Choosing a Dog For Dummies


Book Description

Getting a dog is more like getting married than it is like buying a new car or lawnmower—it’s a melding of spirits and a lifetime commitment. So, before you take the leap, you’d better make sure that your choice is based on more than a nice smile and a lively tail. And with more than 400 breeds to choose from, it shouldn’t be too hard to find the right canine companion for you. Looking for a fun-loving pal for lots of rough and tumble family fun? You might try a Boxer or Spinone. Are you a neat-freak who values quiet? The meticulously clean, cat-like Basenji—the handsome Egyptian barkless dog—is for you. Looking for a dependable, even-tempered guard dog/baby-sitter? You might want to consider the fierce-looking Neapolitan Mastiff. No matter what qualities you’re looking for in a dog, there’s a breed out there for you, and Choosing a Dog For Dummies can help you find it. Written by Chris Walkowicz, President of the Dog Writer’s Association of America, this friendly guide fills you in on what you need to know to: Figure out whether or not you really want to share you life with a dog Decide which pet qualities you value most Select and buy the perfect pet for you and your family Give your canine pal the care it deserves Find out about breed rescue Select a kid-friendly dog From Affenpinschers to Xoloitzcuintlis, Chris gives you the complete lowdown on 150 of the most popular breeds along with priceless pointers on: Finding a reliable breeder and choosing the right puppy for you Navigating registration and pedigree issues and handling the paperwork involved with getting a purebred dog Preparing your home for the new arrival and adjusting to your new lives together Understanding the unique instinctual qualities and demands of each breed, including grooming, exercise, training, and more When it comes to matching the right dog to your lifestyle and temperament, it doesn’t pay to play Wheel of Fortune. Make sure that the breed you choose is the right one and have fun doing it with Choosing a Dog For Dummies.




Choosing a Dog


Book Description

Is a Springer Spaniel too high-strung for an apartment? Is a Golden Retriever the best choice for a family with young children? This easy-to-use, A-Z guide profiles the behaviors of all breeds recognized by the AKC, as well as a cross-section of mixed breeds. The authors also discuss how to choose the right breeder, how to select a puppy and prepare for its homecoming, and more. Line art.




Zak George's Dog Training Revolution


Book Description

A revolutionary way to raise and train your dog, with “a wealth of practical tips, tricks, and fun games that will enrich the lives of many dogs and their human companions” (Dr. Ian Dunbar, veterinarian and animal behaviorist). Zak George is a new type of dog trainer. A dynamic YouTube star and Animal Planet personality with a fresh approach, Zak helps you tailor dog training to your pet’s unique traits and energy level—leading to quicker results and a much happier pup. For the first time, Zak has distilled the information from his hundreds of videos and experience with thousands of dogs into this comprehensive dog and puppy training guide that includes: • Choosing the right pup for you • Housetraining and basic training • Handling biting, leash pulling, jumping up, barking, aggression, chewing, and other behavioral issues • Health care essentials like finding a vet and selecting the right food • Cool tricks, traveling tips, and activities to enjoy with your dog • Topics with corresponding videos on Zak’s YouTube channel so you can see his advice in action Packed with everything you need to know to raise and care for your dog, this book will help you communicate and bond with one another in a way that makes training easier, more rewarding, and—most of all—fun!




The Complete Idiot's Guide to Choosing, Training, and Raising a Dog


Book Description

Practical and entertaining, here is complete advice on choosing the right dog for the family, plus easy-to-follow training instructions that make quick work of discipline. An out-of-control pet can throw a household into complete chaos, upsetting dog and owner alike, but with Hodgson on board readers will be well on their way to a well-behaved, well-adjusted pet.




The Right Dog for You


Book Description

With The Right Dog For You you will be able to understand the personalities and needs of almost any breed to allow you to choose your perfect companion. ​The first part of the book offers all-round guidance on how to choose a dog, and a short discussion of the pluses and otherwise of the newer crossbreeds. This is followed by a directory of over 120 breeds and crossbreeds, arranged by adult size, small to large, and packed full of information. Alongside the mugshot, each breed has information about its group (which offers valuable behavioural clues—don’t pick a Border Collie unless you have an awful lot of energy for example) and a succinct profile dealing with everything from grooming needs to any breed health concerns. This book will send you to the breeder or the rescue centre with your eyes open—leaving you free to lose your heart to a dog that you know will fit in with your lifestyle.




Paws to Consider


Book Description

The authors of "Good Owners, Great Dogs" provide the straight scoop on selecting the perfect dog for one's lifestyle and personality. Photos.




The Complete Dog Breed Book


Book Description

Looking for the ideal, perfectly compatible canine companion for your family? Your search ends here. From spaniels to sheepdogs, The Complete Dog Breed Book is all you need to find the perfect pet for your family. Fully illustrated and featuring over 400 of the world's best-loved breeds, this comprehensive guide offers expert advice on keeping, training, and caring for your beloved dog. The book's special Q&A selector charts help you make the right choice as per your lifestyle and convenience. Clear and practical instructions on care cover the essential aspects of looking after a dog, including handling, grooming, nutrition, health, and exercise. The visual training program features step-by-step photographic sequences, explaining the specifics of basic obedience. Tried-and-tested notes on how to identify and prevent common behavioral problems provide a fascinating insight into the behavior of dogs and how we interact with them. The Complete Dog Breed Book is a one-stop manual to help you become the owner of a happy, healthy, and well-behaved dog.




Dogs All-in-One For Dummies


Book Description

The most essential information on dog ownership in one easy-to-navigate book Dogs All-in-One For Dummies offers all dog lovers the latest information you need to choose, raise, and care for your furry best friend from puppyhood to its twilight years. From finding the right dog for your lifestyle and teaching your dog good manners to housetraining, grooming, and knowing when your pet is sick or needs medical attention, this fact-packed guide will serve as your essential dog bible. Features new information on dog showing, agility, going Green, and traveling with your pooch Includes information from Dogs For Dummies, 2nd Edition; Puppies For Dummies, 2nd Edition; Adopting a Pet For Dummies; Choosing a Dog For Dummies; Dog Grooming For Dummies; Dog Health & Nutrition For Dummies; Dog Training For Dummies, 2nd Edition; Dog Tricks & Agility For Dummies 2nd Edition; Housetraining For Dummies, 2nd Edition; Breeding Dogs For Dummies; Mixed Breeds For Dummies; and Understanding Your Dog For Dummies Thorough and timely, Dogs All-in-One For Dummies covers everything from head to tail!




Dogs and Their People


Book Description

Now, in paperback, Steve Diller offers the best of his experience, insights, and advice. He begins by stressing the importance of matching the right kind of dog with the right owner, and provides an extensive list of breeds and their traits. Dogs and Their People contains all the essential ingredients for making truly educated choices.




Dog Tricks and Agility For Dummies


Book Description

The fun and easy way to teach a dog new tricks Dog Tricks & Agility For Dummies (previously titled Dog Tricks For Dummies) makes trick and agility training fun for both you and your dog. You will learn to teach simple tricks, like tail wagging or barking on command to more complex tricks like fetching keys, your dog's dinner bowl, or the laundry. This hands-on guide provides the lowdown on the coolest dog tricks and offers expanded coverage on infusing the thrill of agility (whether for fun or competition) into your dog's life. Push a cart or stroller, run an agility course, play Frisbee and fly ball, and put the toys away Navigate all types of agility obstacles big and small, narrow and wide Prepare your dog for canine good citizen certification Determine if your dog can get involved in pet therapy and what's involved (i.e. nursing homes, children's centers, prisons, etc.) Make your own agility obstacles at home and set up a course Officially enter agility trials