Wag

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.

"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, 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"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 UsIn 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 ofThink Like a Cat

• IntroductionFalling for DogsLearning about Dogs1 Happy DogsSpotting a Happy DogGood Animal WelfareUnderstanding Canine BehaviorThe Needs of the Individual DogThe Importance of the Human-Animal Bond2 Getting a DogBiology and Loving DogsHow Fashion Affects the Dogs We ChooseAnimal Welfare and Other ConsiderationsAll about Puppies: Socialization Is KeyPet stores and problem behaviorsThe power of more socializationAll about Rescues and RetireesBe realistic about the dog you're gettingHow to Apply the Science at Home3 How Dogs LearnAn Introduction to Animal LearningNon-associative learningAssociative learningClassical conditioning: learning from PavlovOperant conditioning: learning from SkinnerDog Training: The Link between Training Methods and BehaviorThe Risks of Electronic CollarsThe Benefits of Reward-Based TrainingPuppy classesHow to Choose a Good Dog TrainerHow to Apply the Science at Home4 Motivation and TechniqueLearning about Dog Training TechniqueWhat Motivates Dogs: Food, Praise, and Other RewardsSocial contact with humans: petting versus praiseShould we use a clicker in training?Training Techniques: The Importance of TimingTraining Techniques: The Importance of PlayHow to Apply the Science at Home5 The Vet and GroomingReducing Stress at the VetUsing foodShould You Spay/Neuter Your Dog?GroomingThe Value of a Health Care CommunityDental CareHow to Apply the Science at Home6 The Social DogWhat Does Play Look Like?The play bowWhy Unstructured Play Is Important for DogsDog parksPet siblings: negotiating with other animalsThe importance of companionshipHow to Apply the Science at Home7 Dogs and Their PeopleDogs and Attachment to HumansCanine Neuroscience and Dogs' Preferences for People and FoodDo Dogs Understand Human Emotions?How People and Dogs InteractHow to Apply the Science at Home8 Dogs and ChildrenThe Benefits to Dogs of Interacting with ChildrenHow to Recognize When a Dog Is Anxious around ChildrenTeaching Children to Interact with DogsPreparing Dogs to Interact with ChildrenHow to Apply the Science at Home9 Time for Walkies!The Benefits of Walking-for Dogs and OwnersThe Human Connection in Dog WalkingWhy Letting the Dog Out in the Yard Is Not a WalkDog-Related Issues that Affect Dog WalkingHow to Apply the Science at Home10 EnrichmentThe Importance of EnrichmentThe Value of Sensory StimulationDog Sports and the Human-Animal BondHow and Why to Add EnrichmentHow to Apply the Science at Home11 Food and TreatsWhat Dogs Can Eat: The Evolution of Modern MetabolismDogs and DietThe Truth about TreatsThe Problem of Overweight and Obesity in Pet DogsA word on predatory behaviourHow to Apply the Science at Home12 Sleeping DogsWhat Science Says about Co-sleeping with DogsUnderstanding Dogs' Sleep PatternsHow Much Sleep Do Dogs Need?The Alertness of DogsThe Role of SleepThe Relationship between Sleep and LearningWhy Animals Twitch and Whimper while SleepingHow to Apply the Science at Home13 Fear and Other ProblemsFearAggressionSeparation AnxietyResource GuardingHouse-Training IssuesIt's Worth Getting HelpHow to Apply the Science at Home14 Seniors and Dogs with Special NeedsWhat Happens to Dogs as They Age?Dogs with Special NeedsMaking accommodations for hearing and visual impairmentMaking accommodations for physical impairmentHow to Apply the Science at Home15 The End of LifeThe Lifespan of DogsMaking End-of-Life DecisionsGather evidenceKnow that decision-making can be difficultEuthanasia: What to ExpectPreparing Pets for the Death of a CompanionPlanning for the UnexpectedHow to Apply the Science at Home16 Safe Dogs, Happy DogsHow To Promote Good Animal WelfareChecklist for a Happy DogNotesAcknowledgments