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Zazie Todd is a social psychologist, certified dog trainer, and founder of the popular blog Companion Animal Psychology, where she writes about everything from training methods to the human-canine relationship. She also writes a column for Psychology Today and has received the prestigious Captain Haggerty Award for Best Training Article in 2017. Todd lives in Maple Ridge, BC, with her husband, one dog, and two cats. Dr. Marty Becker-also known as "America's Veterinarian"-is the author of multiple New York Times bestsellers and serves on the Board of Directors and as Chief Veterinary Correspondent for the American Humane Society.

Introduction
Falling for Dogs
Learning about Dogs


1 Happy Dogs
Spotting a Happy Dog
Good Animal Welfare
Understanding Canine Behavior
The Needs of the Individual Dog
The Importance of the Human-Animal Bond


2 Getting a Dog
Biology and Loving Dogs
How Fashion Affects the Dogs We Choose
Animal Welfare and Other Considerations
All about Puppies: Socialization Is Key
Pet stores and problem behaviors
The power of more socialization
All about Rescues and Retirees
Be realistic about the dog you're getting
How to Apply the Science at Home


3 How Dogs Learn
An Introduction to Animal Learning
Non-associative learning
Associative learning
Classical conditioning: learning from Pavlov
Operant conditioning: learning from Skinner
Dog Training: The Link between Training Methods and Behavior
The Risks of Electronic Collars
The Benefits of Reward-Based Training
Puppy classes
How to Choose a Good Dog Trainer
How to Apply the Science at Home


4 Motivation and Technique
Learning about Dog Training Technique
What Motivates Dogs: Food, Praise, and Other Rewards
Social contact with humans: petting versus praise
Should we use a clicker in training?
Training Techniques: The Importance of Timing
Training Techniques: The Importance of Play
How to Apply the Science at Home


5 The Vet and Grooming
Reducing Stress at the Vet
Using food
Should You Spay/Neuter Your Dog?
Grooming
The Value of a Health Care Community
Dental Care
How to Apply the Science at Home


6 The Social Dog
What Does Play Look Like?
The play bow
Why Unstructured Play Is Important for Dogs
Dog parks
Pet siblings: negotiating with other animals
The importance of companionship
How to Apply the Science at Home


7 Dogs and Their People
Dogs and Attachment to Humans
Canine Neuroscience and Dogs' Preferences for People and Food
Do Dogs Understand Human Emotions?
How People and Dogs Interact
How to Apply the Science at Home


8 Dogs and Children
The Benefits to Dogs of Interacting with Children
How to Recognize When a Dog Is Anxious around Children
Teaching Children to Interact with Dogs
Preparing Dogs to Interact with Children
How to Apply the Science at Home


9 Time for Walkies!
The Benefits of Walking-for Dogs and Owners
The Human Connection in Dog Walking
Why Letting the Dog Out in the Yard Is Not a Walk
Dog-Related Issues that Affect Dog Walking
How to Apply the Science at Home


10 Enrichment
The Importance of Enrichment
The Value of Sensory Stimulation
Dog Sports and the Human-Animal Bond
How and Why to Add Enrichment
How to Apply the Science at Home


11 Food and Treats
What Dogs Can Eat: The Evolution of Modern Metabolism
Dogs and Diet
The Truth about Treats
The Problem of Overweight and Obesity in Pet Dogs
A word on predatory behaviour
How to Apply the Science at Home


12 Sleeping Dogs
What Science Says about Co-sleeping with Dogs
Understanding Dogs' Sleep Patterns
How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need?
The Alertness of Dogs
The Role of Sleep
The Relationship between Sleep and Learning
Why Animals Twitch and Whimper while Sleeping
How to Apply the Science at Home


13 Fear and Other Problems
Fear
Aggression
Separation Anxiety
Resource Guarding
House-Training Issues
It's Worth Getting Help
How to Apply the Science at Home


14 Seniors and Dogs with Special Needs
What Happens to Dogs as They Age?
Dogs with Special Needs
Making accommodations for hearing and visual impairment
Making accommodations for physical impairment
How to Apply the Science at Home


15 The End of Life
The Lifespan of Dogs
Making End-of-Life Decisions
Gather evidence
Know that decision-making can be difficult
Euthanasia: What to Expect
Preparing Pets for the Death of a Companion
Planning for the Unexpected
How to Apply the Science at Home


16 Safe Dogs, Happy Dogs
How To Promote Good Animal Welfare
Checklist for a Happy Dog


Notes
Acknowledgments