Why Does My Dog...?

john fisher is a dog behaviourist, read: dog shrink. reading between the lines of this book, i believe he is very dedicated and is driven strongly by his love for dogs.

in the first chapter of this book, he explains what it is he does - he listens and looks at how a dog behave, or what the problem behaviours are; he would use then his vast knowledge of how a dog would behave/think to recommend a solution.

next, he would explain how modern society/living clashes with having a well behaved dogs. the crux of most dog problems is social ranking. modern society sets this basic instinct in dogs awry at times. in a short chapter, he tries to tell us how we can re-establish ourselves as masters in the eyes of the dog.

the rest of the book lists from A-Z a long list of behaviourial problems and how to deal with it. most problems will be attached a related real life problem he encountered, and the solution he advised.

the book concludes with a 10 page appendix. this is where he lists his techniques to olve problem behaviours, there are only 1 or 2 techniques though.

i suspect 'Think Dog! An Owner's Guide to Canine Psychology' by the same author is a newer version of this book, which was first published in 1991. so you could check that book out.

if you love dogs, understand their mentality, read this book!


Very illuminating, excellent resource   January 19, 2003
Avid Reader (Toronto, Ontario Canada)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Written by an experienced pet behaviour councellor, this book is a must-read for dog owners, especially inexperienced ones. One of the most educational books on dogs I've ever come across. Explains many misconceptions we have about the way dogs interact and behave and assumptions we make that lead to negative results when training our dogs. Every topic discussed is supported by examples from Mr. John Fisher's practice in his work with problem behaviour, or rather what we label as problem behaviour according to our value system. I'll definitely buy Mr. Fisher's other book "Dogwise: The Natural Way to Train Your Dog" as soon as I find it.


Think Like Your Dog!!   November 28, 2000
4 out of 5 found this review helpful

This book is a must for dog owners! Dealing with a dominant puppy was such a frustration until I read Mr. Fisher's book. My puppy's attitude changed the first day I implemented these training ideas. He is now a joy to be around. All it took was me learning to think like a puppy!