PawPrint Inside a Dog's Brain
Evolutionary Ideas • The dog’s journey from wilderness to our living rooms is thanks to the canine mind’s powerful ability to adapt
Chapter One THE CANINE BRAIN • Can an old dog learn new tricks? Who’s a Good Boy Hunting? Researchers are answering these and many other questions of intelligence
What Does a Dog Know? • Research reveals that the true genius of dogs lies in how they connect with us
IS MY DOG MAD AT ME? • Pet owners sometimes assume their dogs think like a person. There’s some truth to that idea—but also plenty of fiction
Learning Through Playtime • Chaser had a way with words. In an excerpt by her owner and trainer, the late John Pilley, the psychologist describes how play was critical to Chaser’s learning
CAN DOGS SEE COLOR? • Brilliant rainbows, maybe not. But a canine’s view of the world is a lot more than 50 shades of gray
The Kindness of Canines • As scientists uncover the extent of mental cognition in dogs, your pet’s emotional intelligence may be profound
WHO’S SMARTER: CATS OR DOGS? • While scientific researchers wrestle with studies defining animal intelligence and comparing species, these two veterinarians have a little fun with their take on what’s really special about your favorite pooch’s particular brand of smarts
The Power of Thinking Like My Dog • Move over, Tony Robbins. I have a new motivational guru, and he barks
Chapter Two UNDERSTANDING EMOTION • Dogs can experience joy and comfort, but also suffer from mental health disorders. Insight into their emotional capacities sheds light on the impact of human actions
How’s Your Dog Really Feeling? • Just because your dog can’t say “I’m sad” or “I’m anxious,” doesn’t mean he’s not experiencing emotional turmoil. Here’s how to help your furry friend out
Does My Dog Have Anxiety? • Are your dog’s “misbehaviors” signs of anxiousness? Here’s what to know and when to get help
WHY YOUR DOG FOLLOWS YOU EVERYWHERE • From the living room to the bedroom to the kitchen and the bathroom, our dogs are right behind us. We examine the reasons why your pooch always wants to tag along
Why Dogs Bark and How You Can Control It • Moving beyond “Will you please be quiet, please?”
What Does It Mean When a Dog Has a Strong Prey Drive? • This may be a matter of ability and desire
Cultivate Happiness • You might be surprised at how easy it is to improve your four-legged best friend’s mood
5 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR DOG HAPPY
Chapter Three TRAINING DAYS • Here’s how to communicate and bond with your dog in ways that will make learning new behaviors second nature
Creating a Mensa Dog • With postive, reward-based training, you just might wind up with the smartest dog on the block
Building Confidence • Through the thoughtful use of counterconditioning you can help develop your fearful pet’s tenacity
RULES OF SEPARATION • Keep your animals happy—and safe—when you’re away from home
A Plan for a Puppy • Puppies benefit from a regular schedule, just as humans do. It’s easy to create an effective one with this quick guide
EASIER VET VISITS • Simple steps to make doctor’s appointments more pleasant for you and your animal
How to Nail Housebreaking • Teaching a dog to take potty breaks outside is easy to do with these simple tips
A Dog’s Brain
CREDITS
WATCH THE WAG • Tail movements can signal specific feelings and provide insight into a dog’s mind