The Culture Clash: A Revolutionary New Way to Understanding the Relationship Between Humans and Domestic Dogs | 
| Author: Jean Donaldson
Publisher: James & Kenneth Publishers
Category: Book
List Price: $17.95
Buy Used: $6.01
You Save: $11.94 (67%)
New (46) Used (39) Collectible (5) from $6.01
Avg. Customer Rating:  150 reviews
Sales Rank: 7595
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 224
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: 1020
ISBN: 1888047054
Dewey Decimal Number: 636.70835
EAN: 9781888047059
ASIN: 1888047054
Publication Date: January 19, 1996
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: minimal shelf wear to covers. inside clean and tight. overall great condition.
|
| Similar Items:
|
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
A revolutionary new way of understanding the relationship between humans and domestic dogs. Jean Donaldson offers an exciting new perspective on the age-old relationship between mankind and dogs. Donaldson's work with the rehabilitation of aggressive domestic dogs has brought her to the understanding that biting is natural, normal dog behavior. Aggressive behavior within a community of dogs does not fracture relationships; it's all taken very much in stride, much as we humans accept the occasional exchange of heated words. Problems arise when dog rules and standards conflict with human values. This book will help you to understand the difference between our world and the canine world. How our actions can many times cause more problems than they solve. (2nd Edition, 2005, Paperback, 203 pages)
|
| Customer Reviews: Read 145 more reviews...
 A good starting point, but we should be well beyond it by now June 8, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
When I read this book the first time, I really enjoyed it and felt that it had changed most of my ideas about dog training. Everything Donaldson says is correct and works for most behaviors, because she uses basic principles that can be applied to any animal. Basically, if you understand positive and negative reinforcement/punishment, there is no need to read this book. Her main point is that you can get dogs to do whatever you wish using positive reinforcement alone, and the use of aversives is unnecessary and a result of expecting our dogs to be smarter than they really are.
She also gives some good insight into the behavior of dogs, such as bite thresholds, and it's very useful for people to know that just because a dog bites doesn't mean it is evil and should be put down - it's NORMAL dog behavior.
Unfortunately, I could only give it one star because her theory is very limited and basic. It is helpful for someone with no knowledge of canine behavior, thought process, or pack mentality, and for the many people who misuse aversives and think it is normal for you to be able to punch a dog in the face and not have him bite you. It is a good starting place, and nothing more.
But for the rest of us who wish to understand the true behavior and potential of dogs, her book is of little value. Clicker training and an endless supply of treats works great for training specific behaviors, but not for achieving harmony and balance in the bigger picture. Not to mention the many breeds who are not food or play motivated, which she never addresses. Also, for those true problem dogs who are aggressive or have other serious behavior issues, she never says how to address these problems, and instead recommends other books!
There are countless better books out there that are much more in depth and educational. This book only detracted from my knowledge of dog behavior and training.
 Time to toss the choke collars in the trash... February 10, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I have to begin by saying that when I first started reading the book I was very put off by a writing style that initially came across as a bit choppy, curt, rude and precociously academic... then suddenly, light began to shine and Jean Donaldson began tossing one brilliant idea, suggestion/method after another. - - My guess is that the book probably came about as a result of cutting and pasting previous writings of hers together... writings geared towards various audiences and appropriate to various situations... however, after this was done, the writings were simply never edited so they'd represent a cohesive whole... As a result, I have to agree with other critics that the book really needs to be edited and organized... still, I give it a 5 star rating... Why? Because as I said, it challenges you to think differently... and many of the pages are gushing with ideas and suggestions for problems facing all dogs... Whether or not you agree with everything, the book gets you thinking - - its not just a rehash of old dog training cliches (as many books are.)
As for Jean Donaldson's basic approach- - basically its text book behaviorism, but with a compassionate twist. The central premise is that people expect their dogs to think and behave in the Walt Disney mold... and fail to take into account that dog's brains are the size of lemons... and further, wired different than people... in particular, dogs are masters at reading their environment... but don't have the abstract and logical thinking abilities of humans. In failing to recognize this, we often expect unreasonable things of dogs... and even worse, punish - - even summarily execute them for this. (Jean Donaldson specifically uses the word "execute" as opposed to euthanize in the case of many dogs who are put to sleep for aggressive behavior, when they were simply being dogs and their humans simply failed to socialize them.) -- - She uses this argument to poignantly argue the importance of socialization and repeatedly says, "Dogs are animals and animals bite..." Dogs who are not properly socialized bite not because they're abnormal... but simply because they were never trained to adapt to a human environment where biting, no matter how tempered can be considered a capital offense..... hence the dog remained dogs... ergo biting when seeing strange humans engage in behavior that any canine would have seen threatening. (Donaldson points out that in the wildnerness "fear of the novel" would have been understanding, as no adult dog would be able to live long enough to pass on its genes if it was programmed to simply walk up to explore anything new and novel. Dogs survive by running away from things that spook them... or making the thing that's spooking them run away... either/or...)
The book covers a wide variety of behaviors which most humans find extremely annoying (barking, chewing and urinating) but Donaldson assures us are NORMAL, however, can be dealt with through proper socialization (and if the window is missed) conditioning. - - Methods typically involve exposure to situations, and reward for desired behavior... no alpha rolls, no choke collars, and no alpha wolf lead or be eaten/hang 'em by the choke collar babble... just time and patience... and a clicker and some treats.
All in all, like some other reviewers, I think it needs rewriting... but that said, there's so much in it, I'd say its worth every buck and then some whether or not you agree with each and every one of her theories or suggestions. To sum it up: this book definitely belongs in your library if you're serious about dog training or behavior...
 A good book that is a little too wordy. January 30, 2008
I liked the book but it really seems more like a text book. I think it could be simplified to turn it in to an easier read.
REQUIRED K9 READING January 12, 2008
REQUIRED K9 READING and the FIRST BOOK you should thoroughly review on you canine companions. If you are in contact with, have or plan to get a dog, PLEASE, please read this book. You, your dog, and the world will be a better, happier, and safer place. End of Story.
the only 100% truly necessary book for dog owners January 2, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
the title says it.
this is not a training book, but a psychology book - one that helps you get inside your dog's head to know HOW and WHY our best friends do what they do. it will allow you & your dog to get along much better, and you'll both be happier that way! plus, a thorough read by anyone with at least a marginal level of intelligence may even allow you to forgo structured obedience classes.
i have read and re-read this many times over the years, and it is the one dog-related book that i always buy for new dog owners as a gift.
|
|
|
