Animal behaviorist to discuss 'The Well-Adjusted Dog'

Dr. Nicholas Dodman of Westborough is the director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in Grafton and author of "The Well-Adjusted Dog." PHOTO/SUBMITTED Westborough - Dr. Nicholas Dodman's newest book, "The Well-Adjusted Dog," off ers dog owners a wealth of information on how to care for their canine companions, including "seven steps to lifelong health and happiness" for man's best friend.

Dodman, director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in Grafton, is one of the world's most renowned veterinary behaviorists. A veterinarian for 38 years, Dodman is dedicated to helping dogs and their owners enjoy the best possible life together.

To that end, Dodman will be at Tatnuck Bookseller, Gift Gallery and Café Saturday July 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. to discuss his book.

"Treating canine behavior problems over the last 20- plus years, I've noticed certain things that many people do wrong with their dogs," he said. "It's not that the owners are bad people - the ones who come to see me certainly aren't - it's that they literally don't know what a dog needs to keep it psychologically healthy."

Dodman addresses things such as communication between owner and dog; how a dog's diet affects behavior; establishing the owner's leadership role without using punishment, aggression or dominance; controlling dogs on or off leash; dealing with dogs' fears; medical issues that can cause behavior problems; natural and medical therapies; integrating dogs from the pound; and the dog's physical needs.

"Most dogs need more exercise than a one-mile stroll around the block," Dodman said.

He explained that there are so many things that dog owners simply don't know and are surprised to hear when he talks with them

"Over and over, I see jaws drop and hear people say, 'I had no idea,' so I decided to write the book to explain and illustrate with examples what dogs need as a baseline to keep them happy and well behaved," he said. "So much misinformation is out there. I decided to try to clear up a few issues."

In addition to writing bestselling books, Dodman, a Westborough resident, has written textbooks and contributions to scientific books and journals, has invented dog behavior products, is a columnist for publications, and has been featured on many television and radio shows including "20/20," "Oprah," "Good Morning, America," and "The Today Show," along with programs on the Discovery Channel and Animal Planet.

Dodman's work days include teaching, doing clinical research, writing and seeing patients.

"Educating dog owners one by one is an essential part of my work, but I can only reach one person, one dog at a time that way," he said. "When I teach students, my influence goes further, and when I address huge audiences through TV or books, I have the most eff ect on the most people and the most dogs.

"Someone has to address the myths and legends for the good of owners and their dogs. This is my most important book yet. The others have been largely stories about people and their pets with a take-home message. This book is primarily a message - Dog Ownership 101 - intended to educate. I believe that if all dog owners read this book they'd be in a better position to do the best for their four-footed friend."

Dodman said he enjoys speaking with dog owners and solving problems.

"I love what I do … Every day is a joy," he said.