Dogs Behaving Badly: An A-Z Guide to Understanding and Curing Behavorial Problems in Dogs

By Nicholas Dodman

Book Overview

Written with wit, wisdom, and compassion, this easy--to--use A--to--Z reference is a godsend for dog owners and prospective dog owners. Dr. Nicholas Dodman, expert animal psychologist and acclaimed author of The Dog Who Loved Too Much , gets us inside the minds of our pets to learn what makes them do the crazy things they do. From aggression to zoonosis and just about everything in between, Dr. Dodman draws on case histories from his own practice at the prestigious Tufts University Veterinary Center and offers fresh and incredibly useful tips that apply the latest discoveries in canine behaviorism and pharmacology. Here are simple, sensible, step-by-step instructions on diet, exercise, environment, and lifestyle changes that any pet owner can safely implement to effect seemingly miraculous improvement in their dog's behavior. Authoritative, entertaining, and immensely practical, Dr. Dodman proves that when it comes to caring for man's best friend, he's the best friend we have.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0553379682
• ISBN13: 9780553379686
• Release Date: August 1970
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Excellent behavior book!

I highly recommend that anyone considering adding a puppy to their home read this book cover to cover. I have used many of the techniques in this book successfully. I find that it is much easier trying to deal with a behavior issue when you know why the dog is exhibiting the behavior in the first place. I've lent my copy out countless times and recommended that several people purchase it.

Ya gotta love Doc Dodman!

I got this book after reading Dodman's other amazing work, "The Dog Who Loved Too Much." Where that book was mostly empathetic tales of disturbed dogs, "A to Z" is more educational -- but it still has inspiring anecdotes that keep it entertaining. I think Dodman is the Konrad Lorenz of the '00s: He is (seemingly) the first person to recognize that dogs have the same neurobiology as humans, and that they respond to the same medications and therapy (in dog terms, training) methods. Seriously -- penicillin works in both dogs and people... Why not Prozac?

An A-Z guide of excellence!

I have now officially read all three of Dr. Dodman's anecdotal and informational works, and it is astounding how much he can compile into his books and still keep them so richly entertaining. This A-Z guide covers everything from aggression to zoonosis...literally...and each chapter delves into a new problem. I read this book before I started veterinary school at Tufts (where Dodman is the resident behaviorist), and it really helped introduce me to the common problems owners may face with their pets. He even goes into some of the medical treatments used to approach difficult cases representing each of the behavioral syndromes. If you are puzzled by your pet, this book is an easy-to-read, clearly explained introduction to whatever ails him/her. It is especially helpful if you are seriously considering consulting a animal behaviorist. You'll have a great advantage if you already know how these problems are manifested and treated.

Nick Dodman again demonstrates why he is so well respected.

This is Nick Dodman's third book on animal behavior. I have read his first two and find "Dogs Behaving Badly" to be well worth the investment. Given the horrendous number of dogs that are turned over each year to local animal shelters, it is crucial that dog owners and dog lovers be made aware not only of the myriad of behavioral problems their "best friends" can and do exhibit, but also the possible cures-both pharmacological as well as behavior modification.In the past several weeks since the book's release, I have found myself recommending it dozens of times to people who I come in contact with on the various pet-related bulletin boards as well as friends who would just like to know about Fido's latest antics.I have had the privilege of knowing Dr. Dodman personally since I first spoke with him well over five years ago about putting my best friend, King, on Deprenyl (page 80). Dr. Dodman's assistance and support throughout the remainder of King's life is a debt that I can only repay through my respect of his work and efforts to educate dog owners about their pet's behavior. I trust Nick Dodman with those that mean an awful lot to me. What better recommendation is there for his book?

Every pet owner should read this informative book!!

This is an easy-to-read, yet very informative book which details problems every pet owner will encounter, particularly those whose pets exhibit behavior problems. The first part of the book details the problems and an appendix gives suggested behavioral approaches to "undo" these problems in a pet. I have a "fearful" dog, who after reading this book, was taken to a veterinarian for a hypothyroidism test. It seems this may play a BIG part of this personality problem and medication may help control it. We would never have known this without reading this helpful book! Thank you, Dr. Dodman!!!