This concise overview provides a scientific yet highly accessible introduction to the science of animal cognition. Written for undergraduate college courses as well as any interested reader, it encompasses the history of animal cognition studies, essential theories and methodology, and the latest findings and controversies in animal consciousness and communication. The book challenges myths and preconceived notions about animal cognition by explaining the scientific theories, the perils of anthropomorphism, and the value of knowing a species’ natural history before making assumptions or drawing conclusions. Each chapter includes an Animal Spotlight and a Human Application section. The Animal Spotlight highlights individual animals—the “rock stars” of animal cognition—that have made significant contributions to the field. Reminding us that we too are animals, the Human Application sections connect topics in animal cognition to human behavior and cognition. Additionally, the book provides ideas for readers to conduct their own investigations into animal cognition. Key Features Provides a scientific yet accessible introduction to animal cognition studies Examines the development of the field, its theories and methods, and the latest findings and controversies Addresses animal consciousness, communication, social cognition, and cognitive flexibility Highlights individual animals that have made significant contributions to the field Connects topics in animal cognition to human behavior and cognition Provides ideas for readers to conduct their own investigations into animal cognition

This concise overview provides a scientific yet highly accessible introduction to the science of animal cognition. Written for undergraduate college courses as well as any interested reader, it encompasses the history of animal cognition studies, essential theories and methodology, and the latest findings and controversies in animal consciousness and communication. The book challenges myths and preconceived notions about animal cognition by explaining the scientific theories, the perils of anthropomorphism, and the value of knowing a species' natural history before making assumptions or drawing conclusions. Each chapter includes an "Animal Spotlight" and "Human Application" section. The Animal Spotlight highlights individual animals--"rock stars" of animal cognition--that have made significant contributions to the field. Reminding us that we too are animals, the Human Application sections connect topics in animal cognition to human behavior and cognition. Additionally, the book provides ideas for readers to conduct their own investigations into animal cognition. Key Features: Provides a scientific but accessible introduction to animal cognition studies Examines the development of the field, its theories and methods, and the latest findings and controversies Addresses animal consciousness, communication, social cognition, and cognitive flexibility Highlights individual animals that have made significant contributions to the field Connects topics in animal cognition to human behavior and cognition Provides ideas for readers to conduct their own research

"Animal training 101," the first handbook of its kind, finally offers a complete marriage of the science of animal behavior and the practical art of animal training. In one comprehensive volume, this approach is presented in a simple and practical way that will be useful to both the seasoned professional and a beginning level enthusiast working with animals of any species. --back cover.

Covering a wide range of key topics, from reasoning and communication to sensation and complex problem-solving, this engagingly-written text presents a comprehensive survey of contemporary research on animal cognition. Written for anyone with an interest in animal cognition, but without a background in animal behavior, it endeavors to explain what makes animals tick.

This handbook lays out the science behind how animals think, remember, create, calculate, and remember. It provides concise overviews on major areas of study such as animal communication and language, memory and recall, social cognition, social learning and teaching, numerical and quantitative abilities, as well as innovation and problem solving. The chapters also explore more nuanced topics in greater detail, showing how the research was conducted and how it can be used for further study. The authors range from academics working in renowned university departments to those from research institutions and practitioners in zoos. The volume encompasses a wide variety of species, ensuring the breadth of the field is explored.

In Cognitive Kin, Moral Strangers?, Judith Benz-Schwarzburg reveals the scope and relevance of cognitive kinship between humans and non-human animals. She presents a wide range of empirical studies on culture, language and theory of mind in animals and then leads us to ask why such complex socio-cognitive abilities in animals matter. Her focus is on ethical theory as well as on the practical ways in which we use animals. Are great apes maybe better described as non-human persons? Should we really use dolphins as entertainers or therapists? Benz-Schwarzburg demonstrates how much we know already about animals’ capabilities and needs and how this knowledge should inform the ways in which we treat animals in captivity and in the wild.

Many of us dream of being like Dr. Dolittle, able to speak joyfully with animals. Now you can bring that dream to life! In Mindful Partners: The Zen art and science of working with animals, Dr. Jenifer Zeligs takes you on a transformative journey to the deepest level of connection with animals. Dr. Zeligs combines breakthroughs in behavioral sciences with centuries of contemplative wisdom, guiding readers to see behavior as it fundamentally exists and how actions and reactions are born, practiced, and altered. She teaches the reader to use mindfulness to develop a special kind of partnership in which both parties share a mutually beneficial connection. The book is filled with intimate and amusing accounts of Dr. Zeligs’ 40-year history of partnerships across the animal kingdom—from improving the welfare of horses and dogs to filming wild whales using trained sea lions. It teaches you to partner with any animal to create a strong connection, establish interspecies communication, develop calm behavior, respond when things go wrong, reduce aggression, build confidence, overcome fears, and motivate without causing stress. This is an empowering guide to connecting with animals, drawing on the best of science, as well as traditions of inspirational wisdom.