Raising a Puppy

by Liz Palika

Book Overview

Feel the full furry force of puppy love with this indispensable guide to our canine chums. You're guaranteed help every step of the way as you take on the responsibilities and rewards of owning a... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0789489473
• ISBN13: 9780789489470
• Release Date: November 2002
• Publisher: DK Publishing (Dorling Kindersley)
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.5" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

The BEST Puppy Resource

This is an EXCEPTIONAL resource that stacks up to a mountain of other books, videos, and friendly advice from just about everyone. Before buying this book (on impulse during a pre-adoption "scouting mission" for equipment at a local pet store), I'd already acquired a half-dozen dog books, and as many videos (along with umpteen recordings of dog training shows on Animal Planet). I was not feeling the slightest need for another resource on how to raise our new dog. Until this very thorough work caught my eye.This book is superbly clear, well organized, and visually entertaining. It trumps everything else in my substantial library of resources. (Okay, okay. Yes, I was afraid I'd screw up the little wonder's life -- and mine in the process.)Ms. Palika addresses virtually every conceivable issue clearly and directly. Her well-crafted advice is presented in a very appealing, inviting format that has become the publisher's trademark. The book's Table of Contents and index make quickly accessing vital information fast and easy in this well-structured handbook. Not only will you easily find what you're looking for, you'll get specific, understandable, definitive guidance when you land there.Whether you are about to adopt a puppy, or already brought one into your life, you need competent guidance. If you could only buy one book on raising your puppy -- easily and happily -- into a successful lifetime companion, without question this is the ONE.

Adorable Puppies

If you are thinking about adopting a new puppy, this is an excellent resource. If you walk past a pet store and see a cute puppy, you might want to read this book first. There are excellent ideas like bringing a puppy home on a day when you will be home the next day or maybe for the weekend. Puppy proofing a house is also a great idea. Especially since "chewing on everything" is an expression of basic canine hunting instincts. Do you have a baby gate? You might want to buy one. There are grooming supplies, cleaning supplies and toys to think about. I had never considered the danger of electric cords. You mean they chew on those too? Yikes. This book was truly enlightening. For example, you should not buy a puppy that is not at least 9 weeks old because there is a "critical fear" period in which puppies who are frightened for any reason will become a lifelong fear. Even a car ride or a trip to the Vet could make them afraid of Vet visits and car rides. The Main Sections: So You Want a Puppy - Are you ready for a new puppy? How to decide on the type of dog you want to own. There are more than 400 dog breeds to choose from. There is also information on the types of breeds that require more frequent grooming. Do you want an active breed like a Shih Tzu or a laid-back breed like a Golden Retriever. Bringing Home Your New Best Friend - All the essentials. What you should do before bringing a new puppy home and how to set household rules, prepare for housetraining and the essential first 24 hours. Do you have any poisonous plants in your yard? Is your fence secure enough to prevent escapes? How do you housetrain? Some great ideas about "not using newspapers" because apparently this is a bad idea in the long run! Your Puppy's Health - Everything from the first visit to the vet to what your puppy should eat. Also helpful information for emergencies. There is a lot to think about in this chapter including vaccinations, spaying and neutering. How to Train Your Puppy - Interesting tips on how to be your puppy's teacher. How you can use training to avoid trouble. If you don't want your puppy to chew on his leash, you can simply dip it in vinegar. There are simple ways to show your puppy you are the leader of the pack. Liz Palika also gives "Ten Simple Principles for Successful Training." You start with the basics and then work your way into "boundary training." More to Do... and Learn - What are the beset games and toys? Also a section on "Why Does My Puppy do That?" You will find out some creative ways to get a puppy to stop barking. If you are trying to decide between owning a cat or a dog, this book will defiantly help you see if you are a "cat OR dog" person. You might be both. KISS books have so many great extras and pictures. You will find Trivia, definitions and website addresses. The pictures in this KISS book are especially cute. A must-read for anyone thinking about adopting a new puppy. ~The Rebecca Review

puppy readiness 101

This is an excellent book for someone thinking of bringing a puppy into the home. A realistic and helpful guide this is different from the Idiot's and Dummmies series in that it is much easier to leaf through. The color coded sections make it easy to flip to a section you need and the pictures are awsome (as with any dk book!) Liz Palika's advice and knowledge are excellent and I know I feel better armed for puppy rearing with this book on my shelf.

Great real-world basics for raising a puppy.

This book is a must read before getting a new four-legged friend.Liz Palika shares her extensive years of dog training, her insight and love of canines in her newest book.The five color marked sections, illustrations and summaries give a quick reference to raising a happy and obedient puppy.

Best Puppy Book I've Seen

This book is well organized and easy to read. It is beneficial to the first time puppy owner to the more experienced. Sections on training and first aid are great for all owners. I highly recommend it for all.