Superdog: Raising the Perfect Canine Companion [Paperback]

Michael W. Fox (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1996

Here is an outstanding guide to developing a dog to be proud of -- yours. This is the work of one of the most celebrated canine behaviorists in the world. The book presents sound guidance on training, essential care and understanding your dog and how to enhance the human-animal bond. This first paperback edition is the successor to the original which sold over 22,000 copies since 1990.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Veterinarian Fox ( Understanding Your Dog ) proposes that we cease regarding our dogs as inferiors and instead refine our ability to communicate with them. The care of one's pet, he argues, is akin to a sacred trust; given that centuries of domestication have served to reduce canine intelligence and resilience, it is morally incumbent on the "human companion" (he balks at the word "owner" because "dogs are more than mere possessions") to provide the four Rs of dog rights--"right understanding, right environment, right breeding and right feeding." Accordingly, Fox clues in the reader to signs that a dog is reasoning or expressing itself, and provides numerous practical suggestions on ways to enhance skills (allowing Pooch to win at tug-of-war, for example, will boost his self-confidence, and subjecting him to mild stress in early puppyhood will make him physiologically more resistant to stress later). Spare in its coverage of rudimentary care (there is no information on housebreaking, little on nutrition), the book will gratify dedicated dog owners with its unwavering respect for animals and their powers. Illustrations not seen by PW .
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

The more pet owners know about their dogs' natural drives and breed idiosyncrasies, the more effectively they can raise well-behaved "superdogs," says animal authority Fox. He discusses dogs' capabilities, explains various canine postures and sounds, and shows how to "decode" canine behavior. Every parent should read the chapter on children and dogs, since Fox notes that "most dogs are biologically unreliable," and often treat a child as if it were a puppy, which, especially in the case of babies, can be fatal. All public libraries should have at least one book on canine behavior; this book will fill a gap. Recommended.
- Helen Sondrol, Lincoln Univ. Lib., Pa.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 210 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House (July 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876057431
• ISBN-13: 978-0876057438
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,759,520 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AN IMPORTANT GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING YOUR CANINE COMPANION, February 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Superdog: Raising the Perfect Canine Companion (Paperback)

I'm surprised noone has commented on this wonderful book yet! This was one of my first dog books (and believe me, I have alot) and it's still one of the best. Michael Fox gives excellent in depth information on the intellegence and abilities of canines. Nearly half the book covers ways to understand the dog's thought process & habits and how to decode the dog's language. I have found all this information to be quite accurate. In addition to these guides, Fox provides important chapters on how to correctly raise a puppy. These completely cover the socialization process and include a chapter on dogs and kids, among other things. Fox also touches on the subjects of the dog's sixth sense and animal rights. The last two chapters provide IQ and Temperment Tests you can use in choosing a new dog or evaluating your own. There is also a helpful appendix of FAQs including bad habits, neutering, and overcoming car fear. Although Fox doesn't provide extensive information on ways to train your dog, the obedience chapter is thorough (and humane) and simple to read & understand. -Great for quick reference! There is a good amount of advice included on types of training methods and theories.

This is a MUST read book for any dog lover!