PARENTING YOUR NEW PUPPY

It is true that if you put in the effort early, you will be rewarded by a well behaved, attentive, affectionate, intelligent and stimulated dog in later years. Starting from the moment you set eyes on your new puppy, here is sound advice for everyday situations. The book brings a new slant to a well explored subject and proposes significant shifts in understanding why a puppy behaves as he does and what makes him tick. Dogs are born without behavioural issues - it is what happens in the early weeks of life, and the way in which the new owner nurtures, guides and educates him, that will enable the puppy to become a well balanced adult - or not. The authors help you in your initial choice of puppy and show you how to interpret natural canine communication and play, how to use these signals to educate and guide your puppy in a positive way and as his confidence gains you, the parent, will help him become a trustworthy and trusting friend for life. It covers adding a new puppy to your existing pack, introducing him to an older dog, rescue centres, the home breeder and beware the puppy farm, questions to ask, insurance and the vet, dinner time, the first few nights, dealing with new experiences and household appliances, collars and leads, age-appropriate play, vaccines and neutering, and playing with other dogs. A great deal of the book is devoted to preventing common dog problems of stress, obsessive behaviours, house training, recall, separation anxiety, over tiredness, fear of adults, children, noise, other dogs, barking growling and grumbling and other attention-seeking behaviours, head shy issues, car sickness, jumping up, mugging guests, possessiveness with food, toys or furniture, food fussiness and more. Much of this advice could be transferred to problems with an older pet dog. 164pp, paperback.