Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Vol. 1: Adaptation and Learning (Hardcover)

by Steven R. Lindsay (Author), Victoria Lea Voith (Foreword) "UNDERSTANDING THE dog's behavior and appreciating its unique status as "man's best friend" is not possible without studying its evolution and domestication..." (more)
Key Phrases: slow pain system, lever biting, preparatory reflexes, New York, Anim Behav, Psychol Rev (more...)

Editorial Reviews

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

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.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 410 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 1 edition (January 31, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813807549
• ISBN-13: 978-0813807546
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 6.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #69,618 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

65 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars most complete book yet on training and behavior, July 4, 2000

By	Carol Rauch (Philadelphia, PA USA) - See all my 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like Scott and Fuller, I was left with questions about what theories and practices were valid, and which had been superceded by further research that perhaps I hadn't discovered yet.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.

59 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended, October 12, 2000

By A Customer

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...

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Immense knowledgebase of info on K9 behavior, September 17, 2003

By	Rick Van Hazel (Phoenix, AZ) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.