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Genetics and the Social Behavior of the Dog 1st Edition, Kindle Edition

by John Paul Scott (Author), John L. Fuller (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 114 ratings
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The classic study of canine behavior: “A major authoritative work…Immensely rewarding reading for anyone concerned with dog-breeding.”—Times Literary Supplement

Based on twenty years of research at the Jackson Laboratory, this is the single most important and comprehensive reference work on the behavior of dogs ever compiled, written by geneticist and comparative psychologist John Paul Scott, known for his research into social behavior and aggression.

“One of the most important texts on canine behavior published to date. Anyone interested in breeding, training, or canine behavior must own this book.”—Wayne Hunthausen, D.V.M., Director of Animal Behavior Consultations

“This pioneering research on dog behavioral genetics is a timeless classic for all serious students of ethology and canine behavior.”—Dr. Michael Fox, Senior Advisor to the President, The Humane Society of the United States

“Comprehensive…[a] seminal work.”—Mark Derr, The Atlantic Monthly

“Essential reading for anyone involved in the breeding of dogs. No breeder can afford to ignore the principles of proper socialization first discovered and articulated in this landmark study.”—The Monks of New Skete, authors of How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend and the video series Raising Your Dog with the Monks of New Skete
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  1. ISBN-13
    978-0226743387
  2. Edition
    1st
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    The University of Chicago Press
  5. Publication date
    July 10, 2012
  6. Language
    English
  7. File size
    46842 KB
  8. See all details
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01E71R4II
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ The University of Chicago Press; 1st edition (July 10, 2012)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 10, 2012
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 46842 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 733 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 114 ratings

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
114 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Bob Pr.
5.0 out of 5 stars Summarizes some of the most important research in American psychology
Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2009
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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.
33 people found this helpful
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Cathy G.
5.0 out of 5 stars By-in-far the most intriguing book I have read on dog ...
Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2017
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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!
4 people found this helpful
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Kane
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read in understanding your puppy.
Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2021
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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 “easy read” book, but the content is informative, science based and very well written.
One person found this helpful
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Verified
4.0 out of 5 stars Good info for dog breeders.
Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2019
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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.
4 people found this helpful
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Leema
5.0 out of 5 stars Why isn't this book more renoun?
Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2010
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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.
16 people found this helpful
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Laurie Y
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for Anyone in a Dog Related Profession
Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2016
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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.
One person found this helpful
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Gustavo Pineda
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Read
Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2013
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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.
One person found this helpful
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Deborah A. Bohan
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2018
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Love the book
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Top reviews from other countries

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Rob
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely fantastic book.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 16, 2022
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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.
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IGO
5.0 out of 5 stars Wichtiges Standardwerk
Reviewed in Germany on April 11, 2011
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Eins der wichtigsten Standardwerke zu diesem Thema. Ich besaß 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.
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ThreePeas
5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting and in depth
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 15, 2020
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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).
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Sarah Gibson
4.0 out of 5 stars The seminal work, a must for any dog behaviourist.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 10, 2013
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A little tough going in places with a lot of "Scienetific speak" but if you read any other behaviour book they will all refer to this so it really is a must read for anyone interested in dog behaviour.
3 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars In good condition
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 16, 2019
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arrived on time and as described
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