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Arguably, there is no animal in the world that can offer you the amount of unconditional devotion as a dog. The period of puppyhood can be the toughest and most delightful era in your dog’s life. Each puppy, as it grows into doghood, facesI LOVE DOGS!–I LOVE DOGS!and sees – the world in different and unique ways. Some puppies thrive on human interaction; others prefer an independent lifestyle. Some love the general mayhem that small children create; others find the commotion less thrilling. Your puppy will grow up to be your friend, keeper, and voice.
Puppies For Dummies is for anyone interested in exploring this momentous era in a dog’s life. Whether you already have a puppy curled at your feet (or chewing at your shoelaces), or if you’re still in the thinking-about-it stage, this clearly written and easy-to-understand guide will help you to

• Choose the perfect puppy
• Raise a well-mannered, happy puppy
• Housetrain your puppy quickly and effectively
• Provide proper puppy care and nutritionKeep peace between kids and puppies

Find out how to create a lasting relationship between your puppy and you. Explore different training methods to fit your puppy’s needs. Puppies For Dummies also covers the following topics and more:

• Finding a puppy that fits your lifestyle
• Where to get your puppy
• Shopping for puppy supplies
• The five stages of development
• Teaching your pup some control and manners
• Ensuring the fitness and health of your puppy
  Fun games and tricks

Having a puppy and experiencing it grow up to be full-grown dog is an amazing journey that will never be forgotten. With a focus on behavior and relationship, this book will show you everything you need to know about your puppy so that it will grow up to be a healthy, playful, and well-mannered dog.
Customer Review: Terrible book -- not enough detail and too superficial
When I adopted my puppy, this book was recommended to me. I dutifully went out and bought it. As I was reading it, it had many suggestions for what you should do but no tangible examples of implementing those suggestions. For example, they might say "don't hit your puppy with a rolled up newspaper" however they don't necessarily give you a reasonable alternative. I believe this to be more of a function of the editing by the "dummies" staff than a reflection on the author. In what I can only interpret as his own editorial comment on the book, my puppy proceeded to pee on this book -- needless to say, after that we threw it out. I went back to the bookstore and picked up: "You and Your Puppy" by James DeBitetto, Sarah Hodgson Sarah Hodgson is the author of this puppy book but somehow, with the addition of James DeBitetto, there are much more real-world suggestions for how to train your puppy. Many of the passages are word for word the same as the dummies book. However, instead of having just one paragraph about a topic, they expand on it and give you additional detail so that you can translate their "theory" into practice. In short -- the Puppies for Dummies is not really very good for people who are truly interested in learning a humane and positive way to raise their puppy. It is basically the USA Today of puppy books -- just scratching the surface without providing any meaningful information.
Customer Review: A Good Start, but By No Means A Complete Reference
I just want to lay out that no one book covers everything. A blend of various resources must be examined when venturing out into puppy-ownership-land. This book is good to acquaint you with the basics: assessing your lifestyle, gearing yourself (and family) up for owning a puppy, doing your homework on the breed, where to buy, what to get for the puppy (and your home)puppy stages, common problems, helpful tactics and solutions to said problems and fun stuff: training, games and commands. This book or the Complete Idiot's Guides are fine for this. I also recommend, like others, The Art of Raising a Puppy by the Monks of New Skete. Then, I recommend getting a breed specific book about training your dog. Breed profile books are helpful as well, but the real difference between each dog is temprement and breed-specific details, that usually rear themselves during the house-training and obedience training. Also, contacting the American Kennel Club and finding your breed's Club and asking breeders questions is also a good idea. Obviously, this advice is more geared towards purchasing a purebred puppy, but every breed also has Rescue chapters, if that is what you want. And, as always, ask your friends with dogs (who have taken an active role in puppy-rearing) and ask them questions and compare what you've learned. Visit their vet and ask them questions too. Once you get your puppy, I would also hang on to the breeder's info because they will continue to be a resource for the life of your dog and beyond. If this sounds like a lot of work or too much trouble, I would not recommend getting a pet. I do not mean to sound self-righteous, but I think raising a puppy is right up there with parenting, also something to be taken seriously.


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