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Dogs For Dummies
 
 
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Dogs For Dummies [Paperback]

Gina Spadofori (Author), Marty Becker (Author)
4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)

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Paperback, Aug 23 1996 --   -- --
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Dogs For Dummies Dogs For Dummies 4.3 out of 5 stars (7)
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Dogs for Dummies should be required reading for anyone considering purchasing or adopting a dog. In this comprehensive, yet concise and entertaining book, author Gina Spadafori, pet care columnist for Universal Press Syndicate and host of AOL's "Gina Spadafori's Pet Connection," makes a strong case for researching breeds and considering how certain types of dogs will or won't fit an owner's lifestyle. She doesn't pull any punches in describing the fate of dogs who have been wrongly chosen by well-intentioned owners, then given up for possible adoption, but probable euthanasia, because they are too active, too aggressive, poorly trained, or, appallingly, because they don't fit in with the owner's décor.

For readers considering a purebred dog, Spadafori provides extensive information on selecting a breed that will fit an owner's lifestyle, including sources of possible breeders such as magazines, Internet sites, and AKC breed clubs, and tips for screening breeders to weed out the unscrupulous or the ignorant. She strongly encourages adoption of shelter animals, though, pointing out that many of the dogs who wind up in shelters are healthy, young, and lovable animals who would make excellent pets for the right people. She recommends proceeding with caution when shopping pet stores for puppies due to the high percentage of pet store puppies that come from puppy mills where animals are bred indiscriminately and often kept in horrifying conditions. Likewise, she discourages purchasing puppies from "backyard breeders" believing that this only encourages irresponsible pet ownership by giving owners a reason to keep breeding their pets rather than altering them.

Once a breed or type of dog has been selected, Dogs for Dummies moves on to the practical aspects of ownership, including bringing home a puppy or adult dog, feeding and grooming, veterinary care from puppyhood to old age, training and dealing with behavioral problems, and traveling with pets. One of the most interesting chapters of the book debunks common myths about dogs--that a barking dog won't bite, for instance. Spadafori even includes a chapter on silly tricks to teach your dog and another on "must-see" dog sites on the World Wide Web.

From Library Journal

Dog owners of the world, rejoice! Whether you are a dog owner wannabe or a seasoned veteran, there is something useful, interesting, or entertaining for you in this handy reference of practical canine information. For those purchasing a dog, the first chapters present the important factors to consider. Readers with Internet access will appreciate the references to helpful listservs, newsgroups, and web sites. For those who already have a dog, valuable chapters cover the necessary equipment and supplies, early puppy training, veterinary care, house training, grooming, and more advanced basic training. The author, a syndicated pet-care columnist and host of "Gina Spadafori's Pet Connection" on America Online, offers sound advice on breeding, caring for aged animals, and traveling with Fido and provides a thumbnail sketch of various competitions. The "Dummies" icons make particularly useful information easy to locate. Highly recommended; public libraries will want to have more than one copy?it's sure to be popular.?Edell Marie Schaefer, Brookfield P.L., Wis.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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You don't have to spend much time looking at dogs to realize that our canine companions may have started out was wolves, but we've meddled some since then with amazing results. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews

7 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
4.3 out of 5 stars (7 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars A MUST For Dog Lovers, July 15 2003
By 
A. Vegan (Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Dogs For Dummies (Paperback)
I borrowed this book from the library and telling from the condition it's in, it seems to be pretty popular. If you're thinking about getting a dog, this book needs to be on your reading list.
I'm planning on adopting a dog in the near future and after reading this book, I feel a lot more confident than I did before. This book covers everything! Crate training, breeding, feeding, toys, first aid.. if it has to do with dogs, it's in this book. This book should be required reading for anyone who is thinking of getting a dog.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Getting a Dog is a Big Deal !, Feb 1 2004
By 
This review is from: Dogs For Dummies (Paperback)
This is an excellent book and I would recommend it highly. Compared to what a dog costs it is cheap. No brainer - buy it but read it also.

People make many mistakes when buy or receive dogs or cats as a gift. These little creatures depend on us exclusively to take care of them, feed them, take them to the vet, etc. and for time periods up to 15 years or more. So it is a major commitment when you get that dog. Just like children, but less so!

I think it absolutely essential that every dog owner read this book or something similar before they get the dog. Training the dog to have proper house manners and to follow simple instructions will be critical to its (and your) happiness, make a safer pet, and have it get along with other dogs and people. Dogs can either be either a very positive or a very disruptive force in a household. If they are too disruptive, you will want to get rid of the dog.

So this book is about training you the owner first and then hoping that you can use your knowledge to train and take care of your pet for many happy years.

Jack in Toronto

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5.0 out of 5 stars The best dog training and reference book ever!!, Dec 10 2003
By 
Robin Banes (Fort Worth, TX (exiled from Seattle)) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Dogs For Dummies (Paperback)
This book should be required reading for all dog owners and prospective dog owners. Gina Spadafori really knows her stuff. There is invaluable information on chosing the right dog for your family as well as training techniques. The discussions on dog psychology and dog behavior based on pack structure give real insight into keeping your dog happy and well-adjusted AND obedient. Four paws up!!
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