
SUMMARY: Witty comments on dog behaviour and our dramatic attitudes to them.
AUDIENCE: A beautifully designed, witty, cheeky little book about dog’s quirks for pretty much everybody. A coffee table book if there ever was one. Don’t pick this one up hoping for thorough research or a remote practical use. This one’s just for fun.
REVIEW: This one was a welcome relief from the highbrow, science stuff for me. Actually, when it came to behaviour science, it kinda sorta mostly got it right. Only a few minor technical details here and there, but the general message is: use scepticism, common sense, and humour, when looking at your dog’s behaviour. It’s generally no big deal if only you don’t insist on viewing it in the eyes of the latest en-vogue dog training theory.
This book that is also beautifully designed (kudos to the artwork designer and photographer: a real gem), pocket-sized, and nothing short of hilarious. It’s basically a series of letters written by dogs to their owners, pet sitters, etc. about their antics.
Message? Let’s not be so romantic, dramatic, prudish and anthropomorphistic when looking at our dogs. They’re animals and, as much as they love us, they are still driven by self-interest. It encourages us to de-dramatize their little behaviour querks and ‘traumatic’ past and see life as they do: day by day.
Loved it. Clever, funny, high-quality design.
Think dog
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AUTHOR: John Fisher
PUBLISHING YEAR: 1995
SUMMARY: Sample behaviour therapy cases with the author’s diagnostic and solution
AUDIENCE: Written for an audience of dog owners, but the book is unfortunately showing its age. This has shifted the audience from dog owners to professionals who are curious about that unmissable dog training figure.
REVIEW: Given that the book was published mid-1990′s, it is predictably sprinkled with speculative references to dominance.
Aside from that point, I found the book extremely informative. Particularly the chapter about herbal remedies (as he is also a self-confessed sceptic, so it sold me) and nutrition.
The book covers some common behaviour issues in dogs, and the recommended protocol for them. Although it does not cover them in nearly enough depth for professional use, I shall definitely be re-using it as a quick look-up reference.
The author’s credentials (founding member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Consultants, self-tagged advocate of modern training methods) were at odds with his position on dominance. Granted, he only advocates positive methods, not confrontation (at least in this edition), but he does nothing to combat the excessive use of the dominance concept.
Still, credit where it’s due: John Fisher was one of the most influential characters for the early positive dog training professionals (he is THE symbol for cross-over trainers, who went from traditional to positive methods).
So, I thought it was a really nice book, but to be taken with a pinch of salt.
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AUTHOR: Katherine Kate
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2009
SUMMARY: Exhaustive training and management tips for owners of city dogs
AUDIENCE: This book can be a precious help to first-time city dog owners, or if you are moving your rural/suburban dog to the city.
REVIEW: “Training the city dog” is an unpretentious, simple, easy, non-technical read. And we need those once in a while.
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The book gives training and management tips targeted at city dogs. It has a comprehensive approach to the potential challenges faced bycity dogs, and suggests practical, realistic solutions to them.
It does not drown you in guilt or theory, but gives you tried and tested pragmatic training tips for your city dog.
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One potential point of improvement would be the couple of chapters where the author suggests search engine keywords, instead of elaborating on the concept. Similarly, the author is neither a dog trainer, nor a behaviourist, so some of the topics on training need more research and minor corrections. Perhaps in the next edition?insert line hereinsert line here
The book also gives tangible suggestions promoting responsible ownership, potentially preventing more damage from anti-dog lobbies. The world would be a better place if every city dog owner followed the author’s tips.
Truth about dogs (the)
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AUTHOR: Stephen Budiansky
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2002
SUMMARY: Witty review of the scientific body of knowledge on the domestic dog.
AUDIENCE: A gem of science popularisation, owners who are curious about the scientific body of knowledge about dog’s behaviour, perception, etc. will really enjoy it. Be critical of a couple of controversial points (punishment and pack theory) that are presented as fact.
REVIEW: I adore this book. It nearly has it all: it shows wit, critical thinking, and thorough research. He hammers down irrational beliefs with hilarious images, critical thinking and lots of references.
In the 2002 edition, he mentions dominance in the context of ‘dogs are social climbers’ and ‘if you let up he’ll dominate you’. He goes way beyond the simplistic pack theory, so kudos there, but what remains is still speculation presented as fact. In practice, it doesn’t matter: he is making the point that dogs need consistency, and that they must look to us for what’s acceptable. I just don’t like that he framed it in the context of dominance.
I was also wary of his position on reward and punishment. His views could be positioned as ‘balanced training’ (rather than ‘purely positive’). There’s nothing wrong with that. Everyone can have their opinion. But his arguments were uncharacteristically weak for a book that was otherwise so internally consistent. He posits that giving dogs treats for every good deed is less dignified than just giving them ‘quiet approval’ (or something along those lines). Well sure, it takes away the magic and mystery of dog training, but how can ‘quiet approval’ be a reward to a dog? As dogs do not have a theory of mind (the ability to imagine that someone else is thinking/feeling/knowing) how could our silent approval have any meaning? He also supports the remote-controlled electric collar, which I find a tad irresponsible given how easily it can worsen behaviour problems.
Not one to end on a bad note, let me repeat myself: I loved this book. I devoured it. It was sharp, intelligent, rational, and beautifully written.
Ethologists Mark Bekoff’s and Michael Fox shared my concerns with some passages in this book, but were muuuuch more scathing ; )
Understanding and handling aggression
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AUTHOR: Barbara Sykes
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2001
SUMMARY: Loose coverage of one dog’s progress from severe aggression, suffused with author’s opinion on training methods.
AUDIENCE: Dangerously open to literal application by beginning trainers dealing with dog aggression, I would recommend interpreting it with great caution. Experienced trainers will probably not benefit from this book given its shaky factual grounds and haphazard practical coverage.
REVIEW: I hesitated to write a review on this book, as I did not enjoy it much, and I’d like to re-read it and give it a chance (perhaps I misinterpreted some of it?).
It certainly did not give me what I was looking for: a comprehensive and detailed protocol to deal with dog aggression.
Rather, it contained ad-hoc, at times shallow, anecdotes, about the author’s management of one particular case: a Border Collie rescue dog reactive to humans.
I also was not entirely sure who the intended audience was: professionals or dog owners?
The author’s stance on disputed subjects (yep, dominance) had an outdated flavour to it, and was on the dogmatic side, in my view. The author did not attempt to support her very arrested opinions with reference to research.
After reading some chapters, I was left with the same feeling of frustration I have after speaking with more old-school dog trainers who view dog being a dog with suspicion (e.g. chewing toys, tug-of-war games, rough-housing, etc.). This conflicts diametrically with my own views, which is to ‘let a dog live its dogness’ as much as is practical, to avoid the frustration of these drives.
I also found that it offered little in the way of a clear description of the protocol she followed to cure the problematic Border Collie.
So perhaps I’ve missed the point entirely, but I would not recommend this book if you’re after some academic support for your dog aggression protocols.
Veterinary notes for dog owners
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AUTHOR (EDITOR): Trevor Turner
PUBLISHING YEAR: 1990
SUMMARY: Notes from veterinarians on a wide variety of contemporary dog issues.
AUDIENCE: Despite the title, it would take the world’s most dedicated owner to plough through this book cover to cover. I have mainly been using it as a reference when writing essays on specialist subjects in non-University programmes, where it enjoys a mythical following .
REVIEW: Despite its age, this book stays surprisingly relevant.
It is interesting in two ways:
The book is a little random in its choices of topic (as many such reference books are), but that does not take away any of its value, in my opinion.
A nice, but bulky, read. It will help you approach the dog holistically, by improving your knowledge of the medical aspects of a dog.
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AUTHORS: Marty Becker & Gina Spadafori
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007
SUMMARY: List of did-you-know’s about dogs.
AUDIENCE: The book is aimed at dog owners (i.e. not specifically for a professional audience), after a sensible answer to their dog’s million and one quirks.
REVIEW: I very much enjoyed reading this one, to my great surprise, as I had bought it more as an airport read than anything else.
It is structured as a series of Q&A’s. The questions are often interesting, and the answers are well-balanced (even when covering controversial topics) and well-researched. Ideal myth buster for the curious dog owner.
Nice, fact-packed read.
Started Oct 2010, last updated Dec 2012