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Summary: Best Dog Book Written in Last 25 Years
Review: This is the book to read if you are only going to read one book on dogs! I've been an ardent canine hobbiest for over 25 years and have spent over 40 years with dogs. I've read most dog books published in the last couple of decades that have anything to do with canine behavior, evolution and genetics. The Coppingers' book has provided me with canine conceptual frameworks that I hadn't considered prior to reading the book, me with a manner of "linking" a lot of information accumulated over the years. I find it hard to argue with the Coppingers' experience, interest, depth & breadth of observations and ability to articulate their extensive findings. A magnificant canine read that should be included alongside other classic canine books: Carlson & Griffin's "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Guide," Padgett's "Control of Canine Genetic Diseases," Little's "The Inheritance of Coat Color in Dogs," Willis' "Genetics of the Dog," Whitney's "How to Breed Dogs," Lorenz's "Man Meets Dog," and Shaw's "The Classic Encyclopedia of the Dog."
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Summary: Influential new book on dog behavior
Review: This new book on the origins and behavior of dogs by Raymond and Lorna Coppinger is the most influential look at the nature of dogs in several decades, and it promises to be controversial.For example, the book is going to make some dog trainers get their hackles up. Trainers who base their methods on the concept that a dog is just a wolf in civilized clothing will be especially upset, because the Coppingers say that is simply wrong. They admit that there is "no appreciable differences" in the genetics of coyotes, dogs, jackels and wolves, and that these species can interbreed. Still, they say, "dogs have diverged, changed, transmutated from their wolflike ancestors." Thus, training programs that say the owner/trainer should be the "alpha wolf" and the dog a subordinate member of the pack is wrong, because dogs are not wolves. The brains of dogs are different from the brains of wolves, just as the brains of humans are different from the brains of chimpanzees, a close relative, they argue. Dogs don't think and react to signals as wolves do. The authors also suggest the idea that humans captured wild wolf pups and domesticated them may well be wrong. Their alternative theory on how dogs became tame has important implications for how we understand our best friends. This is not a recipe book for dog training, nor is it an easy "10 tips for a well behaved dog." Some sections are rather technical. But overall, the book is easy to comprehend. It may very well set the stage for renewed and lively discussions on approaches to dog training in the 21st century. For dog breeders, trainers and serious dog lovers, this book is absolutely must reading.
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Summary: Unique and important views for humans with dog partners!
Review: Uniquely,as the partner of sled dogs AND livestock guardians, this book has been extremely helpful to us in appreciating, understanding the dogs who live here! Especially enjoy the technical review of animal gaits, animal conformation, imprinting and socialization of pups, looking at the dog and the work of the dog... finding this book valuable and recommending to other sled dog people, livestock guardian dog people, all dog people!
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Summary: Not necessarily true
Review: While most of the reader reviews on this book are positive, I would caution the potential purchaser to view this book with a critical mind. The Coppingers have their own biases on some of the included topics - especially livestock guard dogs. On other subjects, their ideas are certainly not "revolutionary" and on others they exhibit a lack of basic knowledge (for example, gaits). Most disturbing to me was their assertion that it is a fine idea to crossbreed LGD breeds since they believe that they are all the same anyway. They also assert that any dog can become a livestock guardian. On the other hand, they defend the "unique" wired in traits of the border collie. The function and behaviors of the true livstock guard dog are not particularly well known in the U.S. or Canada. However, after my own 20 years of experience using LGDs, I can state firmly that NOT any dog can learn to be a livestock guardian. The Coppingers have done a great deal of work in this field, but again, I warn the potential reader that they have strong biases based on their own research and affiliations. Not everyone in this field agrees with them.
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