I've been a dog owner for my whole life. Every one of my dogs has gone through at least basic obedience. I found the information on behavior to be light, general and based on common sense. Probably a good starting place for a beginner. Bot if you've had a bunch of dogs, like people they are all very different. What floats one dog's boat does nothing for the next one. I was hoping for more insight on curbing bad dog behavior.
This book is pretty conventional but it is well written and informative, and it has a definite place in all dog-lovers library. I also like that it has a lot of pictures which makes it easy and fun to read.
It would make a great gift for someone who is thinking about getting a dog and to all the new dog owners.
I would recommend this book TOGETHER with "The Whole Dog Journal's Guidebook to Dog and Puppy Care and Training". These 2 make a perfect package: whatever one is missing, the other has!
Excellent primer
For the past month, I've been up to my elbows in a variety of dog manuals trying to learn the ins and outs of choosing and owning a dog. All of them have been pretty good, but I have to say that this one is by far the best of the lot.
Not only is it lavishly illustrated and written in a very laid back, easygoing style that makes it accessible to anyone from age 9 to 90, it's comprehensive to the point of being encyclopedic. This book covers it all, from the temperament of 50 popular dog breeds and their suitability for city or country living, from common behavioral problems (such as barking, chewing, and anxiety). So in that regard it truly is the bible of dog manuals. That's not to say that it's not the only book worth having or that there aren't other good books for the first time owner, but that it's the perfect primer, in that it introduces you to all the most important things you need to know before picking and choosing a dog.
I can't recommend it highly enough.
Highly recomended
The book arrived on time and in new condition. It has everything from training techniques to health issues. This book covers all the basics you need to know when owning a dog... and a little more w/o being too much info.
