Description
Price: $41.00 - $29.90
(as of Feb 26, 2025 10:22:26 UTC – Details)
A classic study of dog behavior gathered into one volume, this is the single most important and comprehensive reference work on the behavior of dogs ever complied.
Scott and Fuller’s classic study of dog behavior gathers into one volume the authoritative information that came from their twenty years of research at the Jackson Laboratory. Central to their book is the role heredity plays in the development of behavior. Giving puppies an environment designed on the principles of a well-run school, Scott and Fuller tested five breeds representing the major dog groups and carried out a Mendelian experiment with two of the most different breeds: the basenji and the cocker spaniel.
They found that heredity affects almost every trait tested; that sex affects aggressiveness and the dominance order, but not trainability and problem-solving; that emotional traits profoundly influence performance; that, although breeds differ widely in emotional and motivational characteristics, none shows distinct superiority in problem solving; and that detailed statistical analyses indicate a highly complex pathway between primary gene action and its final effect on behavior.
Included is important information on:
• rearing methods
• the origin and history of dog breeds
• basic behavior patterns
• the physiological and behavioral development of puppies
Publisher : The University Of Chicago Press; 1st edition (April 9, 1998)
Language : English
Paperback : 506 pages
ISBN-10 : 0226743381
ISBN-13 : 978-0226743387
Item Weight : 1.6 pounds
Dimensions : 9 x 6.07 x 1.12 inches
Customers say
Customers find the book provides useful and detailed information about dog breeds. They consider it comprehensive and thorough, with valuable content that is well worth reading. However, opinions differ on readability – some find it easy to follow and well-written, while others find it dry and not an easy read.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Cathy G. –
By-in-far the most intriguing book I have read on dog …
By-in-far the most intriguing book I have read on dog behavior and genetics. This is not a fast read, but it is well worth your time, so don’t rush through it. Take the time to actually study the charts that accompany the material–and be prepared to look up the definitions of words!This is a challenging book to read, but it has invaluable knowledge that will benefit anyone who works with dogs.I picked this book up on a recommendation from another book I purchased for my classes–the comment was:”This is a must read for any serious dog student.”I couldn’t agree more!
Kane –
Great read in understanding your puppy.
Great for breeders or anyone interested in the genetics and thought process of dogs. The content can be a bit dry- this is not an âeasy readâ book, but the content is informative, science based and very well written.
Laurie Y –
A Must Read for Anyone in a Dog Related Profession
Excellent detailed studies with information you won’t find anywhere else. They put thirteen years into their studies and wrote detailed descriptions of the results and what the implications were. It was easy to follow and very useful if you want to have a better understanding of dog behavior and developmental periods.
Verified –
Good info for dog breeders.
So much detail the book will get boring. However, I read the exercises then jumped over to the conclusion. The end of the book is the best part. This is where you will find the summary and recommendations for dog breeders. A lot of the info is outdated but as I always say you will find gold when you keep searching for it.
Bob Pr. –
Summarizes some of the most important research in American psychology
This book summarizes the work Scott, Fuller, and their team of scientists conducted over 20 years on 5 breeds of dogs. Before their work, American psychology had been very dominated by learning theory and tilted very much toward nurture in the nature-nurture (instinct vs. learning) debate. The work of the European ethologists such as Lorenz & Tinbergen on “critical periods” in early development had little impact until the studies (summarized here) of the Scott & Fuller group began appearing. Their careful scientific work demonstrated the importance and existence of time limited phases in the early life of dogs within which certain experiences need to occur or the dogs may be forever deficient. Their work (with that of Eckhard Hess’s on ducks and geese) demonstrated that these critical or sensitive periods in early development could be scientifically studied in ways compatible with a scientific psychology.The book is important to those interested in the history of behavioral sciences since the discoveries are applicable to many species (including humans) and not just the dog.This book will always be especially valuable to dog breeders and trainers; its last chapters summmarize in very clear terms the particular phases in early development and experiences the dog needs to be adequately socialized. The reader can refer back to earlier chapters to get more information on how the experiments were conducted and the distribution of results. It answers questions on proper age that puppies can be separated from their mothers, what experiences are important to provide at what age, etc.
Lee Border –
Why isn’t this book more renoun?
I chanced upon this book in my university library, and couldn’t put it down! I learnt more about dogs in the first chapter than I had learnt in the whole year proceeding (and I consider myself to be fairly savvy in this area).The experimental procedure in this book, though sometimes slightly troubling for me, as a dog lover, is truly valuable. I don’t believe there is any other text that addresses ‘nature vs nurture’ in dogs better. It really provides food for thought.If you’re a dog trainer or a dog breeder, I really highly recommend this book.
Gustavo Pineda –
Interesting Read
It is perhaps more academic than what I would have liked, however it still manages to put together sufficient useful information for the book to be still be useful for the average dog hobbyist.
Deborah A. Bohan –
Five Stars
Love the book
ThreePeas –
I’d recommend this to anyone interested in dog training. It’s very in depth and gives a huge insight into puppy development (I’ve found it to be a huge help in aiding the socialisation of my new pup, although I was already set to read it for my training course prior to getting her). While there is obviously constant evidence and research emerging, this really is a comprehensive and detailed book and an excellent resource.It’s definitely more for trainers than pet owners, unless they have a keen interest in science and dog development, as it is quite technical (it’s not in any way a guide on how to train your puppy, if that’s what you’re looking for).
IGO –
Eins der wichtigsten Standardwerke zu diesem Thema. Ich besaà es bereits. Aber nachdem es unauffindbar war, befürchtete ich, es nicht mehr zu bekommen und habe es deshalb erneut erworben. Es gibt nur wenige derart umfangreiche Untersuchungen zu Genetik und Verhaltensentwicklung bei Hunden. Allerdings ist es nicht ‘unterhaltsam’ geschrieben und eignet sich nur für jemand, der wissenschaftliche Texte zu lesen bereit und in der Lage ist.
Amazon Customer –
Everyone that wants to understand dogs needs this book. Really informative and easy to understand.
Alnew23 –
A bit heavy going in places but well worth reading
Rob –
Fantastic book, invaluable in my opinion for people learning about the behaviour of dogs. Regardless what you think of the study that this book is about, it is a great resource of information.