Synopses & Reviews
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the most critical components of a successful human-animal relationship, and provides a framework to understand the behavior, communication patterns, and learning techniques that govern social interactions. Well-researched and accessible, Canine and Feline Behavior: A Complete Guide to Understanding Our Two Best Friends is an application-based resource to encourage effective training and behavior modification programs for both dogs and cats. Coverage begins with a foundation of evolutionary histories and domestication, focusing on normal communication and social behavior patterns. Learning theory is then presented in the context of real-world relevance to companion animal care, behavior prevention, training, and modification. Finally, common behavior problems and approaches to manage these issues are discussed, making this an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand more about their dogs and cats.
Review
"As one who lives and works with both dogs and cats, I am very pleased to see them discussed together in this text. The side-by-side comparison of their domestication processes, developmental stages, body language, and behavior issues is valuable to anyone who lives or works with, or cares for them and wants to help them. Whether the reader is a student of veterinary science, shelter worker or rescue foster, trainer or behavior consultant, owner or potential adopter, this text is packed with up-to-date scientific information, written in a very digestible format. Each chapter contains references to the best scholarly texts available. Thank goodness Linda Case has done the work for us to be able to access such an approachable compilation of vital material. All of us - and especially cats, dogs, and owners - will be better off for it. I need two copies - one for reference and one to loan out." -Janet Velenovsky CPDT, CDBC-TAC, Animal Behavior Consultant
Review
"This book will appeal to both faculty developing courses in the companion animal field, as well as people working in animal shelters, as trainers and breeders."
Review
"Dr. Linda Case has written a book on dogs and dog behavior...contains all of the information from an outstanding knowledge of theory, but more importantly from her own personal experience as a dog trainer/behaviorist."
Review
"As one who lives and works with both dogs and cats, I am very pleased to see them discussed together in this text. The side-by-side comparison of their domestication processes, developmental stages, body language, and behavior issues is valuable to anyone who lives or works with, or cares for them and wants to help them. Whether the reader is a student of veterinary science, shelter worker or rescue foster, trainer or behavior consultant, owner or potential adopter, this text is packed with up-to-date scientific information, written in a very digestible format. Each chapter contains references to the best scholarly texts available. Thank goodness Linda Case has done the work for us to be able to access such an approachable compilation of vital material. All of us & and especially cats, dogs, and owners & will be better off for it. I need two copies & one for reference and one to loan out."
Review
"This book is well-researched, absolutely thorough and brimming with sound information. A splendid antidote to the fads, content-free drivel and made-up junk that plagues the popular dog behavior literature." -Jean Donaldson, Director of The San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers
Review
"Linda Case builds on well-documented evidence regarding the evolution of dog and cat behavior, and presents training and behavior problem solving within this ethological context. The fundamentals of learning theory are presented in a clear fashion and many examples are provided. Case provides substantial documentation to support her descriptions, while at the same time, avoiding excessive jargon and terminology. Most important is that she takes the time to debunk shallow and "pop" presentations of such concepts as dominance and the role of punishment." - Stephen Zawistowski, Ph.D., CAAB Executive Vice President, ASPCA
Review
"This book is destined to become a classic textbook for students of dog behavior, but should also be of interest to every pet dog owner and enthusiast in the country. The book contains all of the information from an outstanding knowledge of theory, but more importantly from Linda Case's own personal experience as a dog trainer and behaviorist."- John Rogerson, founder and principal lecturer of the Northern Centre for Canine Behavior and author of seven books
About the Author
Linda P. Case is the Owner of AutumnGold Dog Training Center and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine.
Table of Contents
SECTION 1: DOMESTICATION, SOCIAL BEHAVIOR and COMMUNICATION. Chapter 1. The Beginning of the Friendship - Domestication. The Evolutionary History and Taxonomy of Dogs and Cats. Domestication: Scavenging Wolves and Opportunistic Wildcats. Social Organization: Why Dogs are Not Cats and Cats are Not Dogs. History of Dog Breeds and Breed-Specific Behaviors. History of Cat Breeds and Breed-Specific Behaviors. References and Further Reading. Chapter 2. Behavior through the Life Cycle - Newborns to Seniors. The Early Weeks: Neonatal and Transition Periods. Sensitive Period of Socialization. Weaning. Juvenile (Adolescent) Period and Adulthood. Senior Pets. References and Further Reading. Chapter 3. Social Behavior and Communication in Dogs and Cats. Olfactory Communication. Auditory Signals. Visual Signals. Predatory and Feeding Behaviors of Dogs and Cats. Social Relationships of Dogs. Social Relationships of Cats. References and Further Reading SECTION 2 - HOW DOGS AND CATS LEARN - TRAINING TECHNIQUES AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS. Chapter 4. How Dogs and Cats Learn: Principles of Learning Theory. Classical (Pavlovian) Conditioning. Operant Conditioning (Instrumental Learning). Habituation and Sensitization. Social Learning. References and Further Reading. Chapter 5. Practical Applications - Training and Behavior Modification Techniques. The Roles of Classical and Operant Conditioning. Positive vs. Negative (Aversive) Control of Behavior. Training Preparations. Selecting Primary Reinforcers. Using a Conditioned Reinforcer. Timing and Schedules of Reinforcement. Successive Approximations (Shaping). Prompting vs. Free Shaping. Behavior Chains and the Premack Principle. Fading Cues and Attaining Stimulus Control. Behavior Modification Techniques. References and Further Reading. Chapter 6. Training and Problem Prevention for Puppies and Kittens. The Newly Adopted Puppy and Kitten. Socialization (Habituation). Housetraining Puppies. Litter Box Training Kittens.Teaching Puppies to Accept Isolation. Preventing Nipping in Puppies. Teaching Kittens to Play Gently. Teaching Puppies to Chew Appropriate Items. Preventing Objectionable Climbing and Clawing in Kittens. Introducing a New Puppy or Kitten to Other Pets. References and Further Reading. Chapter 7. Teaching Desirable Behaviors and Good Manners. Preventing Problems and Building Bonds. Basic Manners Training for Dogs. Training a Well-Mannered Cat. References and Further Reading. SECTION 3: UNDERSTANDING AND SOLVING COMMON BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS. Chapter 8. Elimination Problems in Dogs and Cats. Elimination Problems in Dogs. Elimination Problems in CatsReferences and Further Reading. Chapter 9. Unruly and Disruptive Behaviors in Dogs and Cats. Dogs: Jumping Up. Dogs: Destructive Behaviors. Dogs: Problem Barking. Dogs: Problem Digging. Dogs: Overly Active (Hyperactive). Cats: Furniture Clawing. Cats: Jumping Up On Counters/Furniture. Cats: Nocturnal Activity. Cats: Excessive Vocalization. Cats: Plant Eating and Pica. Chapter 10. Separation, Fear and Anxiety Problems in Dogs and Cats. Normal vs. Problematic Anxiety and Fear Reactions. Separation Anxiety. Behavioral Signs and Diagnosis of Separation Anxiety. Treatment of Separation Anxiety (Dogs). Prevention of Separation Stress. A Cautionary Note: Separation Anxiety or Something Else? Treatment Protocol for Cats with Separation Anxiety. Fear-Related Behavior Problems. Chapter 11. Problem Aggression in Dogs and Cats. Overview of Aggression. Canine Problem Aggression. Problem Aggression in Cats. APPENDIX 1: Recommended Books. APPENDIX 2: Resources and Professional Associations. APPENDIX 3: Sample Dog Behavior History Profile. APPENDIX 4: Sample Cat Behavior History Profile. GLOSSARY.