PUBLISHING YEAR: 2013 SUMMARY: A behind-the-scenes look at the life of Chaser, the dog with the world’s largest vocabulary of understanding human words. AUDIENCE: Smooth like honey. Everyone will enjoy reading this: any jargon is explained in a conversational way and the rest is pure charm. REVIEW The author: John Pilley is a retired and, by the […]
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2014 SUMMARY: Autobiography of a family dog narrated by the family dog himself. AUDIENCE: This book was written for entertainment, not education. It is written without jargon and does not require an academic or technical background. Any owner can pick it up and enjoy it. REVIEW The author: The author, Jane Hanser, does not have […]
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2013 SUMMARY: Layperson’s autobiography about her life with two large dogs; one of them attacking the other in sudden episodes of intense aggression. AUDIENCE: Written for the layman, it is a smooth and pleasant read. [Caution to untrained readers: Do not accept the theoretical and technical passages uncritically. Get confirmation from an evidence-based source before accepting these points.] Behaviourists could […]
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2014 SUMMARY: A science historian digs into the annals of animal psychiatry after her dog’s descent into mental illness. AUDIENCE: The book was written for the layman and will give solace to the owners of pets struggling with behavioural disorders. It would be a great influence to the harsher dog behaviour professionals who bother reading it; hopefully […]
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2010 SUMMARY: Auto-biography of search-and-rescue dog and her trainer. AUDIENCE: Written for the layman with an interest in service dogs and particularly search-and-rescue. REVIEW: Author: The author is a US volunteer search-and-rescue dog handler, ex-pilot and no-nonsense-but-fragile hero. Style and contents: I loved it. Every single page. The author never falls into sensationalism despite the […]
PUBLISHING YEAR: 2013 SUMMARY: Fly-on-the-wall account of a French veterinary behaviourist’s practice, with the author’s reflections on the profession’s best practices. AUDIENCE: He would like the book to introduce the profession (vet behaviourist) to pet parents. Effectively, though, the book will be too high-brow for a pet parent looking for a casual read. It is […]
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 […]
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 […]
AUTHOR: Lloyd Burlingame PUBLISHING YEAR: 2012 SUMMARY: ‘Auto’-biography of two guide dogs in Manhattan. AUDIENCE: Owners: no technical or academic interest. REVIEW I really wanted to like this book: I hate leaving poorer reviews. I hate it all the more when the author is elderly, and blind. So, see this as my expressway to Unpopularville, […]
AUTHOR: Suzanne Clothier PUBLISHING YEAR: 2005 SUMMARY: Autobiography of author’s journey through dog training. AUDIENCE: You might enjoy this book as a professional if you want to reflect upon some aspects of our relationship with dogs. I would say that it is more squarely aimed at owners, though. It does not use technical terms. REVIEW: […]