Name: Decoding Your Dog
Brand: LIBRAIRIE COREENNE
SKU: 111583
Price: 34.00 EUR
Availability: InStock

Decoding Your Dog

€34,00

Decoding Your Dog

Description

Book Introduction

The first joint project by the world's most prestigious scientists
A comprehensive guide covering your dog's lifespan using cutting-edge science.

Decoding Your Dog is the first scientific guide to companion dog behavior and psychology, written by world-renowned veterinary behaviorists affiliated with the American College of Veterinary Behavior (ACVB).
It covers the entire life cycle of a companion dog through science, from typical behavioral problems like barking, aggression, and separation anxiety, to socialization and etiquette training, relationships with children, and even adoption and senior dog care.
Each chapter begins with a real-life case study, delves into numerous myths and scientific truths, and offers humanitarian solutions that anyone can apply.
This is not just a simple parenting and training manual, but rather “the definitive edition of dog behavior where reason (science) meets emotion (relationship orientation)” to help guardians and their dogs build trust and rapport.

Decoding Your Dog is the first companion dog behavior guide written by world-renowned veterinary behaviorists affiliated with the American College of Veterinary Behavior (ACVB).
Based on decades of cutting-edge research and clinical experience, it covers the entire lifespan of a companion dog, from barking, aggression, separation anxiety, and urination issues to noise fear, obsessive-compulsive behavior, and senior dog care.
Nonsense like “dominance theory,” “the punishment effect,” and “guilt” only confuse dogs and destroy relationships.
Each chapter begins with a real-world case, debunks a common myth, provides scientific evidence, and concludes with practical, actionable guidance on humanitarian solutions.
It consists of 14 chapters, covering everything from first adoption and socialization, the relationship between children and dogs, the play and work needed for companion dogs, behavioral problem correction, and even caring for senior dogs.
The appendix includes crate training tips and a glossary of terms, making it easy for even novice guardians to reference.

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Proponents of old-fashioned training methods based on dominance and punishment have no intention of backing down easily.
There's too much money, history, and pride at stake to cross over from the 'dark side', and the combination is difficult to overcome.
--- p.9

There are two widespread myths that are ruining the relationship between humans and dogs.
One is that 'dogs try to gain the upper hand over us', and the other is that 'dogs know when they do something wrong and feel guilty.'
To conclude, both are wrong.
--- p.21

The myth that dogs display aggression to establish dominance or become pack leaders is deeply flawed.
The biggest blind spot is that dogs' de-language, which actually means fear, anxiety, or submission, is often mistaken for aggression to establish dominance.
Contrary to popular belief, the 'leader dog' is actually confident, calm and composed.
The leader is usually not the dog that shows the most aggression, but the dog that shows the least.
Research by veterinary behaviorists has shown that most dog aggression toward its guardians stems from anxiety, not a desire for dominance.
--- p.21

Many guardians say that their dogs “look guilty” when they are upset with their dog.
This is not an expression of guilt.
When we approach him angrily, saying, “You little punk, what have you done!!”, the dog responds submissively, saying, “I surrender.”
--- p.23~24

It is important to keep in mind that it is a mistake to assume that a dog that wags its tail is always friendly.
Tail wagging is a sign of willingness to interact.
Sometimes it's friendly or in a good mood, but it can also be swayed when in a defensive or aggressive state.
There are subtle differences in meaning depending on the speed at which the tail is wagged, the height at which it is raised, and the degree of stiffness.
--- p.30

We need to develop a language that will help us communicate effectively with dogs.
That language is education.
There are many different methods used to train dogs, but numerous studies have shown that the most effective method is to reward behaviors that we consider desirable.
Scholars call this 'static reinforcement'.
--- p.31

A dog's temperament is the result of a unique mix of genetics and environment.
Not only breeds, but each individual's experiences can lead to completely different personalities and behaviors --- p.39

In fact, dogs are always learning.
Even when we don't teach anything in particular.
--- p.68

Of course, we can teach dogs to fear us.
But do you want that kind of relationship with your best friend? --- p.78

When choosing a tool to use for education, it's helpful to ask yourself, "How would this tool work for me?" or "Would I be okay using this tool with a young child?"
If the answer to either question is 'no', then it should not be used on dogs.
--- p.124

Punishment-based teaching methods have been shown to result in more behavioral problems, including fear and aggression.
In contrast, training methods based on positive reinforcement resulted in fewer unwanted behaviors.
--- p.137

When teaching your dog to change his behavior, use a fun and gentle method.
Learning becomes a fearful process when tools that cause fear or pain are used.
Learning should be enjoyable for both dog and owner.
This cannot be emphasized enough.
--- p.138

Puppies experience the same stress as their mothers before birth, and early life illness and malnutrition increase the risk of developing behavioral problems. --- p.151

When a dog jumps up at us, it is not an attempt to gain dominance; it is a normal, natural dog greeting behavior.
--- p.178

We tend to apply human motivations to dog behavior, especially troublesome behaviors like pulling on the leash during walks.
Not only is this unfair to the dog, it encourages pointless 'power struggles'.
--- p.181

Scientific research on dog behavior has shown that domesticated dogs do not attempt to form a hierarchy with humans.
Most aggression toward humans is caused by anxiety and fear, and is an attempt to prevent the approach of something perceived as threatening.
--- p.207

Dogs have basic physical needs as well as behavioral and emotional needs.
This desire doesn't go away just because we're busy or distracted.
Dogs can become bored or frustrated if they lack stimulation.
--- p.237

Dominant behaviors, such as the alpha roll, where you grab a bee or dog and turn it so that its belly is facing upward, actually increase the likelihood of being bitten again rather than reducing the risk of being bitten.
--- p.262

Most dog bites occur due to the dog's fear and self-defense.
…ethical and humane training methods are not only effective but also less stressful, reducing the risk of fear-related bite incidents.
--- p.267

Dogs with separation anxiety are in a mentally distressed state.
They are not angry and they are not acting out of resentment.
It is a state where you cannot control yourself.
--- p.308

Punishment only increases anxiety and fear, making it more difficult for the animal to learn.
…punishment does not take away fear.
Rather, it can make us feel fearful or conflicted about returning home.
--- p.318

The most infuriating myth of all is that dogs are stupid.
Intelligence has nothing to do with anxiety.
--- p.339

A diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder is made when an animal appears unable to control repetitive behaviors and does not respond to disturbance.
…People often say that dogs are bored or lack exercise, but this is not true for animals that truly exhibit compulsive behavior.
--- p.355~356

Senior dogs may show few outward signs of aging.
But the important thing is the deception.
Often the first or only symptom of an underlying health problem is a change in behavior.

--- p.371

Publisher's Review

Is what I know now true? The latest in popular science, a fresh perspective on companion dogs.

Why do so many dogs around the world exhibit similar behavioral problems? Do they drag their leashes whenever they're out for a walk, bark unnecessarily, and growl at their guardians? Left alone, they cause chaos in the house, struggle with strangers, and even develop strained relationships with children.
This behavior is not simply stubbornness or a habit.
It is the result of complex psychological mechanisms that intersect the brain, hormones, learning experiences, behavioral science, and veterinary medicine.
Yet we still make matters worse by relying on outdated ideas like corporal punishment, superiority theory, and guilt.

Too many myths and misconceptions are ruining your relationship with your dog. From dominance techniques like choke chains to electric shock devices,
There are a lot of wrong methods out there, and even reward-based training and clicker training are misrepresented by inexperienced experts.
As a result, many guardians apply methods such as corporal punishment or dominance theory to dogs they consider family, and these incorrect beliefs, which may not even know where they originated, hurt dogs, which are relatively weak, worsen behavioral problems, and destroy the relationship between people and dogs.
Decoding Your Dog breaks this vicious cycle and shows a new, science-based path.

A new standard presented by a world-renowned authority. Written by a team of world-renowned veterinary behaviorists accredited by the American College of Veterinary Behavior (ACVB), this book presents a new standard based on the latest science, unlike outdated training books that rely on anecdotes or rule-of-thumb.
This is a practical, scientific guide to raising a dog that covers the entire lifespan of a companion dog, from common behavioral issues like barking, aggression, separation anxiety, and potty problems to understanding dog body language, socialization and basic manners, safe relationships between children and dogs, the work and play your dog needs, noise phobias, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and even caring for senior dogs.

The Science of Communication This book scientifically explains how dogs think, communicate, and learn.
It teaches you how to read and interpret the signals your dog sends, and how to communicate effectively based on that understanding.
After reading this, you will not only learn simple knowledge or skills, but your perspective and attitude towards your dog will change.
This book, a blend of cool reason and warmth, provides guardians with deep understanding and practical wisdom, making their journey with their dogs more mature and enriching.

Debra Horwitz, the lead author, is a medical, veterinary, and canine behavior expert.
The Best Books About Dogs! - Amazon Readers

GOODS SPECIFICS

- Date of issue: October 20, 2025

- Page count, weight, size: 412 pages | 630g | 152*225*26mm

- ISBN13: 9791199482203