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Focusing on the behavioral differences and tendencies that have arisen in different breed lines, this book explores, summarizes, and explains the scientific evidence on what breed can tell us about behavior--and, crucially, what it cannot.
This book covers:
- the impact of inbreeding, how it contributes to problematic behavioral issues such as anxiety and aggression, and how it potentially affects the future health of the breed;
- the limits of predicting a dog's behavior based upon breed, individual differences within breeds, and thus the corresponding limitations of breed-specific legislation;
- guidance for professionals to help their clients better understand behavioral issues, traits, and appropriate expectations around the right breed for their household.
- covers genetics, phylogeny of canids, temperament, aggression, social behavior, and the history of dog breeding, it is an important read for researchers, students, veterinary practitioners and animal behaviorists, as well as shelter staff, dog trainers, or anyone looking for a greater understanding of dog breed differences.
About the author
Dr. Renee Ha is currently a Teaching Professor in the Department of Psychology (Animal Behavior Program) at the University of Washington where she has taught courses in animal behavior, animal learning, statistics, introductory psychology, and developmental psychology. Dr. Ha previously co-authored a textbook about statistics for the social and behavioral sciences. She is also the co-developer (along with Dr. James Ha) of a Certificate Program in Applied Animal Behavior at the University of Washington, a program that has a focus on Companion Animals. In 2017, this program won a National award from the University Professional and Continuing Education Association as an "Outstanding Credit Program." Dr. Ha's publications can be found under https: //orcid.org/0009-0004-6830-2088.
Summary
Providing a comprehensive and approachable view of the science behind breed-specific behaviors, this book covers genetics, phylogeny of canids, temperament, aggression, social behavior, and the history of dog breeding, revealing what breed can tell us about behaviour - and, crucially, what it cannot.
