If you’ve read all the ‘dog books’ you can take, but still find your dog’s (or other pet’s) behavior puzzling, take a look at Temple Grandin’s Animals in Translation – fascinating, frank and very different kind of book by acclaimed author who happens to be autistic – part of the reason she feels she understands animals in ways other people (including the ‘professionals’) don’t.  She doesn’t always say the things you want to hear about your pets, in terms of how they think and why they act the way they do, but she will enlighten you and give you fresh insights on your pet’s behavior. I picked up my copy at Mr. K’s Used Books at River Ridge in East Asheville.  Also, if you’re confused about the difference between negative reinforcement and punishment (in dogspeak), the author gives a great (and COMPREHENSIBLE) explanation!