Dogs For Dummies

by Spadafori, Gina; Becker, Marty

• ISBN13: 9780764552748
• ISBN10: 0764552740
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-12-11
• Publisher: For Dummies

Summary

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 purebredIt's a "doggy-dog" world, and this easy-to-use guide will help you navigate it. 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 dogAward-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.

Author Biography

Gina Spadafori is affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network and is an essayist for Pets.com. She&#39;s also the award-winning coauthor of Cats For Dummies<SUP>&#174;</SUP> and Birds For Dummies<SUP>&#174;</SUP>.

Table of Contents

Foreword	xxiii
Introduction	1	(8)
Part I: Bringing a Puppy or Adult Dog into Your Life	9	(92)
Considering the Canine Possibilities	11	(16)
Narrowing the Field	27	(26)
Finding Out about Breeders, Shelters, and Other Sources	53	(22)
Choosing and Bringing Home a Puppy	75	(14)
Adopting and Settling In an Adult Dog	89	(12)
Part II: Getting the Relationship Off to the Best Start	101	(68)
All the Right Stuff	103	(18)
Feeding Your Puppy or Dog	121	(18)
House-Training Puppies and Dogs	139	(12)
Early Puppy Training	151	(18)
Part III: Keeping Your Dog Healthy	169	(66)
Good Grooming	171	(16)
Preventive Health Care for Puppies and Dogs	187	(22)
Common Canine Health Problems	209	(12)
Caring for an Aging Dog	221	(14)
Part IV: Living Happily with Your Dog	235	(92)
Teaching Your Dog Manners	237	(22)
Problem-Solving	259	(18)
Canine Competitions: Fun Things to Do with Your Dog	277	(14)
To Breed or Not to Breed	291	(14)
Traveling with Your Dog	305	(22)
Part V: The Part of Tens	327	(40)
Ten Dog Myths---Debunked!	329	(8)
Ten Questions to Ask When Buying a Purebred Puppy	337	(6)
Ten Things You Need to Know to Prepare Your Dog for a Disaster	343	(6)
Ten Ways to Have Both a Dog and a Nice Yard	349	(8)
Ten Must-See Dog Sites on the World Wide Web	357	(10)
Index	367