This week's Science Dog essay is an excerpt from Chapter 8 of "Dog Smart: Evidence-based Training with The Science Dog". I introduced the previous chapter with a story about starting each orientation class at AutumnGold with a version of the training game. While I emphasized that our students are usually impressed by these demonstrations and … Continue reading Choosing Kindly – An Excerpt
dog books
Becoming Dog Smart
This week's blog is an excerpt from Linda Case's newest Science Dog book, "Dog Smart: Evidence-based Training with The Science Dog." I grew up in an animal-loving family. As a young child, I had an auspicious start to pet ownership with Beany the Bird, a parakeet who I trained to fly from his cage to land … Continue reading Becoming Dog Smart
A Taste for Meat?
The issue of how to classify the dog and how to best feed dogs continues to be a highly controversial topic among dog people. If you doubt this, just try posting this statement in a dog feeding chat group: "Dogs are omnivores and can thrive on a wide range of diet types." Good luck surviving the night. I discuss the current science regarding the … Continue reading A Taste for Meat?
Consider the (Caregiver) Placebo Effect
Most people are familiar with the concept of a “placebo effect”, the perception of improved health while unknowingly receiving a sham (placebo) treatment that in reality should have no benefit at all. Growing up, my mother referred to this as “giving someone a sugar pill”. The assumption is that because we believe that we are … Continue reading Consider the (Caregiver) Placebo Effect
“Only Have Eyes for You: Exploring Canine Research with The Science Dog” – Kindle Edition Now Available!
The Kindle edition of "Only Have Eyes for You: Exploring Canine Research with The Science Dog" is now available! Click on the image below for more information and to order. Book description: In her second Science Dog book, Linda Case tackles commonly held beliefs about canine nutrition, pet foods, behavior, social cognition and training. Each of the book’s 32 … Continue reading “Only Have Eyes for You: Exploring Canine Research with The Science Dog” – Kindle Edition Now Available!
Dog Food Marketing – Science Weighs In
Marketing researchers know a lot about advertising strategies that successfully increase sales. This is no less true for pet foods than it is for any other consumer goods. Some of the more obvious approaches to attracting dog owners to a particular brand are advertisements that appeal to our emotional attachment to dogs, capitalize on our desire for expert … Continue reading Dog Food Marketing – Science Weighs In
Dogs are Carnivores, Right?
The Article: "Dogs are Carnivores, Right?" plus a webinar on this topic are now available as a Science Dog Nutrition Topics Course. Visit The Science Dog Courses to Learn More!
Not Your Grandmother’s Kibble
When I was in graduate school, a fellow student recommended a book called The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas Kuhn. Published in 1962, it was already considered a classic in the philosophy of science by the 1980’s. Kuhn is responsible for defining and popularizing the concept of “paradigm shifts.” He explains that historically, scientific … Continue reading Not Your Grandmother’s Kibble
What’s Your Dinner Ritual?
The Case dogs have an evening dinner ritual. This ritual has not changed much in the last few years and deviates very little in its nightly performance. It begins, like clockwork, at 8:15 pm and is currently directed by Cadie, our senior Golden girl. Mike (my husband) typically feeds the dogs their evening meal, so … Continue reading What’s Your Dinner Ritual?
Dog Food Logic
"Dog Food Logic: Making smart decisions for your dog in an age of too many choices" is now available! Click on the images for more information and to order. (Note: E-versions are already available from Dogwise, and will be included on Amazon soon). ORDER FROM AMAZON ORDER FROM DOGWISE REVIEWS OF "DOG FOOD LOGIC" … Continue reading Dog Food Logic
New Book Announcement – “Dog Food Logic”
"Dog Food Logic: Making smart decisions for your dog in an age of too many choices" is now available from Dogwise Publishing and Amazon. Click on the image for ordering information. Below are several recent reviews. ORDER AT DOGWISE ORDER AT AMAZON ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ REVIEWS OF "DOG FOOD LOGIC" ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ Reviewer: … Continue reading New Book Announcement – “Dog Food Logic”
The Science Dog 