Dogs partner with humans in a wide array of work-related disciplines. As detectors, guides, guardians, stock herders, assistants and professional canine athletes, there is demand for more scientific knowledge to enhance the performance and success of human and working dog partnerships. This topic encompasses a holistic approach to the science of working dog performance. The ability of a dog to complete tasks depends on their physical and behavioral traits; their ability to exert themselves at various demanding tasks requires both physical and behavioral stamina, agility, and resilience. The influence and interactions of genetics, health, environment and training are areas that can provide new insight to improve performance in current dogs and future generations. The human impact on the success of the working dog team encompasses the human's physical, psychological and analytic perspectives, and the intersection of human and canine interspecies communication.

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Since Canis lupus familiaris first shared a fire with man more than 15,000 years ago, dogs have been trusted and valued coworkers. Yet the relatively new field of canine ergonomics is just beginning to unravel the secrets of this collaboration. As with many new fields, the literature on working dogs is scattered across several non-overlapping disci

This issue of Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, guest edited by Drs. Maureen McMichael and Melissa Singletary, focuses on Working Dogs: An Update for Veterinarians. This issue is one of six issues published each year. Articles in this issue include, but are not limited to: Introduction to Working Dogs; Preventative Health Care and essential equipment needs; Anesthetic Considerations in Working Dogs; Dentistry for Working Dogs; Nutrition in Working Dogs; Current Rules and Regulations for Working Dogs; Canine Olfaction; Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in Working Dogs; Herding and Sporting Dogs; Breeding Management and Production in Working Dogs; Development and Training for Working Dogs; Military Working Dogs; Operational Canines; and Assistance, Service, and Therapy Dogs.

A walk through history with man’s best friend, with stops in Alaska, the Middle East, and beyond—includes over 250 photos of canines at work. Handle various dogs engaged in their traditional tasks, Mike Loades takes us on his adventures in the Jordanian desert, where he shares the saddle of his camel with a Saluki, and in the green hills of Wales, where he works cattle with a Corgi. He mushes Huskies in Alaska, drives carriages with Dalmatians, and flies falcons with Spaniels. Each encounter not only highlights the bond between humans and dogs, it also frames that connection in its historical context. Different types of dogs appear the way they do because, at some stage in their development, they were bred selectively for a specialist job. The author takes key types on a walk through history. Along the way he explores the methods and practices of their original occupations. He delves into when, where, and why they were first bred as the types we recognize today. This fascinating and engaging book includes over 250 stunning color photographs of dogs in action, resulting in an illuminating journey through many cultures and time periods—and a personal, heartfelt tribute to the enduring partnership between humans and dogs.

The focus of Canine Form Follows Function: Separating Fact From Fiction is on functional anatomy for working and performance dogs. The type of physiology that enables difficult turns with sudden stops and starts for dogs at work and play. Canine Form Follows Function will allow the reader to see their dog or dogs in a slightly different light. The book dispels some long held beliefs about canine form and function.