Bark!: The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog

by Zazie Todd, Cat Warren (Foreword by)

Overview

The must-have guide to addressing anxious, fearful, or reactive behaviors in your dog through positive reinforcement, from certified dog trainer and animal behaviorist Zazie Todd.

Is your dog showing signs of fear, anxiety, or reactivity, such as biting, food guarding, shyness, or aggressive barking? You’re not alone. Close to 75% of dogs struggle with fear-based behaviors, and require our support and understanding to feel safe and secure.

In Bark!, Zazie Todd provides solutions for these behaviors. Decoding the latest canine science, she shows readers how to address the root cause of your dog’s fears, with expert advice and practical tips on:

• How to tackle common canine fears, such as loud noises, the vet, separation anxiety, and other dogs.
• How to manage a dog’s natural fear responses through positive reinforcement.
• How to keep your dog, yourself, and others safe when they are fearful or reactive.
• How to create safe havens for your dog, and make yourself a secure base for them no matter where they are.

Compassionate, practical, and rooted in science, Bark! helps dog owners understand the many factors that might be causing fear within your dog, and how you can help them lead a safe and happy life.


Praise for WAG by Zazie Todd
"A must-have guide to improving your dog's life."—Modern Dog Magazine

“The author’s evidence-based analysis simplifies the science and reduces essential elements into practical, replicable activities geared toward enriching a dog’s life.”—Library Journal, STARRED Review

“Dog owners and those considering becoming one should appreciate Todd’s substantial insight into how dogs and humans relate to one another.”—Publishers Weekly

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781778401367
Publisher:	Greystone Books
Publication date:	10/01/2024
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.00(d)

About the Author

Zazie Todd is the author of the critically acclaimed books Wag and Purr, and writes Companion Animal Psychology, an award-winning blog that shares the latest science about our animal companions and evidence-based ways to care for them. She has a PhD in Psychology and is an honors graduate of the Academy for Dog Trainers, affiliate member of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, and adjunct professor at Canisius College.

Table of Contents

Part 1
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Science of Fear
Myth-busting fearful dogs
The idea of hope

Chapter 2: Fearful Fido
A tucked tail and a tight jaw
The stress system
Bite inhibition

Chapter 3: Making a Difference
Feeling safe
Staying safe
To be or not to be a safe person

Chapter 4: Why is my dog afraid?
The multiple causes of fear and anxiety
Pandemic puppies
Potential medical issues
Tips to prevent fear

Chapter 5: Training a fearful dog
Learning to like something
How to do Counter conditioning
Desensitization
Learning to do something
Relaxation

Chapter 6: Keeping your fearful dog happy and exercised
Meeting your dog’s needs
Activities and sports
Fun and play
The risk of running

Chapter 7: Understanding the role of medications
When to see a vet or veterinary behaviorist
The role of psychotropic medications
Nutritional and other complementary approaches

Part 2
Chapter 8: Wallflowers and other bashful beasties
Wallflowers and shrinking violets with people
Bashful beasties with other dogs
A common approach

Chapter 9: Thumps, bumps, and bangs
Fear of loud noises
Training dogs to not fear noises
Coping in the short term

Chapter 10: Needles and Thermometers
Don’t touch me
Choosing a veterinarian
Training that helps

Chapter 11: Don’t leave me!
Boredom or…?
Desensitization for separation anxiety
It takes a village

Chapter 12: Grrr, keep away from my my stuff!
Is that guarding?
Loving that approach
Drop, leave it, and emergencies

Chapter 13: Turning, turning
Compulsive behaviors
Fetch, fetch, but don’t chase the light
What to do while you wait for help

Part 3
Chapter 14: Getting help
Coping with a fearful dog
Seeking help from professionals
Rehoming and euthanasia
Working with dogs

Chapter 15: Fearful Fido No More
Fear in dogs and in people
Not on our own
A slow approach

List of Figures
Acknowledgements
References

Editorial Reviews

This insightful book gave me—a lifelong dog guardian with a passion for all things dog—much to think about. I’ll be referring to it often!"
—Teresa J. Rhyne, #1 NY Times bestselling author of The Dog Lived (and So Will I) and Poppy in the Wild

“An invaluable guide to the science behind taking a rescue dog on a journey away from fear. For me, it reinforced the message given us by the behaviourist who helped us with #sophiefromromania - it’s all about moving at the dog’s own pace.”
—Rory Cellan-Jones, author of Sophie From Romania

“If dogs could choose one book they would like all dog lovers to read, it would be this one. Zazie Todd makes what can sometimes be a complex subject, accessible and understandable, by giving guardians practical, science-based advice and training solutions to help their dogs cope with life’s challenges.”
—Victoria Stilwell, dog behavior expert and founder of Victoria Stilwell Academy and Positively.com

“Bark! cuts through the confusion and myths to provide clear-cut, well-researched assistance to those with ‘difficult’ dogs.… Bark! should be required reading for every veterinarian and anyone who loves an anxious, fearful, or reactive dog.”
—Karen Fine DVM, author of NYT-bestseller The Other Family Doctor

“A fun, enjoyable, and eminently practical read.”
—Dr. Marty Becker, America's Veterinarian and Founder of Fear Free

“Whether you live or work with a fearful dog, or are interested in knowing more about dogs, this book has something for everyone. Dr Todd has done a fantastic job of condensing the science into understandable and accessible information which has resulted in a book packed full of practical and useful advice. I will be definitely recommending this book to my clients.”
—Nick Honor CTC, Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Chair of The Canine Behaviour and Training Society

"Break[s] down the science into easy-to-understand anecdotes. It's a must-read for anyone who wants a better understanding of dogs, reactive or not."
—Alexis Devine, author of I Am Bunny

“An extraordinarily informative read from cover-to-cover ... Bark! would be at home on the bookshelf of any professional trainer, experienced dog parent, or new adopter.”
—Si Wooler, acclaimed dog trainer

“Full of practical solutions and tips for even the most fearful of canines, all backed by extensive research, witty personal stories, and tales of Todd’s own beloved animals.”
—Kelly S. Thompson, national bestselling author of Still, I Cannot Save You

Praise for WAG by Zazie Todd

"A must-have guide to improving your dog's life."
—Modern Dog Magazine

“The author’s evidence-based analysis simplifies the science and reduces essential elements into practical, replicable activities geared toward enriching a dog’s life.”
—Library Journal, STARRED Review

“Dog owners and those considering becoming one should appreciate Todd’s substantial insight into how dogs and humans relate to one another.”
—Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher