Customer Reviews

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting and Owning a Dog

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Despite its title, "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting and Owning a Dog," isn't for idiots at all. Instead, people who buy it will be savvy dog owners with a plethora of information at their fingertips. I hope people will buy this book before they buy their dog.

This new book by Sheila Webster Boneham is an especially good one for those who have never owned a dog before, or who may have had a dog, but who didn't explore all the facets of dog ownership. She offers a lot of suggestions about what to consider before getting a dog.

She covers everything from selecting a breed that fits your lifestyle, to what supplies you need to get when you bring your pet home. In a chapter on "Size and Other Big Decisions," she asks the important question, "What do you want from your dog?" Many people don't consider this before they bring that cute puppy home, yet the answers will determine whether you have a dog you love, but don't like, or have the perfect canine soul mate.

Boneham handles potentially controversial topics -- like vaccinations and feeding methods -- fairly and objectively. So new owners are aware of the pros and cons, and more importantly where and how to get more information.

Her chapter on "What Every Dog Should Know" has good advice on training and reinforcement. She urges her readers to take their dogs to at least one good obedience class. There is a helpful list suggesting how to tell if an instructor is qualified to teach the class. One suggestion is to not be shy about asking the instructor what her credentials are. As an obedience instructor, I would love to have someone ask me this, because it gives me a chance to brag about my dogs, and the dogs of former students.

A special gem of information is in a section on "Living with more than one dog."

"If you try to apply human ideas about equality and fairness to your family of dogs, you create confusion. For instance, if you try to treat the dogs equally and you alternate who gets a treat first 'to be fair' you undermine the dominant or alpha dog's position. In a pack, the alpha eats first, gets the best bed and controls the resources. If your alpha dog is hogging the chewy toys and you take them from him and divvy them up, you again undermine his position."

So many people do not understand this concept, so it is especially valuable to have it explained in this book for new dog owners.

There's also a nice chapter on canine medical emergencies, including what to include in a first aid kit.

The jacket notes indicate that Boneham competes in a variety of dog sports with her dogs, and does dog-assisted therapy as well. This experience comes through in her well-written book.

All in all, this is a terrific book, at a great price, and one I can heartily recommend to new dog and puppy owners.

Thinking about getting a dog? Get this book. Already have a dog? Get this book! I am putting this book at the top of my recommended books list for my puppy and basic obedience classes. Ms. Boneham tells about dog ownership like it really is. Avoid all the pitfalls of having a dog and learn how to choose and raise a dog you can live with!

This book is must for every potential or real dog owner's bookshelf! Ms. Boneham does an excellent job of helping you through the steps of choosing and living with your dog. The book is an excellent source of of information itself and includes many references, both on the Web and otherwise. In the future, this book will be part of all my puppy's going-to-their-new-home bag.

Actually this is a great book to have if you plan on getting a dog or you already own a dog. Easy to read and understand. It covers everything from A-Z on caring for your dog from a young puppy to the senior citizen. I will recommend this book to all my puppy, basic and advance students.

Are you looking for a dog? Should you buy that "doggie in the
window"? Not sure which breed is right for you? The Complete Idiot's
Guide To Getting and Owning a Dog by Sheila Webster Boneham, Ph.D. has the
answers to those questions plus just about any others that may come to
mind. Starting with whether or not to even take on the responsibility of
dog ownership, moving to training, health care, activities you can do with
your dog and right up to the last mile, the book is an easy read in plain
English. Possibly confusing terms are defined, and the sidebars with extra
info are a nice touch. The sheer volume of information could perhaps be
deterring to the less committed, but the simple presentation should hold
them. I loved the little dog houses holding the page numbers.

The first chapter, "Are You Sure You Want a Dog?" should be in pamphlet
form and required reading for anyone who is considering acquiring a dog for
the first time. As Sheila so aptly says, "Responsible dog ownership
requires a commitment". "Be realistic", she also admonishes.

Another of my favorites was the chapter on how to choose a breeder and who
not to buy from. Excellent, honest information was provided.

I cried through the whole last chapter, "Saying Farewell", in which Sheila
deals with a sensitive and emotional topic with the warmth and
understanding of someone who has had to say good-bye to a beloved pet.

There's something here for everyone, from raw beginner to seasoned pet
owner. Two paws up!

Kay Marks
Aussie Rescue and Placement Helpline (ARPH) Northeast Regional Coordinator
ARPH Dog Committee Chair
GSASA member
Dayspring Australian Shepherds

A must read for every dog owner, and future dog owner. Consider it to be a course in Introductory Dog 101. Simple, yet it works. Wish it had been there, when my first dog joined our household. Would have saved many anxious moments, plus the rugs. Arlene Millman, author of BOOMERANG - A MIRACLE TRILOGY (The tale of a remarkable Boston Terrier).

This is the third book I've read by Sheila Boneham, and as usual its very thorough and useful. I wish I'd had it when I got my current dog, and I'm glad I have it now as she heads into her senior years and we think about getting another pet. This book is a nice read as well as being full of information. You feel like you know the author when you finish. I'd like to meet her and her dogs! I've bought 3: 1 for me and then 2 more to give to friends.

A must read for every dog owner, and future dog owner. Consider it to be a course in Introductory Dog 101. Simple, yet it works. Wish it had been there, when my first dog joined our household. Would have saved many anxious moments, plus the rugs. Arlene Millman, author of BOOMERANG - A MIRACLE TRILOGY (The tale of a remarkable Boston Terrier).