Dog Behavior

Many dog behavior books seem to focus more on dog obedience/training rather than on dog 'behavior.' As the owner of 2 chihuahuas, I'm interested in dog obedience to some extent, but I've always wanted to know more about why my dogs behave a certain way. What do they really mean when they do certain things? So, I was pleasantly surprised to find this wonderful little book! The author explains such behaviors as why dogs wag their tails... why dogs know how long to continue to view another dog as still being a puppy... how dogs develop their hierarchies... and yet, the author doesn't overgeneralize about these behaviors either. He describes the stages of a dog's development from puppy to adult, and he dispels some myths about dog intelligence and dog training.I found the author's attitude very refreshing and I think this is another reason that I enjoyed this book so much. He genuinely likes dogs and he portrays them as the intelligent, emotional, and social creatures that they are.

This is a very thin book, but it is just packed with insight and information. The author clearly loves dogs and understands them. My favorite thing about the book is the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) humor that he uses to make his points. I loved his turns of phrase and his abhorence for cruelty in any of its disguised forms. It is a fact that often what we think we are training the dog to do is the opposite of what we are really teaching. Dr. Dunbar is not afraid to point this out.

This is an EXCELLENT book to help you understand your dog and how to head off any behavior problems that may occur as the dog matures. I would suggest reading it BEFORE you get a puppy/dog and learn how and why it is SOOO important to properly socialize it at a very early age. Dunbar makes total sense and his recommendations have always worked with my dogs and others whom I have loaned my book to. It is fun and easy to read.

Ian Dunbar wrote a book called "Dog Behavior, Why Dogs Do What They Do" in 1979. He has now written a book called "Dog Behavior, An Owner's Guide To A Happy Healthy Pet". His clear, intelligent, witty writing has not changed. It is evident that he continues to learn more about dogs, people and writing clearly! If you are thinking about getting a dog or puppy, if you own a dog or puppy or you are just interested in dogs and puppies, you need to read this book.

Who would have thought a little book on dog behavior could be packed with so much information and be so much fun to read? I really liked the friendly tone of this book. Finally, a REAL expert on dog behavior sharing some REAL facts about dog behavior in a way that makes me know he is a REAL dog lover.