This is the first book to collate and synthesize the recent burgeoning primary research literature on dog behaviour, evolution, and cognition. The author presents a new ecological approach to the understanding of dog behaviour, demonstrating how dogs can be the subject of rigorous and productive scientific study without the need to confine them to a laboratory environment. This second, fully updated edition of Dog Behaviour, Evolution and Cognition starts with an overview of the conceptual and methodological issues associated with the study of the dog, followed by a brief description of their role in human society. An evolutionary perspective is then introduced with a summary of current research into the process of domestication. The central part of the book is devoted to issues relating to the cognitive aspects of behaviour which have received particular attention in recent years from both psychologists and ethologists. The book's final chapters introduce the reader to many novel approaches to dog behaviour, set in the context of behavioural development and genetics. This second edition recognises and discusses the fact that dogs are increasingly being used as model organisms for studying aspects of human biology, such as genetic diseases and ageing. Specific attention is also given in this edition to attachment behaviour which emerges between humans and dogs, the importance of inter-specific communication in the success of dogs in human communities and the broad aspects of social cognition and how this may contribute to human-dog cooperation Directions for future research are highlighted throughout the text which also incorporates links to human and primate research by drawing on homologies and analogies in both evolution and behaviour. The book will therefore be of relevance and use to anyone with an interest in behavioural ecology including graduate students of animal behaviour and cognition, as well as a more general audience of dog enthusiasts, biologists, psychologists, veterinarians, and sociologists.
Reviews
This book combines knowledge on dog behavior, cognition, evolution and even covers some societal aspects. As such, it should find an honorable place in the bookshelves of diverse reader audiences, from researchers interested in specific questions in animal cognition to deeply interested pet owners. * Dr. Kristina Noreikiene, Estonian University of Life Sciences, ISBE Newsletter *
A must read for anyone with an interest in the history and recent advances of scientific research into companion animals, from veterinarians and behavioural practitioners to students of animal cognition and behaviour. * Victoria Ratcliffe and David Reby, Animal Behaviour *
This is the first book to collate and synthesize the recent burgeoning primary research literature on dog behaviour, evolution, and cognition. ... I highly recommend it for all people interested in the behavior of dogs and some of their wild relatives. ... Each time I go to it I'm amazed by its breadth and the care with which Dr. Miklosi covers numerous diverse topics. * Marc Bekoff, Psychology Today *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199646661
Author Adam Miklosi
Format Hardback
Page Count 400
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 904g
Dimensions(mm) 251mm * 195mm * 26mm