In-depth coverage of canine domestication, breeding, behavior and cognition, training, health care, and nutrition

Now in its third edition, The Dog remains a definitive textbook regarding dogs and their care; written in clear, accessible language, the text provides updated and expanded coverage of selective breeding, training principles, solutions to common behavior problems, diet and nutrition, and preventive health care.

New sections in this edition include information about dog breeds and selective breeding practices, genetic testing programs, canine social cognition and communication, manners training and common behavior problems, popular dog sports, and new information regarding health care and disease prevention.

Enhanced with distinctive figures and tables, the text provides current references, suggested readings, updated tables and references, and a thorough glossary to aid in comprehension.

In The Dog, readers can expect to find detailed information about: Canine behavior, reward-based approaches to training, health care and disease prevention, new information about pet foods and nutrition, and a review of research regarding the unique social cognition of the domestic dog Breed specific diseases and their genetic testing, canine infectious viruses and atopic disease, and new vaccines and vaccination schedules Interspecies communications between dogs and humans, prevention and management of common behavior problems in dogs, and pet food selection and recommended feeding practices

More detailed and comprehensive than many other dog books, The Dog is an indispensable tool for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, trainers, behaviorists, breeders, animal shelter and rescue group staff, and dog owners. Academically, The Dog is a useful textbook for second- or third-year students who have completed at least one college-level biology course.

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