For the Life of Your Dog

by Louganis, Greg; Siino, Betsy Sikora

• ISBN13: 9780671024505
• ISBN10: 0671024507
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1999-01-01
• Publisher: Pocket Books

Summary

Four-time Olympic gold medalist Greg Louganis triumphed with his #1 New York Times bestselling autobiography Breaking the Surface. That heartfelt, revelatory book would not have been complete without the loving portrayals of his protectors and closest friends: his dogs. Now Greg, a breeder and trainer of Harlequin Great Danes, has teamed up with award-winning animal writer Betsy Sikora Siino to create an extraordinary guide to dog ownership that overflows with insight, intelligence, and compassion. With the same winning spirit he brought to world-class diving, Greg embraces the challenges and joys of living with dogs -- and shares his incredible bond and insider's knowledge that has produced best-of-breed winners. His distinctive philosophy illuminates every page of this special volume that keeps the dog's best interests in mind throughout every phase of life -- as puppies, in their prime, and in the final years. In matters of choosing a new dog, basic care, and specific health and behavioral concerns, Greg tells owners where to be tough (on sales contracts), where to be accommodating (with blind and deaf dogs) and everything in between. Passionate in his opinions and wonderfully effective, Greg includes: Cures for chewing, barking, biting, and other so-called behavior problems Answers to the great housetraining disputes including the pros and cons of crating Specific feeding programs for optimal nutrition -- and for combating the greatest health threat to your dog: obesityAn exercise program for the canine athlete (and they're all athletes!)Training tips for obedience, showing, and search-and-rescuePreventive medicine, common illnesses from nose to tail, and age-related concernsAdvice on breeding, whelping, adopting your second (third, fourth...) dogs, and more! Woven throughout are Greg's moving stories of his own dogs, such as his beloved Dane Ryan, who taught him to communicate with a dog who couldn't hear, and the hardships of saying goodbye to Donna, whose early death broke his heart. For The Life of Your Dog is an inspiring and eye-opening reference. Delivered with Greg's delightful candor, his sound advice makes it a classic for new and long-time dog owners -- and anyone who has ever loved a dog.

Author Biography

Greg Louganis is a four-time Olympic gold-medal diving champion. He lives in Malibu, California, where he raises and trains Harlequin Great Danes, a championship Jack Russell Terrier, and a best-in-breed Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Table of Contents

CONTENTS

Preface: The Dogs in My Life
Foreword
Introduction: My Life with Dogs

PART ONE: A LIFETIME COMMITMENT

1.A Member of the Family
2.A Responsible Owner
3.Weighing the Options: Mutts vs. Purebreds, Puppies vs. Older Dogs
4.The Big Decision: Evaluations and Lifetime Choices

PART TWO: THE JOYS AND PAINS OF PUPPYHOOD

5.Through a Puppy's Eyes
6.The Puppy Comes Home
7.Housetraining Made Easy
8.Early Education
9. Puppy Health and Well-Being

PART THREE: THE PRIME OF OUR LIVES

10. A Whole New World
11. The Home Routine
12. The Canine Athlete
13. Midlife Health and Well-Being

PART FOUR: THE GOLDEN YEARS

14. A Bond Like No Other
15. Geriatric Health and Well-Being
16. The Hard Good-Bye
17. The Circle of Life

Sharing Great References
Acknowledgments