Small Dogs, Big Hearts: A Guide to Caring for Your Little Dog , Revised Edition (Paperback)

by Darlene Arden (Author) "The ever-growing popularity of small dogs that I predicted when I wrote The Irrepressible Toy Dog has certainly come to pass..." (more)
Key Phrases: United States, Shih Tzu, Italian Greyhounds (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Small dogs can bring big rewards!

Small dogs are charming, intelligent, and loving, but they can also be overly energetic, manipulative, and stubborn. How do you ensure that your little dog becomes a fun, feisty best friend rather than a tiny terror?

Small Dogs, Big Hearts is an updated and expanded edition of the classic The Irrepressible Toy Dog. It features the very latest, safest, and fastest training methods for little dogs. There's no need to use training methods from the past that don't work well with most dogs, let alone little ones who view the world and their owners from a very different vantage point. You'll find everything you need to know to train your little dog, from housetraining to house manners, in this updated volume.

Small Dogs, Big Hearts follows the small dog from puppyhood through the senior years, giving advice on important topics such as:

• socialization
• housetraining
• behavior
• nutrition
• healthcare
• pampering your pint-sized pooch

With lots of adorable photos, you'll see small dogs at their most charming while you learn to bring out the best in your little bundle of love.

Darlene Arden is widely acknowledged as an authority on small dogs, and is the author of many books and articles about dogs and their care. A member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, she is a certified animal behavior consultant and a regular contributor to Animal Radio Network.

Words of Appreciation for this book and its predecessor include:

"The voice of experience speaks about the hidden (and not so hidden) life of Toy dogs. Darlene Arden's sensible and practical advice is a must for would-be Toy dog owners. -Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman, Tufts University, Author of The Dog Who Loved Too Much

"Small Dogs, Big Hearts is an invaluable treasure of information… It includes every aspect of puppy care from infancy through adulthood. It is precise, beautifully written, and easily understood by both the professional dog exhibitor and the owner of a beloved family pet. Every person who contemplates purchasing a dog or who has a dog should own this book." - Victor Joris, AKC Toy Group Judge.

"Darlene Arden has come up with an informative book which, just like the little creatures that inspired it, manages to be of serious intent and at the same time entertaining. A thorough instruction manual for small dogs in general, it delves into the breed-specific joys and idiosyncrasies of these mini-sized canine charmers as well."- Lilian Barber, Author, The Italian Greyhound, 21st Century.

"For anyone who has owned a small dog, the best book ever written has been written by Darlene Arden." - Martha Smith, Providence Journal Bulletin.

"At last, we have a book devoted to Toy dogs written by an authority on Toy dog care…This book would be a worthwhile addition to any dog fancier's library." - Glenna Fierheller, Dogs in Canada.

"Arden's breezy, unassuming portrait of the Rodney Dangerfields of dogdom captures everything from their blue-collar feistiness to their charming insouciance." - Ranny Green The Seattle Times.

"If you've never considered yourself a 'small dog person,' this book could change your mind. If you've always loved Toys, you'll feel vindicated. And if you're considering a change of dog to a smaller breed this book will help you to avoid what could be fatal mistakes. The Irrepressible Toy Dog provides good advice for anyone with a dog, but for the Toy person it's a gift of understanding that will shatter the myth that all little dogs are or should be nasty, snappy brats. Brava!" -Karen L. Overall, MA, VMD, PhD University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. 

A Howell Dog Book of Distinction.

From the Back Cover
Small dogs can bring big rewards!

Small dogs are charming, intelligent, and loving, but they can also be overly energetic, manipulative, and stubborn. How do you ensure that your little dog becomes a fun, feisty best friend rather than a tiny terror?

This revised and updated edition of the classic The Irrepressible Toy Dog follows the small dog from puppyhood through the senior years, giving advice on important topics like:

• socialization
• housetraining
• behavior
• nutrition
• healthcare
• pampering your pint-sized pooch

With lots of adorable photos, you'll see small dogs at their best while you learn to bring out the best in your little bundle of love.

Small Dogs, Big Hearts also features the very latest, safest, and fastest training methods for little dogs. There's no need to use training methods from the past that don't work well with most dogs, let alone little ones who view the world and their owners from a very different vantage point. You'll find everything you need to know to train your little dog, from housetraining to house manners, in this updated volume.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House; Revised edition (June 26, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471779636
• ISBN-13: 978-0471779636
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 7.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #76,937 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Small Dogs, Great Book, July 16, 2006

By	Diane M. Smith (Lexington, VA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Small Dogs, Big Hearts: A Guide to Caring for Your Little Dog, by Darlene Arden, is simply a wonderful book. It takes the reader on a journey from puppyhood to adulthood and old age, in sickness and in health. Arden carefully points out the many ways in which the Toy breeds have unique needs that larger dogs do not have, at the same time emphasizing that they are indeed dogs and so benefit from training in exactly the same ways as larger dogs.
One of the most interesting points pertinent to this is the discussion of dog training in Britain, where dogs are ubiquitous but also welcome everywhere, because dog owners in the United Kingdom take for granted that all dogs should be well socialized and trained regardless of their size. This is particularly important in the case of Toy breeds, because they can turn into obnoxious little monsters if they are untrained and spoiled. We've all run into these Lap Sharks; they aren't that way because they're small, but because they haven't been trained.
The book contains a wonderful section on nutrition, noting that the energy needs, pound for pound, of a tiny dog are much higher than those of a large dog because of their higher metabolism rate. Furthermore, the author explains the special needs of Toy dogs when they are faced with medical problems, surgery and anesthesia. For example, during surgery, fluid levels and internal temperature control are critical in these dogs. Little dogs, when they fast for surgery, may experience precipitate decreases in blood sugar.
There is a fascinating section, with photos, on the various breeds of Toy dogs, their characteristics, personalities and any genetic problems. Also, in mid-book, there is an unbeatable group of color photos, page after page, absolutely delightful.
The author concludes with an appendix that includes traveling with small dogs; clothing (little dogs get cold!); supplies, toys and training aids; treats; and stuff for you, the owner.
I can't say enough good thinngs about this fine book. You'll like it even if you don't have a Little dog; you'll like it even if you don't have a dog at all.
Diane M. Smith, CVT (certified veterinary technician)

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Irrepressible Toy Dog, November 21, 1999

By	N. Ross (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Irrepressible Toy Dog (Hardcover)

I loved this book. I exhibit and breed Pekingese dogs. Most books geared to dogs in general and toys have their own special needs. This book not only covers toy dogs in general, but the contents on specific breeds are right on the mark. Pekes have very unique problems and this covers all of them. I have shared information on this book with friends and with my vet. Just love it.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The ultimate book on toy dogs, June 16, 1999

By	William A. Wynne (Mansfield , Ohio) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Irrepressible Toy Dog (Hardcover)

The Irrepressible Toy Dog by Darlene Arden is the ultimate reference book for anyone who is considering getting a toy dog. It is also indispensible for those who already have a toy.. Considerable research and experience of at least 37 top authorities on all aspects of the subject of toy care is compiled here and will help anyone to maintain a healthy toy. I like this book because it is so compact, well indexed for quick reference and hits hard on important issues. This is what makes author Darlene Arden's work so outstanding. For example, .basing her personal experience with the Yorkshire Terrier, a breed that has risen from last place in popularity to ranking 9th in all breeds and tops in toys within the last 50 years, Arden is well aware of the disadvantages that go with such popularity. All breeds have the inclination toward inherited deseases With this knowledge she has given each of the 20 breeds covered, the specifics of those various illnesses to which each breed may be prone. a major point of knowledge in particluar, thus encouraging the novice to do more investigation before making that important step in acquiring a toy dog. Arden's stress is on buying from a reputabl;e breeder a most imporant bit of advice to help avoid the inherited problems. The information on housing, care, housebreaking training, and other particular incidentals which are so important because these are small yet real dogs with some special needs, is all here in well headed concise chapters. The book is beautifully printed with fine art drawiungs and photographs showing all ages of the toy dogs Darlene Arden is to be commended for a facinating well written book that will have a long life because it is so needed. With good health and happiness on the part of the pet the reader who makes this book the precise guide certainly will have a great opportunity for gaining --- an Irrepressible Toy Dog