Synopses & Reviews
These are the books pet owners can turn to for the essential information they need to raise a four-footed family member. There are chapters on
-- Feeding
-- Grooming
-- Housing
-- Health care
-- What to expect from the pet
-- Basic training
-- Teaching tricks
-- Getting active with your pet in your community
The emphasis is on making your pet your friend, and the instruction is from experts, people who not only know the breed of the pet intimately, but remember what it was like to have one for the first time. People like the internationally renowned behaviorist Dr. Ian Dunbar, who wrote the chapter on training. People who've coached novice owners through the joys -- and frustrations -- of pet ownership and who know the consequences of no advice or bad advice, on the owner and the pet.
The Happy, Healthy Pet guides are rich with professional-quality color photos and are designed to be enjoyable and easy to learn from. Pet owners need no longer scramble for reliable information on their breed.
-- For book sales on individual dog breeds, this one tops all others
-- An all-American media -- and family -- favorite
Synopsis
For book sales on individual dog breeds, this one tops all others. An all-American media–and family–favorite.
Synopsis
For book sales on individual dog breeds, this one tops all others. An all-American media- and family- favorite.
Synopsis
Your Happy Healthy PetThe authoritative information and advice you need, illustrated throughout with full-color photographs—now revised and redesigned to be even more reader-friendly!
Powerful, but affectionate. Enthusiastic and fun, but hard working. Playful, yet provocative. Exceptionally intelligent, but sometimes comical. American Pit Bull Terriers are among the most beloved dogs as well as the most misunderstood, feared, and despised. This guide fills you in on the breed's needs and attributes, covering:
- The distinction between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the "generic" pit bull
- Traits to look for in choosing your pet
- Things you'll need to make your pup feel at home
- Feeding, grooming, and healthcare
- The importance of positive yet firm training, socialization, and supervision around kids
- Bonus chapters available on companion Web site
Provide guidance for American Pit Bull Terrier and you will have a loyal companion for life.
Synopsis
Featuring the Best Information, Best Resources, Best Photos and The Best Advice to Raise a Happy Healthy Pit Bull
The American Pit Bull Terrier offers:
- Completely up-to-date resources, including top Web sites of interest to Pit Bull owners
- Expert advice from Dr. Ian Dunbar, internationally renowned animal behaviorist
- An introduction to the exciting world of dog sports from Bardi McLennan, Dog Fancy magazine columnist
- A fresh approach to bonding with your Pit Bull through gentle training, easy care, and fun outdoor activities
- Quick access to everything you need to know about the health and well-being of your Pit Bull
- Full-color photographs of Pit Bulls from puppyhood to adulthood and the golden years
About the Author
Liz Palikais an award-winning author and a well-respected dog trainer. Her work has been published in all the major pet magazines, including
DogWorld, Dog Fancy, AKC Gazette, Cats, Cat Fancy, Dogs USA, Puppies USA,and others. Her work has also appeared in mainstream publications such as
Newsweek,the
Saturday Evening Post,and
Women First. She is the author of more than forty-five books, including
Save That Dog!,which won a Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America and the first ASPCA Pet Overpopulation Award. Her dog training book,
All Dogs Need Some Training,was named one of the ten best training books available to dog owners by
Pet Lifemagazine.
Liz is the owner of Kindred Spirits Dog Training in southern California, where she teaches family pet obedience classes, as well as noncompetitive agility and therapy dog training. She was a founding member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and of the International Association of Canine Professionals.
Table of Contents
Part I: The World of the American Pit Bull Terrier.Chapter 1: What Is an American Pit Bull Terrier?
The Bull Breeds.
The APBT’s Physical Appearance.
The APBT’s Character.
Mythology.
Chapter 2: The APBT Yesterday and Today.
Origins of the APBT.
The Ancient Bulldog.
The Blood Sports.
The Bull-and-Terrier.
Arrival in America.
The Dog of the Day.
Media Monster.
Breed-Specific Legislation.
The APBT Today.
Chapter 3: Why Choose an APBT?
Are You Ready for a Dog?
The Pet APBT.
Working APBTs.
Defective Dogs.
If APBTs Could Choose Their Owners.
Chapter 4: Choosing Your APBT.
Breeder, Rescue, Shelter, or Free?
Finding the Right APBT.
Choosing the APBT Puppy for You.
The Puppy Temperament Test.
Choosing an APBT Adult.
Part II: Caring for Your American Pit Bull Terrier.
Chapter 5: Getting Ready for Your APBT.
A Secure Yard.
Puppy-Proofing Your Home.
Basic Supplies.
The Great Crate.
Puppy Essentials.
Pet Professionals.
Chapter 6: Feeding Your APBT.
Commercial Dog Foods.
Homemade Diets.
Nutrition Throughout Your Dog’s Life.
Changing Foods.
Reading Dog Food Labels.
Seven Mistakes to Avoid.
Chapter 7: Grooming Your APBT.
Brushing.
Bathing Your APBT.
Trimming Toenails.
Cleaning Those Pearly Whites.
Making Your Environment Flea Free.
Cleaning Ears.
Chapter 8: Keeping Your APBT Healthy.
Internal Parasites.
External Parasites.
Health Problems.
Handling Common Problems.
Emergency How-To’s.
When to Call the Veterinarian.
How to Make a Canine First-Aid Kit.
Spaying and Neutering for a Happier, Healthier Dog.
Part III: Enjoying Your American Pit Bull Terrier.
Chapter 9: Training Your ABPT.
Understanding Builds the Bond.
Practical Commands for Family Pets.
Training for Attention.
Teaching Cooperation.
Chapter 10: Housetraining Your APBT.
Your Housetraining Shopping List.
The First Day.
Confine Your Pup.
Watch Your Pup.
Accidents Happen.
Scheduling Basics.
Appendix: Learning More About Your APBT.
Some Good Books.
Magazines.
On the Internet.
Organizations.
Index.