Second-Hand Dog: How to Turn Yours into a First-Rate Pet (Howell reference books) (Paperback)

~ Carol Lea Benjamin (Author) "EACH FALL when summer residents leave the country to go back home, each June when college students disappear rapidly after final exams, or simply when..." (more)
Key Phrases: automatic sit, Mordecai Siegal

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Praise for Second-Hand Dog

"At long last, the book all animal shelters have been waiting for is here: Carol Lea Benjamin's Second-Hand Dog." —Sue Sternberg ASPCA Report

"...goes right to the heart of what it's all about..." —Barbara Dyer, Director Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter

"Benjamin writes with love and sensitivity about caring for pets 'adopted' from a shelter." —Publishers Weekly

"...a solid training program...a great book." —Job Michael Evans, Dog Fancy

"Why a book like this has never before been written is beyond me. It is an invaluable guide to rehabilitating those myriad unfortunate dogs which have either never had a home or have been shuttled from one owner to another, losing confidence, trust and self-esteem every step of the way. It is an absolute must for every owner who wants his second-hand dog to regain the ability to become the warm, loving companion every dog should be." —Kenneth A. Marden President, The American Kennel Club

"...Carol Lea Benjamin has written a witty, sound and thoroughly appropriate book on the extraordinary advantages that each of us who has second-hand pets knows first-hand. If you're thinking about sharing your life with a pet or with another pet, read this book first!" —John F. Kullberg President ASPCA

From the Back Cover

Praise for Second-Hand Dog

"At long last, the book all animal shelters have been waiting for is here: Carol Lea Benjamin's Second-Hand Dog." —Sue Sternberg ASPCA Report

"...goes right to the heart of what it's all about..." —Barbara Dyer, Director Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter

"Benjamin writes with love and sensitivity about caring for pets 'adopted' from a shelter." —Publishers Weekly

"...a solid training program...a great book." —Job Michael Evans, Dog Fancy

"Why a book like this has never before been written is beyond me. It is an invaluable guide to rehabilitating those myriad unfortunate dogs which have either never had a home or have been shuttled from one owner to another, losing confidence, trust and self-esteem every step of the way. It is an absolute must for every owner who wants his second-hand dog to regain the ability to become the warm, loving companion every dog should be." —Kenneth A. Marden President, The American Kennel Club

"...Carol Lea Benjamin has written a witty, sound and thoroughly appropriate book on the extraordinary advantages that each of us who has second-hand pets knows first-hand. If you're thinking about sharing your life with a pet or with another pet, read this book first!" —John F. Kullberg President ASPCA

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House; 1 edition (May 20, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876057350
• ISBN-13: 978-0876057353
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #298,249 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

57 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book has saved two dog/owner relationships, February 3, 2001

By	rodboomboom (Dearborn, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)

Years ago a friend gave me my second Great Pyrenees. It was an unfortunate scene as the owner was moving out of the area to a place she could not take the dog with her. For two days, the dog would not come in the house, and if you've ever tried to move a 130 lb. Pyr who doesn't want to move, you'll do what I did: try every form of bribery, then all that failing, tie her up secure on the back porch.

On the third day, another dog lover gave me this book. It helped me understand how to progress with this wonderful dog who had just been abandoned by her family. This book really worked. Had the dog for over ten years, one of the best relationships with a dog I've had.

Recently some friends got a Large Poodle from a pound and had been going through pain with helping the dog adjust. Gave them this book, and it plus a trainer have did the trick. This book is the thing for these situations.

61 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Falls short talking about adopted/rescued dogs, April 13, 2000

By	E. C. Remhof "ecarley" (The birthplace of flight) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I hate to be contrary, but this is primarily a book about training your dog, not about re-homing a dog. I give the book 4 stars for training suggestions, but only 2 for talking about specific issues for a rescued/adopted pet.

I am disappointed because I'm considering getting a rescued dog and I'd like to know what to expect and how to deal with the specific problems that are unique to second hand dogs.

Some things I wanted to know: What are typical health problems that come with a rescued dog? How do I deal with a dog that is fearful/anxious/depressed? How do I correct my dog without triggering a surprise negative response? How do I get my dog to accept affection? How do we make the dog feel comfortable and safe in his new home?

This book will certainly come in handy for training, but I need some answers about what it takes to rehome and relove a rescued dog first. I'll need to go elsewhere.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for anyone with a second-hand dog, December 17, 1999

By A Customer

I do rescue work, and like this book so much I buy it in bulk and give a copy with each dog I place. It's straightforward, no-nonsense and highly readable. If you're adopting an adult dog, this is the one book you must have. It'll save you and your dog a lot of grief!