cover image Why Does My Dog Act That Way?: A Complete Guide to Your Dog's Personality

Why Does My Dog Act That Way?: A Complete Guide to Your Dog's Personality

Stanley Coren. Free Press, $25 (288pp) ISBN 978-0-7432-7706-8

Psychologist and dog expert Coren (Why do Dogs Have Wet Noses?, The Intelligence of Dogs) returns with another insightful, fascinating look at everyone's best friend in this primer on the canine psyche. Drawing on a rich body of research, Coren patiently and systematically explains that dogs come hardwired with reliable personalities, allowing their human companions to interpret and predict their everyday behavior. Armed with that knowledge, Coren gives readers tips on how to create a ""superdog,"" a welcome four-legged family member who socializes well with others and isn't overly emotional. Along the way, Coren debunks a number of myths (among them that dogs are little more than domesticated wolves), offers development tips for the key stages in a dog's life (beginning at birth) and providing owners a complete roadmap for socializing their puppies. Devoted fans will note that some material overlaps Coren's previous work, but this illuminating handbook is still an indispensable reference for dog owners as well as shelters and rescue groups.