The story of the thoroughly Victorian origins of dog breeds. For centuries, different types of dogs were bred around the world for work, sport, or companionship. But it was not until Victorian times that breeders started to produce discrete, differentiated, standardized breeds. In The Invention of the Modern Dog, Michael Worboys, Julie-Marie Strange, and Neil Pemberton explore when, where, why, and how Victorians invented the modern way of ordering and breeding dogs. Though talk of "breed" was common before this period in the context of livestock, the modern idea of a dog breed defined in terms of shape, size, coat, and color arose during the Victorian period in response to a burgeoning competitive dog show culture. The authors explain how breeders, exhibitors, and showmen borrowed ideas of inheritance and pure blood, as well as breeding practices of livestock, horse, poultry and other fancy breeders, and applied them to a species that was long thought about solely in terms of work and companionship. The new dog breeds embodied and reflected key aspects of Victorian culture, and they quickly spread across the world, as some of Britain’s top dogs were taken on stud tours or exported in a growing international trade. Connecting the emergence and development of certain dog breeds to both scientific understandings of race and blood as well as Britain’s posture in a global empire, The Invention of the Modern Dog demonstrates that studying dog breeding cultures allows historians to better understand the complex social relationships of late-nineteenth-century Britain.

Dogs are invented creatures -- invented by humans, who have been shaping the lives of these four-legged companions for more than 14,000 years. However, we often forget that, just as dogs live in our world, we live in theirs. The Modern Dog is a look at our coevolution, interpreting both canine and human points of view, by Dr. Stanley Coren, the most consistently popular author of dog books ever. A fascinating treasure trove of information gleaned from science, folklore, religious writing, tradition, and politics, The Modern Dog explores not only how dogs behave, but also how we share our lives with our dogs. Much more a romp than a formal exposition, The Modern Dog's profiles and tales are funny, sweet, quirky, and reveal a lot about both species and our centuries-long partnership. This book will show you how the mutually beneficial relationship between humans and dogs might very well be the reason why early Homo sapiens evolved and survived while Neanderthals became extinct. You will see how dogs have played many prominent roles in human history, from ancient Egypt, where Pharaoh Ramses II was buried with the names and statues of four of his dogs, to modern American politics, where many U.S. presidents have derived comfort from canine companionship. Our modern dog is quite different from the dogs that existed even a century ago, its job having changed dramatically from the hunting, herding, retrieving, and guarding for which many were bred. In this book, you will see that it is often how people respond to and interpret the actions of dogs (and dog owners) that has a greater effect on the dog's life than the behavior patterns that have been programmed into the dog's genes. The Modern Dog will show you how some of your dog's strange and funny habits are his own and some come from you. Illustrated throughout with Dr. Coren's own charming drawings, The Modern Dog chronicles the various aspects of how we interact with dogs, how society responds to dogs, how our relationships with dogs have changed over history, and where dogs fit into our personal and emotional lives. It does this by telling the stories of dogs that work, dogs that love, dogs that behave badly, and dogs that will make you laugh.

Dog-keeping may be as old as hunting, grunting and cave-painting, but keeping domestic dogs in family homes is a complex business. This title explores the challenges for the modern dog, while exploring what motivates dogs, how to train them effectively, and how to meet their needs for fun and exercise.

Bound by an unholy duty Nick hides his alpha wolf status under expensive suits, but he takes his duty as leader of his region's Sentinels seriously. He is ready for anything – except Jet. The first time he sees her he recognises a fellow shape-shifter – but like no other he has seen before. Jet has been trained for one mission: to kill Nick. If she fails she condemns her pack to death. But the moment she meets Nick, she recognises a male whose wild nature mirrors her own. Yet falling for her seriously sexy target is definitely out of the question...

The story of the thoroughly Victorian origins of dog breeds. For centuries, different types of dogs were bred around the world for work, sport, or companionship. But it was not until Victorian times that breeders started to produce discrete, differentiated, standardized breeds. In The Invention of the Modern Dog, Michael Worboys, Julie-Marie Strange, and Neil Pemberton explore when, where, why, and how Victorians invented the modern way of ordering and breeding dogs. Though talk of "breed" was common before this period in the context of livestock, the modern idea of a dog breed defined in terms of shape, size, coat, and color arose during the Victorian period in response to a burgeoning competitive dog show culture. The authors explain how breeders, exhibitors, and showmen borrowed ideas of inheritance and pure blood, as well as breeding practices of livestock, horse, poultry and other fancy breeders, and applied them to a species that was long thought about solely in terms of work and companionship. The new dog breeds embodied and reflected key aspects of Victorian culture, and they quickly spread across the world, as some of Britain’s top dogs were taken on stud tours or exported in a growing international trade. Connecting the emergence and development of certain dog breeds to both scientific understandings of race and blood as well as Britain’s posture in a global empire, The Invention of the Modern Dog demonstrates that studying dog breeding cultures allows historians to better understand the complex social relationships of late-nineteenth-century Britain.

Guidelines on how to raise dogs based on current parenting advice for toddlers.

An animal behavior expert “combines sensible information with charming wit [in] an entertaining guide for new and veteran dog owners” (Ken Foster, author of The Dogs Who Found Me). What do dogs value? Why do they get so excited by their daily walks? And why do canines of different breeds have different needs? Veterinarian and professor of animal behavior Dr. Paul McGreevy answers these questions and many more, explaining what life is like from a pooch’s perspective—including a special section about dogs and city living. Filled with humor and memorable characters (including “Uncle Wolf” and “Feral Cheryl”), this guide offers: Insights from recent studies on how dogs see, smell, and experience the world Explanations of canine behavior, accompanied with over forty action photos Tips on everything from petting them to calming them at the vet’s User-friendly training techniques that build skills gradually and keep your pet motivated Dr. McGreevy offers an exciting new approach to training a dog: By acting as a “life coach”—rather than an “alpha dog” or “parent”—and by looking at the process as a fun opportunity for you and your pet to grow closer and learn new skills, you can greatly improve your dog’s quality of life, and teach good behavior at the same time. “Science, experience, and common sense . . .Your dog will want you to read it.” —Mark Evans, chief veterinary adviser, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Manners for the Modern Dog contains down-to-earth advice on how best to communicate with your dog and solve common behavioral complaints such as housetraining, chewing, barking, digging, jumping, separation anxiety and much more. Gwen takes a positive approach to teaching and training and outlines techniques so the average dog owner can succeed. The recommendations are humane, well thought out, based on sound learning theory and best of all, they work!