Animal Behavior

Scientists are confident that life exists elsewhere in the universe. Yet rather than taking a realistic approach to what aliens might be like, we imagine that life on other planets is the stuff of science fiction. The time has come to abandon our fantasies of space invaders and movie monsters and place our expectations on solid scientific footing. But short of alien's landing in New York City, how do we know what they are like?

The domestic cat—your cat—has, from its evolutionary origins in Africa, been transformed in comparatively little time into one of the most successful and diverse species on the planet. Jonathan Losos, writing as both a scientist and a cat lover, explores how researchers today are unraveling the secrets of the cat, past and present, using all the tools of modern technology, from GPS tracking (you’d be amazed where those backyard cats roam) and genomics (what is your so-called Siamese cat . . . really?) to forensic archaeology.

Victoria Stilwell, America's favorite no-nonsense trainer, has rehabilitated some of the world's most difficult dogs - and now she's revealing her scientifically proven behavioral training secrets for you to use at home. Victoria's all-new training guide shows how positive reinforcement is more effective than other methods: by changing the way your dog thinks, feels, and learns, you can actually encourage your dog to want to behave.

Cats are well known for being difficult to understand, but in actuality, their behavior is fairly easy to read once you take a moment to learn why they do what they do; What this book aims to teach you is exactly that! We'll cover everything from how cats interact with their human companions and other cats, to how to read and interpret their body language and vocalizations, and even how to train your cat; And yes, they are in fact trainable!

In Quick & Easy Homemade Dog Food Recipes, Denise focuses on nutrition, recognizing the vital role diet plays in a dog’s health. Concerned about the safety of commercial pet food, Denise began preparing balanced, homemade meals for Ollie, leading to significant improvements in his health.

Ludo is a dog - Simon Garfield's beloved black Labrador retriever, one of millions of canines who have become integral parts of our lives. But how did the dog become top dog? How did these faithful animals come to assist us not only in hunting, but in bomb disposal and cancer detection - and ultimately become our closest companions? Dog's Best Friend examines how this bond developed over the centuries, and how it has transformed countless lives, both human and canine.

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? What goes on in dogs' heads and hearts-and how much can we know and understand? Canine Confidential has the answers. Written by 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.

Tired of leash pulling, barking, aggression, or endless frustration with a misbehaving dog? The American Dog Epidemic: Why Dog Behavior Goes Wrong and a Path to Rescue Us All by Jackie Eckert isn’t just another dog training book—it’s a wake-up call.

Learn how to confidently and successfully integrate a rescue dog into your life. Overcome common mistakes and prepare your home for a new furry family member. Train your dog for basic commands and address potential behavioral issues. Gain valuable insights about dealing with rescue agencies. Build a strong and fulfilling relationship with your rescue dog.

Recent studies into the minds of canines show that they have a rich social intelligence and a physical and vocal language as complex and subtle as our own. In this fun and fascinating guide, world-renowned trainer Victoria Stilwell explores the inner world of dogs. This book is your guide to understanding your pooch, communicating effectively, strengthening your bond, and helping dogs learn in the most effective way possible so they feel confident navigating the human world with success.

Since the dawn of civilization, felines have prowled alongside mankind as they expanded their territory and spread the myth of human greatness. And today, cats are peddled on social media as silly creatures here to amuse humans with their antics. But this is an absurd, self-centered fantasy. The true history of felines is one of heroism, love, tragedy, sacrifice, and gravitas. Not entirely convinced? Well, get ready, because Baba the Cat is here to set the record straight.

What is animal welfare? This concise and accessible guide is for anyone who is interested in animals and who has wondered how we can assess their welfare scientifically. It defines animal welfare as "health and animals having what they want", a definition that can be easily understood by scientists and non-scientists alike, expresses in simple words what underlies many existing definitions, and shows what evidence we need to collect to improve animal welfare in practice. Above all, it puts the animal's own point of view at the heart of an assessment of its welfare.

Think it's impossible to train a cat? Think again! By learning how to think like a cat, you'll be amazed at just how easy it is. Whether you are a veteran cat lover, a brand-new owner of a sweet kitten, or the frustrated companion of a feline whose driving you crazy, Pam Johnson-Bennett will help you understand what makes your cat tick (as well as scratch and purr). Topics range from where to get a cat to securing a vet; from basic health care to treating more serious problems; choosing an irresistible scratching post and avoiding litter-box problems.

From the psychology of aggression to the secrets of "silent correction", this book is your essential guide to dog behaviour problems - and how to deal with them. In 10 short chapters, experienced vet Gordon Roberts guides you through the challenges of life with "man's best friend". You will learn how to tackle everything from excessive barking to food aggression and why these problems arise.

Cats may be the most enigmatic of all domestic animals - intelligent, inquisitive, and a law unto themselves. But this snappy book clears up most of the mystery and lets you know just why your cat does the things it does - and tells you how to deal with feline behavior problems. Written by experienced vet and animal behavior expert Gordon Roberts, this audiobook will teach you how to interpret the wide range of feline vocalizations, from mews and meows to squeaks and shrieks, and you'll discover just what's going on with a cat's body language.

Does your dog feel guilty when it is caught misbehaving? Can your dog sense when you're upset? Does your dog really love you? Written by a leading dog trainer and a neuroscientist, What Your Dog Is Thinking reveals the answers to these questions and more using the latest cutting-edge research from neuroscience, psychology and other life sciences to bust common myths about dogs and their relationship with people.

Why do three out of four professional football players go bankrupt? How can illiterate jungle dwellers pass a test that tricks Harvard philosophers? And why do billionaires work so hard - only to give their hard-earned money away? When it comes to making decisions, the classic view is that humans are eminently rational. But growing evidence suggests instead that our choices are often irrational, biased, and occasionally even moronic. Which view is right - or is there another possibility?

Bringing a dog into your life can be a rewarding experience, but it can also come with challenges. Transforming Your Dog’s Behavior: Practical Tips and Strategies for Aggressive Behavior and More is a comprehensive guide that explores the psychology behind canine aggression, offers step-by-step training strategies, and provides actionable tips for everyday scenarios.

Getting fed up of those long sleepless nights? Trying to teach your pup to behave, but they just won’t listen? Or maybe you’re just looking for that extra bit of guidance to help you out in general? If this sounds like you, then you’ve come to the right place. You see, training a puppy doesn’t have to be an uphill struggle. Over the last few years, dog training as a whole has evolved completely. Gone are the days of the more punitive methods such as intimidation and punishment tactics in order to gain a dog’s respect.

How well do we really know dogs? People may enjoy thinking about them as "man's best friend", but what actually drives the things they do? What is going on in their fur-covered heads as they look at us with their big, expressive eyes? Raymond Coppinger and Mark Feinstein know something about these questions, and with How Dogs Work, they're ready to share; this is their guide to understanding your dog and its behavior.