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Dog books reviews
As I am forever nose-deep in dog books, I decided to share my opinions and recommendations about the classics and the duds.
Some random instructions:
Enjoy the reviews, and get reading!
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.
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). This is a real shame as many of them are eminently usable.
The sad thing about this book is that it should not be put in the hands of an undiscerning reader, when these are precisely the ones who would benefit from it the most. The reason for this is mentioned above: impartiality and at times unverifiable claims.
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.
REVIEW: Fantastic reference for in-depth, reliable, and distinct definitions of animal behaviour concepts.
A must-have for the animal behaviour student.
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.
REVIEW: I only got annoyed by one chapter which was written more in “Marketingese” than textbook English (by Inga MacKellar, The importance of Positive Reinforcement). 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 some (but not many) internal inconsistencies, so it could do with a little more care in the editing process.
The “dominance” topic is mainly approached with balance, subtlety and tact, although some chapters felt like the author was censored into replacing the sensitive words with a more politically acceptable version of exactly the same theme.
I found the chapter on age-related behaviour issues and socialisation nothing short of revelatory. Prior to reading the book, I thought I grasped these subjects at depth, but it gave me a whole new perspective on these topics.
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: give me quality over quantity any day (i.e. not covering all behaviour problems), and I have no ambition to treat cats and rabbits.
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).
I thoroughly enjoyed it, but the target audience is very limited, I fear: too “free-text” for scientists, too in-depth for owners, too selective for beginners. Basically, to read if you want to solidify your knowledge on some dog behaviour problems.
Behavioral Biology of the Dog
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AUTHOR: Per Jensen (editor)
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007
SUMMARY: The book contains scientific articles about:
Zoology:
Behaviour:
Human influence
REVIEW: 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 found it is not insurmountable. Some of the articles are really quite technical, so you might have to get the old biology dictionary out (e.g. the mtDNA study). But it’s well worth the effort.
Some articles hold disputed issues to the light of scientific scrutiny, and put these demons to rest (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 in research. It always has that ONE influential article that determined what is known on the particular topic today.
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.
The choice of topics confounded me a little, as I found that some subjects received much attention (e.g. evolutionary biology) while others were not mentioned at all (e.g. socialisation).
Despite all that, I find it an invaluable resource if you’re serious about writing about dogs.
Bones would Rain from the Sky (if Dogs could Pray)
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AUTHOR: Suzanne Clothier
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2005
SUMMARY: Autobiography of author’s journey history in her dog training career.
REVIEW:
I started off deeply relating with SC’s strong love of animals from an early age. 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 emotional exploration.
As I understand it, the author’s objective was to present her perspective on a balanced dog-owner relationship in a ‘soul-searching’ and thought-provoking way. And that it does. It does not, however, offer much in the way of facts or tangible suggestions, which is what I always look for in a dog-related book. To be fair, it does not claim to.
I also found, to my irritation, that the author could lose herself in cumbersome, random, flights of lyricism and new age philosophy.
Finally I found the standards of the ideal dog-owner relationship suggested in this book depressingly high to the average owner. It left me feeling that my up-till-then satisfying relationship with my dog was somehow insufficient. It will make you temporarily demanding and 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 why not see for yourself?
Canine Body Language – a Photographic Guide
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AUTHOR: Brenda Aloff
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2009
SUMMARY: Dog’s body language in pictures.
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 of placing a particular sign in a particular chapter. The structure was not entirely transparent/coherent.
Once you have read, re-read and read it some more, your confidence at interpreting, and using dog communication will grow leaps and bounds.
The main lesson I have learnt in this book is to look at the combination of signs to get the true 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 instinctively grasp the patterns hidden in the book, but once you’ve got it, it’s close to a life-changing read (particularly if you’re thinking of being involved in dogs professionally) as you uncover previously hidden signals.
Control Unleashed
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AUTHOR: Leslie McDevitt
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007
SUMMARY: Technical manual for running an off-leash training class
REVIEW: This was an awkward read, as it needed a lot more grooming, in my opinion. The design and photos give it the distinct feel of a mom-and-pops edition job. The author adhered to a structure pattern a little too rigidly, giving the book all the reading pleasure of a microwave manual.
It is a very informative step-by-step manual on how to organise offleash classes. Nothing less, nothing more. It does make some pretty good, tangible, suggestions on the set up of these classes.
I will certainly re-use it if I organise off-leash classes.
She also approaches dog-dog reactivity in a particularly insightful way: treat the dog for looking at other dogs, instead of looking away from them.
Regrettably, I wouldn’t particularly recommend it. I say regrettably, because the pictures and text suggest the author is a very likeable, unpretentious, laborious person. But the book just didn’t do it for me.
* Culture Clash
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2006
SUMMARY: Modern dog training perspectives in layman’s terms (It’s the best I can do here)
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 that book had taken. My copy of the book is a total mess, a sign of a great read!
The first time I read it, I could not put it down. I read it in one day, hardly stopping to eat or sleep. We were on holidays and I barely socialised for a day to finish it.
Note: This book is often part of the compulsory reading material for some animal behaviour diplomas.
It introduces many essential principles of modern dog training, dog learning and body language concepts in layman’s terms.
Added bonus: a couple of passages will have you in stitches of laughter.
This book is a treasure-trove of invaluable training suggestions written in an unpretentious, easy, flowing prose. Read it now!
Dog (the), its behavior, nutrition and health
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AUTHOR: Linda P. Case
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2005
SUMMARY: High-level summary of scientific knowledge on dog’s behaviour, health (some stats), and nutrition
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 must-read big brother (Lindsay’s “Handbook”). It is definitely a must-read to those of you who don’t have the time to read Lindsay (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.
In her writing style, Linda Case does remain a scientist, so it won’t be your thing if you need a flowing, easy prose.
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 subjects at sufficient depth.
I also felt, at times, that the choice of particular topics (within chapters), was a little random.
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.
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.
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.
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.
REVIEW: I am a little torn on this one. This book is widely quoted by many very respectable sources, yet it lacksgreatly in scientific rigour. Given the authors’ scientific background, I presume this is the result of a marketing decision to target a mainstream audience. Unfortunately, its writing is still too technical to be read purely for entertainment purposes.
I found the choice to devote so much space to dog sleighing surprising. Ray Coppinger no doubt has a lot of expertise on the subject, but the chapters on dog sports simply did not fit well with a book trying to approach dogs holistically. It just felt like dog sports received an undue focus in a book that does not mention them in the title.
The most valuable part of this book is, without doubt, the Coppingers’ thought-provoking discussions on the evolution and origin of the dog, calling the traditional interpretation the “Pinocchio” hypothesis. The Coppingers’ theory on the origin of the dogs is frequently quoted, deservedly so in my opinion.
Ray Coppinger seems somewhat disparaging of the modern dog trainer’s focus on conditioning theory, but I did not understand the nature of his reservations, nor did he engage me to think of alternatives.
I am glad I read it, but I see it more as a must-read in the most literal meaning of the word. I did not particularly enjoy it, but, as it is quoted left, right and centre, it became an obligation to read it.
(the) Dog’s Mind
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AUTHOR: Bruce Fogle
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2004
Summary: Interpretations (often pack theory-based) of commonly observed dog behaviour.
Review: I felt that Bruce Fogle somewhat used his authority as a veterinarian to give weight to his knowledge on dog behaviour, when these are two entirely different disciplines. I should check on his background, though. Perhaps am completely mistaken and he is a behaviourist in his own right.
Given the date of publication (2004), it is difficult to forgive Dr Fogle for the pack theory-tinted observations that pervade the book. It felt like he hadn’t ‘done his homework’ and refreshed his knowledge on the subject before writing.
The most interesting chapter was, for me, the description of the effect of age on a dogs’ behaviour.
Domestic Dog: its Evolution, Behavior and Interactions with People
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AUTHOR (EDITOR): James Serpell
PUBLISHING YEAR: 1995
SUMMARY: A collection of extracts of significant dog-related scientific research articles.
REVIEW: 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, I fear.
The choice of research topics seemed a little random, given the title’s broad coverage and the wealth of research available. This resulted in the book lacking in a natural flow, further contributing to making it a less than comfortable read.
The other side of the coin is that the information in this book was immensely reliable (good experimental design, clear quotes, direct sources), which only a few dog books can claim.
Another nice myth buster on such a variety of subjects as feral dog behaviour, separation anxiety, or the origins of breed selection.
* Dominance in dogs: fact or fiction
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AUTHOR: Barry Eaton
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2010
SUMMARY: List of pack theory counter-arguments (I mean, against the pack theory)
REVIEW: Another must-read (sorry!). At least this one won’t take you long. Took me a couple of hours. It’s tiny.
It lists, in layman’s terms, the arguments against the pack theory. You know, the whole “dog comes from wolf, wolves try to dominate each other, therefore dog tries to dominate us” (in a nutshell). For those of you who have developed a real aversion to the theory, it will crystallise your arguments. For those of you who follow the pack theory, it might make a dent.
* Dr Dunbar’s Good Little Dog Book
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AUTHOR: Ian Dunbar
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2003
SUMMARY: Illustrated positive training exercises using Ian Dunbar’s now treat-prompt classic method.
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 gentle training methods.
Aimed at an audience of dog owners (rather than professionals), this book has become an absolute classic.
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 take to it as much as I thought, but that is probably because it did not teach me much I didn’t know, as his stuff has been written and re-written to death by countless others.
* Emotional lives of animals (the)
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PUBLISHING YEAR: 2008
SUMMARY: Collection of anecdotes and summary of ethological observations supporting the case for “bioanthropomorphism”, i.e. the assertion (which I share) that animals have emotions.
REVIEW: I was very disappointed in this book. Bekoff is somewhat of an idol in the positive dog training world, thanks to his advocacy work for animal rights. As a scientist and popular press writer, he is in an ideal position of influence for his cause: preventing animals from being seen purely in a utilitarian way.
Disappointingly enough, I found most of the examples he gave utterly unconvincing. If I was not already a fervent defender of animal rights and a strong believer that they do have emotions, the book would not have made a dent in my beliefs.
The more surprising examples in this book are little more than wild speculation on documented stories, or poorly documented anecdotes.
At this stage, I fail to see much added value in this book, as it will not convince the lay man, and most definitely not scientists. It almost feels like, because the book is written for the lay man, he entirely let go of his scientific rigour.
So the report card, knowing Mr. Bekoff’s biography, professional reputation, and impressive record of published studies is this: Can do better!
* 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.
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 scholar at the department of Philosophy at the George Mason University.
In the book, Jim Barry summarises the widely disputed issues in the dog world today in a clear 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 view the profession from an ethics standpoint.
The book shows dog training in a sophisticated light, demonstrating the many human qualities one needs to do the job: empathy, integrity, tact, and a sense of responsibilities.
He analyses 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: Learning theory for the layman. Including some reference to historic scientific work.
REVIEW: I very much enjoyed this book. In fact, I consider it a must-read to all wannabe behaviourists.
The author’s PhD in animal behaviour gives the text much credence. This is a welcome relief in the ever so muddled, subjective and disputed 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.
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 her objectivity in which she covered the use of aversives in training. She went beyond her blatant dislike for these methods and knew to presented well-balanced facts.
* Excel-Erated Learning
PUBLISHING YEAR: 1996
SUMMARY: Learning theory for the layman. Including some reference to historic scientific work.
REVIEW: I very much enjoyed this book. In fact, I consider it a must-read to all wannabe behaviourists.
The author’s PhD in animal behaviour gives the text much credence. This is a welcome relief in the ever so muddled, subjective and disputed 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.
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 her objectivity in which she covered the use of aversives in training. She went beyond her blatant dislike for these methods and knew to presented well-balanced facts.
Evolution of Canine Social Behavior
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AUTHOR: Robert Abrantes
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2003
SUMMARY: Description of canine social behaviour, and how it is thought to have evolved.
REVIEW: This book did not really satisfy my purpose: I wanted to gain applicable knowledge on dog’s social behaviour, but got a series of theoretical chapters of little use to me professionally.
I personally found it to be a lot of reading effort for not a lot of useable information for the dog professional. It is more targeted at general ethologists than dog specialists, I dare say. It focuses not only on dogs, but on all canines, mainly wolves.
Fight!
AUTHOR: Jean Donaldson
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2004
SUMMARY: Protocol on how to deal with dog aggression. Aimed at a professional audience.
REVIEW: This book lacked some 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 flowing 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.
One small frustrating aspect of this book is the frequent reference to using a bomb-proof dog for a lot of the protocols, when this is in clearly a very rare commodity.
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
REVIEW: I was hoping for an all-encompassing, detailed set of protocols on how to deal with different types of aggression, but was left feeling the book only scratched the surface. I was left feeling I would have to re-organise the information, and do thorough research on the treatments put forward, before I could apply the information. I can imagine that there is a certain element of protectionism in keeping detailed information protocols to herself. I would probably do the same, as this therapy work is her livelihood.
Overall, I found it a very good introductory book on the subject, but it did not give me the toolkit I was hoping for.
Particularly useful were the introduction to the various kinds of aggression and their treatment, the history-taking form, and the scale of aggression severity.
*Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training. vols. I to III
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AUTHOR: Steven R. Lindsay
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2000
SUMMARY: Comprehensive review of the scientific work forming the foundation for contemporary knowledge about dogs.
REVIEW: This is a bible for serious dog behaviour therapists. If you haven’t read 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. If SL has an agenda, it’s escaped me. He dutifully reports research from the proponents of all views, and clearly separates fact and opinion .
His chapter on punishment should be framed in every training school in the world. It is sober, reasonable, balanced, and impartial.
Lindsay’s trilogy is years of labour (to read as well as to write!), and is a compulsory read to the wannabe behaviourist. What doesn’t kill you and all that…
* How to run a dog business
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AUTHOR: Veronica Boutelle
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007
SUMMARY: A operational, tactical and strategic guide to running your own dog business.
REVIEW: I would definitely read it if you want to start your own dog business.
It is jam-packed full of tips and best practices.
It offers you an exhaustive list of risks, 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, don’t start without having read this book.
Man Meets Dog
PUBLISHING YEAR: 1949
SUMMARY: Auto-biographical anecdotes about Lorenz’ life with his pet dogs.
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 perspectives on dog behaviour in the 40′s. Some are remarkably modern (e.g. reward more than punish, reward within seconds of the dog’s behaviour, asserting that dogs have an emotional life), and some are quite scary (a decidedly ‘human dominion’ view of animals; recounting a man walking down the street with his dog and a … whip, lashing the dog on the nose whenever it would not heel).
He sometimes makes some surprising (and disturbing at times) assertions with little in the way of supporting evidence, but hey, the guy eventually won a Nobel Prize, so I guess he gets to be arrogant. In that vein, some of his authoritative remarks on women are particular gems. This book is not to be put in the hands of feminists.
An added dimension of interest for me was that Konrad Lorenz is an ethologist (some would say he is the father of ethology), and yet he essentially wrote a book about dog training (i.e. the realm of behaviourists, ethologists’ conceptual arch-enemies). This gave rise to some very quaint contradictions, but only made the book more charming for me.
What transpired above all was that, despite the ‘human dominion’ mindset of the time (seeing dogs as little more than commodities), he was genuinely devoted and attached to his dogs, and truly enjoyed their company.
In this book, you will find his famous assertion that most dogs descend from jackals (and the rest descend from wolves) and various other original, but later widely disproved, theories.
So the book is charming, and gives a great insight 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 academic, educational read, though, because it is as romanticised, simplified, and embellished as it gets. Having said that, it is quoted in so many academic texts that you probably owe it to yourself to read it and see what the fuss is about, if only out of historical interest.
All I know, is that I enjoyed it, and it made me want to find out more about that interesting character.
Oh, Behave!
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AUTHOR: Jean Donaldson
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2008
SUMMARY: Fictitious ‘Dear Jean’ letters aptly answered with facts about dog 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 excdeption. Jean Donaldson 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 sharing 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: Compiling of observations on stress body language in dogs by Turid Rugaas
REVIEW: I very much enjoyed reading this, although it did lack a bit in scientific rigour.
Turid Rugaas is widely accredited for discovering dogs’ calming signals, but cut-off signals, as they were called then, were actually first described by Chance in 1962. Regardless, Turid Rugaas has been the single greatest influence of recent times on dog professionals in the field of canine communication. Professionals following Turid Rugaas’ methods put great focus on the dog’s emotions, and reject a purely scientific approach to canine behaviour, which they perceive to be reductionistic.
Reluctant as ever to accept anything on authority, I started to try to disprove the observations. But I have to concede that my anecdotal observation match Mrs Rugaas (and Chance’s before her). Interpreting calming signals is a tool I constantly use.
I have observed a tendency by fellow dog professionals to take the concept perhaps a little too literally. It is now fashionable to systematically interpret every functional gestures (e.g. scratching because of an itch) as a calming signal (scratching as a diversion). Perhaps more emphasis could be placed in future editions to distinguish the two.
So, the book offers a very detailed analysis (with some 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 humility, simplicity and love for dogs are 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.
(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.
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 specific 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 Rodgie.
An easy read for owners and pros alike.
(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
REVIEW: Very enjoyable read.
Autobiographical depiction of the ups and downs of a dog owner, trainer and behaviour therapist, concentrating 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. 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.
* 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.
REVIEW: A must-read.
This book delivers exactly what it says on the cover: a comprehensive, detailed guide on how to set up your own business as a dog trainer.
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.
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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.
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 doesn’t really bother me.
It does sit 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.
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.
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 excessive about all the research I do before going to the vet’s. In fact, she exhorts her readers to do so.
She explains covers common and hi-tech procedures, and suggests communication tips to get a smoother relationship with your vet and his/her team. She gives her professional and personal perspective on delicate issues like as asking for a second opinion or a referral.
The chapter on vaccination was a real eye opener for me, and it enabled me to finally bite the bullet and gain a real understanding of it.
Her personal accounts of her own, and her dog’s medical tribulations, contribute to the approachable feel she exudes throughout the book. And approachable she is! She is a very friendly contact in the social media.
That book passed the ultimate lithmus test: it improved an aspect of my life, it influenced me. I no longer live in blind dread of my dog developing health issues.
I liked it so much I reviewed it on Amazon also, and often promote it.
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
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 original text arrangements and colours, and uses very professional studio pictures. It is organised like a glossary for ease of information retrieval, so that owners can easily look up a pose to find out what it could mean.
Think dog
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AUTHOR: John Fisher
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2003
SUMMARY: Example behaviour therapy cases with the author’s diagnostic and solution
REVIEW: The publication year was all important to me on this one. Why? You’ve guessed it: dominance. It is infused with references to it, which always makes me cringe.
Aside from that major flaw, I found the book very informative. Particularly the chapter about herbal remedies (as he is also a self-confessed sceptic, 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 the protocols with nearly enough depth for professional use, I shall definitely be re-using it as a quick look-up reference.
I found that the author’s credentials were dangerously inflated and misleading (founding member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Consultants, and self-tagged advocate of modern training methods), given his position on dominance. Granted, he only advocates positive methods, not confrontation, so at least the damage is limited, but it does contribute greatly to spreading the myth further, given the author’s credentials.
Still, credit where it’s due: John Fisher was one of the most influential characters for the early positive dog training professionals, and I heard in an informal conversation that he subsequently changed his views on dominance. More homework for me to get to the bottom of that, then.
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AUTHOR: Katherine Kate
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2009
SUMMARY: Exhaustive training and management tips for owners of city dogs
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. Perhaps in the next edition?
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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.
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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.
Understanding and handling aggression
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AUTHOR: Barbara Sykes
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2001
SUMMARY: Loose following of one dog’s progress from severe aggression, suffused with author’s opinion on training methods.
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 aspects?).
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 and leadership) had an outdated flavour to it, and was on the dogmatic side, in my view. The author did not attempt to support her very definite opinions with any reference or 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 do not always allow a dog to be a dog (e.g. chewing toys, tug-of-war games, rough-housing, etc.), fearing it may lead to excess behaviour. This conflicts diametrically with my views, which is to ‘let a dog live its dogness’ as much as one can, to avoid the maladaptive expression of these drives or worse, a frustrated dog.
Overall, I found the book dangerously open to literal interpretation (and application) by undiscerning dog owners with a problem dog.
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.
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.
REVIEW: Despite its age, this book stays quite relevant.
It , in layman’s terms. It is interesting in two ways:
The book is a little random in its choices of topic, but that does not take away any of its value, in my opinion.
A nice, but bulky, read.
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AUTHORS: Marty Becker & Gina Spadafori
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2007
SUMMARY: List of did-you-know’s about dogs.
REVIEW: I very much enjoyed reading this one, to my great surprise, as I had bought it more as an airport read.
The book is aimed at dog owners (i.e. not specifically for a professional audience), and reads quickly and easily.
It is structured as a series of questions, and their answers. The questions are often interesting, and the answers are well-balanced (when covering controversial topics) and well-researched. Ideal myth buster for the curious dog owner.
Nice, fact-packed read.
Last updated June 2011