Synopses & Reviews
Written with humor, sensitivity, and sage advice, this is the only dog care and training book readers will need. Perfect for any adult welcoming a dog home, this book is particularly applicable to Baby Boomers, who often become parents to four-legged friends after their children have left the nest.
Many dog care and training books focus solely on either veterinarian-weighted health advice or training methods. In contrast, this book will discuss not only selecting a dog, veterinary visits, diet, grooming, and training, all of which are covered to a greater or lesser extent in the books that do exist, but also exercise, dog psychology and physiology, the physical and mental health benefits of dog parenthood, and human/canine interaction--subjects that other books give short shrift. With information particularly relevant to Baby Boomers, this book will acknowledge the life changes that may leave mid-lifers with just their dogs for support after death or divorce, when confronting an empty nest, or with older family members moving in and making demands on their free time.
This book will be a valuable addition to any dog lover's library, but especially to those in their 40s to 60s, making life better for dogs and their owners simultaneously.
Synopsis
Here is the only dog care and training book youll ever need. With wit, wisdom, and sage advice, noted dog expert Cheryl Smith shows you how to grab life by the leash. She covers everything you need to know about living with, training, and caring for your canine, including where and how to introduce a dog to your household, how to avoid separation anxiety, when to take your dog to the vet, rules for playing tug and other games, and much more.
Synopsis
Here is the only dog care and training book you’ll ever need. With wit, wisdom, and sage advice, noted dog expert Cheryl Smith shows you how to grab life by the leash. She covers everything you need to know about living with, training, and caring for your canine, including where and how to introduce a dog to your household, how to avoid separation anxiety, when to take your dog to the vet, rules for playing tug and other games, and much more.
About the Author
Cheryl S. Smith is a trainer, a successful dog sports competitor, a global lecturer, and a well-respected pet writer. Her previous book from Howell Book House, The Rosetta Bone, garnered the prestigious Best Training Publication and Best Book of the Year awards from the Dog Writers Association of America. She is the host of her own radio show and has appeared with her dogs on HGTV's Gardening by the Yard.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments.
About the Author.
Introduction.
Chapter 1: The Care Crossover.
Dogs in Service.
Crime-Fighting Dogs.
Scent Sense.
Exercise and Weight Control.
Emotional Well-Being.
Research and Medicine.
The Canine and Human Genomes.
Chapter 2: Exercise and Environment.
Starting an Exercise Program with Your Dog.
Warm-Ups and Cooldowns.
Environmental Enrichment.
Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers.
Thinking Outside the Box.
Chapter 3: Training That Works on Beings with a Brain.
How Does Operant Conditioning Work?
Building the Basics with Sit.
Down.
Come.
Walking with You.
Chapter 4: The Doctor Is In.
Choosing a Veterinarian.
Vaccinations and Wellness Exams.
Pest Preventatives.
Spay/Neuter.
Identification.
How DVMs Are More Talented Than MDs.
Chapter 5: The Unmentionable.
Don’t Be Squeamish, Be Practical.
Cleaning Up After Your Dog.
Housetraining.
Chapter 6: Omnivores Together.
Dog Digestion.
Feeding Strategies.
Commercial Dog Food.
Formulating a Home-Based Diet.
Treats and “Human” Foods.
The Advantages of Staying Slim.
Chapter 7: Puttin’ on the Dog.
Different Strokes for Different Dogs.
Tools of the Trade (and How to Use Them).
Bath Time!.
Choosing a Groomer.
Keeping Teeth Healthy.
Nail Care.
Attention to Ears.
Anal Glands.
Chapter 8: Just for Fun.
Play Time.
The Ferrari of Dog Games: Tug-of-War.
Put That Nose to Work: Search and Rescue and Treasure Hunts.
Towser’s Toy Box.
Creating Toy Envy.
Tricks Aren’t Just for Kids.
Dog Playmates.
Chapter 9: Some Serious (and Not So Serious) Shopping.
Collars and Leashes.
Some Management Devices.
Crates, Exercise Pens, and Baby Gates.
Bowls and Other Dining Supplies.
Beds.
Clothes.
Toys.
Chapter 10: How the Dog Senses the World.
The Nose Knows.
Swivel Ears.
Eye See You.
In Good Taste.
Touch Me Now.
Chapter 11: The Unspoken Language.
Paying More Attention to Nonverbal Communication.
Reading Your Dog’s Emotional State.
Using Silent Communication to Your Benefit.9
Chapter 12: Life Stages, Life Changes.
The Treats and Trials of Puppyhood.
Adolescence.
Adulthood.
The Senior Years.
Human Changes.
Chapter 13: Lending a Hand.
Contributing to Your Community.
Animal-Assisted Activities.
School Programs.
Search and Rescue.
Public Demonstrations.
Chapter 14: Personality Profiles.
Matching a Dog to Your Lifestyle.
Breed Encyclopedias, Books, and Web Sites.
Size, Activity Level, and Personality Considerations.
Grooming Requirements.
Finding a Purebred.
Choosing a Rescue Dog.
Chapter 15: Meeting the Family.
Introductions to Humans.
Introductions to Other Dogs.
Introductions to Other Animals.
Special Considerations for Children.
Appendix: Online Resources.
Collars, Leashes, Harnesses.
Dog/Human Care Organizations.
Flea Control Products.
General Dog Shopping Sites.
Miscellaneous Dog Products.
Miscellaneous Organizations.
Registries and Show-Giving Organizations.
Toys and Environmental Enrichment.
Training and Behavior Organizations/Lecturers.
Veterinary and Care Organizations.
Index.