Synopses & Reviews
We've shared our lives with dogs for thousands of years, but they still
act in ways that baffle us. To help us understand them better, Dr.
Stanley Coren, the undisputed expert on dog behavior, intelligence, and
training, tells the story of how dogs evolved over time into the myriad
forms and breeds we love today. Not simply domesticated wolves, dogs are
actually much more complex than wild canines; their ability to adapt to a
man-made world is far more flexible, their personalities far more diverse.
Fascinating findings reveal which breeds were bred to become more dominant,
affectionate, cooperative, or even dangerous. This practical, surprising
book also presents -- for the first time -- the "Dog Behavior Inventory,"
a simple, fun test based on the personality-profiling questionnaires used
in human psychological studies that you can administer to your own dog to
get a detailed picture of his personality and how he compares to other
members of his breed. Then, using the findings of the U.S. Army's once-
classified studies of "Superdogs," you can train your pet to become a
real-life equivalent of Lassie and Rin Tin Tin -- a dog who is not
disturbed, angered, or frightened by anything.
Filled with the entertaining anecdotes and scientific data that Dr.
Coren's avid followers have come to expect and enjoy, this uniquely
complete guide to dog psychology can help you to select a new companion
and to understand and communicate better with your old friend.
Review
"Coren's love for dogs shines like a beacon...[a] thoughtful and fascinating exploration of the mind of a dog." -- Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D., author of The Other End of the Leash
Review
"The author, a psychologist, cleverly combines scholarship, opinion, and anecdotes...Read...his book[s] with your best friend." -- The Dallas Morning News
Review
"Meticulously researched, highly readable, and essential for anyone who loves and lives with a dog." -- Jon Katz, author of A Dog Year
Review
"The thinking dog owner's guide to everything they ever wanted to know about their dog. Truths expanded, myths exposed, common sense prevailing, Dr. Coren tells it the way it is. Two dew claws up for this excellent book." -- Nicholas H. Dodman, BVMS, MRCVS, DVA, author of The Dog Who Loved Too Much and If Only They Could Speak
Review
"With a sharp-eyed analysis and wry wit, [Coren] meticulously examines the species' capabilities in a four-star toolbox fully equipped to help you better interpret Fido." -- The Seattle Times
Synopsis
We've shared our lives with dogs for thousands of years, but they still act in ways that baffle us. To help us understand them better, Dr. Stanley Coren, the undisputed expert on dog behavior, intelligence, and training, tells the story of how dogs evolved over time into the myriad forms and breeds we love today. Not simply domesticated wolves, dogs are actually much more complex than wild canines; their ability to adapt to a man-made world is far more flexible, their personalities far more diverse. Fascinating findings reveal which breeds were bred to become more dominant, affectionate, cooperative, or even dangerous. This practical, surprising book also presents -- for the first time -- the "Dog Behavior Inventory," a simple, fun test based on the personality-profiling questionnaires used in human psychological studies that you can administer to your own dog to get a detailed picture of his personality and how he compares to other members of his breed. Then, using the findings of the U.S. Army's once- classified studies of "Superdogs," you can train your pet to become a real-life equivalent of Lassie and Rin Tin Tin -- a dog who is not disturbed, angered, or frightened by anything.
Filled with the entertaining anecdotes and scientific data that Dr. Coren's avid followers have come to expect and enjoy, this uniquely complete guide to dog psychology can help you to select a new companion and to understand and communicate better with your old friend.
About the Author
Stanley Coren, PhD, a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia, is a recognized expert on dog-human interaction who has appeared on Dateline; The Oprah Winfrey Show; Good Morning, America; 20/20; Larry King Live; and many other TV and radio programs. He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, with a beagle, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, and a Nova Scotia duck-tolling retriever, as well as his wife and her cat.
Table of Contents
Preface Chapter One: Personality and Temperament: Predicting What Lassie Will Do Next Chapter Two: Creating Dogs Chapter Three: Not a Wolf in Sheep's Clothing Chapter Four: A Mirror in Fur Chapter Five: The Personalities of Dog Breeds Chapter Six: Testing a Dog's Personality Chapter Seven: The Dog Behavior Inventory Chapter Eight: Creating a Superdog Chapter Nine: Socialization and the Superdog Chapter Ten: How Environment Shapes the Superdog Chapter Eleven: Creating Monsters Chapter Twelve: Heroic Hounds Chapter Thirteen: Why Do Dogs Help? Afterword Appendix: Personality Profiles of Individual Breeds Selected Bibliography Index