Books about dog psychology/behavior

[sheep]

Hi guys, I've been looking for a good book to deepen my understanding about dog psychology/behavior, but I'm not sure which one to pick. Basically, I want a book that is more balanced, that is focused on positive without too much emphasis on old dominance theories/methods (that pure dominance techniques trainers does) while also not discarding the existence of dominance (that pure positive trainer does). I want a book that can be both scientific and "instinctual", that you can see that the writer did do his/her scientific research but his/her knowledge comes from good instincts of understanding dogs and observing them and not just a collection of essays.

I've found a few titles of a writer called John Fisher interesting, but then I've read somewhere that he later regretted about what he wrote about dominance back then, so maybe his books can have info that are not up to date (maybe over emphasis on dominance?).

Personally, I use positive reinforcement/management for good behaviors and correction for bad behaviors, and while I believe in the existence of dominance in dogs, I don't believe in dominance based training.
Also, I think that I have a good basic understanding/reading of dog behavior so that I'm looking for something to deepen my knowledge.


Do you guys know any book that suits me?

[Courtney]

Check out Turid Rugaas

http://www.canis.no/rugaas/

[Chance&Reno]

Also, Stanley Coren has some really good books. He wrote a whole series.

I have about 100 books in my collection, all by different authors. Some are text books but I'd suggest you get a few books by different authors. I've never considered one person the "be all and end all" for behavior or interpretation. They all have different views.

[jakes mom]

Hi Sheep

I thought this one sounded very interesting, judging by this excerpt

"The New Science Of Understanding Dog Behaviour"

Positively | Victoria Stilwell | Forum • View topic - The New Science Of Understanding Dog Behavior

Sue

[Jax08]

The Other End of the Leash. Patricia McConnell

Human Bond With Dogs, Behavior of Dogs and People, Dog Psychology | Patricia McConnell Blog

[atravis]

Originally Posted by Jax08

The Other End of the Leash. Patricia McConnell

Human Bond With Dogs, Behavior of Dogs and People, Dog Psychology | Patricia McConnell Blog

Seconding this one, very good book. McConnell is pretty much all positive, but has an entire chapter dedicated to dominance and her beliefs on the matter (which are reasonable and not preachy). Absolutely worth a read.

[gsdraven]

Amazon

Amazon

Dogs: A New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior and Evolution

[Cassidy's Mom]

Originally Posted by Jax08

The Other End of the Leash. Patricia McConnell

Human Bond With Dogs, Behavior of Dogs and People, Dog Psychology | Patricia McConnell Blog

Double ditto on this recommendation.

[Stosh]

I too like Patricia McConnell's books and blog.

[Good_Karma]

Three cheers for Patricia McConnell!!