Canine Confidential

For all the love and attention we give dogs,  much of what they do remains mysterious. Just think about different behaviors you see at a dog park: We have a good understanding of what it means when dogs wag their tails – but what about when they sniff and roll on a stinky spot? Why do they play tug-of-war with one dog, while showing their bellies to another? Why are some dogs shy, while others are bold? What goes on in dogs' heads and hearts – and how much can we know and understand?  "Canine Confidential"  has the answers. Written by award-winning scientist – and lifelong dog lover – Marc Bekoff, it not only brilliantly opens up the world of dog behavior, but also helps us understand how we can make our dogs' lives the best they can possibly be.  Rooted in the most up-to-date science on cognition and emotion – fields that have exploded in recent years – "Canine Confidential"  is a wonderfully accessible treasure trove of new information and myth-busting. Peeing, we learn, isn't always marking; grass-eating isn't always an attempt to trigger vomiting; it's okay to hug a dog – on  their  terms; and so much more. There's still much we don't know, but at the core of the book is the certainty that dogs do have deep emotional lives, and that as their companions we must try to make those lives as rich and fulfilling as possible. It's also clear that we must look at dogs as unique individuals and  refrain  from talking about "the dog".   Bekoff also  considers the practical importance of knowing  details about dog  behavior. He  advocates strongly for positive training – there's no need to dominate or shame dogs or to make them live in fear – and the detailed  information contained in  "Canine  Confidential"  has a good deal of significance for dog trainers and teachers. He also suggests that trainers should watch and study dogs in various contexts outside of those in which  they are dealing with clients, canine and human, with specific needs.     There's nothing in the world as heartwarming as being greeted by your dog at the end of the workday. Read  "Canine Confidential", and you'll be on the road to making your shared lives as happy, healthy, and rewarding as they can possibly be.