Provides a guide into the world of what to do and, as importantly, what not to do, to reduce dogs' and cats' fear of encounters with humans. With more than 1600 photos and 3 hours of video, this book and DVD offers tips, tools, and techniques for recognising brewing fear and aggression, while reducing this through specific handling techniques.

Contents Section 1: Recognizing the Early Signs of Problems1. Fear2. Dominance vs. Unruly BehaviorSection 2: How Animals Learn to Behave and Misbehave3. Classical Conditioning (a.k.a. Associative Learning)4. Operant Conditioning Basics (Learning by Trial and Error)5. Methods of Behavior ModificationSection 3: From House to Hospital Exam Room-Making a Good First Impression6. Preparing Pets for a Hospital Visit7. Preparing the Environment for the Pet's Visit8. Exam Room Tips9. Moving Dogs Around the Facility10. Transporting Cats Within the HospitalSection 4: Low-Stress Restraint Techniques11. General Handling Principles12. Restraint for Standard Positions in Dogs13. Canine Restraint for Procedures14. Dealing with Difficult Dogs15. Restraint for Standard Positions in Cats16. Restraining Cats for Procedures17. Handling Difficult CatsSection 5: Preventing and Reversing Problems18. Counterconditioning Protocols for Dogs and Cats19. Preventive Behavioral Health for Puppies20. Preventive Behavioral Health for KittensIndex

...the pictures on this book are amazing. The author has done an incredible job of accumulating 1,600 photographs of dogs and cats, along with a DVD, to illustrate "techniques for developing patients who love their visits [to the veterinarian]." In a time when dominance techniques often take center stage for controlling and managing behavior, it is a breath of fresh air to read the information contained [here]. It is science-based information (catalogued and referenced) ...will really assist veterinarians... the information included here will provide fodder for clinic training opportunities...interesting and enlightening. Nonthreatening techniques are provided with photographs to illustrate the outcome... the combination of reading the text and watching the DVD, with subsequent practice of the techniques, sets the stage for an in-clinic learning experience for all... contains gems on counterconditioning cats to pilling and veterinarian-supervised technician behavior modification sessions... I strongly recommend this book for veterinarians and veterinary technicians as well as for owners. Communicating with patients and pets is paramount for a strong and healthy bond... it is fantastic to be able to recommend a book solidly grounded in science instead of one full of outdated techniques.-Terry Marie Curtis, DVM, MS, DACVB, JAVMA, 15-Dec-2009This fantastic tome belongs on every trainer's bookshelf, as well as in every veterinary clinic and shelter in America... the ultimate guide for new and experienced trainers and anyone who regularly deals with animals and who wants to learn about gentle, humane techniques... The DVD makes both an invaluable educational guide for yourself and can also be used to demonstrate specific behaviors to clients. If that's not enough, owning the book gives you access to information on Dr. Yin's Web site including PDF files of client handouts on behavior, and several entire chapters online...an incredibly useful avenue for broaching the subject of training and handling methods... If you buy one book this year on dog training and behavior, I urge you to consider Low Stress Handling, Restraint and Behavior Modification of Dogs & Cats as your choice. While it priced higher than most books that trainers and behavior counselors will consider, it is well worth the price and you will find yourself referring to this book again and again, as well as using it with clients and other dog care professionals to discuss animal behavior and the benefits of using positive, low-stress methods.-Mychelle Blake, MSW, CDBC, The APDT Chronicle of the Dog, 01-Nov-2009

Dr Sophia Yin, a 1993 graduate of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, is the author of numerous books and DVDs including Low Stress Handling, Restraint and Behavior Modification of Dogs and Cats. She earned her Master's focused on animal behavior in 2001 from UC Davis.