New Pet Books Take a Scientific Approach

New Pet Books Take a Scientific Approach
Steve Dale

This sampling of new books about pets features no quick "beach reads," but lots of solid scientific information. All the authors would agree, however, that at end of the day, what's most important is the relationship we have with our pets.

"Dominance in Dogs: Fact or Fiction?" by Barry Eaton

One dog-training philosophy, developed in the 1950s and '60s, seemed to fall into disfavor until Cesar Millan brought it back. Millan (and his followers) are again suggesting that owners must be like the "alpha wolf" of their pack, and express dominance. If not, some dogs will dominate them.

The subject of "dominance training" is fraught with emotion, and is increasingly being discussed and debated at veterinary and dog trainer conferences. Instead of weighing in with still another opinion, the author uses science, beginning with a description of what we know today about wolf-pack behavior.

I love how the author takes myths, one by one, and breaks each down, such as: standing in a dog's bed shows you are dominant; you going through an open door first demonstrates your dominance; rolling a dog over tells the pet you are the more powerful alpha pack member, etc. This short tome (75 pages) is for all aspiring dog trainers, whether your goal is to train thousands of dogs, or just your new puppy.

"Quick Clicks: Fast and Fun Behaviors to Teach Your Dog With a Clicker," by Cheryl Smith and Mandy Book

Now that you've decided (based on the first book) that there's no need to dominate your dog but instead merely to teach, perhaps the best way to do that is through a method called clicker training. This is the second edition of one of the best how-to clicker train books written by the same two authors.

This isn't a slick, fancy book, but the information is excellent, and what's more important, any dog owner can follow the instructions.

Of course, basic behaviors like teaching dogs to "sit" are included, but so are solutions to clipping dogs' nails and teaching them to relax for veterinary exams. I love the idea of a chapter on fitness, though not sure about the practicality of teaching dogs to skate board...or who gets the real exercise if you succeed -- your dog, or you running after the skateboarding pooch?

"Naughty No More: Change Unwanted Behaviors Through Positive Reinforcement," by Marilyn Krieger

You can't tell from reading the title alone, but this is a cat-training book. In many ways, this book is very much like the clicker-training book listed above for dogs. It's amazing how you can, for example, teach a cat to scratch in all the right places by using a clicker to reward the pet, while simultaneously making the places (like sofas) where the cat has been scratching unattractive.

This book is exceedingly helpful, and interesting. Even experienced cat owners will come away with new ideas to keep their feline friends occupied. However, what might be most important is the chapter on trauma-free veterinary visits. Cats see veterinarians less than half as often as dogs (though they don't get sick half as often). A large issue is simply getting them there. Krieger writes about how to adjust feline attitude about the carrier.

"Your Dog Is Your Mirror: The Emotional Capacity of Our Dogs and Ourselves," by Kevin Behan

There's that old adage that our dogs are reflections of us. Is it true? If you have a "crazy dog," what does that say about you? Well, here's where the author begins: Humans are emotional beings. Our dogs are emotional beings. What's more, there's a connection between people and dogs. After all, dogs are at least somewhat hard-wired to please us. Or are they really? If so, can we use this connection to help train our dogs? Behan, of course, says "yes."

"Animals in Our Lives: Human-animal Interaction in Family, Community, and Therapeutic Settings"

Contributing authors include Temple Grandin, Alan Beck, Patricia McConnell, James Serpell, Peggy McCardle, Sandra McCune and Dr. Karyl Hurley (Paul H. Brooks Publishing, Baltimore, MD, 2011; $44.95). Wow, that's a superstar lineup. Grandin, who's autistic, was the subject of a recent HBO movie, and McConnell is the author of "The Other End of the Leash" and many popular books. Others are known as rock stars within the field.

The good news is that today animals are increasingly being used to help people in settings as diverse as hospice care and reading programs.

The book begins with background -- how many programs using animals as a sort of therapy began in the first place. At least what is known about why these programs work (so much is still a mystery). Also discussed are public health concerns regarding the use of animals in these settings. For anyone participating with a pet in an animal-assisted therapy program or animal-assisted activity program, this book offers an important science-based framework.