Master Dog Trainer Reading Series: The Lab Rat Chronicles

If you are serious about becoming a master dog trainer, then you are going to have to read a lot of research on animal behavior beyond just dogs. A great deal of what is recited, and what we think we know about behavior, even by dog trainers, comes from studies of rats. 

Now, I must caution you: dogs are not rats. Just because a rat does something in an experiment doesn't mean a dog would respond the same way. That doesn't invalidate reading the rat studies, but it does mean that you can get too far out on a limb if you base what you believe about dogs on what happens with rats. I view the rat studies as potential clues to dog behavior, but not definitive. It gives me things to ponder and to further research. 

Thus, for you, I pulled one of my textbooks out of my library for you to read. I found it fascinating, And I think you will, too. Even if you never intend upon being a professional dog trainer or handler. I underline what I find important, take notes with a pen and yellow pad, and then study the cited studies in the books. I study as if I'm trying to get a college degree and wanting to get a top grade in the class.

The Lab Rat Chronicles

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