Perfect Puppy-Newly Revised & Updated: How to Raise a Well-Behaved Dog [Hardcover]

Gwen Bailey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 19, 2009

Reader's Digest best-selling dog book-for over 11 years-is now fully revised and updated! All of the original edition's positive methods are revisited to create a harmonious relationship based on love and trust.

Acquiring a new puppy is always an exciting experience, but training the little rascal can be exasperating, time-consuming, and not always successful. This revised edition contains a greater emphasis on common behavioral problems-keeping control without using intimidation or punishment, plus much more information on how to set boundaries and enforce behavior standards without being aggressive.

Based on the latest research and training methods, this volume contains:
Fully revised and updated information: An additional 16 pages, updated text, twice as many photos, plus a new design for easy use
New charts: Grids with full-color photos of each breed, their traits, and information to help choose a breed that suits your family and home
Over 500 all-new photographs: Step-by-step instructional and inspirational full- color photographs throughout greatly increase the utility and appeal
Clear, concise, and very easy-to-follow advice:Chapters cover everything from discipline, training, socialization, and handling and grooming
At-a-glance sidebars: The most up-to-date handy tips and expert guidance in brief, informative terms
A puppy's eye-view of the world: This guide offers a clear understanding of how a dog's mind works-the root of becoming a knowledgeable, caring owner.

For anyone who has just brought home a cuddly bundle of fun, The Perfect Puppy is the first step in forming a rewarding, pleasurable, and lasting relationship with man's best friend.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gwen Bailey is an animal behaviorist for a British animal welfare society and is a member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors in England. Bailey is the author of several books including Reader's Digest Adopt the Perfect Puppy.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Readers Digest; Rev Upd edition (February 19, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0762107987
• ISBN-13: 978-0762107988
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #63,978 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Friends often ask how I can be writing 'another' book about dogs, but there is so much to say. You never stop learning about dogs, which is why they are so fascinating and why I am so lucky to have had a career that has invovled them for so long.

I try to make sure that everything I write helps to enhance the life of dogs in some way. They are vulnerable, emotional creatures in a cruel world and need our love and protection. Aggressive owners produce aggressive dogs so all techniques are gentle and friendly, espeically for puppies. You don't need to be domineering with dogs to be successful.

I have been lucky enough to spend all of my adult life, and a lot of my childhood, learning from some of the great trainers and behaviourists. My books pass on as much of that knowledge as I am able to give, put together with all the things I have learnt over the years from the dogs themselves.

I hope they help you with your dog, to solve problems, train him or her to have good manners, and to give both of you a better life than before.

For those of you who have cats, there is just one of my books for you too.

Gwen

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Perfect Puppy Book, April 25, 2009

By 

citywulf (Atlanta, Georgia USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Perfect Puppy-Newly Revised & Updated: How to Raise a Well-Behaved Dog (Hardcover)

I don't have too much to say about this book other than, buy it! Thorough, humane, realistic, this book covers everything about raising, guiding, and training your puppy into a mannerly and happy dog in a way that meets your puppy's needs as well as yours. The focus on play puts it well above others - the author realizes that puppy play is the heart of bonding, and uses that knowledge well. I am completely impressed and have nothing negative to say about this book. Even the printing is impeccable - high quality with beautiful color photographs and a helpful layout. No other puppy book comes close.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive Resource, August 20, 2009

By 

Terry L. Kaul (Ivanhoe, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Perfect Puppy-Newly Revised & Updated: How to Raise a Well-Behaved Dog (Hardcover)

The Perfect Puppy is an excellent resource book that should be read before the decision to acquire a puppy is made. Ms. Bailey includes helpful information about selecting the right puppy for your family as well as detailed information about handling issues after the puppy is in your home. Besides the basics of housebreaking and training, you will learn how to "play" with your puppy, how and where to socialize and how to handle behavior issues such as biting, chewing, etc. The book contains color photos and step-by-step instructions. Ms. Bailey also educates the reader about the "why" behind certain behaviors. Now I understand why my former dog behaved the way she did. How I wish I had this resource on my bookshelf 20 years ago! Buy this book and keep it handy. You will find yourself referring to it frequently during your puppy's first 18 months.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great puppy book, August 3, 2009

By 

Amy Lee - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Perfect Puppy-Newly Revised & Updated: How to Raise a Well-Behaved Dog (Hardcover)

I think this is a great book for people getting a new puppy. It goes over the basics, is a user friendly book, easy to read, and also has lots of photos to help.