My first inclination upon reading the first chapter of Pet Behavior Protocols was to walk into the offices of several local pet “professionals,” drop to my knees, and beg “Please, Please, read this book!” It begins by stressing that whatever your field of expertise (veterinarian, dog trainer, or mongoose exhibitor), you need to possess detailed, up to date, and accurate knowledge of pet behavior, learning, and the causes and cures of behavior problems before you can ethically take on a behavior case.

It clearly examines the many ways in which taking on a problem you are not fully equipped to handle can backfire on you and your business, then goes on to give examples of how and when to refer a case to someone else. The guidelines on evaluating whether you are “in over your head,” so to speak, are an excellent resource.

Subsequent chapters deal with communication between you and the client, an excellent set of instructions on preventing behavior problems, a crash course in animal learning, and more. There is a substantial section detailing treatment protocols for various behavior problems, including:

• Elimination and urine-marking
• Destructive behaviors
• Excessive barking (including an excellent discussion of the use of anti-bark collars)
• Canine escape problems
• Separation anxiety
• Fears and phobias
• Aggression (I’ve seen more detailed training plans for aggression, but this is still a good resource)
• A wide range of feline behavior problems

It includes a chapter on euthanasia and how to help clients through the decision making process, an unusual feature. And finally, Amy R. Marder, VMD and Laurie Bergman, VMD have written an informative chapter on the use of psychotropic drugs in treating behavior problems.

Pet Behavior Protocols is unique due to the fact that it is written for all pet professionals, not just those in one field (i.e. veterinarians). If you are ever consulted about behavior problems, even in a casual way, this book is for you. No longer will you have to search your memory for “what Uncle Bud used to do” in response to a behavior question!

Dr. Hetts presents a wealth of information in a scientific yet compassionate manner. All training methods she suggests are humane, utilize primarily positive techniques such as counterconditioning, desensitization, and positive reinforcement, and are based on scientific research. Pet Behavior Protocols presents the most modern and effective solutions available for correcting behavior problems.

One thing that stands out is the superior organization of this text. The system used to present information remains constant throughout the book, which makes it easy to review specific points before a consultation. (Caution: you have to read the book first, or the reference system won’t make any sense.) The detailed table of contents alone is 13 pages long, putting many indexes to shame…. and the index is impressive as well. A bibliography appears at the end of each chapter.

Another unique and useful feature of Pet Behavior Protocols is a listing of management tips for each behavior problem. These are intended for use by those who need to give some form of advice about a behavior problem, but lack the time or knowledge to act as a problem-solver in a given situation. These will be especially useful for breeders, veterinarians, and training class instructors who do not wish to take the time to take a full behavior history and explain a step-by-step training plan.

Pet Behavior Protocols is priced for the veterinary textbook market, with an alarmingly high price of $75.95. However, in my opinion it is well worth the price for any pet professional, given the accuracy and usefulness of the information it contains. I also recommend this book for those interested in becoming dog trainers. This is one of the best books available for trainers and behaviorists.