The Dog Who Loved Too Much: Tales, Treatments and the Psychology of Dogs

The negative reviews of this book, even if they cavil over other aspects, seem to be primarily hostile to the concept of using drugs to treat animal behavior problems (especially dogs since neurotic ones can present the most trouble for their human companions). This has long been a dead issue in human illness and only those far outside the mainstream would consider behavioral treatment alone for human anxiety disorders, depression or certain neuroses such as obsessive compulsive disorder and phobias. Anxiolytics, tricyclics and SSRI's have long proven their value in treatment and have brought better lives to millions. It is more difficult to determine if pharmacologic treatments are effective if the patient cannot communicate verbally but, given the fact that neurotransmitters are the same in human and dog brains, there is reason to believe that they may be. It is important that this area be explored using the scientific method to the extent possible and the results released in popular form in order to inform the public as to success or failure of these drugs, so valuable in other contexts. This book makes some effort in that direction and it is hopefully only a first step. It is time that those of us who value animal companions were given something more than quasi-mystical preaching from the animal training industry when the issue is serious behavioral problems. Most of us would not deny ourselves the best treatment available and we should help the animals that we love in the same way if drugs are shown effective.

I have purchased and read a multitude of behavioral books, but they never seem to address the issues I need to address with my dogs. Although I thought this was a book full of heartwarming tales of turning dogs bad behaviors around, I got so much more out of this book!Unlike other professionals in the field, Dr Dodman refrains from making the book about his relationship with specific dogs he has personally owned, he instead incorporates stories about recommended training followed by scientific tests, evidence and behavioral adjustment plans. You learn about dogs psyche and about the medical research and medication intervention that has been used to treat specific canine issues. He provides insight into the cost and duration of behavioral therapy and explains how in some cases it may not be enough. As most books do, he recommends that owners to address problems early for the best chance of success while always consulting a professional for help if you get in over your head. I feel this is a must read for dog owners experiencing behavior issues and to anyone that is interested in learning insights into a dogs psyche.

Showing a sense of humor, Dr Dodman describes his experiences with a variety of problem behaviors in a pleasant, fun read. At first I was extremely skeptical of using drugs to solve behavior problems, but I decided to give Dodman a chance. In each case he analyzes catalysts and contributing factors to the behavior being discussed as well as the biological background. I felt he used a very well-rounded approach, suggesting liefstyle changes (diet, exercise, management), behavior modification, training, and sometimes drugs. Not every case involved drugs, and those that did often were for short term use only. What I found most insightful, however, was Dodman's analysis of various aggressive behaviors, their basis, and how they're acted out. He very clearly differentiates between dominance aggression and fear aggression, providing precise and various examples of each. Overall I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who has a problem dog. Even if you don't go the drug route you'll still learn a lot about your dog and his/her problem(s). The only reason I'm giving it 4 out of 5 stars is because it's a rather dated book (1996) and doesn't cover some newer therapies.

I cannot recommend this book enough! If you have a dog with behavioral issues (and what dog doesn't have issues?), you will learn so many amazing things! My dog? He's reactive. There are many scenarios presented in this book, and the explanations are both humorous and easy to understand. The stories are real.... the names have be changed to protect the innocent... It's an easy read! The book had been recommended to me for years by the head of a rescue group. I finally got a copy, and couldn't put it down. I have already recommended it to many other dog owners. Don't hesitate for a second... get this book!

I purchased The Dog Who Loved Too Much after checking out the copy from my local library, because I am involved in dachshund rescue. A rescue friend referred me to it for the chapter on OCD type behavior since I had a foster dog who was obsessed with spinning and chasing his tail. The author, a DVM and professor in a veterinary school, uses his experience as a vet, and his research in a down to earth, understandable manner. I shared the chapter with my vet and following the treatment protocol for this behavior has made a great difference. I am now reading through the remainder and am certain that it will be a valuable reference tool in the future as I add it to my personal library of help books.

I found this book both informative and a pleasure to read. I wasn't doing research for a thesis so I found the his style of writing very pleasurable. It seemed as though the cases presented were a last resort and education and understanding were the order of the day. There is so much we do not know about canines. If some meds can help the dog defeat a problem behavior I see it as a win-win situation. I doubt that the dog is happy in his current state either. I'm presently involved in opening a "no kill" shelter in my area. I wish Dr. Dodman could open a satellite office near us. I know we are going to be dealing with tons of cases just like those noted in the book.

Good

Loves, loved, loved this book. So interesting and so well written. Well worth the price for any dog lover out there

Very good

My go to book. Love it!