DOGS FOR DUMMIES,2ND EDITION

These days, people's dogs have become bona fide members of the family. Moving from the kennel to the couch, they share our beds, family rooms, and holidays; and they are recipients of our kindest and utmost concern. A pet partnership is a lifetime commitment. Do it right, and your dog will become an important and valuable part of the family for many years. Do it wrong, and you've broken a sacred covenant between humankind and another living being.


Dogs For Dummies, 2nd Edition, is for you if you are looking to adopt a dog, trying to improve the relationship with the one you have, or attempting to come up with fun things to do with your canine companion. This book is also for people who want to


* Choose the right veterinarian

* Explore the dog-breeding business

* Find breed-rescue groups

* Identify canine health problems

* Look for a purebred



It's a "doggy-dog" world, and this easy-to-use guide will help you navigate it. Improve your chances at pet success by knowing how to raise and live with your dog properly. Discover which breed best suits your lifestyle, and if a puppy or adult dog is best for you. Dogs For Dummies, 2nd Edition, also covers the following topics and more:


* Caring for an aging dog

* Choosing collars, harnesses, halters, and leashes

* Considering euthanasia

* Feeding Fido the right way

* House training puppies and adult dogs

* Keeping up appearances with good grooming

* Participating in canine competitions

* Preparing your dog for a disaster

* Traveling with your dog



Award-winning author Gina Spadafori says the lack of accurate information — not the lack of effort or concern — is often the reason for doomed people-pet pairings. With her help, you can avoid the agony. Dogs For Dummies, 2nd Edition, is full of useful tips, how-to advice, illustrations, and photographs (both color and black-and-white). You deserve a healthy, happy, and well-mannered canine companion; and you'll be the owner every pet wants and deserves —informed, responsible, and loving.

Gina Spadafori is affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network and is an essayist for Pets.com. She's also the award-winning coauthor of Cats For Dummies?? and Birds For Dummies??.

Foreword.

Introduction.

PART I: Bringing a Puppy or Adult Dog into Your Life.

Chapter 1: Considering the Canine Possibilities.

Chapter 2: Narrowing the Field.

Chapter 3: Finding Out about Breeders, Shelters, and Other Sources.

Chapter 4: Choosing and Bringing Home a Puppy.

Chapter 5: Adopting and Settling In an Adult Dog.

PART II: Getting the Relationship Off to the Best Start.

Chapter 6: All the Right Stuff.

Chapter 7: Feeding Your Puppy or Dog.

Chapter 8: House-Training Puppies and Dogs.

Chapter 9: Early Puppy Training.

PART III: Keeping Your Dog Healthy.

Chapter 10: Good Grooming.

Chapter 11: Preventive Health Care for Puppies and Dogs.

Chapter 12: Common Canine Health Problems.

Chapter 13: Caring for an Aging Dog.

PART IV: Living Happily with Your Dog.

Chapter 14: Teaching Your Dog Manners.

Chapter 15: Problem-Solving.

Chapter 16: Canine Competitions: Fun Things to Do with Your Dog.

Chapter 17: To Breed or Not to Breed.

Chapter 18: Traveling with Your Dog.

PART V: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 19: Ten Dog Myths - Debunked!

Chapter 20: Ten Questions to Ask When Buying a Purebred Puppy.

Chapter 21: Ten Things You Need to Know to Prepare Your Dog for a Disaster.

Chapter 22: Ten Ways to Have Both a Dog and a Nice Yard.

Chapter 23: Ten Must-See Dog Sites on the World Wide Web.

Index.

Book Registration Information.