The Stress Factor in Dogs

Unlocking Resiliency and Enhancing Well-Being

De: Kristina Spalding

Narrado por: Debra Shieber

An in-depth analysis of the science behind stress in dogs

In The Stress Factor in Dogs, Dr. Kristina Spaulding explores what science has revealed about stress in dogs and other mammals and demonstrates how to effectively read scientific research in order to apply our acquired knowledge to the dogs in our lives. This thoroughly comprehensive book provides detailed insight on how stress affects the health and well-being of our dogs at all stages of development. By analyzing how stress is connected to problem behaviors, such as aggression and reactivity, Dr. Spaulding is able to offer solutions to dog owners, trainers, veterinarians, and shelter staff who desire to reduce stress and increase resiliency in dogs.

Defines the stress response and identifies different kinds of stress

Explains how stress impacts dogs throughout their lives, including during vulnerable stages, such as early development

Examines which factors lead some animals to respond differently to stress than others

Lays out techniques and tips for reducing stress and increasing resiliency in dogs

What experts are saying about The Stress Factor In Dogs:

Kristina Spaulding has done dog lovers and dogs a huge favor by writing

The Stress Factor in Dogs. Chock full of accessible science, it is one of the most important books to come out about dog behavior in a long time. Even if you know a lot about this topic, I guarantee you, you'll learn even more. If you work with dogs or have a dog who doesn't spend his entire life in a Valium-like haze of happiness, get this book. It is a triumph!

Patricia McConnell, PhD, CAAB, author of The Education of Will and The Other End of the Leash

Dr. Kristina Spaulding lives in in upstate New York with her human family and three dogs. She offers a variety of online courses and webinars on the science of behavior through her website, sciencemattersllc.com. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking with her dogs and reading.

©2022 Kristina Spaulding (P)2024 Dogwise Publishing

Interesting look at academic research

I love reading about canine academic studies! This author did a great job giving an overview of different animal behavior studies and how they relate to dogs. The one downfall is the reading of it. The book needs to be rewritten /edited to not have apa citations. When reading you can skip over in-text citations, but listening to all the last names and et.al is very disruptive to the listening experience. The overarching theme of the book is wonderful, though!!

Comprehensive, accessible, evidence-based

What a fantastic read! A comprehensive and accessible review on the science of stress in dogs. Its primary audience probably leans toward pet professionals, but dog owners can learn a lot of practical information from this too.

Favorite quote: “If we assume the dog experience is exactly like the human experience, we run into the danger of denying dogs the characteristics that make them unique. This then may impair our ability to appropriately address their unique experience and, in turn, impair our ability to most effectively help them.”

Favorite thing I learned: I am so glad they covered the data on stress hormone levels “decreasing” in shelter dogs after some time. That data point has always confused me from what we know about how stressful the shelter is. I really resonate with the points they made on stress dysregulation, how aggressive/fearful dogs were excluded, coping styles, averaging of results minimizes individual differences, and how for some, their welfare may improve from care given in the shelter.

🎧 I’m so glad the audiobook was available. Some of the words were mispronounced, but overall it was a nice listen with pleasant narration.

great book for everyone who wants to better understand dogs behavior

Great book for everyone who wants to better understand dogs behavior, especially dog trainers and behaviorists.