The APBC Book of Companion Animal Behaviour

Book excerpt: The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors has been established for over twenty years and their experience and understanding of this new, and developing, science of ethology is the basis of the book. Experienced animal behaviour counsellors provide the most up-to-date account of the science of animal psychology for all pet owners, while providing a practical approach for all veterinarians who treat small animals. Dogs, cats and rabbits are the animals most commonly treated for behavioural problems and the book focuses on the problems that affect these companion animals. Exploring the psychology of a pet's relationship with its owner, and with each other, leading writers from Sarah Heath and Anne McBride to Inga MacKellar identify the problems all vets will be asked about and provide practical solutions to them. Bringing together a variety of expert opinions and the most up-to-date research The APBC Book of Companion Animal Behaviour will help resolve a cat's anti-social behaviour and explain why a dog acts like its wild wolf ancestors. Groundbreaking essays on problem behaviour look at how learning and emotions governs animal behaviour while outlining the best way to understand: The foundations of canine behaviour How pets and children interact Behaviour problems in domestic rabbits Rage Syndrome in dogs Problems specific to ageing pets. This guide compiles the insights and experience of authors at the forefront of this expanding science to provide expert and professional perspectives that will enhance the relationship between a pet and its owner. Pet behavior, whether dogs, cats or rabbits, is affected by their ethology (the science of animal behavior) while it is also important to understand how learning and emotional response can govern their actions. Animal experts propose solutions to problem behavior in ground-breaking essays, as well as providing guidance on the relationship between pets and children (including the arrival of a new baby), "rage" syndrome in dogs, how to rehabilitate rescue dogs and cats, plus advice on legal and welfare issues. The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors has been established for almost thirty years to study why pets act as they do. The APBC's experience and understanding of this new, and developing, science of ethology is the basis for this book. Experienced animal behaviour counsellors provide the most up-to-date account of the science of animal psychology in the relationship between a pet and its owner, while providing a practical approach for veterinarians who treat small animals. Dogs, cats and rabbits are the animals most commonly treated for behavioural problems and the book focuses on the problems that affect these companion animals. Exploring the psychology of a pet's relationship with its owner, and with each other, leading writers from Julie Bedford and Anne McBride to Inga MacKellar identify the problems all vets will be asked about and provide practical solutions to them. Groundbreaking essays on problem behaviour look at how learning and emotional response governs animal behaviour while outlining the best way to understand: The foundations of canine behaviour, How pets and children interact, How to rehabilitate rescue dogs and cats, Rage Syndrome in dogs Bringing together a variety of expert opinions and the most up-to-date research The APBC Book of Companion Animal Behaviour will help resolve a cat's anti-social behaviour and explain why a dog acts like its wild wolf ancestors.