Customer Reviews

Genetics and the Social Behavior of the Dog

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This book summarizes the work Scott, Fuller, and their team of scientists conducted over 20 years on 5 breeds of dogs. Before their work, American psychology had been very dominated by learning theory and tilted very much toward nurture in the nature-nurture (instinct vs. learning) debate. The work of the European ethologists such as Lorenz & Tinbergen on "critical periods" in early development had little impact until the studies (summarized here) of the Scott & Fuller group began appearing. Their careful scientific work demonstrated the importance and existence of time limited phases in the early life of dogs within which certain experiences need to occur or the dogs may be forever deficient. Their work (with that of Eckhard Hess's on ducks and geese) demonstrated that these critical or sensitive periods in early development could be scientifically studied in ways compatible with a scientific psychology.

The book is important to those interested in the history of behavioral sciences since the discoveries are applicable to many species (including humans) and not just the dog.

This book will always be especially valuable to dog breeders and trainers; its last chapters summmarize in very clear terms the particular phases in early development and experiences the dog needs to be adequately socialized. The reader can refer back to earlier chapters to get more information on how the experiments were conducted and the distribution of results. It answers questions on proper age that puppies can be separated from their mothers, what experiences are important to provide at what age, etc.

This is a very in-depth and technical book on the early social development of dogs and the effects of socialization and training. It is a very good book for anyone who is serious about breeding dogs.

This book was very detailed from a research stand point. It is somewhat dated as there have been many advancements in genetics since the 60's. I did take away knowledge about genetics and what does and does not dictate behavior of an animal. A good book in general. I would just like to see an updated version.

I chanced upon this book in my university library, and couldn't put it down! I learnt more about dogs in the first chapter than I had learnt in the whole year proceeding (and I consider myself to be fairly savvy in this area).

The experimental procedure in this book, though sometimes slightly troubling for me, as a dog lover, is truly valuable. I don't believe there is any other text that addresses 'nature vs nurture' in dogs better. It really provides food for thought.

If you're a dog trainer or a dog breeder, I really highly recommend this book.