Ethology is the study of the behavior of animal species. Something about which human beings have always been curious, a feeling that becomes especially relevant for all those people who are currently living with the company of a dog or a cat. What do pets feel? or what are the reasons behind their reactions?, represent some of the most frequent questions. In fact, many of the questions that the owners of these animals ask have to do with the reason behind their behavior.
Although each animal has a series of peculiarities, a series of common tendencies and meanings can be seen in their way of acting. Since they are not able to communicate through speech and express themselves accurately, the key is to pay attention to their behaviors. And one way to understand them better will be through the knowledge collected in books on ethology. Among which the following can be highlighted.
The “Manual of Canine Ethology”, written by veterinarian Pablo Hernández Garzón and published in 2012, is focused on making known the different behavioral disorders that can be observed in dogs. Some of them are as common as separation anxiety, phobias or even certain problems and aggressive behaviors, among others.
Throughout its pages, the author describes these disorders in detail, but in an entertaining way, as well as the explanations behind their causes. And what type of treatment could be carried out to manage these cases. The specialist also provides a series of advice and recommendations resulting from his professional experience.
Those who have a cat at home will do well to get a copy of the book by ethologist Rosa Álvarez Bueno. In it, the veterinarian explains that felines have their own language and very characteristic behaviors, which are what make them unique and, often, misunderstood, as she herself recognizes. A way to facilitate understanding between human and cat and understand what their needs are and the reason for their actions.
Another book about ethology focused on dogs, “A wonderful being. A scientific look at the bond between dogs and humans”, written by zoologist Jules Howard. In this work you can discover much more about these popular pets, their behaviors and qualities, as well as answer all those questions that the owners of these dogs continually ask.
