The Dog's Mind: Understanding Your Dog's Behavior

by Bruce Fogle

Book Overview

"Quite simply this is an excellent book. It is well-written, with snatches of dry humour. It should be mandatory reading for anybody who keeps a dog or has intentions of so doing." -R. W. F. Poole, Daily Telegraph

How do dogs perceive the world about them? How do they see, hear, learn, relate to their owners? How large are their brains, what is their emotional makeup? Why do they suffer from stress and how can it be coped with?

Over...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0876055137
• ISBN13: 9780876055137
• Release Date: October 1992
• Publisher: Howell Books
• Length: 222 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Not at all what I was expecting

Not the type of book I was looking for. I don't feel the description is correct.

Excellent book on dog behavior

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.

an excellent book on dogs and how their 'thoughts' develop

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.

Great behavior guide

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.

Truly The Best Dog Book

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.

Before training your dog, take the time to read this book!

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!