Canine Commandments: 2nd Edition

The Canine Commandments is a revised second edition of Kendal Shepherd's book on dog behavior, designed to guide children and adults to interact safely with dogs and minimize the risk of bites. It includes a ladder of aggression, quizzes, learning objectives, and a glossary to engage children and support classroom teaching.

Format: Hardback
Length: 40 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2022
Publisher: 5M Books Ltd

The Canine Commandments serve as a valuable guide for children and the adults they live with, fostering safer interactions with dogs and reducing the risk of bites. These commandments are easily graspable and applicable to all children, regardless of whether they already have a dog in their lives. This revised second edition of Kendal Shepherd's renowned book on dog behavior, originally published in 2003, incorporates her renowned ladder of aggression and introduces additional features such as quizzes, learning objectives, and a glossary to engage children more effectively and support classroom discussions and teaching.

Kendal Shepherd, a veterinary surgeon with extensive expertise in canine behavior, has dedicated her career to preventing dog bite incidents, particularly among children. This new edition has been exquisitely illustrated by acclaimed artist Anna Currey.

The Canine Commandments encompass essential principles that promote responsible dog ownership and behavior. They emphasize the importance of treating dogs with kindness, respect, and understanding, as well as teaching children how to approach and interact with dogs safely. By following these commandments, children can develop a positive relationship with dogs and reduce the likelihood of being bitten.

One of the key aspects of the Canine Commandments is the recognition of the dog's communication signals. Children are taught to observe and interpret the body language of dogs, such as tail wagging, barking, and growling, to understand their emotions and intentions. This knowledge helps children to avoid situations that may escalate into aggression or fear, and to respond appropriately when encountering dogs.

Another important commandment is to always ask for permission before approaching or touching a dog. This teaches children to respect the dog's personal space and boundaries, and to demonstrate that they understand the dog's feelings and needs. By asking for permission, children can build trust with dogs and increase the likelihood of positive interactions.

The Canine Commandments also emphasize the importance of maintaining a safe environment for dogs. This includes providing proper nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care, as well as ensuring that dogs are not left alone or in confined spaces for extended periods. By providing a safe and nurturing environment, dogs are less likely to exhibit aggressive behavior or become fearful or anxious.

In addition to the commandments themselves, the revised second edition of Kendal Shepherd's book includes quizzes, learning objectives, and a glossary to further enhance children's understanding and engagement. These features encourage children to actively participate in the learning process and to apply the knowledge they have gained to real-world situations.

Furthermore, the Canine Commandments are relevant to adults as well. By following these commandments, adults can create a safe and harmonious environment for themselves and their dogs, and can help to prevent dog bite incidents. Adults can also serve as role models for children by demonstrating responsible dog ownership and behavior.

In conclusion, the Canine Commandments are a valuable resource for children and adults alike, fostering safer interactions with dogs and reducing the risk of bites. By following these simple yet effective commandments, children can develop a positive relationship with dogs and learn important skills for responsible dog ownership. The revised second edition of Kendal Shepherd's book, with its engaging features and comprehensive content, is an excellent tool for promoting dog safety and education in classrooms and homes.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789181920
Edition number: 2 ed