Making Dogs Happy: A Guide to How They Think, What They Do (and Don't) Want, and Getting to "Good Dog!" Behavior

by Paul McGreevy, Melissa Starling

Overview

Your dog is trying to tell you something—are you listening?

“Why does my dog do that?” It’s a question every dog owner has asked—whether their best friend is growling at an unseen foe, or rolling in an objectionable scent. Now, world-leading canine experts and fellow dog-lovers Melissa Starling and Paul McGreevy are here with all the answers:

• How dogs use body language to communicate (with both people and other dogs)
• What motivates dogs (and what doesn’t)
• Rules for canine contentment (for example, most dogs don’t enjoy hugging)
• Subtle signs of discomfort, stress, and fear (like lip licking)
• And even how to choose the furry companion that’s right for you.

In Making Dogs Happy, you’ll learn to see the world as your dog does—full of goals to pursue, resources to guard, and stressors to avoid. Using that knowledge, you’ll be able to communicate with (and train) your dog so that they’re the happiest hound on the block. Decode your dog’s emotions and behaviors—and be the best dog parent you can be.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781615195657
Publisher:	The Experiment, LLC
Publication date:	04/02/2019
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	288
Sales rank:	1,103,962
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Dr. Melissa Starling holds a PhD in dog behavior, personality, emotions, and cognition. The self-styled Creature Teacher, Melissa works as a dog trainer and behaviorist in Sydney.

Professor Paul McGreevy is one of only three veterinarians recognized worldwide by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons as specialist in veterinary behavioral medicine. He is an animal behavior and welfare expert at Sydney University’s Faculty of Veterinary Science.

Table of Contents

Introduction 8

The Players 10

1 What makes a dog happy? 15

2 What dogs want… 34

3 …And what dogs don't want 69

4 How do you know if your dog is happy? 91

5 In the mood: optimism, pessimism, and stress 114

6 What floats your dog's boat? 138

7 How to be your dog's best friend 166

8 Your dog is a social acrobat 198

9 Caring for your dog from puppy to old age 224

10 Choosing a dog you can be happy with 249

Cast of Canine Characters 274

Notes and Further Reading 276

Index 285

About the Author 288