Customer Reviews

The Dog's Mind: Understanding Your Dog's Behavior (Howell Reference Books)

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book is an excellent guide to dog behavior and, although not being a training manual, it includes a lot of information on how to train your dog. Apart from discussing how dogs learn (e.g. by observation, classical conditioning, or operant conditioning), it includes a short list of "canine learning" rules and an appendix that teaches you how to teach commands, as well as how to correct behavior problems by counter-conditioning (training him to do something else instead of its undesirable behavior) and desensitization (teaching him to accept the stimuli that cause unacceptable behavior).

The first part of the book covers material on dogs anatomy and physiology, including their genetic background (that of wolves), their brain characteristics and hormonal system, their senses (that might include a sixth sense), and the basics of their communication system. The latest part is essential to understand and properly interpret your dog's gestures and the sounds he emits in different situations.

The second part, on dog psychology, is, in my opinion, the really interesting part of this book. It describes how dogs develop their "personality" traits, how the learn, and how they behave as social animals. Many aspects of dog behavior are clearly explained, from their fears and phobias (and how to treat them) to their innate habits. Breed differences are also discussed, as well as how to deal with behavior problems (e.g. aggressions or house training).

I cannot but recommend this book to anyone who lives with dogs. There are similar books with a less formal style (as Patricia McConnell's "The Other End of the Leash"), but they are not as thorough nor as informative as this book is. It should be noted that, despite its undeniable scientific rigor, "The Dog's Mind" is far from boring. It is quite easy to read and even momentarily humorous.

This is NOT a training manual, this is a dog behavior manual. It teaches you how to read and understand your dogs behavior and why he does the things he does. This is very understandable and enjoyable to read. Bruce Fogle gives lots of in depth information on genetics and how early learning can effect your dog. This is very scientific, and not necessarily an "easy" read. Some of the information can take a while to digest. This isn't a book you can read in two evenings. Bruce Fogle is very articulate and well read, and knows what he is talking about.

I recommend this book to anyone who owns a dog, whether or not the plan on professionally training them or not. It has new information for even some of the most knowledgable people.

I have owned this book for over three years now and still think it is the best dog training/understanding book that I have ever seen. As a trainer of shelter animals and owner of 4 dogs I have seen almost every kind of "bad dog". Before getting this book I trained using the "commercially" prescribed techniques without a true understanding of the motivation behind the dog's behavior. After reading this book, I was able to develop my own methods tailored to each dog and have had great success. I would love to see every dog owner in the U.S. have a copy of this book as it would prevent a lot of animal abuse and neglect currently present here.

the book starts with a brief history on the dogs' origin. followed by a pretty good description of the anatomy of the dog's brains and their 5 (or 6, as many think dogs may have the 6th sense) senses.

these are written and brief and easily understood language. not boring scientific stuff.

from the set up of the brain, the book flows into how the brain would produce the hormones that determine the dog's behaviours. from here, the author would branch out to tell in detail the psychology and behaviourial issues, explaining many things based on scientific reserach and analysis.

the author also touches on some common behavioural issues. like humping, agression etc. also incl are tips on how to curb some of these problems. another very interesting topic the author deals with that is not found in many books is the effect of de-sexing dogs. he deals with this issue very comprehensively and it's very interesting to be able to learn.

a very good book to fully understand our best friend. it's a must all all serious dog owners who like to fully understand our best friends.

As a dog owner and scientist, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I believe that many can benefit from the information included by this author. By going through the mechanics and function of the brain (most specifically a dog's) , I am better able to interpret my animals' behavior (good and not-good). I found the discussion of the dog's senses intriguing and enlightening. Furthermore, if during training you have ever wondered "why am I not getting through... this is soooo simple" or "why isn't he/she getting this", then I think that you will find an answer in the study of animal behavior. I hope someday to breed and professionally train dogs, and so the information on puppys' physiological and social/psychological development will come in very useful. If anything, I have learned how important early sensory stimulation on animals can be -- basically, how it can lead to a well-adjusted temperment. However -- buyers note: this is NOT a how-to dog train in "twelve easy steps" or in "5 days!" That is OK... it is not meant to be. I believe that dog owners and handlers should read such books as part of the overall training process. In my opinion, the best obedience training involves both the dog AND human learning. If you too believe that, then read this book -- it will give you a great start towards a successful relationship with your dog!

I have been a police officer for about 13 years and have always been fascinated with police service dogs. About 4 years ago I became actively involved as a K-9 officer. I purchased a German Shepherd dog from the Czech Republic and trained him as a dual purpose patrol/narcotic dog. I can't count the number of books I have read or the number of videos I have watched related to dogs and their training. A friend of mine suggested "A Dog's Mind". As other reviews said this is not neccessarily a training manual but it gives a great insight into just how the dog's mind works and how the dog relates to his surroundings. Should I ever have the opportunity to supervise a K-9 unit I would make this book required reading for all K-9 handlers. I highly recommend this book to any and all who work with service animals and to those who just want to better understand why Fido barks at the mailman or eats your shoes.

Fogle has taken a fairly typical approach to this topic. He starts with a thorough review of literature on canine senses and builds to a discussion of how dogs use these sometimes far inferior senses (like close vision) and sometimes far superior senses (like sense of smell) in communication and learning. He discusses the various ways dogs learn including observation, classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and what types of reinforcement and punishment works best. There is an interesting discussion of puppy personality testing, including, something I wasn't aware of, what it may be able to can tell you and, even more importantly, what it can't tell you.

He provides some great material on puppy's early learning from fellow siblings and from Mom with emphasis on its importance and the potential for problems if this critical early learning doesn't happen at all or at the proper time in the short puppy stage of the life. Before he finishes, Fogle wraps up with a discussion of how these senses change as dogs age.

There are many books on the market that cover much of the same material, but Fogle distinguishes himself in two sections. One is a useful discussion of how to deal with the different types of canine aggression which he discusses in some detail. This section is a great place to start if you ever have to face that problem. Second, he gives us an equally thorough treatment of canine social and eating disorders as well as fears, phobias, and anxiety.

The book concludes with a brief appendix (almost a checklist really) summarizing basic skills training Fogle advises to always train these behaviors in the following order: come, sit, stay, down, and down-stay. It's disappointing that this recommended training sequence does not match their sequence in the appendix. And to make it even easier to miss, this advice is hidden back on page 110. As a result, we're left wondering whether the sequence is important, and, if so, why.

Major Author's Message: When we breed for show we bring unanticipated and undesirable traits along for the ride.

Minor Author's message: A dog doesn't expect democracy or equality because neither concept exists in the pack world. He doesn't expect to be treated like a human. Instead, he is more likely to expect his people to act like dogs.

Bottom line: I enjoyed the book; it's written well and there is definite value there for those who are willing to seek it. But if you're not seeking info on the two distinguishing section listed above, there are other places to get it such as Stanley Coren's "How Dogs Think" which is probably easier to locate.

Bob and Hannah

Through excellent illustrations and explanations this book allows you to understand what your dog is telling you even in complex situations. It provides step by step methods for dealing with behavior that other authors wouldn't begin to try to tackle. By applying the advice and enlightment gained from this book, we immediately noticed improvement in our dog's behavior - this guy knows what he is talking about. After reading this book, you will feel like a lot of things have fallen into place, even if you have a lot of experience with dogs. This book pulls it all together.

A friend was having trouble with her dog, I was able to get out my "Understanding Your Dog's Behavior" book and diagnose the problem and how to fix it. I really like the section on separation anxiety. One thing that Fogle says many times through the book is that "your dog is learning even though you are not teaching". We may be thinking we are training our dogs one thing but may be reinforcing something else (a negative action) and not even realize it. (I guess the same goes for children!)

I just read some of the reviews and thought seeing as i have now purchased more than seven copies of this book, i'd give you my opinion on why this dog book is the best.
It explains how dogs actions convey their thoughts.
I do this when i'm thinking this,
I do that when i am thinking that.
And every time i do that funny thing -You pat me...
Wanna know WHY i race out the gate and you cant get me back?

To understand how they think, act out their thoughts, and how they see us allows us to take more control of them through understanding. Not just cause we are told it works.

I give my book to anyone that has a problem with dogs and can read.
I buy more to confirm behavior patterns and help people take control of their presious puppys.

Dog psychology made easy,
Thanks Dr Bruce.