Dog Smart: Evidence-based Training with The Science Dog Kindle Edition

If You Love Dogs or Work with Those Who Love Dogs, You Need to Read This Book!What we know about the science of canine behavior and dog training is continually evolving. As such, every year I like to select a new book to recommend to my students, my staff, area veterinarians, and my colleagues that I feel will be the most beneficial to them and their dogs. This year I have chosen Dog Smart: Evidence-based Training with The Science Dog by Linda P. Case.At the beginning of her book, Case states she has two primary objectives: “…to provide accurate summaries of some of the most important evidence regarding present day understanding of the dog’s history and domestication, behavior, social cognition, and learning process.” and “… to apply this information to practical dog training methods and to provide means for communicating this information and teaching these methods in ways that are both interesting and useful to all dog owners.” From both my perspective as a pet care professional and as a pet parent, I believe that Case has met her objectives admirably.Those of you familiar with my column and blog, Words, Woofs, and Meows, know that I am passionate about setting the record straight on the following; dominance, dog breeds, the importance of puppy socialization, and the unnecessary use of aversives for the training dogs. Case addresses all of these issues thoroughly. The idea that one must be dominant or the “Alpha” with their dog has probably done more damage to the human-dog relationship than any other piece of bad advice given by anyone about dogs. Case does an excellent job of getting into the scientific details about dominance. She clearly explains how dogs and wolves are related and how they are also very different. Case then goes on to discuss the scientific view of how the dog evolved and eventually became our companion. No discussion of that process would be complete without a review of how humans developed a seriously flawed theory called the “hierarchical model of pack behavior” which led to the false belief that we had to dominate our dogs and physically punish them to ensure we were always in control. Case uses science to explain how this model has been refuted and goes on to state “A parent-family model better describes wolf relationships in packs than does an outdated hierarchy model that focuses on strict social roles and conflict.” If you are a trainer and having difficulty explaining this to your clients, or a pet parent trying to explain this to other family members, you need to purchase and share this book.Other topics addressed by Case include:• Dog breeds and how they influence behavior. Anyone thinking of getting a dog should read this section before deciding which kind of dog they want as a companion.• The critical importance of adequate and appropriate puppy socialization and habituation. Case explains why early socialization is crucial to a puppy's development but adds a very important warning; if you do not do it right, you may create behavioral problems. Socialization is one of those issues that I find far too many alleged “dog experts” do not understand well. They are all perfect candidates for this book.• The emotional response to the use of aversives in training and why reward-based training free of pain, fear, and force is the only humane choice. Case notes that she has chosen “…reward-based training methods (aka positive reinforcement) as a training approach because: 1) It works well. 2) It has desirable emotional and relationship benefits for our dogs and for us and is not associated with causing pain, anxiety or stress in dogs. 3) We have evidence for 1 and 2.” As a pet care professional, I have found the biggest obstacle to helping my clients, and their dogs are often the erroneous beliefs they have acquired about dogs and their behavior from the internet, TV, friends, family, and sadly even ill-informed pet care professionals. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) acknowledged this as a serious problem in 2015 when they published their 2015 Canine and Feline Behavior Guidelines. Unfortunately, this document was not written for Jane and Joe Pet-Parent and does not offer the additional wise counsel found in Dog Smart: Evidence-based Training with The Science Dog. Linda Case, thank you for filling that void! For those that want to know as much as possible, Case has also provided ample references to the scientific articles supporting her work.If you love your dog, or if you work with people that love their dogs, you owe it to them to read Dog Smart: Evidence-based Training with The Science Dog by Linda P. Case. It is the smart thing to do.

With Dog Smart, author Linda Case has given the dog training world the book it has been waiting for. She has melded together hands-on training advice that has value for the pure beginner through the professional, the science that backs the methods she describes, and talking points to persuade the neighborhood skeptic.As if that weren’t enough, she shows how she has applied the principles herself, generously including the curricula for the classes she teaches at her own dog training center, AutumnGold.Linda’s style is readable and persuasive. She provides a unique blend of conversational explanations and strong science, with an “Evidence” section of peer-reviewed articles at the end of each chapter.Those familiar with Linda’s writing know that she typically takes a companion animal issue or controversy and walks the reader through pertinent scientific literature about it. She is expert at translating academic research papers for the non-specialist audience. But now she has given us a whole book, one that is desperately needed, that covers all the crucial aspects of training using classical conditioning and positive reinforcement.She teaches us the concepts, the timing, and the mechanics. But she also advises us how to navigate the waters of cultural assumptions, our own upbringing, our know-it-all neighbor, and most important, cognitive biases.The writing style is casual and pleasant, while still being precise. She jokes around. The book is well organized, persuasive, thorough, and above all, practical.Her knowledge of the scientific literature is staggering. Who else but Linda would include an explanation of the well-established research that indicates you will probably like and enjoy your dog more if you train using positive reinforcement? (It’s also well established that your dog will like you more!)Linda never loses sight of the fact that professional “dog trainers” are actually training people—the dogs’ owners—for a large percentage of the time. Her suggestions are eminently practical; her methods are easy to remember. She makes good use of mnemonics and sticky phrases to make the processes clear and memorable.And don’t think that the lighthearted sections about Joe, the neighbor who “knows a lot about dogs,” are just for laughs. At the end of each chapter, she gives talking points to respond to the inevitable misconceptions about positive reinforcement training and about dogs in general, addressed to the know-it-all neighbor. We all know this guy, right? But of course, these talking points are not just for “Joe.” Most of us still have a little Joe repeating dog mythology inside our heads. But now we can have Linda in our heads as well, calmly giving us good advice in that practical voice, and citing sources in case we need to convince the “Joes” of the world.Four paws and two thumbs up!

This was a very readable book. I loved how Linda showed how to put the info to practical use. And using neighbor "Joe" in each chapter was another great way to really demonstrate using the presented information. While not much was new to me, what was really helpful was the ways to present the info to others. This will definitely be one that I re-read many times as I come across people with incorrect information about dogs - especially the dominance theory.

First off; I enjoyed this book. I like the facts, the science and the references to studies. However, this is not a book for everybody. People already well versed in R+ dog training methods and handling will enjoy it. Inexperienced people, or people stuck in "the old ways" may be offended by the relatively harsh language the author uses to explain evidence. The book as a whole acts like a "how to argue against people who gives bad dog advice", and presents in a rather condescending (but funny) way. If you're a dog-savvy person, you'll like it. If you're a first time dog owner, read a few basic R+ books first.

This is a great book for anyone who wants to understand how dogs learn and how best to communicate with them. There is so much conflicting information and myths out there. This book will help you wade through all of that. Just the facts!

Outstanding evidence based book with easy to understand language. A little less pitching of her training center would have helped, but it was so refreshing to hear solid principles that it's not enough to take off a star. Now, one of my top two favorite dog behavior books to recommend. Well done.

Clear read about dog training. Solid ideas and explanations. It's best to read a wide variety of such books. There's no one "Bible."

I think I was “ Joe” in this book, I’m glad I don’t have to be anymore. Any guide that is backed up with sourced data is worth more than any number of celebrity dog training books regardless of their rating count. I would of liked to of read info on neutered/spayed dogs and how it does or does not affect their behaviour, if at all. More information on what kind of chews is ok for your dog; nylon, wood composite, etc.

If you are ever planning on having a dog, knowing a dog, living next to a dog or even just greeting a dog you NEED this book and especially if your neighbour has a dog and is called joe!I read it in two days it was one of the best books I have read in a very long time.As an owner and a trainer it was brilliant!Not forgetting the humour! Oh my life how I have giggled! This lady should do stand up dog comedy she would make a killing!Note to self when replying to joe the neighbour (who knows eveything about dogs) remember to be as polite as the author and stifle the laughter whilst speaking!

Bang up-up-date and easy to read.A nice touch is explaining how to put over the positive methods to the sort of person that thinks they know it all...we've all met them...they've had a dog for most of their life and therefore are an 'expert'. Case calls them a 'Joe' and after every chapter she addresses the points very clearly and in everyday language directly at... Joe. This can give a pet dog owner the ammo to fire back to these 'pack leader' types.And to top it off, each chapter has the evidence and research actually listed. Oh yes, the methods and explanations are based on science.Recommended!

Nice big print.Logical chaptering.List of scientific papers at end of each chapter.This will suit students very well, but also the dog owner who's putting in that bit more effort, & is prepared to research the evidence behind training methodsIt's probably not for the shout, pull, jerk, correct type of owner who won't take advice

As a scientist myself I value the fact the author supports their rationale for certain training techniques, and I have used some of them with the pup. However, the writing style is quite hard to read in long sittings.