Product Description

Do you have a problem pooch?

What do you do with a dog who attacks the telephone whenever it rings? Or one who chases imaginary rabbits down imaginary holes?  Or one who is terrified of
microblinds...or turns into Cujo every time company arrives?

In this warm, compassionate, entertaining, and very informative book, Dr. Nicholas Dodman, one of the premier veterinary behaviorists in the country, tells real-life stories from his practice that illustrate his unique approach to correcting unwanted behaviors.   By making key changes in a dog's diet, exercise regime, environment, and training, Dr. Dodman has been able to work wonders with  even the most difficult problems.  Utilizing revolutionary discoveries in canine behaviorism and pharmacology, Dr. Dodman has given  hope and help to owners whose only previous options were obedience schools, or if these failed--euthanasia.  Whether you own a problem dog or just want to better understand the complex, intelligent mind of your canine companion, this is a book you won't want to miss.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #301140 in Books
• Published on: 1997-03-03
• Released on: 1997-03-03
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 8.19" h x .70" w x 5.25" l, .50 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 272 pages

From Library Journal
This is one of the best books for dog trainers and pet owners to come along in years. Dodman, a veterinarian, teaches behavioral pharmacology at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and is the director of its Behavior Clinic. He is well known and respected for his research on domestic animal behavior and holds three patents for pharmacological solutions to problem behavior. While he recognizes the power of medications to help provide answers to some training and behavior problems, he looks upon those solutions as a last resort and back-up to well-constructed assessments of the owner/dog relationships and thoroughly planned rehabilitation programs based on behavior modification and obedience training. The 14 chapters in this book relate actual cases from Dodman's clinical practice. He is clear in his explanations and cuts to the core of each problem. Part 1 deals with types of aggression: dominance, rage, territorial/fear, dog vs. dog, and dog versus baby. Part 2 discusses the fear of thunderstorms, inanimate objects, and separation, particularly geriatric separation anxiety. The final section deals with compulsive behaviors, hallucinations, lick granuloma, and house-soiling. A summary table follows each chapter, highlighting the key symptoms and treatments for the condition discussed. The information, practical advice, and treatments are well above average for problem-solving training books. This one deserves a place on every dog trainer's shelf and in every pet owner's home. Highly recommended.?Edell Marie Schaefer, Brookfield P. L., Milwaukee, Wis.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile
The author, who also narrates this abridgment, is a veterinarian, now practicing at Tufts University, who has years of experience treating "problem" dogs. He tells their stories here: fearful dogs (such as the dog in the title, who cannot bear to be separated from her owners), phobic dogs and dominant dogs, among others. Dodman's clear, expressive British voice, along with his personal interest in each dog and owner, enhances this interesting story of how we can better understand our dogs' behavior and the treatments that can help solve problem behaviors. Dog owners and dog lovers will find this a fascinating program. M.A.M. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

From Booklist
Dog psychology is a relatively new branch of veterinary science. Until 20 years ago, treatment for undesired canine conduct was referred to dog trainers. Dr. Dodman, professor at the renowned Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, is an expert on domestic animal behavioral and psychological research. His work with problem dogs has led to humane therapies. Rather than putting a beloved pet to sleep for seemingly unchangeable or dangerous behavior, Dodman has diagnosed and successfully treated dogs for aggression, noise phobia, elimination problems, obsessive licking, and separation anxiety. By comparing canine and human brains, he has also prescribed such psychotropic drugs as Prozac and buspirone to medicate behavioral disorders. To get beyond irrational fears of window shades and thunderstorms, desensitization (introducing an animal to something it's afraid of in a slow, systematic manner) is combined with carefully prescribed drugs. After a dog's behavior changes for the better, the medication is often curtailed; generally, none of the undesirable mannerisms returns. Dodman's findings could provide solutions for owners who have nearly given up hope for their unruly dogs. Jennifer Henderson