Dog Books "For Dummies" Page One
|
Dog Training For Dummies
Puppies For Dummies
Housetraining for Dummies
Golden Retrievers for Dummies
Labrador Retrievers for Dummies
Dog Grooming For Dummies
Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies
Jack Russell Terriers for Dummies
Dachshunds for Dummies
Yorkshire Terriers for Dummies
Chihuahuas for Dummies
Dog Tricks for Dummies
Siberian Huskies for Dummies
Breeding Dogs for Dummies
Bulldogs For Dummies
Shih Tzu For Dummies
Beagles For Dummies
Pit Bulls for Dummies
Boston Terriers For Dummies
Choosing a Dog for Dummies
Boxers for Dummies
Dog Health & Nutrition for Dummies
German Shepherds for Dummies
Features a new 8-page color section
The bestselling guide to making the most of puppy's first year
Bringing home a puppy? This fun, friendly guide to puppyhood prepares you for this tough but terrific
time. From the basics — housebreaking, feeding, training — to the latest on doggie day care, traveling
with a puppy, and the new designer breeds, you get everything you need to help your puppy grow up to
be a healthy, playful, well-mannered dog.
Discover how to
Choose the perfect puppy for you
Socialize your puppy
Stimulate your puppy's growing mind
Use the latest training tools
Keep peace between kids and puppies
That innocent face. Those sad, puppy-dog eyes. Let’s face it: puppies can make anyone’s heart melt.
But without proper training, they can make even the most doting doggie moms and dads’ blood
pressure soar. So before your new puppy has you jumping through hoops, stop and ask yourself, “Just
who is the trainer here?”
Dog Training for Dummies, 2nd Edition, shows you how to select the right training method for your
puppy or adult dog, based on his unique personality, to reach your desired goals. Whether you want to
teach Spike to sit, or want to help Rover master retrieving, this book gives training for you and your dog—
to ensure a mutually respectful relationship with your four-legged family member.
Discover how to:
Understand your dog’s mind
Recognize why positive reinforcement training is key
Master basic training
Survive the puppy period
Deal with doggie don’ts
Seek expert outside help
And much more
With step-by-step instruction in basic commands, guidance on how to eliminate unwanted behavior,
and tips for making training fun for you and your pooch, Dog Training for Dummies is packed with all the
latest techniques and resources you need to make your pal a Top Dog for life.
You just can’t get enough of those big soulful eyes or his cute little antics…until you step in his not so
adorable doggy mess on your new beige carpet. That’s when you know – it’s really time to start
housetraining.
So you’ve made the decision to start housetraining Fido but you have no idea how to go about it. Do you
yell, do you praise, do you give him the evil eye? Housetraining for Dummies takes all the guesswork
out of housetraining your dog and demystifies the entire process. Award-winning author, Susan
McCullough, who specializes in dog training and care gives you all the answers to potty training your dog
– whether it’s a puppy or an adult – in plain English so you can train Fido faster and save your carpet
from those tell-tale stains. You’ll get practical advice about:
Your dog’s instincts and learning style
The right approach for housetraining your dog
Housetraining gear, including crate, collar and leash, and cleanup equipment
Indoor training
Outdoor training
What and how to feed your dog
McCullough shares all of her insider advice as well as her own horror and success stories to make
housetraining as easy as possible for you and your pooch. Housetraining for Dummies includes helpful
tips, reminders, warnings, and information on:
Puppy versus adult housetraining
Recognizing your dog’s potty style
Training your dog to pee on command
Avoidable housetraining mistakes
Problem potty-ers and how to help them
You don’t have to keep sending Fido to the doghouse because of those puddles or piles. Housetraining
for Dummies makes it easy for you to housetrain him so you can both enjoy the great indoors again.
For the past decade, the Golden Retriever has ranked among the five most popular breeds registered
with the AKC, with more than 65,000 Goldens registered every year. The Golden Retriever’s personality
partner who delivered birds to hand and has evolved into modern times delivering whatever suits his
owner’s fancy. Because Golden Retrievers were originally bred to work in tandem with humans, they are
also highly trainable.
Golden Retrievers For Dummies is intended for busy 21st century dog owners who don’t have time to sit
down and read through 300 pages at a crack. This is a reference you can jump in and out of as dog
questions rear their furry heads. This handy guide is also for you if
You own a Golden Retriever or thinking about getting one.
You've just brought home a Golden pup.
You want to find the best way to raise and train your Golden.
You want to help your Golde n to not just survive but to thrive.
Find out what it takes to own this active, intelligent, and friendly dog. Explore the Golden's personality
traits and living requirements. Discover which diseases are hereditary. This reference guide covers all
the aspects of dog ownership, including:
Looking at breeders, rescue groups, and animal shelters
Adopting and caring for older dogs
Selecting a puppy with help from an established testing process
Dog-proofing your house and yard
Crate training, housetraining, and obedience training
Canine communication and growing pains
Feeding, exercising, and playing with your Golden
Dealing with illness, problem behavior, and treatment
Grooming for health and beauty
If you’re serious about this Golden business and not just caving in to the kids or some other wild
impulse, follow the advice of responsible dog owners and breeders. Look deep into your dog-loving
soul and carefully consider the big picture. Love alone is not enough.
You have a picture in your head. A picture of yourself with your practically perfect dog. You’ve always dog
who is gentle and completely in tune to your needs, your whims, and your every move. That perfect dog
is likely a Labrador Retriever. After all, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the United
States, according to American Kennel Club registrations. Labs are beautiful, friendly, adaptable,
easygoing, brave, loyal, dependable, and intelligent. What could be better?
Labrador Retrievers For Dummies is a useful guide to have if you're thinking of getting a Lab or even if
you already own one. Perhaps you're just curious about this popular breed. This handy reference is for
you if you want to
Find out if a Lab suits your lifestyle
Know what to look for in Lab pups
Determine if a breeder meets high standards
Understand health and nutrition needs
Handle emergencies with a cool head
Train your dog with the lure-and-reward technique
Show off your Lab in competitions
You can live a fulfilling life with your Lab by making sure she is socialized, healthy, and well trained.
What better task for humans and dogs than to be great companions for each other? However, you may
need some help in knowing how to get the most out of your relationship with your Lab. This friendly
guide offers that help with the following topics and more:
Exercising your pup and older Lab
Choosing the right veterinarian
Exploring spaying/neutering
Keeping your Lab beautiful with good grooming
Helping your dog deal with divorce, a new baby, moving
Managing barking and whining
Housetraining your new puppy
Traveling to dog-friendly vacation destinations
Choosing a pet sitter or boarding kennel
Volunteering your lab as a therapy dog
Labrador Retrievers are big, energetic, and sometimes boisterous (especially as puppies), and they
don't take care of themselves. They need you. Don't let them need you unless you're ready to be needed.
Handle grooming yourself to save money and bond with your dog
Brush, bathe, and clip your dog like a pro!
Whether your dog is destined for a career in the show ring or a spot on the living room couch, good
grooming is important. This friendly guide shows you how to develop a grooming routine that will keep
your dog clean - and strengthen the bond between you. It includes detailed, step-by-step grooming
instructions for all types of coats.
Discover how to
Train your dog for grooming
Care for nails, teeth, and ears
Use clippers and scissors
Groom specific types of coats
Prepare a dog for the show ring
The Greyhound has been celebrated in song and legend for thousands of years. Nowadays,
Greyhounds are bred almost exclusively for racing. In the bad old days, prior to the 1980s, dogs that didn’
t make the grade at the track, and those past their primes, were destroyed. According to official
estimates, 60,000 of these noble, mild-mannered dogs were destroyed each year! Fortunately, a
number of organizations now exist devoted to rescuing these unwanted dogs and placing them in good
homes.
Thinking about adopting a retired racing Greyhound? Or maybe you’re already sharing your life with one
of these charming animals. Either way, this friendly guide tells you everything you need to know to:
Understand the Greyhound personality
Find a retired racing Greyhound to adopt
Choose the right ex-racer for you and your family
Educate yourself and your retired racer
Give your new pal the diet and exercise it needs
Keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come
With plenty of good humor and straight-talk, Lee Livingood drawing on her forty-years of experience
training adult rescue dogs to cover all the pros and cons of being a retired racing Greyhound owner, and
she fills you in on:
The amazing 8000-year history of the Greyhound
Deciding whether an ex-racer is the right do for you and your family
Physical and behavioral characteristics
How to get a retired racer used to living in a home and be a companion
Dealing with common behavioral and health problems
Feeding, grooming, and exercising a Greyhound
Fun things to do with your hound
Bursting with expert advice on all aspects of living with an ex-racer, Retired Racing Greyhounds For
Dummies is must reading for anyone considering adoption or who’s already taken the leap.
With their spunky personalities, endless energy, and remarkable intelligence, it’s no wonder Jack
Russell Terriers have become a favorite for television ads and Hollywood films. Performing comes
naturally to Jack Russell Terriers (JRTs for short). They love to show off their strange and quirky
personalities, and they have more than their share of fun while entertaining you and themselves.
Despite their winsome ways, Jack Russell Terriers aren’t for everyone. It takes time, patience, and an
unmistakable sense of humor to tolerate their endless antics and tireless energy. For thousands of dog
owners across the country, however, no other breed is worth considering. Jack Russell Terriers For
Dummies is the guide for you if
You're thinking of owning a Jack Russell Terrier
You just brought a new puppy home
You are curious about this popular breed
You already own a JRT and want to know more about its temperament
Jack Russell Terriers For Dummies shows you how to cope with the breed's high energy levels and odd
but common behaviors. You'll become acquainted with the breed standard and look at common faults.
This book also covers the following topics and more:
Distinguishing between a pet dog and a show dog
Deciding if a puppy or an adult dog is best for you
Puppy-proofing your house
Understanding guidelines for obedience training and agility training,
Dealing with behavioral problems such as separation anxiety, aggression, and barking
Finding a great veterinarian
Knowing how to care for your pet: Health, grooming, exercise
Dealing with health concerns specific to JRTs
Jack Russell Terriers are cute, charming, and very smart. They're a big dog in a little dog’s body and are
fun, fearless, and funny to be around. Remember, however, that they also are pushy, extremely active,
and have a voracious appetite for attention. Jack Russell Terriers For Dummies will help you make sure
you’re making a well-educated, conscious choice to purchase one of these little white tornadoes and to
give you the knowledge to keep your sanity after the decision has been made.
Everybody loves a Wiener dog. Their funny bodies with their short little legs, floppy ears, and pleading
eyes make Dachshunds irresistible even to people who claim to dislike small dogs. Also, Dachshunds
are natural clowns. They can keep a room in stitches with their antics and coax one more dog cookie out
of the strictest disciplinarian. In addition, Dachshunds are great with kids, love to play, and can be
extremely affectionate. On the other hand, Dachshunds can sometimes be very willful and hard to train,
often bark a lot, and can rival a Labrador Retrievers in their ability to dismantle your furniture.
Is this playful and inquisitive breed the right dog for you and your family? Dachshunds For Dummies
provides the answer to this and all your questions about getting, caring for and living with this unique
breed. Life-long Dachshund fancier and leading pet journalist, Eve Adamson gets you up and running
with what you need to know to:
Find and communicate with reputable breeders
Choose the right Dachshund for you
Housebreak and socialize your new puppy
Educate yourself and your dog
Handle behavioral problems
Participate in competitions
In friendly, down-to-earth language, Eve provides insights into the Dachshund temperament and loads
of sensible, easy-to-follow advice on everything a Dachshund owner should know—along with fun facts
and Dachshund trivia, and tips on how to have a great time with your Dachshund. You’ll discover how to:
Decide on whether a male or female is right for you
Find and choose your new friend and bring him or her home
Understand how to communicate with your Dachshund
Train your Dachshund
Find a good trainer and attend classes
Deal with emotional conflicts
Feed and exercise your Dachshund
Recognize, prevent and treat common health problems
Have loyal friend for life
The indispensable guide for you and your Dachshund, Dachshunds For Dummies is the only book you’
ll need to help you have the best possible experience with this plucky breed of dog.
So you want to adopt or are thinking about adopting a Yorkshire Terrier. The 6th most popular dog in the
U.S., Yorkies are energetic, playful, and loving companions—and they’re cute as a button! But it’s wise
to know enough about the breed to determine whether or not a Yorkie is the right dog for you. This fun,
friendly guide helps you decide if a Yorkie suits your lifestyle and gives you expert advice on keeping your
dog healthy and content.
Yorkshire Terriers For Dummies is for you if you’re thinking about getting a puppy or adult Yorkie and
want to know the best way to take care of this perky little pet. This guide gives you the straight facts on
everything you need to know about the health and well being of your Yorkie, featuring expert guidance in:
Finding the right Yorkie for you
Preparing your home for the new arrival
Managing nutrition and health
Exercising and entertaining your Yorkie
Handling behavioral problems
From feeding and training to socializing, you’ll see how to meet a Yorkshire Terrier’s special needs and
develop a long and positive relationship with your dog. You’ll discover the most important questions to
ask a breeder and how to select the perfect Yorkie, as well as choose the right supplies. Then, you’ll
see how to acclimate a Yorkie to your home and your family, housetrain him, and set up a daily routine
that works for both of you. You’ll also find savvy tips on:
Making it through the first night with your Yorkie
Finding a veterinarian
Teaching the most important commands
Grooming your Yorkie’s gorgeous long coat
Spotting symptoms of common health problems in Yorkies
Breeding or showing your Yorkie
Complete with an immunization schedule, a guide to puppy-proofing your home, a list of online
resources, and an 8-page full-color insert, Yorkshire Terriers For Dummies is the fun and easy way® to
keep your little Yorkie happy and healthy!
With their apple heads, big round eyes, large pointy ears, saucy expressions, and feisty dispositions,
Chihuahuas are one of the most beloved breeds of toy dogs in the world. But these frisky little dogs aren’
and are miserable when left alone. As pups they’re extremely fragile, although they do outlive bigger
breeds by many years. Housebreaking can be a problem with Chihuahuas, but on the other hand, they’
re very smart, love performing tricks and they never forget what they learn. Some have a tendency to
shyness, but a well-socialized Chihuahua can be every bit as bold as a pit bull.
Is this plucky little pooch the right dog for you and your family? Chihuahuas For Dummies provides the
answer to this and all your questions about getting, caring for and living with this loveable breed. Award-
winning breeder, trainer, author and long-time Chihuahua lover, Jacqueline O’Neil Beauchamp gets you
up and running with what you need to know to:
Find and communicate with reputable breeders
Choose the right Chihuahua for you
Housebreak and socialize your new puppy
Educate yourself and your dog
Handle behavioral problems
Participate in competitions
In friendly, down-to-earth language, Jacqueline provides insights into the Chihuahua temperament and
loads of sensible, easy-to-follow advice, along with fun facts and Chihuahua trivia. Discover how to:
Decide on whether a male or female is right for you
Find and choose your new friend and bring him or her home
Understand how to communicate with your Chihuahua
Train your little peanut
Find a good trainer and attend classes
Deal with emotional conflicts
Feed and exercise your little amigo
Recognize, prevent and treat common health problems
Have loyal friend for life
The indispensable guide for you and your Chihuahua, Chihuahuas For Dummies is the only book you’ll
need to help you have the best possible experience with this saucy and affectionate breed of dog.
One of the reasons we share our lives with dogs is to enjoy their company – while they help us loosen
our grip on this no-nonsense, career-driven world. Once you and your canine pal have serious training
(for obedience, basic good behavior, and so on) under the belt, you can take the edge off by injecting the
whole training process with some fun tricks and games.
Tricks and games are open to dogs of all sizes, shapes, and ages. Every dog can learn to do something
they’ll enjoy. A Poodle, for example, can learn to dance. A retriever needs to fetch. Bichon Frises love
their parlor tricks. Huskies want to pull a sled, herders love to herd, and so on. As for you, the dog owner,
you need to be sure your pooch knows who’s in charge. You need to be the trainer, not the trained,
before you and your dog can move on to tricks and games.
Dog Tricks For Dummies makes trick training fun for you and your dog. You can teach simple tricks, like
wagging the tail on command, and more complex ones, like fetching a soda from the refrigerator. This
handy guide also shows you how to
Use basic commands such as Sit, Stay, Down, and Go.
Teach good manners: Potty in one place, settle in one spot, pick up toys
Identify your dog's personality: Eager Beaver, Comedian, Bully, and more
Keep injuries at bay with a health plan
Teach jumps (and when not to jump)
Have fun in the snow: Sledding, skijoring, and tunneling
Go hiking, backpacking, or carting with your dog
Train your dog to run an agility course
Play Frisbee and flyball
Participate in pet therapy and at kids' parties
Sharing your life with a dog shouldn’t be a militaristic venture, selfishly designed around what you want
your dog to do. Owning a dog is about joining two different species, two different spirits, in a way that will
make the world better for both.
Bred for loyalty, strength and endurance, the easy-going and sociable Siberian Husky is a very pure and
ancient breed, dating back 4,000 years or more. First bred by the Chukchis, a semi-nomadic people of
outdoors. Prized for their great beauty, intelligence, wonderful way with children and lack of “dog smell,”
they are also more free-spirited (and free-ranging) than many other popular breeds, and have a
reputation for stubbornness and relentlessness in pursuit of a goal.
Is this breed right for you and your family? Siberian Huskies For Dummies answers this and all your
questions about getting, caring for and living with a Husky. Siberian devotee—she has eight of her own—
Diane Morgan gets you up and running with what you need to know to:
Find and deal with reputable breeders
Choose the right Husky for you
Hou sebreak and socialize your new puppy
Educate yourself and your dog
Handle behavioral problems
Participate in competitions
In friendly, down-to-earth language, Diane provides insights into the Siberian Husky temperament and
loads of sensible, easy-to-follow advice on everything a Husky owner should know—along with fun facts
and Husky trivia, amusing and informative anecdotes, and tips on how to have a great time with your
Husky. Topics covered include:
Understanding what makes the Siberian different from every other breed
Deciding whether a male or female is right for you
Understanding how to communicate with your Siberian Husky
Training your Siberian Husky
Grooming your Siberian
Finding and establishing a good relationship with a veterinarian
Breaking bad habits in your Husky
Feeding and exercising your Siberian Husky
Recognizing, preventing and treating common health problems
Getting your Husky into sledding
The indispensable guide for you and your Siberian Husky, Siberian Huskies For Dummies is the only
book you’ll need to help you have the best possible experience with this very ancient and venerable
breed of dog.
So what’s the big deal about breeding purebreds? You put two compatible dogs alone together in a
room, lower the lights, put a Barry White CD on the stereo and voila, two months later you’ve got yourself
a litter of purebreds—and the rest is gravy, right? Not quite. Simply breeding dogs takes considerable
space, time, and capital. Consistently breeding mentally and physically sound purebreds, on the other
hand, is a labor of love that involves all of the above and a whole lot more. If you really love dogs then you
need to consult with an expert on the many responsibilities, rules, and regulations dog breeding entails
before you take the leap. And that’s where Breeding Dogs For Dummies comes in.
Written by Rick Beauchamp, professional breeder, exhibitor, and author of numerous books on the care
and feeding of purebred dogs, Breeding Dogs For Dummies fills you in on every facet of the business.
Packed with priceless insider tips and expert advice and guidance, it tells you what you need to know to:
Decide whether dog breeding is really for you
Choose the right breed for you
Create the best possible breeding environment for your dogs
Establish a breeding program
Find the right breeding stock
Comply with all government and AKC regulations
Care for and socialize your pups
Find the right owners for your dogs
Explore what it takes to start a breeding program that will ensure your dogs’ health and enhance their
lineage for fun and profit. Topics covered in detail include:
Selecting breeding stock and keeping track of breed types
Understanding purebred genetics and genotype characteristics
Finding and selecting the right stud dog and brood bitch
Prenatal care, whelping, and raising puppies
Running a successful dog breeding business—including tips on budgeting, taxes, registration, charting,
planning litters, transactions, sales contracts, and more
Breeding puppies involves many responsibilities, but it can also be one of the most enjoyable and
rewarding experiences of your life. Make sure that it is—order a copy of Breeding Dogs For Dummies
today.
Find out how to select, train, and care for your Bulldog
Though originally bred for bull baiting, today's Bulldogs are calm, dignified, and courageous - and make
great pets. Whether you're already a Bulldog owner or you're thinking about becoming one, this friendly
guide will answer your questions and help you and your Bully live happily ever after. From choosing your
dog to training, diet, and health, it's just what you need for Bulldog success!
Discover how to
* Understand the breed and its history
* Buy or adopt a healthy Bulldog
* Housetrain your Bulldog and teach basic commands
* Keep your Bulldog well-groomed and active
* Watch for breed-specific health problems
To know a Shih Tzu is to love a Shih Tzu . . . they’re irresistible, coy, flirtatious, and passionately devoted
companions. They love the good life, and though they can be shrewd (or selectively deaf, or consciously
naïve), the Shih Tzu is so endearing that even “big dog” lovers find themselves swooning over this
adorable breed. But is the Chinese Charmer the right match for you? Shih Tzu for Dummies answers all
of your questions, like:
What is a Shih Tzu really like?
Can I get a Shih Tzu if I have children or other pets?
How difficult is grooming? Can I do it myself or should I get a professional?
How do I find a good breeder? What about a good vet?
What should my Shih Tzu eat?
Do small dogs really need that much training?
How can I teach my Shih Tzu some basic commands?
The Shih Tzu is built for one job and one job alone: to be your close personal friend for life. A dog bred
for companionship must be allowed to do its job, and its job is to be with you. So, if you have the time
(for grooming), dedication (for training), and room (on your lap and in your heart), the Shih Tzu is a small
dog with a lot of love just waiting for a new best friend.
Beagles are an extraordinary breed—no bones about it. They’re cute, compact, fun-loving, and great with
kids. (Not to mention those soulful eyes!) But their sense of humor, independence, and stubborn nature
opened your heart and home to one, Beagles for Dummies answers important questions like:
What are Beagles supposed to look like and how should they behave?
Should I choose a puppy or an adult dog? Male or female?
How do I correct my Beagle’s behavior problems?
What do I need to do to survive my Beagle’s puppyhood?
How can I Beagle-proof my house to keep him (and my stuff) safe?
What should I teach my Beagle to do? How do I teach him?
What health problems is my Beagle likely to have when he’s young? How about when he grows up—or
gets old?
Life with these little hounds can lead to years of merriment, entertainment, and love—but if you think
Beagles are just another hound dog, think again! Whether you want to know everything there is to living
with a Beagle, or just want to skip to a relevant subject (like how to keep him out of the hamper),
Beagles for Dummies gives you everything you need to choose and raise your Snoopy soul mate.
Pit Bulls have an image problem. If you’ve never been around Pit Bulls, you may think they are
bloodthirsty man-eaters on the prowl for their next meal. If you’ve lived with one you know they are,
something irresistibly cute! A breed of satin and steel, Pit Bulls are a mixture of softness and strength,
an uncanny canine combination of fun, foolishness, and serious business.
If you think Pit Bulls should be purged from the face of the earth, Pit Bulls For Dummies will enlighten
you. Perhaps you're curious about this breed and want to know what Pit Bulls are really like; if so, this
book is for you. Who else needs this handy reference?
Smart people who realize that all breeds have good and bad points
New (and not so new) owners who need help with training
Owners looking for just the right veterinarian
Potential owners looking to adopt from a breed-rescue group
Pit Bull owners who need help identifying Pit Bull health problems
Too many dog care books are filled with unrealistic scare tactics that would cause anyone to just give
up, while others are filled with hand-me-down dog lore that has no basis in reality. You won't find any of
that in Pit Bulls For Dummies. Here's a sampling of the handy information you'll find in this essential
guide:
Understanding the Pit Bull's origins and characteristics
Caring for a puppy or older Pit Bull
Keeping your dog healthy with diet and exercise
Dealing with bad behavior: Biting, barking, jumping, and more
Training your Pit Bull in the basics such as sit, stay, heel, and come
Understanding Pit Bull body language
Helping your dog become a social animal
Owning a Pit Bull isn’t easy, but that’s not because of the dogs. A special commitment to the breed and
a special dog owner are needed. Pit Bulls are pretty special dogs, and they have to prove it every day.
Has a Boston Terrier stolen your heart? Whether you’re thinking about adding one of these “American
Gentlemen” to your home or you already have one, this fun, friendly guide is the key to becoming a
responsible and happy puppy parent!
Boston Terriers For Dummies gives you all the basics on raising and living with this intelligent,
affectionate breed. You’ll learn where and how this dog originated, what it needs, and how to determine
if a Boston Terrier is the right dog for you and your family. From feeding and grooming to basic training,
you get all the tips any Boston owner needs to make their dog feel welcome, loved, and well-cared for.
You’ll discover how to:
Understand the breed’s origin and history
Choose the right Boston Terrier for you
Puppy-proof your home and yard
Teach your Boston basic commands
Housetrain and socialize your puppy
Correct Boston behavior gone bad
Handle breed-specific health concerns
Enhance your dog’s quality of life
Travel with your Boston—or find a reputable sitter
Care for the senior dog
Complete with sections on nutrition, first aid, and exercise and play, Boston Terriers For Dummies is the
only guide you need to raise a happy, healthy dog!
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.
Strong, smart, loyal, and self-assured, the Boxer is great with kids and makes a wonderful family pet. A
typical boxer has boundless energy and curiosity and is a natural clown. Although it’s rare to find one
with a mean streak, the breed can be inquisitive to a fault, and the Boxer’s extroverted, comic personality
can drive your neighbors’ cats and dogs up a tree–literally and figuratively. Luckily, those characteristics
are balanced by the Boxer’s intelligence and strong desire to please. Boxers excel at obedience training,
hospital therapy volunteer work, and rescue work, and they make excellent watchdogs as well.
Is this frolicsome clown the right dog for you and your family? Boxers For Dummies provides the answer
to this and all your questions about getting, caring for and living with this loveable breed. Life-long Boxer
owner and long-time Boxer breeder and trainer, Richard Beauchamp gets you up and running with what
you need to know to:
Fin d and communicate with reputable breeders
Choose the right Boxer for you
Housebreak and socialize your new puppy
Educate yourself and your dog
Handle behavioral problems
Participate in competitions
In friendly, down-to-earth language, Rick provides insights into the Boxer temperament and loads of
sensible, easy-to-follow advice on everything a Boxer owner should know–along with fun facts and Boxer
trivia, amusing and informative anecdotes, and tips on how to have a great time with your Boxer.
Discover how to:
Decide on whether a male or female is right for you
Find and choose your new friend and bring him or her home
Understand how to communicate with your Boxer
Train your Boxer
Find a good trainer and attend classes
Deal with emotional conflicts
Feed and exercise your Boxer
Recognize, prevent and treat common health problems
Have loyal friend for life
The indispensable guide for you and your Boxer, Boxers For Dummies is the only book you’ll need to
help you have the best possible experience with this irrepressibly curious and fun-loving breed of dog.
You do everything you can to maintain your optimum health. Doesn’t your best friend deserve the same?
Your dog’s a member of the family and needs the same attention to health and nutrition as you do to
stay healthy, be happy, and live longer.
However, it’s easy to get lost in the pet store’s sea of dog products, passing aisle after aisle of dog food.
Keeping your dog healthy or getting her back on the road to good health doesn’t have to be difficult,
though. Dog Health and Nutrition for Dummies makes it easy to make sure your canine is living a
healthy lifestyle. It gives you expert tips and advice on:
Basic canine healthcare
Feeding your dog
Recognizing and treating common maladies
Caring for the canine senior
Author M. Christine Zink, DVM, PhD is a specialist in canine sports medicine and professor at The
Johns Hopkins University, but above all, a dog lover. She breaks down the complexity of caring for your
pooch into easy terms with helpful reminders, warnings, and information, including information about:
How to choose and work with a vet
Your dog’s anatomy with detailed illustrations
Canine first aid
Drug therapy for dogs
Maintaining your dog’s health with nutrition and exercise
Common household hazards
Dog Health and Nutrition for Dummies gives you all the information you need to properly care for your
beloved canine pal.
Everybody thinks they know the German Shepherd. Many of us grew up with Rin Tin Tin, or we saw
German Shepherds in nightly news reports breaking up riots, or we saw them in neighbors’ backyards
protecting children. But that only scratches the surface of one of the most fascinating and confusing
breeds on earth. Whether it’s selection, nutrition, routine health care, training, competition, or just having
fun, there’s more to it with a German Shepherd than with other breeds. And if you’re thinking about
adding one to your family, or you already have one, you need to know all you can about this breed. Which
is where German Shepherds For Dummies comes in.
Is this noble and intelligent breed the right dog for you and your family? German Shepherds For
Dummies provides the answer to this and all your questions about getting, caring for, and living with this
loveable breed. Lifelong German Shepherd owner and longtime German Shepherd breeder, trainer, and
exhibitor, Carline Coile, PhD ,gets you up and running with what you need to know to:
Find and communicate with reputable breeders
Choose the right German Shepherd for you
Housebreak and socialize your new puppy
Educate yourself and your dog
Handle behavioral problems
Participate in competitions
Dr. Coile provides insights into the German Shepherd temperament and loads of sensible, easy-to-
follow advice, along with fun facts and Shepherd trivia, amusing and informative anecdotes, and tips on
how to have a great time with your dog. Discover how to:
Understand how to communicate with your German Shepherd
Train your German Shepherd
Find a good trainer and attend classes
Deal with hereditary health problems
Feed and exercise your German Shepherd
Recognize, prevent and treat common health problems
Have loyal friend for life
The indispensable guide for you and your German Shepherd, German Shepherds For Dummies is the
only book you’ll need to help you have the best possible experience with this handsome and sensitive
breed of dog.
Copyright 2008 © Barry M. Baker, Canines-and-Felines.com
|