Dog Behavior: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet

by Ian Dunbar

Dr. Ian Dunbar, renowned dog trainer and behaviorist, explains how dogs think, how dogs learn, and why they act the way they do. Dog owners who understand these issues can better train their dogs and develop a closer relationship with their pets.

Genres: Dogs, Nonfiction

128 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1979

About the author

Veterinarian, animal behaviorist, and dog trainer, Dr. Ian Dunbar received his veterinary degree and a Special Honors degree in Physiology & Biochemistry from the Royal Veterinary College (London University) plus a doctorate in animal behavior from the Psychology Department at UC Berkeley, where he researched the development of social hierarchies and aggression in domestic dogs.

He has authored numerous books and DVDs about puppy/dog behavior and training, including AFTER You Get Your Puppy, How To Teach A New Dog Old Tricks and the SIRIUS® Puppy Training video.

In 1982, Dr. Dunbar designed and taught the world's very first off-leash puppy socialization and training classes -- SIRIUS® Puppy Training. Subsequently, he created and developed the San Francisco SPCA's Animal Behavior Department, the American Kennel Club's Gazette "Behavior" column, which he wrote for seven years, and the K9 GAMES®, which were first held in San Francisco in 1993 and continue as annual events in Japan and France. He hosted the popular UK television series Dogs With Dunbar for five seasons and has appeared on numerous radio and television programs, including the Today Show (US) and Dash Village (Japan).

Reviews

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was already familiar with most of the principles in this book, but it was useful to have them all collected together into a coherent philosophy. Dunbar's writing is mostly lively and charming, although he does have a few literary tics that are a bit annoying (such as using "literally" for emphasis). I look forward to reading more in-depth treatments of his training philosophy and methods.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot of good information in this book, especially about socializing and potty training a dog. Unfortunately, the author also seems to harbor the view that no dog should ever be punished for any reason, and continually plugs his own SIRIUS Puppy Training. Although I do disagree with some parts of the book, it is worth reading.