Oh Behave! (ePub)

Winner of the 2008 AABP Multi-Media Award for Excellence—Best Dog Training Book (Books focusing on dog training issues)Winner of the 2008 DWAA Maxwell Award—Best Dog Training and Behavior BookJean Donaldson brings her considerable wisdom—and wit—to a wide variety of topics of interest to dog trainers and enthusiasts in this book from Dogwise Publishing. In 55 essays, Jean tackles issues ranging from the nature vs nurture debate, to the role of dominance in domestic dogs, to what are the most effective ways to train dogs. You will note a number of themes that flow throughout the book. Jean is a firm believer in conducting scientific research (verifiable results) rather than forming opinions based on gut feel or taking an anthropomorphic view of dog behavior. She also admits that we are flying blind on many issues because of a lack of research and tells the reader when that is the case. She looks at problem behaviors (problems for humans at least) from the perspective that both a dog's genes and environment impact behavior, and our ability to modify such behaviors is sometimes muddled since we don't always understand how genetics and environment interact. And finally, just what is a Dog Mom (or Dad) and how did that phenomenon develop and what is its genetic usefulness, if any, to both dogs and people?! Along with her other best selling books, Oh Behave! is destined to be a classic in the literature on dog behavior.What reviewers are saying...THE MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW"The mind of a dog is not an entirely simple thing as most people think; training them is a science nonetheless. "Oh Behave! Dogs from Pavlov to Premack to Pinker" is a guide for dog owners looking to train their dog with firmness but without cruelty. "Oh Behave!" Answers common training questions about nature and nurture, conditioning, how one's personality affects the dog, and more, all while dispelling countless myths about dog training. An essential pick for dog owners and for community library pet collections." James A. CoxBARK MAGAZINE"Hold onto your leashes, dog-training fansL Oh Behave! Is another great ride from Jean Donaldson. This book is classic JD, with all of the solid science that wins her so many fans in the dog training and behavior community, and it comes wrapped in the wry, dry wit we've come to expect from her. While it may be too technical for the casual reader, Donaldson's latest effort is a jackpot for those who are fascinated by the question of why dogs do what they do. If you're a behavior addict, as are so many of us who've become captivated by the intricacies and possibilities of working with the canine mind, you'll find much fodder here to feed you fixation. Oh Behave! Follows the Q&A format reminiscent of Donaldson's Dogs are From Neptune, but with a broader range of compelling topics...As always, Donaldson covers it remarkably well, with a plethora of pithy, quotable sound bites. She excels at identifying points of dissension with dog-owning/training circles and setting the record straight, and is not averse to a well-aimed jab or two at those who perpetuate inaccuracies and myths about behavior and training... If you're not already firing up your computer to go online and order your copy of Oh Behave!, then you're not a true behavior addict. Go play with your dog."