Books on animal behavior abound in libraries. Whether for children, university students or curious minded readers, there is a choice for everyone. They may be found in the biology, psychology and even self help sections. There are several that have stood the test of peer review, time and ability to connect with book lovers. All of these are given four paws up!
For Children:
Biggest, Strongest, Fastest, by Steve Jenkins (Ticknor/Houghton Mifflin 1995, ISBN: 978-0395697016) is a great introduction for children to the wide and fascinating world of animals. It is beautifully illustrated with colorful paper-cut pictures and holds a myriad of facts about animals and their behavior.
Why Does the Cat Do That? By Susan Bonners (Henry Holt, 1998, ISBN: 0-8050-4377-2) is a delightful story wherein Bob comes to house-sit for the Fosters and is fascinated by their cat, little Molly. The book explains her feline behaviors and relates them to her wild roots in a way children will love.
For Youth:
Journey of the Red Wolf, by Roland Smith (Cobblehill, 1996, ISBN: 0-525-65162-4) tells how the Red Wolf was brought back from near extinction to the successful reintroduction to the wild. It is an excellent and humane story told by the former coordinator of the program.
Hawk Highway in the Sky: Watching Raptor Migration, by Caroline Arnold (Gulliver, 1997, ISBN: 0-15-200040-2). Stunningly photographed at the HawkWatch International observation site, this book shows how raptors are captured, banded and studied. It gives information on the migration patterns, habits and physical characteristics of a number of birds of prey.
For Youth and Adults:
King Solomon’s Ring: New Light on Animal Ways, by the eminent ethologist Konrad Lorenz (Plume, 1952, ISBN: 0452011752) is perhaps the classic tome on animal behavior. Often referred to as the father of ethology, Dr. Lorenz observed both domestic and wild animals and how they reacted to the environment around them. This small book was ground breaking in its time and is still recommended reading for behaviorists, veterinarians, zoo keepers and humane service workers.
In the Shadow of Man, by the extraordinary Jane Goodall (Houghton Mifflin, 1971, ISBN: 0618056769) who as a young woman went into the Tanzanian bush and observed chimpanzees in their normal habitat. Ms. Goodall’s amazing insights and gentle humanity relate personality differences, mating behaviors and political life of these amazing creatures.
Don’t Shoot the Dog: The New Art of Teaching and Training by Karen Pryor (Ringpress Books, Ltd. 2002, ISBN: 97818605423810). The bible of positive motivation , Ms. Pryor’s excellent little book revolutionized animal training. Not strictly a dog book, it relates how to use positive motivation techniques in real world applications, whether it’s an uncooperative neighbor, or noisy dog.
Advanced Works for Serious Readers:
Canine Body Language: A Photographic Guide: Interpreting the Native Language of the Domestic Dog by Brenda Aloff (Dogwise Publishing, 2005, ISBN: 9781929242351). Noted expert on canine aggression, Ms. Aloff uses over 400 photos to illustrate the myriad of body postures and expressions dogs use to communicate. This is an excellent general reference book for dog behavior.
The Chimpanzees of Gombe: Patterns of Behavior, the second selection by the amazing Jane Goodall (Replica Books, 1986, ISBN: 0735100055). This book discusses all aspects of primate behavior, social structure, feeding, caring for young and warfare. While a more clinical approach, it is still fascinating for the amateur ethologist.
From emerging readers to graduate students, animal behavior is perhaps one of the most fascinating subjects to study. Animals touch our lives and enrich us in a myriad of ways. This list merely skims the surface of great books written on the subject. Perhaps these will not only provide matter for vibrant family discussions, but enlightenment on our world.
