InSight to better understand and train your dog
Trainers and animal behaviorists around the globe consider Pam Reid’s Excel-erated Learning one of the most important and influential books ever written in the field of dog behavior. Although that’s a hard act to follow, Dog InSight, Pam’s second book, does not disappoint. In over forty fascinating essays, Pam explores a wide range of topics, including learning theory, training techniques and behavior problems.

You will learn:
• Why early enrichment and socialization are crucial when raising a puppy.
• Why you should take puppy “temperament tests” with a grain of salt.
• Why dogs are incredibly adept at reading body language and solving certain kinds of complex problems—but “spectacularly dense” when facing other tasks.
• Why misunderstanding dominance theory often leads to failure when people try to change problem behaviors in dogs.

Pam’s insights are both educational and thought-provoking. Not only does she deliver scientifically sound information; she also challenges the reader to re-examine several widely held—but not necessarily accurate—beliefs about dogs. If you’re at all interested in canine behavior, you won’t want to miss out on this well-presented wealth of knowledge.

Praise for Dogs InSight
Wonderful! At long last, another book from Dr. Pamela Reid. I can remember eagerly waiting for each new article when they were first published in Dogs in Canada and am so excited that they are now compiled together. I simply can’t say enough good things about this book. Dog InSight is a MUST read for all dog owners.
Dr. Ian Dunbar, Founder of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers

Dog InSight is a must-read book for dog owners who seek plainspoken guidance on ways to improve their relationships with their dogs. If your dog has ever quivered with fear at a clap of thunder, forgotten his housetraining skills, or simply befuddled you with his wacky antics, Dr. Reid’s insights into the causes of behavioral problems, along with her advice on modification techniques, will prove enlightening. Throughout the book, Dr. Reid debunks myths that have pervaded among dog owners. Readers will no longer fear that playing tug-of-war with their puppies will foster aggressiveness. With her thoughtful approach and real-life examples, Dr. Reid has written a book that is destined to become a resource for dog owners everywhere.
Ed Sayres, President & CEO, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

As a colleague I have had the pleasure of hearing Pam Reid’s insights on dog behavior for a number of years. In her new book, Dog InSight she brings her thoughts to a larger audience. Dr. Reid uses common examples of dog behavior familiar to everyone who has shared their life and home with a dog to illustrate our current scientific understanding of dogs and their behavior. At the same time she weaves a compelling story about how her insights can help to ensure that both dogs and people will enjoy being together and doing things together.
Stephen L. Zawistowski, Ph. D., CAAB, Science Advisor, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Author Pamela Reid is a trained scientist, a certified behaviorist and a dog trainer with a PhD in animal learning and behavior. She’s consulted on thousands of cases over the years, working with everything from an attack cat whose owner had to call 911 to a suicidal dog who leapt out a third story window.

Click here to view an excerpt.


What reviewers are saying...

Seattle Kennel Club
...She addresses the symbiotic relationship of dog and man in three sections – behavior, training and behavior problems, placing a huge emphasis on early socialization and handling and the huge dividends they produce later.
Boldface titling, short, focused entries and reflective case-in-point examples from classes add up to an empowering read that will enable the owner to interpret his/her dogs needs and behavior at a higher level...
Ranny Green

Bark Magazine
“A second book from influential behaviorist and trainer Pamela Reid. Dog InSight brings together more than 40 essays on canine behavior, techniques, to modify it and the principles behind both. Originally published as monthly columns in Dogs in Canada magazine, the chapters in this book cover key tricks of the trade, such as calming signals, social learning and operant conditioning. Typical problems are handily addressed--excessive barking, resource guarding and separation anxiety, for example. Readers will benefit from the technique explanations; understanding why a given cue works helps independent trainers go much further with their dogs. Particularly poignant (and rare for a training book) is the final chapter easing the pain of loss, in which Reid suggests rites of passage for dogs in their last days, as well as tributes to those we have lost.” Jen Hendrickson

Dog World Review, February 2012

THE APDT CHRONICLE OF THE DOG
“In this wonderful book, Dr. Pamela Reid draws on her education and experience to provide a wealth of knowledge on a wide range of topics. Dog InSight contains a series of articles authors by Dr. Reid over the years, which serve as a great resource and learning tool for trainers and behaviorists looking to refine their basic skill set. Divided into three parts, the book begins with a simple and progressive look at “behavior.” This section begins with a look into puppy development stage by stage, packed with very useful information on mental development. This section also includes a look at the benefits of play, utilization of calming signals, one of my personal favorite articles entitled “myth busters,” and a fantastic article on social learning. Rich with references to scientific studies, the articles in this section are a great resource for learning about key pieces of “normal” canine behavior. In the next part of her book, Reid explores several different aspects of “training.” This section begins with a short and most useful explanation of operant conditioning with subsequent pieces delving deeper into desensitization and counter conditioning, motivation, and my personal favorite entitles “saying no.” In this article, Reid explains the various methods used to discourage unwanted behaviors and the reasoning behind the use of each method. This article and the others contained in this section provide a wealth of knowledge for trainers and behaviorists while exploring the basics of training. In part three of her book, Reid covers behavior problems. The articles included in this section take a look at topics such as deference training and socialization, and also delivery advice on common owner complaints: housetraining, excessive barking, territorial and resource issues, fear, anxiety, etc. I highly recommend this book to any trainer or behaviorist as a general resource for many training and behavior modification solutions. With each article being relatively short and incredibly informative, it makes for a quick read cover to cover or a great resource to easily reference specific issues.” Adrienne Hovey, managing editor of The APDT Chronicle of the Dog