Synopses & Reviews
In his #1
New York Times bestselling autobiography
Breaking the Surface, Greg Louganis included loving portrayals of his protectors and closest friends: his dogs. Now Greg, a breeder and trainer of Harlequin Great Danes, has teamed up with award-winning animal writer Betsy Sikora Siino to create an extraordinary guide to dog ownership.
Greg's distinctive philosophy and practical tips -- hich have produced his best-in-breed winners -- illuminate every page of this special volume that puts the dog's best interests first. Here are insights into choosing a dog, basic care, training, exercise, and nutrition -- and an overview of every stage of a dog's life. Passionate in his opinions and wonderfully effective, Greg includes:
- Cures for chewing, barking, biting, and other so-called behavior problems
- Answers to the great housetraining disputes -- including the pros and cons of crating
- Specific feeding programs for optimal nutrition -- and for combating the greatest health threat to your dog: obesity
- An exercise program for the canine athlete (and they're all athletes!)
- Training tips for obedience, showing, and search-and-rescue
- Preventive medicine, common illnesses from nose to tail, and age-related concerns
- Advice on breeding, whelping, adopting your second (third, fourth...) dog, and more!
For The Life of Your Dog is an inspiring and eye-opening reference. Delivered with Greg's delightful candor, his sound advice makes it a classic for new and long-time dog owners -- and anyone who has ever loved a dog.
Review
People His advice about caring for four-legged family members, from birth to old age, is as carefully balanced as his spectacular dives.
Review
The Knoxville News-Sentinel If you are thinking about getting a dog, please check this book out first. It may affirm your decision or stop you. Either way, the dog wins.
Review
Bloodlines (United Kennel Club, Inc.) This book is excellent....Well-founded and well-researched.
Review
Seattle Times Delightfully refreshing....Give Louganis a 10 for his compassionate realism and infectious energy in this unvarnished portrait of man's best friend.
About the Author
Greg Louganis is a four-time Olympic gold-medal diving champion. His #1 New York Times bestselling autobiography, Breaking the Surface, was published in 1995. He lives in Malibu, California, where he raises and trains Harlequin Great Danes, a championship Jack Russell Terrier, and a best-in-breed Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Table of Contents
CONTENTSPreface: The Dogs in My Life
Foreword
Introduction: My Life with Dogs
PART ONE: A LIFETIME COMMITMENT
1. A Member of the Family
2. A Responsible Owner
3. Weighing the Options: Mutts vs. Purebreds, Puppies vs. Older Dogs
4. The Big Decision: Evaluations and Lifetime Choices
PART TWO: THE JOYS AND PAINS OF PUPPYHOOD
5. Through a Puppy's Eyes
6. The Puppy Comes Home
7. Housetraining Made Easy
8. Early Education
9. Puppy Health and Well-Being
PART THREE: THE PRIME OF OUR LIVES
10. A Whole New World
11. The Home Routine
12. The Canine Athlete
13. Midlife Health and Well-Being
PART FOUR: THE GOLDEN YEARS
14. A Bond Like No Other
15. Geriatric Health and Well-Being
16. The Hard Good-Bye
17. The Circle of Life
Sharing Great References
Acknowledgments