Since I edited the first edition of this book the study of companion animal behaviour and the profession of pet behaviour counselling have continued to advance. Then, as now, there is a long way to go in our search for a full understanding of the various causes for the development of behaviour problems and the treatment methods that are most effective. This 3rd edition has been updated where appropriate to reflect the current thinking of those issues.
‘Companion Animal Behaviour’ focuses on the three main companion animals: the dog, cat and rabbit because these are the species that are most commonly presented for the treatment of behaviour problems. Horses are deserving of being included within these pages because there is much to discuss but the focus of this book is the companion animals with which we cohabit. To a large extent, however, the principles discussed in these chapters, such as ethology, learning theory, the importance of appropriate early experience, environment, emotional states and issues relating to welfare and pet ownership can be related to other species.
Although the dog has been overtaken by the cat in its popularity for being kept as a pet it is still the species most frequently seen in behaviour practices, this is reflected in the number of chapters that are dedicated to it.
Although the measure of success in animal training and behaviour modification must include the development of a behaviour that we want or the cessation of one we don’t want, it should also be measured by its impact on animal welfare and the pet-owner relationship. This book hopes to further the readers’ understanding of the important issues.
I would like to thank my APBC colleagues for updating the chapters of this book. Unfortunately, due to ill-health, Sarah Heath was unable to update her chapter ‘Behavioural Problems in Ageing Pets’.
David Appleby, Editor