"Dog: The Definitive Guide For Dog Owners" by Bruce Fogle really does live up to its title. It is a very comprehensive, and yes definitive, guide to dogs for dog owners. It is not an encyclopedia of dog breeds, but rather a guide that takes you through the life stages of your dog, including birth, puppy hood, adolescence and adulthood. This is a very informative book that covers everything a person needs to know about the life of their dog.
This is a large book, with a lot of information, and also plenty of great photographs that will be sure to delight dog lovers of all kinds. The book contains a lot of general information about dogs, but then also specifics that will benefit any dog owner, regardless of the breed owned, in fact, there is even a chapter on choosing a new dog, but I'm getting ahead of myself.
After an interesting introduction, chapter one is on how dogs became dogs. Short informative history with great color photographs. From there, chapter two covers how dogs are classified. If you have ever seen a dog show, and wondered how they classified the breeds, wonder no longer. This chapter explains how they do it. Chapter three then focuses on modern dog breeds. Good introduction to various breeds, but not as complete as a book solely on this topic. Chapter four then addresses what makes a modern dog. This chapter provides some interesting information that you don't see included in many dog books.
Chapter five is on puppies in the family pack. It contains information on mating, birth, feeding, and such. Then chapter six covers our relationship with dogs. The section on biting and bites was especially informative for me. Chapter seven provides good information regarding choosing a new dog. Practical advice for anyone wanting a new dog.
The next chapters focus on the life cycle of dogs and begin with chapter eight and canine infancy, then chapter nine on canine puppy hood, chapter ten on canine adolescence, chapter eleven on adulthood, chapter twelve on the older dog, and concluding with a short chapter on a dignified end. These chapters really do cover a lot. Information about anything you need to know about owning your dog is covered here. Training, behavior, socializing with other dogs, feeding, grooming, exercise, health and first aid, traveling, and many other special concerns are covered within these pages.
Sure, you don't need to read and learn about dogs to own one, but the information in this book can make owning a dog easier and happier for both you and your canine friend. This is an excellent resource for any dog owner to have on their shelf.
Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author of Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks.
