Product Description

Handbook complete in three volumes. Volume one covers origins and domestication, development of behavior, neurobiology of behavior and learning, sensory abilities, biological and dispositional constraints on learning, classical conditioning, instrumental learning, aversive control of behavior; learning and behavioral disturbances, and human-dog companionship.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #268572 in Books
• Published on: 2000-01-31
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 410 pages

Review
"The most valuable publication about dogs since Scott and Fuller's classic text, Genetics and the Social Behavior of the Dog, published in 1965."

Victoria Lea Voith, President, American Vetirinary Society of Animal Behavior

"The objective of giving a scientific account of all aspects of learning in dogs has been accomplished to a very high degree. ... No other comparable scientific texts are available."

Andrew Luescher, Director, Animal Behavior Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University

From the Back Cover
Twenty-five years of study and experience went into the making of this one-of-a-kind reference. Veterinarians, animal scientists, dog owners, trainers, consultants, and counselors will find this book a benchmark reference and handbook concerning positive, humane management and control of dogs.

Reflecting the author's extensive work with dogs, this book promises thorough explanations of topics, and proven behavioral strategies that have been designed, tested, and used by the author. More than 50 figures and tables illustrate this unique and significant contribution to dog behavior, training, and learning

About the Author
Steven R. Lindsay, MA, is a dog behavior consultant and trainer in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, area, where he teaches handling, training, and behavior modification based on ethological principles. He also conducts seminars and is the author of numerous articles. Mr. Lindsay evaluated, handled, and trained highly skilled dogs for the U.S. military.

Customer Reviews

most complete book yet on training and behavior
I am a "pet dog owner" who became fascinated by training and how dogs learn. Lindsay's book is a godsend. Having read a lot of the dog literature over the last 15 years, including struggling through some of the classics like Scott and Fuller, I was left with questions about what theories and practices were valid, and which had been superceded by further research that perhaps I hadn't discovered yet.

Lindsay puts the entire science of dog training and behavior into perspective, with astonishing completeness, brilliant organization, and elegant writing. He sorts through the history of our knowledge of dogs, discriminating between that which is good science and that which is not-so-good science. He compares and contrasts the theories and experiments of every person who has had anything to say that's relevant to what we know about dogs, including those from the fields of human and other species learning.

I especially appreciated the outlines at the beginning of every chapter, and the bibliographies at the end of every chapter (as well as at the end of the book). Some of the content is of special interest to me, and he makes it easy for me to go straight to the original sources.

His discussion of aversive training is outstanding, clarifying what has been a much misunderstood area in the last few years. And in spite of the scientific approach ("what do we really know"), Lindsay is able to discuss the softer issues of animal awareness and mysticism with touching grace.

The sheer quantity of literature that Lindsay has read and digested - and summarized for our benefit - is absolutely mindboggling. This book is a must-read for anyone who has a serious interest in dogs.

Highly recommended
The author succesfully tries to offer a thorough and detailed view of what is known and what isn't known about dog behavior and learning. His approach is above all scientific, which doesn't mean he avoids phenomena like ESP etc., nor does he simply give a description of the autorities' viewpoints. Lindsay also carefully analyses everything commonly accepted by laymen and experts, without resorting to emotional arguments. His systematic and straightforward 'nothing to hide' approach as well as his concern to include all practices and opinions certainly makes this book an authoritative study which counterbalances a lot of 'extreme' books on dog training (like Jean Donaldsons controversial book 'the culture clash' or the Koehler books).

For everything said in the book, scientific research and logical reasoning serves as basis, and sentimentality doesn't get a chance. Lindsay clearly stresses the reasons behind behavioral tactics and leaves the choice to the reader, providing all scientific facts necessary to support your decision. His view on the use of aversives is the most enlightening and waterproof explication I've read on why, how and when to use it -- or not...

Lindsay concentrates a lot on theoretical models to understand all kinds of phenomena. He never annoyed by giving too much information. Monuments of psychology like Skinner and Thorndike are equally critically analyzed as less famous men and at all time Lindsay remains consistent in his application of a thorough scientific approach to clearify and explain.

It isn't a cheap book, but it certainly lived up to my (high) expectations. The reference section at the end of each chapter provides a good means of exploring more studies and Lindsay doesn't hesitate to give suggestion for further reading. He acknowledges without hesitation the accomplishments of other people without idealizing them (he criticizes Skinners and Thorndikes view on punishment etc.).

I think it will take a long time before a more open and thorough book on dog behavior will appear. Therefore, if you want a book that gives a complete and detailed account of what is known on dog behavior and that provides a solid basis to expand your knowledge (even very rare phenomena are treated in detail), I would certainly recommend this book. The only negative thing about it I could think of, is the price -- and even then...

Immense knowledgebase of info on K9 behavior
I got a new puppy about 6 months ago. This was just about a 2 year process that involved searching out a specific breed that fit my personality and lifestyle and reading piles (Probably $500 worth) of books about raising puppies, training, specific breed books, etc. Mainly because I have always been deathly afraid of owning that unruly dog would be a nightmare to have around the house.

Of the 20 books that I have, this book is by far the most in depth and well researched of all. Most books on the subject of dogs in general are short overviews that should take care of some specific needs, such as potty training, obedience, tricks, etc. This book has a culmination of 100+ years of scientific research and other case studies of not only dogs but of the behavior mentally and physically of other creatures and how they apply to dogs. There is so much information to soak in, its incredible. I read through it occasionally had to sit back in awe thinking about what i've just read and how many things make sense now.

I seriously think that most books will get 90% of dog owners by without a problem. This book is for those 10%, or breeders, trainers who need to have that extra level of knowledge. I'd compare it to needing a cupfull of knowledge and receiving 5 gallons instead.