The New Knowledge of Dog Behavior

I train dogs. I have lots of training books. This isn't about training dogs. There might be some tidbits in there, but this book covers research done specifically to breed assistance dogs. In the context they talk about how to select breeding dogs, some training considerations, and an overview of the dogs they selected. BUT this will NOT assist in training a dog. In fact most of it is pretty boring. As I am a breeder I actually didn't agree with many of their selection criteria, but for the time it was published inbreeding dogs was the "new" thing. There are some interesting points on puppies, but those sparce points aren't worth buying the book. Any 20 minute conversation with a breeder will get you the same information. I do not recommend this book unless you just like collecting old books with irrelevant information.

Excellent book. This is the book that started puppy temperament testing. While it is somewhat breed specific, since the author's focus was on dog breeds that could be used as guide dogs, it has general application.

Without a doubt one of the most valuable books written, not only to the average dog owner but a MUST for the dog breeder and trainer. Pfaffenberger's work combined with Dr. Scotts and Fullers produced Guide Dogs for the Blind with a success rate of up to 98%.Any dog breeder or trainer who hasn't got this collection of incredible research in their library is really missing out. LOVE IT....LOVE IT....LOVE IT.

This book tells the story of Pfaffenberger's search to develop test for puppies to determine which would ultimately become good guide dogs. There are pearls of wisdom throughout this book. I have not seen info on issues he brings up before. Understand this is a story of what he went through but he discusses the science of dog behavior at that time and where his work went wrong and where it went right. Did you know it is best that hunting breeds be allowed to hunt even if they will do work where , if they hunt, it would be a detriment to the work. Allowing the hunting dogs to hunt for a season increased their success rate in these breeds. One might think this was counter-intuitive, but Pfaffenberger provides info to the contrary. I recommend this book for people who want even more detailed info on puppy tests and producing great working dogs.

This is an excellent foundation book for anyone interested in dog behavior and/or training. This book explains how dog training/testing/methods came about as a result of the war dog effort, and how criteria was established for selecting dogs, inheritability factors, etc. It truly is a must for any serious dog trainer.