The Dog Who Loved Too Much: Tales, Treatments and the Psychology of Dogs (Paperback)

~ Nicholas Dodman (Author) "It was too good a day to be seeing patients..." (more)
Key Phrases: thunderstorm phobia, predatory dogs, antiobsessional drugs, Bull Terriers, German Shepherd, Old English Sheepdog (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This is one of the best books for dog trainers and pet owners to come along in years. Dodman, a veterinarian, teaches behavioral pharmacology at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and is the director of its Behavior Clinic. He is well known and respected for his research on domestic animal behavior and holds three patents for pharmacological solutions to problem behavior. While he recognizes the power of medications to help provide answers to some training and behavior problems, he looks upon those solutions as a last resort and back-up to well-constructed assessments of the owner/dog relationships and thoroughly planned rehabilitation programs based on behavior modification and obedience training. The 14 chapters in this book relate actual cases from Dodman's clinical practice. He is clear in his explanations and cuts to the core of each problem. Part 1 deals with types of aggression: dominance, rage, territorial/fear, dog vs. dog, and dog versus baby. Part 2 discusses the fear of thunderstorms, inanimate objects, and separation, particularly geriatric separation anxiety. The final section deals with compulsive behaviors, hallucinations, lick granuloma, and house-soiling. A summary table follows each chapter, highlighting the key symptoms and treatments for the condition discussed. The information, practical advice, and treatments are well above average for problem-solving training books. This one deserves a place on every dog trainer's shelf and in every pet owner's home. Highly recommended.?Edell Marie Schaefer, Brookfield P. L., Milwaukee, Wis.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Dog psychology is a relatively new branch of veterinary science. Until 20 years ago, treatment for undesired canine conduct was referred to dog trainers. Dr. Dodman, professor at the renowned Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, is an expert on domestic animal behavioral and psychological research. His work with problem dogs has led to humane therapies. Rather than putting a beloved pet to sleep for seemingly unchangeable or dangerous behavior, Dodman has diagnosed and successfully treated dogs for aggression, noise phobia, elimination problems, obsessive licking, and separation anxiety. By comparing canine and human brains, he has also prescribed such psychotropic drugs as Prozac and buspirone to medicate behavioral disorders. To get beyond irrational fears of window shades and thunderstorms, desensitization (introducing an animal to something it's afraid of in a slow, systematic manner) is combined with carefully prescribed drugs. After a dog's behavior changes for the better, the medication is often curtailed; generally, none of the undesirable mannerisms returns. Dodman's findings could provide solutions for owners who have nearly given up hope for their unruly dogs. Jennifer Henderson --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Bantam (March 3, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553375261
• ISBN-13: 978-0553375268
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #174,118 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good, but not great, August 21, 2002

By A Customer

This is useful book, but Dr. Dodman's writing style is overly mannered at times and, unfortunately, not nearly as lucid as that of Dr. Oliver Sachs ("The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat"). And it's clear, painfully at times, that this book's packagers are trying to make of Dodman a veterinary version of the famous neurologist.

Although I'll keep this book on my shelf and I'm sure I'll refer to it from time to time, I would recommend two other books first: "The Other End of the Leash," by Patricia McConnell, an ethologist and certified animal behaviorist, and "Understanding 'Dog Mind'" by Bonnie Bergin, the woman who pioneered the "service dog concept. McConnell is a better writer than Dodman (nearly equal to the wonderful if idiosyncratic Elizabeth Marshall Thomas), and Bergin is simply a genius on the subject of canine behavior and training. When I read her book, and I've read dozens on the subject, I kept saying, "This is it; she's really nailed it."

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating breakdown of canine psychological problems, November 29, 1998

By	[e-mail] (Cambridge, MA) - See all my reviews

Dogs are apparently as screwy as humans. Targeting a general audience of dog enthusiasts, Dr. Dodman discusses a range of canine behavioral problems he has encountered at the Tufts University veterinary school behavior clinic. Although the writing and story-telling are often a bit too simplistic and chatty, the complexity of the problems and treatments are fascinating while remaining comprehensible for the psychological amateur. It is ideal for the owner of a problem dog, or even someone who just wishes to forestall difficulties with their companion. The end of each chapter provides a concise summary of symptoms and treatment options for each disorder discussed (from compulsive licking to inappropriate elimination to aggression of all sorts), which will be of great help for owners and even vets encountering such a behaviorally disordered dog. Additionally, some of the stories are quite funny and make for excellent conversation pieces. I recommend this book as a read for anyone who has, has had, or is thinking about having a dog, as well as every veterinarian interested in gaining knowledge in the field of canine behavior.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!, December 17, 1999

By A Customer

Finally a book that discusses crate training an adult dog with separation anxiety instead of an eight week old puppy. If your dog has any psychological/behavioral issues, this is a terrific book to help you with behavior modification, drug therapy, and understanding why your dog is so "strange." This book is worth reading for dog owners as well as potential dog owners. It is a good manuel to have on hand.