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It's a'doggy-dog'world, and this easy-to-use guide will help you navigate it.These days, people's dogs have become bona fide members of the family. Moving from the kennel to the couch, they share our beds, family rooms, and holidays; and they are recipients of our kindest and utmost concern. A pet partnership is a lifetime commitment. Do it right, and your dog will become an important and valuable part of the family for many years. Do it wrong, and you've broken a sacred covenant between humankind and another living being. Dogs For Dummies, 2nd Edition, is for you if you are looking to adopt a dog, trying to improve the relationship with the one you have, or attempting to come up with fun things to do with your canine companion. This book is also for people who want to Choose the right veterinarian Explore the dog-breeding business Find breed-rescue groups Identify canine health problems Look for a purebred Improve your chances at pet success by knowing how to raise and live with your dog properly. Discover which breed best suits your lifestyle, and if a puppy or adult dog is best for you. Dogs For Dummies, 2nd Edition, also covers the following topics and more: Caring for an aging dog Choosing collars, harnesses, halters, and leashes Considering euthanasia Feeding Fido the right way House training puppies and adult dogs Keeping up appearances with good grooming Participating in canine competitions Preparing your dog for a disaster Traveling with your dog Award-winning author Gina Spadafori says the lack of accurate information — not the lack of effort or concern — is often the reason for doomed people-pet pairings. With her help, you can avoid the agony. Dogs For Dummies, 2nd Edition, is full of useful tips, how-to advice, illustrations, and photographs (both color and black-and-white). You deserve a healthy, happy, and well-mannered canine companion; and you'll be the owner every pet wants and deserves — informed, responsible, and loving. P.S. If you think this book seems familiar, you're probably right. The Dummies team updated the cover and design to give the book a fresh feel, but the content is the same as the previous release of Dogs For Dummies (9780764552748). The book you see here shouldn't be considered a new or updated product. But if you're in the mood to learn something new, check out some of our other books. We're always writing about new topics!

Start out on the right paw with your four-legged friend by learning the essentials—from picking the right breed to preparing for emergencies, and more. If you're longing for the pitter-patter of four furry feet, you have some homework to do. When new dog owners aren't prepared, it's the dog who suffers, so it's very important to consider all angles of dog care and ownership before making the commitment. This book starts with the process of selecting a suitable dog for your home and lifestyle and goes on to discuss the present and future requirements of feeding, grooming, training, healthcare, and much more to fully educate prospective new dog owners.Inside 101 Things to Know before Getting a Dog...Advice on selecting a puppy or adult dog based on your family, living space, and lifestyleBuying a purebred from a breeder versus adopting from a shelter or rescue groupThe equipment and supplies you'll need before the dog comes homeGetting the dog acclimated to his new environmentFeeding, grooming, training, and healthcare for all life stagesKeeping your dog safe at home and awayIllustrations, charts, and checklists, to help you plan and prepare

Honest and illustrated profiles of over of 100 dog breeds—for the aspiring pet owner looking to find their ‘furever'furry friendWith The Good, the Bad, and the Furry, author Sam Stall has consulted with dozens of breed rescue groups to learn the best—and worst—traits of more than 100 different dogs, from Affenpinschers and Afghans to Whippets and Yorkshire Terriers. These illustrated profiles offer honest, warts-and-all assessments of the world's most popular breeds—and show which ones are right for you. • Like to watch TV? The Brussels Griffon is a perfect companion for a couch potato's lifestyle.• Love to garden? So does the Bernese Mountain Dog, so be careful. Anyone considering this breed should expect a backyard full of holes.• Have a house full of kids? The trusty Irish Setter will be their best friend.• Live in a big-city high-rise? Pass on the Jack Russell Terrier—these dogs have tremendous energy and need plenty of open space to burn it off. With more than 100 illustrations and a handy at-a-glance icon reference system, The Good, the Bad, and the Furry has everything you need to find the right dog for you!

The perfect dog book for dog lovers!Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds is the definitive guide for information on purebreed history, health, and pet care. Updated with the latest information on canine breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, this lavishly illustrated volume has an all-new design and features a treasure trove of information for dog lovers, owners, breeders, and prospective buyers. From discussions of breed evolution to individual breed profiles, this incredible resource includes:Profiles on more than 175 different dog breeds—including 27 new breedsInformation on the categories specified by the AKC—Sporting Group, Hound Group, Working Group, Terrier Group, Toy Group, Non-Sporting Group, and Herding GroupTips for choosing a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle and needsAdvice for dog training and puppy trainingEach breed's health problems, longevity, exercise needs, compatibility with children, and more!Full of striking photographs, essential information, and valuable advice, this is a comprehensive, invaluable guide for dog people.

Breaks down dog care into 101 easy-to-grasp tips.This title explains everything you need to know about how to look after a dog--from choosing a puppy, to feeding, exercise, and grooming. It also gives insights into dog behavior and offers tips on house training and traveling with your dog.

Dogs serve us, adore us, entertain us, work for and with us--but most of all they warm our hearts. An homage to our loyal canine companions, this classic collection of stories presents enduring tales penned by an impressive array of authors, with contributions from Albert Payson Terhune, Marshall Saunders, Jack London, Alfred Ollivant, Eleanor Atkinson, Rudyard Kipling, Ouida, Ernest Thompson Seton, Mark Twain, and many others. Between its pages you'll meet literature's most memorable dogs, including Beautiful Joe, Lad, Rollo, Buck, and Greyfriar's Bobby. These dogs will make you laugh and make you cry, but most of all they will make you appreciate just why humans adore their dogs. Here is a rich treasury filled with tales of unforgettable dogs that will make a perfect gift for dog lovers of all ages.

The board-certified specialists of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists are here to decode how dogs think, how they communicate, and how they learn.More than 90 percent of dog owners consider their pets to be members of their family. But often, despite our best intentions, we are letting our dogs down by not giving them the guidance and direction they need. Unwanted behavior is the number-one reason dogs are relinquished to shelters and rescue groups. The key to training dogs effectively is first to understand why our dogs do what they do. And no one can address this more authoritatively than the diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, whose expert and researched work analyze problem behaviors and correct common misconceptions. With veterinary-approved positive training methods, expert advice on socialization, and remedies for behavior problems such as OCD and aggression, Decoding Your Dog is the must-have behavior guide that will challenge the way we think about man's best friend.

A comprehensive compendium of canine varieties—from purebreds to designer doodles—from the acclaimed author of The Spirit of the Dog. One glance around the local park will confirm that man's best friend comes in many varieties. As the first animal domesticated by humans, dogs have been selectively bred for tens of thousands of years to be herders, hunters, guard dogs, and friends. The result is a plethora of breeds that are as different as the pint-sized chihuahua and the massive St. Bernard. Now there is a guide to each of them. Dogs Unleashed contains all the information required to differentiate breeds of canine. From the standard poodle to the Finnish spitz, readers will become experts of identification. Alongside beautiful photography, discover information on conformation, history, temperament, health risks, and more. This book even contains a section on today's designer breeds like the labradoodle, the puggle, and the cockapoo. Ideal for researching a new family pet, or for general knowledge, this book reveals which dogs are the most expensive to keep, which are the best swimmers, and which breed has the longest life expectancy.

After more than 9 seasons as TV's Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan has a new mission: to use his unique insights about dog psychology to create stronger, happier relationships between humans and their canine companions.Now in paperback, this inspirational and practical guide draws on thousands of training encounters around the world to present 98 essential lessons. Taken together, they will help dog owners create the most fulfilling life possible with their dogs.In these pages, Cesar delves into crucial themes that go beyond obedience-school basics to reveal the hearts and minds of our beloved pets. In short, practical takes, he explores:• The basics of dog psychology• Instinctual behaviors• Creating balance and boundaries• Managing common misbehaviors• Choosing the right dog for your family• Helping your dog adjust to life transitionsThroughout the book, inspiring stories from Cesar's case files -- and from his TV show, Leader of the Pack – provide moving real-world applications and surprising life lessons.Smart, easy to use, and packed with Cesar's remarkable insights into human and canine behavior, A Short Guide to A Happy Dog is an inspiring tool for anyone looking to live a better life with a beloved member of the family.

Includes the latest advice from well-known and respected veterinarians.

Calling the toughest canine questions! Owning a dog is one of life's great joys, but sometimes the challenges it brings can make even the most devoted dog lovers panic, throw up their hands, or feel completely overwhelmed. Before you get to the end of your leash, turn to this friendly and relatable reference that's the next best thing to talking to a dog-owning friend who's seen it all. In Oh My Dog, animal rights activist Beth Ostrosky Stern has compiled tips and invaluable advice from experts—and from her own experience as dogowner—to sooth concerns, answer questions big and small, and help you and your dog get the most out of your relationship. From the moment you even consider getting a dog, to caring for your old friend when his puppy years are far behind him, Oh My Dog covers every angle of dog ownership, including: • Which breeds would be good match for me? • What do I look for in a vet? • How do I make sure our first night together is as stress-free as possible? • What activities will help me bond with my dog?• Is my dog showing sign of illness?• What should I know before I head to a doggie day care or park? • How do I read pet food labels? • What should I do in an emergency?Choc full of informative side bars, questionnaires, to-do lists, and much, much more, Oh My Dog is the answer-filled field guide for anybody who owns a dog or is considering getting one. •••••• Beth Ostrosky Stern

As a dog owner, you know that caring for your older pet can be a challenge. It's hard to watch your dog -- whose frisky puppy days don't seem so long ago -- begin to slow down a little and go gray around the muzzle. But thanks to extraordinary advances in veterinary medicine and pet nutrition, dogs are living longer, and with the right kind of care you can help your pet stay healthy and happy well into his golden years. A practical and sensitive all-in-one reference, Your Older Dog guides you through the aging process in dogs, starting with middle age. With plenty of information on maximizing your dog's active years and a complete guide to age-related health problems, Your Older Dog offers the latest research from veterinarians and pet care experts, including: What to expect as your dog grows older, and how to recognize the onset of old age Preventive health care, with tips on developing a routine diet, using nutritional supplements, exercising, and choosing the best veterinary care Safe and effective alternative treatments for aging dogs -- ranging from acupuncture and massage to herbal and homeopathic medicines The best approaches to such common illnesses as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory and digestive difficulties With adorable color photos and illustrations throughout, Your Older Dog gives you the vital information and reassurance you need to provide the best care for your best friend.

From the renowned veterinary school at Tufts University: “A must read for pet lovers who want to ensure their dog has quality golden years” (USA Today). Our dogs are living longer than ever thanks to enormous advances in medical treatment and a highly evolved understanding of what they need to thrive. No one knows this better than the faculty of the Cummings Veterinary School at Tufts, who treat more than eight thousand older dogs annually. Their philosophy of caring for aging canines combines empathy for each individual pet and owner, a comprehensive approach to patient care, cutting-edge science and technology, and a commitment to innovation. Good Old Dog brings their renowned clinic to you, sharing essential knowledge to keep man's best friend thriving through their golden years. Nutritional advice: Not every senior diet is right for every senior dogInformation on treating conditions common to older dogsHow to evaluate complicated procedures and decide what's right for your petThe cost of caring for an older canine and how to shoulder the burdenHow to identify cognitive decline and manage itAdvice on creating a healthy and comfortable environmentHow to determine when “it's time” and how to cope with the lossAnd much more

Geared to the millions who want to be socially responsible with their dogs, but also indulgent with them, who love to be up to date about the latest ideas about training, but above all, who worry about their relationships with their dogs, this poignant, irreverent guide is doggone funny. Written by a first-time dog owner who's been there and worried about that, this comprehensive yet accessible book articulates the questions that many people have about all things canine-related but are afraid to ask, all with a reassuring, amusing tone.

The wooftasticsecond edition. “This attractive, copiously illustrated easy-to-understand volume covers every aspect of responsible dog ownership.” —Library Journal The revised and expanded second edition of the bestselling The Original Dog Bible remains the most comprehensive dog lover's resource on the market! The book is divided into eight parts—each fully illustrated and designed for easy reference—plus helpful, entertaining sidebars covering hundreds of related topics. With detailed chapters on the requirements of caring for a dog, health, training, and so much more, this book will prepare you for a wonderful life with a dog. Also included is a catalog of over 250 purebred dog breeds with insightful articles for each!“Being a veteran veterinarian of twenty five years and a lifetime pet lover, I can enthusiastically say ‘this old doc learned new tricks'upon reading the consummate book on all things dogs... I highly recommend it!” —Dr. Marty Becker, former resident veterinarian on ABC's Good Morning America and coauthor of Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul“This comprehensive book certainly lives up to its subtitle... The best part of the book, however, covers ‘life with a dog,'with sections on pet care partners like sitters and walkers, emergencies, lost dogs, biting, traveling with a dog, and a fantastic chapter on activities one can do with one's dog.” —Publishers Weekly

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Cesar's Way and Be the Pack Leader comes the ultimate guide for living together with a healthy, happy dog.In A Member of the Family, Cesar Millan coaches you on everything you need to know about raising a dog–from the moment you first think about getting a dog–including information on: • Selecting the right breed for your family's lifestyle • Establishing–and enforcing– household rules from day one • What to look for in a veterinarian • Proper nutrition • Familiarizing a dog with another pet in the family • Setting up exercise, discipline, and affection plans for your family and your dog • Introducing your dog to a new significant other or baby Packed with practical tips and techniques–plus advice from the unique perspectives of Cesar's wife and sons–A Member of the Family addresses the most common issues and questions for dog owners.

Make your own dog food!

For more than seventy-five years, The Complete Dog Book has been the premier reference on purebred dogs. Now in its twentieth edition, this treasured guide is an essential volume for every dog owner and owner-to-be.Comprehensive and thoughtfully organized, The Complete Dog Book features all 153 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, the official breed standards, breed histories, and photographs. Also included are the twelve most recently recognized breeds: Anatolian Shepherd Dog, Black Russian Terrier, German Pinscher, Glen of Imaal Terrier, Havanese, Löwchen, Neapolitan Mastiff, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Parson Russell Terrier, Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Spinone Italiano, and Toy Fox Terrier. Along with AKC registration procedures and current forms, The Complete Dog Book includes sections on• choosing the dog that's right for you• training• nutrition• grooming• responsible breeding• canine first-aid• joining a dog club• Canine Good Citizen® program• every AKC sport: Agility, Conformation, Coonhound, Earthdog, Field Trials, Herding, Hunt Tests, Junior Showmanship, Lure Coursing, Obedience, Rally, and TrackingConcluding with an extensive glossary of terms and line drawings, The Complete Dog Book is a reference that dog aficionados will turn to again and again.

“I fuss over George when he's sick and I fuss over him when he's well. I send him to a play group several days a week to give him intraspecies quality time. I will discuss the state of his bowels with anyone who cares to engage me on the subject. Just when my days of browsing endless rows of overpriced kid's toys are over, I am browsing endless rows of overpriced doggie toys. And sometimes I buy them, particularly if they have a good squeak. “Like many neophyte dog owners, I've gone a little nutty. For example, one of my great pleasures in life has always been people watching. I've spent innumerable hours walking happily around the city, scoping the passing parade. Now, when I walk down the street, my gaze rarely rises above knee-level. I'm looking at dogs, not people. Who knew there were so many around? Familiarity has not bred contempt. It's bred affection, indulgence, and boundless curiosity….“This book is the story of a journey into dog personhood. I would like to say it is a journey that has left me older but kinder, wiser, and with enhanced respect for all living creatures in the great chain of being. It's certainly left me older and, if not wiser, at least more knowledgeable about this new society of which I've become a part.”– from Dog World hilarious excursion through the studied, obsessive, colorful, demanding, occasionally lunatic world of contemporary dog ownership.In the fall of 2001, Alfred Gingold found himself succumbing to the undeniably endearing behavior of his family's new Norfolk Terrier, George, and becoming a member of what he calls Dog Nation: the 43 million dog owners and their 55 million dogs living in America today. In a matter of weeks, Gingold had become a firsthand ethnographer of the passions (read: idiosyncrasies) that define dog owners everywhere. It was literally a case of puppy love.The result of Gingold's shrewd observation is Dog World, which is structured around the loose chronology of dog ownership: choosing and finding a dog; feeding, walking, and cleaning up after a dog; the literal and emotional obstacle course that is training a dog; and on to the larger cultural realms of dog racing and, of course, dog kitsch and memorabilia. But the real delight of Dog World is in Alfred Gingold's narrative excursions through the canine universe, whereby he reports (and occasionally pontificates) on topics such as the untold history of dogwalking, how dog food came to be, the urban art of scooping poop, and an analysis of the relationships great historical figures have had with their dogs.Like Bill Bryson or Calvin Trillin, Alfred Gingold brings a particularly wry and comic perspective to the world. And whether one is a dog lover or a dog agnostic, Dog World will be a tremendously entertaining journey into mankind's canine love affair.

In a nation where our love of dogs keeps growing and dog ownership has reached an all-time high, confusion about dogs and their behavioral problems is skyrocketing. Many dogs are out of control, untrained, chewing up furniture, taking medication for anxiety, and biting millions of people a year.Now, in this groundbreaking new guide, Jon Katz, a leading authority on the human-canine bond, offers a powerful and practical philosophy for living with a dog, from the moment we decide to get one to the sad day when one dies. Conventional training methods often fail dog owners, but Katz argues that we know our dogs better than anyone else possibly could, and therefore we are well suited to train them. It is imperative, he says, that we think rationally and responsibly about how we choose, train, and live with the dogs we love, and the more we learn about ourselves, the better we can recognize their wonderful animal natures. Misinterpreting dogs is a profound obstacle to understanding them. Katz believes that both people and dogs are unique–a chow differs from a Lab just as a city dweller differs from a farmer–and he describes how such individuality isn't addressed by even the best and most popular training methods. Not every training theory is for everyone, notes Katz, but almost anyone can train a dog and live with him comfortably. Katz on Dogs is filled with no-nonsense advice and answers to such key questions as: • What kind of dog should I have? Is there is a specific breed or kind of dog for my personality, family, or living situation?• What is the best way to train a dog?• Can I trust my vet?• How often (and for how long) can a dog be left alone?• Is it preferable to have only one dog, or are more better?• What are the secrets to successful housebreaking?• What are my dogs thinking, if anything?• How can I walk my dog instead of having her walk me? • Is it ever okay to give away a dog you love?• When is it time to put my dog down?Katz draws from his own experience, his interactions with thousands of dog owners, vets, breeders, dog rescue workers, trainers, and behaviorists, and he has tested his approach with volunteer dog owners around the country. Their helpful and often inspiring stories illustrate how all of us can live well with our dogs. You can do it, Katz contends. You can live a loving and harmonious life with your dog.

You're no idiot, of course. You know Pugs are cute dogs, with their stocky little bodies and happy-go-lucky expressions. But these dogs are bred to be companions and can be stubborn if you get them to do something they don't want to do! The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Pugs shows how you and your pug can enjoy each other and still follow some house rules. In this Complete Idiot's Guide®, you get: • Advice on locating a reputable Pug breeder and knowing what questions to ask. • Common Pug behavioral problem and tips for correcting them. • Helpful information on feeding your Pug. • The eight basic commands that make further training easier. • Hints for finding a trustworthy veterinarian to keep your Pug healthy.

Likened by Pet News to a Dr. Spock for canines, this is the one dog book owners need to ensure their pets'health and well-being. Dr. Terri McGinnis, a practicing veterinarian with over twenty years'experience, thoroughly covers every aspect of dog care: anatomy, daily care, diagnostic medicine, medical emergencies, and home medical care, as well as breeding and reproduction. The Well Dog Book is a comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide that answers the questions most frequently asked by dog owners:• What's the best way to house-train my dog?• How can I remove tar or paint from my dog's coat?• What's the right diet for a puppy, a new mother, an older dog?• What vaccinations does my dog need, and when?• How can I get rid of fleas on my dog and in my house?• What does it mean if my dog is feverish, excessively thirsty, irritable?• What are the special needs of my pregnant dog? How can I help her during delivery?• If my dog has an accident, what do I do?• What problems can I handle myself and when do I need a veterinarian?With over 120 illustrations, a general index for rapid reference, and an invaluable index of signs, The Well Dog Book gives dog owners the knowledge, skills, and confidence to raise a well dog.