The Dog

Linda P. Case, MS is well-known author, canine nutritionist, and dog trainer. She was a lecturer in canine and feline science in the Animal Sciences Department at the University of Illinois for 15 years and then taught companion animal behavior and training at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Linda is the author of numerous publications and nine books, including Feeding Smart with The Science Dog, Dog Smart, Beware the Straw Man, and Dog Food Logic. She owns and operates The Science Dog Courses, an on-line education program that provides courses and webinars to pet owners and professionals (https://courses.thesciencedog.com/). She is also the author of the popular Science Dog Blog (http://thesciencedog.wordpress.com).

Preface xii

Acknowledgments xiv

Part I Man’s Best Friend: The Animal within the Companion 1

1 Man and Wolf: The Process of Domestication 3

2 Selective Breeding: The Creation of the Working Dog 15

3 The Dog’s Body: Structure, Movement, and Special Senses 34

4 Reproduction and Breeding Management 57

5 Genetics and Breeding Programs 75

6 Sharing Our Lives with Dogs: Benefits and Responsibilities 94

Part 2 Behavior: Communicating with Man’s Best Friend 125

7 Developmental Behavior: Puppy to Adult 127

8 Understanding Normal Canine Behavior 134

9 Learning, Cognition, and Training Principles 156

10 Manners Training and Prevention of Common Behavior Problems 180

Part 3 Health and Disease: Taking Care and Keeping Fit 211

11 Infectious Diseases and Vaccination Programs 213

12 Common Noninfectious Disorders of Dogs 234

13 Internal Parasites 255

14 External Parasites 271

15 First Aid Procedures for Dogs 283

Part 4 Nutrition: Feeding for Health and Longevity 305

16 Nutrient Requirements of the Dog 307

17 Providing a Healthy Diet 327

18 Feeding for Health Throughout Life 339

19 Common Feeding Problems 354

Glossary 380

Index 385