Puppies For Dummies^®

by Sarah Hodgson

• ISBN13: 9780764552557
• ISBN10: 0764552554
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-06-01
• Publisher: For Dummies

Summary

Arguably, there is no animal in the world that can offer you the amount of unconditional devotion as a dog. The period of puppyhood can be the toughest and most delightful era in your dog's life. Each puppy, as it grows into doghood, faces - and sees - the world in different and unique ways. Some puppies thrive on human interaction; others prefer an independent lifestyle. Some love the general mayhem that small children create; others find the commotion less thrilling. Your puppy will grow up to be your friend, keeper, and voice.Puppies For Dummies is for anyone interested in exploring this momentous era in a dog's life. Whether you already have a puppy curled at your feet (or chewing at your shoelaces), or if you're still in the thinking-about-it stage, this clearly written and easy-to-understand guide will help you to Choose the perfect puppy Raise a well-mannered, happy puppy Housetrain your puppy quickly and effectively Provide proper puppy care and nutrition Keep peace between kids and puppies Find out how to create a lasting relationship between your puppy and you. Explore different training methods to fit your puppy's needs. Puppies For Dummies also covers the following topics and more: Finding a puppy that fits your lifestyle Where to get your puppy Shopping for puppy supplies The five stages of development Teaching your pup some control and manners Ensuring the fitness and health of your puppy Fun games and tricks Having a puppy and experiencing it grow up to be full-grown dog is an amazing journey that will never be forgotten. With a focus on behavior and relationship, this book will show you everything you need to know about your puppy so that it will grow up to be a healthy, playful, and well-mannered dog.

Author Biography

Sarah Hodgson, director of the Cooperative Canine, has taught dog training classes for more than a decade. She is the author of DogPerfect and the coauthor of You and Your Puppy.

Table of Contents

Introduction	1	(6)
Part I: Maximizing Your Chances of Success	7	(52)
What's the Big Deal? A Puppy Is Just a Puppy	9	(8)
Figuring Out Which Kind of Puppy to Get	17	(22)
Just Do It: Picking Your Breed	39	(4)
Where Can I Find My Puppy?	43	(16)
Part II: I've Picked Out My Pup --- What's Next?	59	(36)
Shopping for Initial Supplies	61	(14)
Bringing Your Puppy Home	75	(6)
How to Be a Good Puppy Trainer	81	(6)
How to Think Like a Dog	87	(8)
Part III: The ``What Have I Gotten Myself Into?'' Months	95	(24)
Puppy Phases	97	(8)
Kids and Puppies (Reality Bites)	105	(6)
Not on the Rug!	111	(8)
Part IV: Oh, Behave!	119	(78)
Teaching Your Pup Some Control and Manners	121	(10)
Daily Hassles	131	(16)
Training Through the Phases	147	(28)
Dealing with Socially Unacceptable Behavior	175	(16)
Me Thinks I Need Some Help!	191	(6)
Part V: Behaving in the Big League	197	(34)
Training Off the Leash	199	(8)
Going out in Public	207	(14)
Great Adventures for Performing Types	221	(10)
Part VI: Ensuring Fitness and Health	231	(56)
Even Puppies Have to Watch What They Eat	233	(10)
Proper Puppy Exercise	243	(8)
Staying on Top of Good Hygiene and Health	251	(14)
``Eewwww!'' (The Parasites Chapter)	265	(8)
Accidents Happen	273	(14)
Part VII: Dealing with Life in the Real World	287	(26)
Being a Good Neighbor	289	(6)
Adjusting Your Puppy to Stressful Changes	295	(12)
Travelling with Your Puppy	307	(6)
Part VIII: The Part of Tens	313	(18)
Ten Fun Games	315	(8)
Ten Crowd-Pleasing Tricks	323	(8)
Index	331