The culture clash

Synopsis

Jean Donaldson Offers an Exciting New Perspective on the age-old relationship between mankind and dogs. Her work with her own dogs and those of her clients, combined with her research and her study with other canine behaviorists has led her to the realisation that, in all likelihood, dogs learn exclusively through operant and classical conditioning. Donaldson demonstrates that the all-too-common anthropomorphic misconceptions about dogs and dog behavior are not limited to exaggerations concerning canine intelligence. Many people feel a deep disappointment when they discover the need for heavy artillery -- i.e., food and other primary reinforcers -- to train their dogs. Donaldson counters this with her eloquent conviction that it's time for us to rid ourselves of the belief that dogs are capable of experiencing a desire to please. Generations of completely and utterly normal dogs have been branded as canine misfits simply because they require actual motivation.