The Dog Who Loved Too Much: Tales, Treatments and the Psychology of Dogs

by Nicholas Dodman

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.

Genres: Dogs, Animals, Nonfiction, Psychology, Science, Reference, Adult

258 pages, Paperback

First published April 4, 1996

Reviews

[Khanh · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had some valid points and tips. But I was utterly bored after a few chapters. I'm not against using medication to help treat some conditions were necessary, but this book had Way too much focus on medicating the dog for my liking. I do like the fact that it emphasize the importance of a good relationship. Not a horrible read overall, but definitely not one of my favorites. I'm glad it works for others, and I'm glad that the author advocates for compassionate and thoughtful care.

[Joan Colby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valuable tips from a noted animal behaviorist. Dodman advocates pharmalogical solutions as well as humane behavior modifying techniques. Case histories make for interesting and often entertaining reading.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dog Who Loved Too Much: Tales, Treatments and the Psychology of DogsNicholas Dodman
The Dog Who Loved Too Much written in 1997, by Nicholas Dodman, a well established British educated/US based veterinary behaviorist and dog behavior researcher, is engaging and easily read. The reading follows Dr. Dodman’s consults with his clients and patients from first consult to real life outcomes allowing readers the opportunity to become familiar with behavioral wellness programs and the benefits of these programs to both the veterinary facility and the client/patient.
I choose to read this book because I want to allow my high school Veterinary Science students a chance to explore the various methods used in behavioral and socialization programs. Behavior problems continue to be the leading cause of pet relinquishment to animal shelters, resulting in euthanasia. Relinquishment often occurs because owners have unrealistic expectations of their pets not recognizing or understanding normal behaviors. Owners often do not know that behavior problems can be corrected. Pet owners need guidance from their veterinarian about behavior issues. If owners are given inadequate guidance, problems are going to worsen and the prognosis for success decreases. Knowledge of both normal and abnormal animal behavior for veterinarians is therefore very important and can save animals lives.
Dr. Dodman gives readers the opportunity to glimpse inside his practice where he shares success and failure, talking of lack of compliance, sessions going nowhere, disappointing results and diagnostic difficulties candidly. His prognostic insights are helpful when communicating with clients by framing interventions in terms of likelihood of improvement. Dr. Dodman explains negative bridging stimulus as a bridging stimulus announcing negative punishment. “Kind of a ‘no-reward-marker’ followed by your departure.” (pg. 75 ) This is a wonderful interrupter to use with attention seeking behavior, and unlike the positive interrupter, does not risk encouraging repeat offenses. Though Dr. Dodman’s theory with over indulged dogs would have today’s purely positive behaviorist cringing, he puts simply into words “do not consistently put your dog’s likes and dislikes above your own”. (pg. 111 ) He encourages owners of fearful dogs to radiate confidence which is often neglected, but crucial advise.
Though many of his explorations into the canine psych are fascinating, especially his theories on why some dogs are terrified of thunderstorms resulting in bizarre behavior during storms. Many of his suggestions for curing dogs are enlightening. However, I feel he possibly relies upon drugs too frequently as a way to modify behavior, just as "human doctors" do. Despite some age related flaws in details, The Dog Who Loved Too Much is classic in the genre and I encourage all veterinary professionals and dog owners to familiarize themselves with this book. It is a well written, clear and concise book detailing the most common behavioral issues dogs present with. Dodman does a seamless job of chronicling the case studies, diagnostics and treatments in a manner that is readable and enjoyable for even the non veterinary professional. It is a quick read and a must have reference for dog lovers or anyone who works with dogs. Owners looking for a troubleshooting guide, may prefer a more recent, less clinically focused book than Dr. Dodmans.

[Cyndie Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sure I would have given this book many more stars when it first came out. I think I anticipated this book being much more anecdotal when in reality it was a fantastic precursor to Decoding Your Dog: The Ultimate Experts Explain Common Dog Behaviors and Reveal How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones which helps introduce common behavior problems to pet owners. Some of the advice in the book is now clearly out of date, especially when it comes to the drugs that were available at the time. However I'm thankful to veterinary behavioral innovators who have helped make modern behavioral medicine possible and this is an interesting view into the not-so-distant past of where behavioral medicine has been.

30-50% of dogs are put to sleep in shelters or pounds, with 20-30% (~1.5 million dogs euthanized annually) due to unwanted behaviors. About 3 times as many due to behavior problems than as die from cancer.

42% of dog owners report their pet have a behavior problem of one sort or another.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book, and a very well-respected author--but, I suspect, quite outdated now after almost 25 years. I imagine that if Dodman wrote this book today, it would not be exactly the same.

Certainly, it should be read in combination with more recent works by other qualified authors--things like the discussion of pack hierarchy are not as firmly accepted as they once were. It's also pretty heavy on the use of medication to help manage behavioral issues (because that's one of the author's particular interests), which means that for most dog owners it is likely to be more a starting place for a conversation with their own veterinarians than anything approaching a how-to manual.

Definitely worth reading at the very least as a snapshot of a progressive edge of the field in the mid-1990s, too.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stopped and started this book a couple times, but after finishing it, don't know why that happened, as it was a really enjoyable book. Dodman tells the case histories of dogs with specific behavioral 'issues' across a wide spectrum, some had positive outcomes, while others did not respond to treatment or their owners couldn't make it work. What Dodman also does is provides a guide for how to handle it if you feel your dog might have one of the issues he describes. Naturally, they are not one-size-fits-all prescriptions, but he notes that some of the owners were either ascribing their dog's behavior to a completely different cause or were completely blind to the fact that what their dog was doing wasn't 'normal' until encountering dogs who didn't exhibit the same behaviors, so it gives things to look for, ways to treat at home, and how a vet might assist via medications, surgery, or a connection with a training program.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read, even if some points seem repetitive. I loved reading about read cases he's seen. He analyzes his patients and considers all possibilities (even noting his past oversights, particularly in one urinary incontinence case) and helps people to see the why/how some dogs behave/present the way they do.

Medication may make a few pet parents squirm, but how can it be acceptable for people to need medication for behavior/physical ailments, but forbid it in their pets? I think Dr. Dodman makes a great case for environmental, diet, and medication modifications to help dogs deal with their mental health.

This book would be a great reference for individuals interested in animal behavior, and how to recognize different behaviors.

[R.M. Kinder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book for animal lovers and especially for those who have dogs with some excessive behavior, wanting too much affection, too much food, too much control, or impossible security. Though I got it to deal better with an exceedingly smart and wily lab/hound mix, it has given me great insight into my alpha cat, who controls every being in the house, canine and human. She's lovely, lithe, and cool. All cat. The advice Dr. Dodman gives is specific and clear and doable. I didn't always agree with him, but then I'm the one having to buy his book. Good resource book.

[Denielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very informational. I would have given it a 5 had I read it when it came out. Seeing as things in mental health, dog health change so frequently I'm sure there is updated information. Very interested in seeing if author has published more current information. I bought this book at the thrift as I love reading books about dogs, both fiction and non. So was unconcerned that it is outdated.

[Tanya Paulison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of cook and good info in here. Love reading in dogs as u know hardly anything about their internal needs and I love my dog more than.ife and I want to be able to give him everything. So I gotta learn and research... and these kinda books are part of that. Enjoyed this very much.

[Sheree · Rating 4 out of 5]

An appreciated perspective from an animal behaviorist, not just a trainer.

[Łucja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pierwsza połowa jest fajna ale druga jest trochę nudna

[Ewa · Rating 1 out of 5]

"Nowatorski" to ten poradnik może był 20 lat temu.

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little old, but still relevant

[Jennifer Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this book is terribly out of date, the one good thing is that the author teaches that physical punishment is inappropriate. You're much better off reading Tom Mitchell's book.

[Cjuj · Rating 4 out of 5]

kolekja psiarska ksiazka fajna

[Zosia Lach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naukowa książka o chorobach psychicznych naszych pupili. Autor opowiada jak zwalczał choroby psychiczne psów.

[Suz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent ideas for dealing with dog behavior issues.

[Jo-jean Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting, well-written and comprehensive guide to dealing with dog behavior. The Treatment For guidelines at the end of each chapter are particularly helpful.

[Danny · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit outdated in terms of dominance theory but it has a lot of interesting case studies and goes into genetic dispositions and psychological disorders that can contribute to the behaviors.

[Ralph · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author is an animal behaviorist, and the stories he tells in this book are taken from his own experiences. The behaviors covered range from separation anxiety to aggression, from phobias to actual nervous disorders of the brain; he even addresses inappropriate urination, though it is clear he does so reluctantly, seeing it as usually being a training issue rather than an actual physical or mental malady. Though many of his explorations into the canine psyche are fascinating (especially his theories upon why some dogs are so terrified of thunderstorms and exhibit bizarre behavior during them, and many of his suggestions for curing dogs are enlightening, I feel he too often relies upon drugs as a way to modify behavior, just as "human doctors" do. Of course, I admit that is simply because of my own bias, born of growing up in a home where the strongest medicines were Excedrin, aspirin and cough syrup, and a general antipathy to the over-medication of America's population, both human and canine. That aside, Dr Dodman is a skilled writer and story-teller, able to make you feel both his successes and his failures. Not all the stories end well, and sometimes you just want to reach inside the book and slap some of the knucklehead owners, but there are enough successes cited and general optimism to give you hope for the future welfare of our canine friends. If there is anything to take away from this book, it is that "bad dogs" are often created by the traumatic events of their puppyhood, usually caused by the abusive, negligent or diffident treatment by people. Dogs may be Man's best friend, but Man has usually been, at best, a dubious companion. This certainly a book anyone concerned with the welfare of dogs will want in their library.

[Linda Lipko · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating book written by an animal behaviorist and specialist in treating dogs with very serious problems. Combining science and psychology, this guy knows his stuff when it comes to animal personalities and genetic dispositions.

Most of the cases presented were worse case scenarios. However, it was interesting to learn about dogs with issues when their owners are not with them. Our Sheltie Lilly exhibits some of the characteristics noted whenever we go away for a few days. In particular, she misses Will. She refuses to eat and mopes.

The author cites some cases wherein a dog will literally develop anorexia and starve itself because of the love he/she feels toward his/her master and the grief of not seeing that person or persons.

I was amazed to learn that Cocker Spaniels and English Springer Spaniels are not necessarily calm dogs and MAY exhibit behavior problems regarding children. Citing cases wherein Terrier bull dogs are inbred for aggression, the author seems to not be a proponent of obtaining puppies from pet stores or puppy mills.

Citing the human brain and dog brain are similar, many dogs develop emotional problems like humans, such as obsessive compulsive disorders.

[Stephen Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written in 1996 but I think still has a lot of merits to it. The authors ideas on medicating dogs for behavior issues may be valid as a last resort and not something I have read about anywhere else. He covers some topics in behavior that I have not seen specifically addressed as much. At the end of each chapter he gives a summary of signs, situations/diagnosis, and treatment suggestions.
The books gives detailed stories about people and their dog including breed, that I have seen some authors now shy away from doing that to avoid putting any stigma on a breed, and therefore leave out a key piece of information. Some of his theories and suggestions may now have different conclusions but overall a good reference book to compare to other books about behavior problems.
Topics include various types of Aggression including seizure related, territorial, dog on dog, and on babies. Other topics include separation anxiety, thunderstorm phobia, late onset separation anxiety, phobias against inanimate things, fear of people and fear related aggression, compulsive behavior, hallucinatory behaviors, lick granuloma, and inappropriate elimination. If you have an issue and a newer book’s solution hasn’t worked, it may be good to look at his possible solution.

[Sari Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The full title is: "The Dog Who Loved Too Much: Tales, Treatments, and the Psychology of Dogs" by Dr. Nicholas Dodman.

Using real and entertaining examples from his own clinic, Dr. Dodman illustrates his unique and successful approach to correcting and curing problem dogs. By making key changes to a dog's diet, exercise regime, environment, and training, Dr. Dodman has been able to work wonders with even the most baffling of disorders and help frustrated, often desperate, owners.

Whether you own a problem pooch, or just want to better understand the complex mind of your canine companion, you'll enjoy these remarkable stories from a vet who truly believes that every day is a dog's day.

[MrsEnginerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best behavioral treatment book I have read. Unlike other professionals in the field, Dr Dodman refrains from making the book about his relationship to a dog he owns and rather incorporates stories about treatments followed by scientific tests, evidence and behavioral adjustment plans. You learn about dogs psyche and about the medical research and medication intervention that has been used to treat canines. He provides insight into the cost and duration of behavioral therapy and explains how in some cases it may not be enough. As most books do, he recommends owners to address problems early for better success and to always consult and seek professional help. A must read for dog owners of all breeds and age groups.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great overview of a lot of dog behavioral problems and their causes, with tips for how to deal with them. In addition to solutions through training (for not just the dog but the people, as Cesar Milan would say), it talks about problems that should be treated medically. Dogs can go on antidepressants, muscle relaxants, etc.

There are some behavioral problems that aren't covered, but a lot of them are - separation anxiety, aggressiveness, storm phobia, etc. It's worth a read for anyone who has (or is thinking of getting) a dog. Especially since it talks about common behavioral problems of certain breeds.

[Diane]

This is from my home library section on how to better understand and dogs and cats. I am always striving for more knowledge on how to work with and understand them so that I can pass that along to folks who bring them into their homes. And I am always looking for good reading on the subject to pass along as well. This particular book is broken down into 3 sections: Aggression; Fear; and Obsessive/Repetitivenes. From only reading one chapter so far, this book seems to meet the criteria.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contrary to what the title suggests, this is not a sappy collection of anecdotes about dog ownership. It is, however, a comprehensive collection of case studies on the most common behavioral issues we see in dogs. Dr. Dodman does a seamless job of chronicling these case studies, diagnostics and treatments in a manner that is readable and enjoyable for the non-science major. It is a quick read and a must-have reference for any dog lover or anyone who works with animals.

[Celest · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written, clear and concise book detailing common behavioral issues dogs present with. Many of the treatments involve temporary use of psychopharmacological agents paired with training. Note that drug treatment is only indicated whenever other options were not likely to succeed alone.

This is almost like a DSM for dogs, written in layman's terms.

I wish I had this book years ago with my first set of adopted doggies, it would have made things a lot simpler on all of us.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally a book that discusses crate training an adult dog with separation anxiety instead of an eight week old puppy. If your dog has any psychological/behavioral issues, this is a terrific book to help you with behavior modification, drug therapy, and understanding why your dog is so "strange." This book is worth reading for dog owners as well as potential dog owners. It is a good manuel to have on hand.