Product Description

Here's authoritative scientifically based guidance on preventing, diagnosing, and successfully treating behavior cases. Every kind of problem from aggressive behavior to self-mutilation, is discussed.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #206157 in Books
• Published on: 1997-02-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 544 pages

Book Info
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Practical text on the principles of clinical behavioral medicine. Focuses on diagnostic and treatments approaches for the major classes of problems that are seen in cats and dogs. Softcover. 135 illustrations.

Customer Reviews

Lot of good information, difficult to get through it all
I found this book to be inclusive of a lot of current information, but it is not for light reading. It can be difficult to get through all of the information, or dig out what you may find useful. Her emphasis on some problem behaviors being the consequence of an imbalance in neurotransmitters is not shared by everyone, as a good majority of these animals can be considered normal when evaluated in an ethological sense.

The handouts at the end of the book are very useful in getting a history from an owner, as well as handouts for the treatment of problem behaviors.

This is it!
This book should be on the shelf of everyone who works with dogs and cats, especially those who work directly with pet owners. The appendix is packed with detailed protocols to help owners manage and change problem behaviors, from dominance aggression to inappropriate urination and back again to chronic leg-humping. Owner compliance is one of the biggest challenges animal care professionals face, and these detailed step-by-step protocols steer sometimes overwhelmed civilians in the right direction.

My only complaint with this book is that you will (I promise, you will,) lose a few pages due to the perforated appendices. It would be nice to see a spiral-bound, easily photocopied edition.

Essential reading for anyone serious about animals
I have consulted with Dr. Overall in the treatment of a dog we rescued who has OCD, and in addition, I have also read her book cover to cover three times. There are a lot of books on this topic -- both for veterinarians and for lay people -- out there, but this one is the best. Dr. Overall, unlike a number of vets (even veterinary behaviorists) truly understands the nature of dog behavior -- and the importance of positive reinforcement in shapingn it. She is my hero, and I recommend this book to anyone who has a serious interest in animal behavior.