Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Vol. 1: Adaptation and Learning Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)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like Scott and Fuller, I was left with questions about what theories and practices were valid, and which had been superceded by further research that perhaps I hadn't discovered yet.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.

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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 counsellors 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 behavioural 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 behaviour, training, and learning.

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