( 6 reviews )
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( 1 of 17 found this review helpful ) Posted: Mar 17 2005
I particularly recommend this book for it's Chapter 9: Lockwood, Randall, The ethology and epidemiology of canine aggression. For those experts and attorneys looking for detailed information regarding dangerous dog law and breed specific legislation (BSL), Lockwood's article provides subtle but direct information regarding the unique dangers presented by pit bulls that provide a rational relationship to their regulation or prohibition. This article has been reviewed and cited by experts in the field of animal behavior as being relevant to this issue, and I found Lockwood's analysis of "fighting dogs" (read 'pit bulls') to be an objective analysis of the problem, one that is not readily acceptable to the "politically correct" members of most organizations opposed to BSL. For any governmental official, administrator, or attorney, you HAVE to read this article before making a decision on BSL. Don't get blindsided by the irrelevant issues toward propensity to bite/attack, but examine the potential for severe injury or fatal maulings from these dangerous unique behaviors by pit bulls. I am a municipal government attorney involved in litigation over BSL, so I've worked with copies of the article from the old hardcover publication - now I'm buying my own copy of the paperback version. Kory Nelson, Esq. Asst City Attorney Denver CO
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( 4 of 8 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jun 23 2003
[...] The information is wonderful, but can be found in more enjoyable books. If, on the other hand, you enjoy reading professional journals, you will feel right at home with the jargon and format, and may find it worthwhile to have leading thoughts on domestication, genetics, and behavior all in one place.
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( 9 of 9 found this review helpful ) Posted: May 11 2003
First published in 1995, nothing else as comprehensive and as carefully researched on canine behavior and development has been published. For the general reader, the writing style may be a bit dry; however, because each chapter has different authors, the writing style, while basically academic and fact driven, varies. Any serious dog breeders, trainers, or owners will find themselves returning to certain chapters over and over again. Breeders and even new puppy owners would benefit from the chapter by Serpell and Jagoe on "Early experience and the development of behaviour," which updates the standard beliefs about puppy development resulting from the Bar Harbor experiments of over 50 years ago. Excellent book!
