Dogs for Dummies

"Dogs For Dummies is an intelligent, thorough, and humorous reference that should be on any dog lover's list of must-haves." — Duncan C. Ferguson, VMD, PhD, DACVIM, DACVCP, Professor, University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine "This book represents the best dog writing of the year. We honor it with pride." — Mordecai Siegal, DWAA President and Editor of the UC Davis Book of Dogs "Written with intelligence, wit, and heart. If your dog had a credit card, he'd buy you this wonderful guide." — Carol Lea Benjamin, Author of Mother Knows Best, The Natural Way to Train Your Dog "…filled with a wealth of practical information for dog owners that stands tails above the rest — two paws up." — Darris O. Hercs, Executive Assistant Director, SPCA, Oakland, CA

Named "Best of the Best" by the Dog Writers Association of America!

Have you considered buying or adopting a dog but aren't sure where to begin? Are you intimidated and confused by the hundreds of dog breeds from which to choose? Do you know how to properly bathe, groom, feed, and care for your new puppy or dog once you've gotten home? Dogs For Dummies^® is your handy guide to selecting, buying, and caring for the puppy or dog who's right for you! This fun reference covers all the dos and don'ts as well as the rights and responsibilities of dog ownership, providing you with plenty of tips on everything from how to train your dog to what kind of toys, food, and treats to buy! Inside, you'll discover how to:

• Choose the right dog to fit your lifestyle
• Purchase a puppy or dog from a reputable breeder
• Adopt a dog or puppy from a shelter or rescue group
• Buy all the doggie equipment and accessories you need, including toys, bones, bowls, collars, and leashes
• Raise and maintain a healthy and happy dog through proper diet and exercise
• Choose a veterinarian who's right for you and your dog
• Solve your dog's simple behavior problems or determine whether obedience school is needed
• Make traveling with your dog a breeze

About the Author Gina Spadafori is an award-winning pet care columnist for the Universal Press Syndicate whose articles have appeared in newspapers across the country. She is coauthor of Cats For Dummies^® and has written for several national magazines, including the AKC Gazette, the official magazine of the American Kennel Club. Gina currently has her own section in the Pet Care Forum of America Online called "Gina Spadafori's Pet Connection." Her love for animals keeps her active on the board of directors for the Dog Writers Association of America. The DWAA twice awarded her with Best Newspaper Column honors and named Dogs For Dummies as the best general reference of 1996.