A long-established specialist in animal behavioral medicine, veterinarian Lee Ling-Jen combines clinical expertise with case studies in this book. Readers learn to understand the emotions and needs underlying animal behavior, and how to establish or repair a harmonious relationship between human and pet.
What should caregivers do when their dog or cat exhibits bad behavior such as barking, excessive licking, random urination, refusal to eat, aggression, and self-harm? Behavioral veterinarian Lee Ling-Jen uses a combination of clinical cases and life experience to unpack what drives the behavior of our four-legged children. Her medical expertise and natural warmth show to full advantage as she presents the complex yet extraordinarily deep emotional bond between humans and their pets.
This book explores animal psychology to break down the problematic behaviors of our furry friends, explaining how their misbehavior isn’t due to bad personalities or disobedience, but rather their attempts to express their emotional troubles and needs. Every pet has a unique personality and trauma response. The author provides practical advice through case studies, giving readers the right tools to become more empathetic caregivers and improve their relationships with their pets: readers learn how to adjust expectations and stop projecting a perfect image onto their dog or cat; to understand and respect their pet’s behaviors by analyzing possible causes of aggression, such as sensitivity to sound or touch; how to alleviate a pet’s pain when dealing with illnesses; and how to manage their emotions after a pet’s death.
The author notes the frustration many caregivers feel when faced with an animal’s behavioral problems. She encourages readers to transform the frustration of “What did I do wrong” into the positive attitude of “We can try again” as they undertake the process of behavioral adjustment with their furry children.
The author’s professional knowledge and personable writing style guide readers to a deeper understanding of what their pets are thinking. Not just a guide to behavior issues, this book also helps to bridge the language gap between animals and their caregivers.