Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy

by Zazie Todd, Marty Becker (Foreword by)

Overview

As seen in The New York Times, People, SLATE, Psychology Today

"[A] must-have guide to improving your dog's life."—Modern Dog Magazine

Whether you are training a new puppy, considering adopting a dog, researching dog breeds, or simply curious about your own dog's happiness and behavior, Wag has all the answers-and then some. Respected dog trainer and social psychologist, Zazie Todd, demystifies the inner life of canines and shares recommendations from leading veterinarians, researchers, and trainers to help you cultivate a rewarding and respectful relationship with your dog-which offers many benefits for you, your family, and your four-legged friend.

Inside this engaging, practical book, readers will find:

• A Check List for a Happy Dog
• Enrichment exercises
• How to socialize and train a new puppy
• How to reduce fear and anxiety in dogs
• Tips for visiting the vet
• Information on aging dogs
• Expert interviews with vets and psychologists
• And so much more!

"Dog owners and those considering becoming one should appreciate Todd's substantial insight into how dogs and humans relate to one another."—Publishers Weekly

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781771643795
Publisher:	Greystone Books
Publication date:	03/10/2020
Pages:	304
Sales rank:	634,664
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

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.

Table of Contents

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

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Zazie Todd does dogs the immeasurably good favor of taking their happiness seriously. Todd is dialed in to the science of dogs and a thoughtful trainer of dogs. Everything she writes about, you want to know. Wag is a welcome addition to the books geared to helping you help your dog.”
— Alexandra Horowitz, author of Our Dogs, Ourselves: The Story of a Singular Bond and the New York Times bestseller Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know

"[Cutting-edge] science can be hard to get your head around. So thank you Zazie Todd for sorting through it all, making it relevant, and keeping it simple. This is a book your dog will want you to read."
—Dr. Mark Evans, former RSPCA vet and TV presenter

“ Wag will become a benchmark for the way that dogs need to be cared for: as sentient creatures experiencing emotions, just like us. This is a real achievement and it will make a big difference to the lives of dogs and people.”
— Dr. Pete Wedderburn, veterinarian and author

" Wag is a must-read for all dog lovers. An amazing, well-written book that makes canine science easy to understand and apply in a useful manner to improve dogs' lives and the relationship we have with them. The anecdotes about Dr. Todd’s dogs are the highlight of the book."
— Dr. Wailani Sung, board-certified veterinary behaviorist, San Francisco SPCA

“Fortunately for all of us, Dr. Zazie Todd has written a delightful, compact, evidence-based guide to building better partnerships with our dogs and sending more joy their way.”
— Bronwen Dickey, author of Pit Bull: The Battle over an American Icon

"Dog lovers will find this book fascinating, and their pets will be delighted their owners have read it."
— Hal Herzog, author of Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat: Why It’s So Hard To Think Straight About Animals.

“Well-written and packed with great advice, this book could fundamentally change the relationship between you and your dog.”
— David Grimm, author of Citizen Canine: Our Evolving Relationship with Cats and Dogs

“Using the latest canine science, Zazie Todd gives us a clear and compassionate guide to bringing out the best in your dog.”
— Gregory Berns , New York Times– bestselling author of How Dogs Love Us

Editorial Reviews

12/23/2019

In this accessible and educational debut about improving dog happiness and welfare, social psychologist and dog trainer Todd expands on themes addressed on her Companion Animal Psychology blog. Early chapters deal with getting a dog and with how to train them, while later sections focus on veterinarian visits, playtime and socialization, and diet, among other topics. Todd interviews a broad selection of experts, from canine scientists, veterinarians, and veterinary behaviorists, to shelter managers and dog trainers. An owner of two dogs—Ghost, a Siberian husky/Alaskan malamute cross, and Bodger, an Australian shepherd—Todd shares personal experiences, as well. On the need to be mindful of individual animals’ personalities and temperaments, she recounts realizing Ghost was friendly with other dogs but cool toward people, while Bodger was the opposite. In addition to dispensing tips for pet owners, Todd urges people to think carefully before getting a dog in the first place—do they have enough time and energy, and the right environment into which to bring a new dog? Dog owners and those considering becoming one should appreciate Todd’s substantial insight into how dogs and humans relate to one another. (Mar.)

Publishers Weekly

The author’s evidence-based analysis simplifies the science and reduces essential elements into practical, replicable activities geared toward enriching a dog’s life.”
—Library Journal, STARRED Review

“Dog owners and those considering becoming one should appreciate Todd’s substantial insight into how dogs and humans relate to one another”
—Publishers Weekly

“Zazie Todd does dogs the immeasurably good favor of taking their happiness seriously. Todd is dialed in to the science of dogs and a thoughtful trainer of dogs. Everything she writes about, you want to know. Wag is a welcome addition to the books geared to helping you help your dog.”
—Alexandra Horowitz, author of Our Dogs, Ourselves: The Story of a Singular Bond and the New York Times bestseller Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know

“[Cutting-edge] science can be hard to get your head around. So thank you Zazie Todd for sorting through it all, making it relevant, and keeping it simple. This is a book your dog will want you to read.”
—Dr. Mark Evans, former RSPCA vet and TV presenter

"Wag will become a benchmark for the way that dogs need to be cared for: as sentient creatures experiencing emotions, just like us. This is a real achievement and it will make a big difference to the lives of dogs and people.”
—Dr. Pete Wedderburn, veterinarian and author

“This book is a true gift to dogs everywhere.”
“A must-have summer read … Valuable tips interspersed with plenty of personal anecdotes make this an engaging read and one your happy pup will thank you for.”
—Helijet In Flight Magazine

“Wag is a must-read for all dog lovers. An amazing, well-written book that makes canine science easy to understand and apply in a useful manner to improve dogs' lives and the relationship we have with them. The anecdotes about Dr. Todd’s dogs are the highlight of the book.”
—Dr. Wailani Sung, board-certified veterinary behaviorist, San Francisco SPCA

“Fortunately for all of us, Dr. Zazie Todd has written a delightful, compact, evidence-based guide to building better partnerships with our dogs and sending more joy their way.”
—Bronwen Dickey, author of Pit Bull: The Battle over an American Icon

“Dog lovers will find this book fascinating, and their pets will be delighted their owners have read it.”
—Hal Herzog, author of Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat: Why It’s So Hard To Think Straight About Animals.

“Well-written and packed with great advice, this book could fundamentally change the relationship between you and your dog.”
—David Grimm, author of Citizen Canine: Our Evolving Relationship with Cats and Dogs

“Using the latest canine science, Zazie Todd gives us a clear and compassionate guide to bringing out the best in your dog.”
—Gregory Berns, New York Times bestselling author of How Dogs Love Us

“In reading this book, you will truly benefit from Zazie’s impeccable research, sound knowledge and immense love of dogs.”
—Pam Johnson-Bennett, best-selling author of Think Like a Cat

From the Publisher

★ 02/01/2020

Did you know that leisurely walks with lots of sniffing is one of the most satisfying experiences a dog can have? Or that the inaudible (to us) buzz from electronics can hurt their ears? In this focused new title, social psychologist, certified dog trainer, and popular blogger Todd synthesizes studies of animal behavior, developmental anthropology, and cognitive studies by well-respected writers such as Brian Hare, Marty Becker, Ian Dunbar, and Karen Pryor to help dog owners identify the things that make Fido happy, and to use them to create a strong, positive, and respectful bond between owner and pet. The author's evidence-based analysis simplifies the science and reduces essential elements into practical, replicable activities geared toward enriching a dog's life. Todd considers the big picture and includes general information about health matters and developmental stages of life, tying in suggestions designed to help readers provide the happiest life possible for their canine companions. VERDICT Useful in a collection of dog training and health titles; for those who want to focus on the inner life of their dog and make their experiences full of joy.—Susan Riley, Mamaroneck P.L., NY

Library Journal