Dog Behaviour

Best Features: There are many books on the market about dog behaviour. However, the reason I particularly like this book is the way in which it has been presented. The author has cleverly split the book into three parts, the first being 'Essential Theoretical Understanding,' dealing with the basics of understanding dogs. 

The first section covers topics from learning through to aversion therapies and correction, with the author going into great detail of understanding the rank order. If we can’t understand the dog, then we won’t be able to modify its behaviour.

The second part is 'Non Aggressive Problems', covering domestic problems pet owners regularly face with their dogs such as climbing on furniture, jumping up, chasing the family cat, plus too many more to mention.  In this chapter, Peter discusses such topics such as insecurity and separation anxiety and deals with these subjects in an easy to understand way.

The third part is 'Aggression Problems', dealing with problems such as aggression to callers in the house, dog chasing, territorial and grooming aggression. In this section, Peter distinguishing between the different and varied types of aggression, some of which are extremely common problems in today’s society.

In each of these chapters Peter goes into great detail and deals with the problems, discussing the causes, solutions, the psychological side and then practical solutions. Each of the three sections is further broken down into sub-sections, which allows for quick reference in the case of specific problems.

The whole book is very easy to read, understand. It does not contain the complicated jargon that is favoured by so many authors of dog behaviour books on the market today, an additional reason why it will appeal to so many pet owners, as well as being an invaluable manual to anyone involved with the behaviour and training of dogs.

Presentation, design & format:
I was delighted because the print is a good size, which makes it easy on the eye and the paragraphs clearly set out. It is illustrated by simple but effective line drawings. The self-portrait bears a striking resemblance! 294 pages.

Price: £15.00 (UK) + £2.50 P&P

Value for Money: Speaking from first hand experience and after running my own dog club for over 35 years, I will certainly be keeping a copy of this book for reference and would have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone interested in dogs. A help to dog training instructors as well as pet owners and those generally dealing with the behaviour, training and understand of dogs. Packed throughout with useful information and guidance. 

Published by Canine Publications
ISBN: 0 906422 20 5

Now available from Agility Warehouse

About the Author
Peter Lewis has spent most of his life studying dogs and their behaviour.  For many years now veterinary surgeons have been referring their clients to him who have dogs with behavioural problems. Having studied the theory of dog behaviour his success and skill in this sector of dogs has been strongly influenced by his vast experience as a competition dog handler.  That same experience has enabled him to prove and disprove some of what has been written before and also to add his own theories which he hopes will enrich the knowledge of others practicing in this most important subject.

Having founded four different dog training clubs, for many years not only did he teach pet dog owners but also he achieved much success at the highest levels in competition dog training including Obedience, Agility and Working Trials all of which he has also judged at the highest levels.  He is highly regarded as having played a major part in developing Agility and since then, together with Mary Ray, he has turned Heelwork to Music demonstrations into another dog competition.  

Peter has also found time to write many books on various aspects of dog training and dog behaviour.  He has now finished writing the last book of a new How to... series that deals with with all the training and related subjects he has been so deeply involved with.  This last book entitled How to... Change Dog Behaviour was released at Crufts Dog Show 2006.  

Peter has just retired from sitting on the board of the Kennel Club scheme for Accreditation of Dog Trainers and behaviourists and has in the past been very much involved with the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme, together with all this experience, he has to be one of the most knowledgeable all round dog trainers and problem solvers of his era. 

Peter Lewis is a member of The Canine & Feline Behaviour Association

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