Pg. 99: Coren's "Why Does My Dog Act That Way?"

The current feature at the Page 99 Test: Stanley Coren's Why Does My Dog Act That Way?: A Complete Guide to Your Dog's Personality.

About the book, from the publisher:

We've shared our lives with dogs for thousands of years, but they still act in ways that baffle us. To help us understand them better, Dr. Stanley Coren, the undisputed expert on dog behavior, intelligence, and training, tells the story of how dogs evolved over time into the myriad forms and breeds we love today. Not simply domesticated wolves, dogs are actually much more complex than wild canines; their ability to adapt to a man-made world is far more flexible, their personalities far more diverse. Fascinating findings reveal which breeds were bred to become more dominant, affectionate, cooperative, or even dangerous. This practical, surprising book also presents -- for the first time -- the "Dog Behavior Inventory," a simple, fun test based on the personality-profiling questionnaires used in human psychological studies that you can administer to your own dog to get a detailed picture of his personality and how he compares to other members of his breed. Then, using the findings of the U.S. Army's once- classified studies of "Superdogs," you can train your pet to become a real-life equivalent of Lassie and Rin Tin Tin -- a dog who is not disturbed, angered, or frightened by anything.

Filled with the entertaining anecdotes and scientific data that Dr. Coren's avid followers have come to expect and enjoy, this uniquely complete guide to dog psychology can help you to select a new companion and to understand and communicate better with your old friend.

Among the praise for the book:

"Coren's love for dogs shines like a beacon ... [A] thoughtful and fascinating exploration of the mind of a dog."
-- Patricia B. McConnell, PhD, author of The Other End of the Leash

"Meticulously researched, highly readable, and essential for anyone who loves and lives with a dog."
-- Jon Katz, author of A Dog Year

"The thinking dog owner's guide to everything they ever wanted to know about their dog. Truths expanded, myths exposed, common sense prevailing, Dr. Coren tells it the way it is. Two dew claws up for this excellent book."
-- Nicholas H. Dodman, BVMS, MRCVS, DVA, author of The Dog Who Loved Too Much and If Only They Could Speak

"The author, a psychologist, cleverly combines scholarship, opinion, and anecdotes . . . Read . . . his book[s] with your best friend."
-- The Dallas Morning News

"With a sharp-eyed analysis and wry wit, [Coren] meticulously examines the species' capabilities in a four-star toolbox fully equipped to help you better interpret Fido."
-- The Seattle Times

Read an excerpt from Why Does My Dog Act That Way? and learn more about the author and his work at Stanley Coren's website.

Stanley Coren is a Professor Emeritus in the Psychology Department of the University of British Columbia. He is the author of numerous books including The Intelligence of Dogs, How to Speak Dog, The Pawprints of History, and Why We Love the Dogs We Do?.

See Stanley Coren's list of the five best books about dogs.

The Page 99 Test: Why Does My Dog Act That Way?.

--Marshal Zeringue