Mankind's relationship with the dog can be traced back for thousands of years. Indeed, the dog is probably our oldest non-human companion. Excavations of Middle Eastern fossils, believed to be at least 12,000 years old. Interestingly, for an animal that has been so important to us for so very long, there is uncertainty as to the exact way in which domestication of the dog occurred. We cannot even be absolutely sure of the evolutionary route by which the dog itself came about- although most experts are in agreement that the wolf is the most probable ancestor. This guide explores in more detail the most likely theories of dog evolution. It also explores some of the ways in which the dog may have begun to befriend humans.
Looking for the ideal, perfectly compatible canine companion for your family? Your search ends here. From spaniels to sheepdogs, The Complete Dog Breed Book is all you need to find the perfect pet for your family. Fully illustrated and featuring over 400 of the world's best-loved breeds, this comprehensive guide offers expert advice on keeping, training, and caring for your beloved dog. The book's special Q&A selector charts help you make the right choice as per your lifestyle and convenience. Clear and practical instructions on care cover the essential aspects of looking after a dog, including handling, grooming, nutrition, health, and exercise. The visual training program features step-by-step photographic sequences, explaining the specifics of basic obedience. Tried-and-tested notes on how to identify and prevent common behavioral problems provide a fascinating insight into the behavior of dogs and how we interact with them. The Complete Dog Breed Book is a one-stop manual to help you become the owner of a happy, healthy, and well-behaved dog.
The ultimate resource for dog lovers, this authoritative volume on selecting and caring for any kind of dog focuses--in the ASPCA tradition--on mixed breeds, a major difference from most other dog books, which describe only purebreds. 650+ photos. (Pets)
Teoti Anderson provides the last word on dog training. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Training is the most comprehensive single volume ever written on the subject and is the one training manual every dog owner needs in his or her home.When it comes to dog-training books, owners can be overwhelmed by choice, with literally thousands of titles available. Finally, the publisher of Dog Fancy magazine has conceived how one book can do the training of thousands;The Ultimate Guide to Dog Training encompasses every topic from the puppy's first lessons and house-training to advance training methods and retraining rescue dogs, rebellious teens, and seniors.Dog trainer and behavior expert Teoti Anderson offers straightforward advice and easy-to-follow instructions for each topic, all based on her success-oriented positive-training methods. From selecting the right training equipment and avoiding common first-time owner mistakes to executing the perfect heel cue and solving complicated behavior issues, The Ultimate Guide to Dog Training will remain an indispensable guide for the dog owner for years to come.INSIDE THIS DOG FANCY BOOK:•The basics of dog training: how dogs learn, communication, canine senses•Puppy training: house-training, first lessons and basic cues, socialization, manners and life skills•Principles of positive-training methods, lures and rewards, and using clickers•Obedience school, formal heeling, off-lead training, and the recall•Introduction and overview of 35 dog sports and activities, from obedience and agility trials to weight pulls, dock diving, and more•25 favorite tricks plus interactive games for dogs and owners•50 behavioral problems explained and solved•Training tips for small and giant dogs and special-needs dogs•Resource section of websites, associations, and publications plus a glossary of training terms
Why This Book The Ultimate Guide to Wild Canines, Primitive Dogs, and Pariah Dogs is geared toward the experienced dog owner who wants to own a pure wild canine, a wolf dog, coydog, dingoX, or primitive/pariah dog. In this book we will examine pureblood wild canines and their crosses and look at several primitive/pariah breeds. We will lay out the challenges that you can expect from these breeds, including housing, transporting, and socializing. We will also discuss the current state and provincial laws surrounding ownership of wild canines. This is not a training manual. If you are an inexperienced dog owner and think having a wild canine or cross is cool or a status symbol, please read this book very carefully. Wild canines are not for the inexperienced dog owner. For the sake of the dog you plan to bring home, please consider your decision very carefully. These dogs are a challenge even for experienced dog handlers. Wild animals and their crossbreeds do not belong in 99% of homes. The rehoming options are slim, and your pet wild canine may end up paying for your decision with its life. Primitive dogs have a long history of living on the edges of human habitation. They may not come with the same legal challenges as a wild canine, but you will still have plenty of work ahead of you including training and socializing your primitive. Carefully think through your decision to adopt a primitive. Bringing home a “couch wolf” can cause problems in your home. If you’ve accidentally gotten a primitive dog from a shelter, I highly encourage you to read this book, then find a reputable trainer who understands that this is not just a dog. I acquired my primitive dog accidentally and while I was an experienced dog owner, I was still baffled until I realized what she was and adapted to her behaviors. A common domesticated dog is a huge responsibility. However, a wild or primitive dog requires far more work. Owning one may be the greatest experience in your life, but it will also be one of the biggest challenges. For the sake of your future pet, take the time to read this book carefully. Owning a wild dog – a wolf, coyote, dingo, or even something imported from Africa – might sound like an amazing opportunity. Imagine the looks you’ll get! Imagine how much fun it will be to walk down the street with your silver coated wolf by your side. However, before you make that sort of commitment, take some time to learn about wild dogs. Bringing a wild dog into your life can have some long term legal and ethical outcomes. Because wild dogs are governed by state laws, The Ultimate Guide to Wild Dogs, Primitive Dogs and Pariah Dogs examines the basic laws and requirements for those owning wild dogs. What happens when your wolf dog mistakes cattle for their rightful prey? Can you keep a coy-dog in an apartment? Did you know that finding vet care can be a challenge for your wild dog and that their nutritional, training, and exercise requirements are different? Will your homeowner’s insurance even cover a wild dog? Before you make a commitment to a wild dog, learn what you can expect from bringing an undomesticated dog into your life. This book also examines pariah and primitive dogs, those with specific physical characteristics who live on the outskirts of human society. These dogs are somewhat more socialized than a wild dog but come with their unique challenges and interesting personalities. If you’ve met one of these unique dogs during a trip to another country, how do you go about bringing it home? What sort of quarantines are in place? Can they be fully associated into a home? This book answers all these important questions and will help you to decide if a wild dog, primitive dog or pariah dog is the right match for your home and family.
This is a comprehensive reference for dog owners and prospective dog owners. Opening sections discuss breed evolution and point out the many physical and behavioural traits, and there are profiles of over 150 breeds in all, including 27 new breeds
The New Complete Dog Book is the American Kennel Club’s “Bible” of dogs. For the past 88 years it has been the ultimate breed resource—the one book that no purebred dog aficionado and expert can live without. In addition to being the longest continually published dog book in history, it is also the most successful dog book ever published, with over two million copies sold. The revised and updated 22nd edition contains revised breed standards, changes in breed classifications, and recently recognized breeds. Dog owners, breeders, and clubs will find the most current information here on AKC registration, competitive events, and programs. A celebration of every breed of dog recognized by the American Kennel Club—over 200 breeds—this new 22nd edition offers readers: Official standard for every AKC-recognized breed, including seven variety Groups and the Miscellaneous Class Breed histories, puppy-buying tips, and pet attributes, each breed written by one of the 200 AKC national parent clubs Over 800 exceptional color photographs of adults and puppies illustrate each four-page breed entry Spotlight on finding well-bred puppies, sports and activities for dogs and owners, AKC programs, and canine anatomy Illustrated glossary of canine terminology
Noble and dignified, if somewhat tousled, the Otterhound is no longer called upon to hunt his namesake quarry, though he now makes a reliable companion dog for an active family who knows how to keep him busy. This giant hunting scenthound is blessed with a boisterous nature, a sonorous voice and an irrepressible love of mud, traits that may not be welcome in every household. No dog as big (and messy) as the Otterhound is for everyone, and the Otterhound—though personable, even-tempered and friendly—is no exception. Author Juliette Cunliffe, a recognized authority on hound breeds the world over, paints a pleasing but realistic portrait of this majestic hound among hounds, offering sensible information about the breed’s training, feeding, care and maintenance. Students of the Otterhound will welcome the author’s concise but complete history of the breed in England as well as American breeder Elizabeth Conway’s retelling of the breed’s history in the United States. Like all editions in Kennel Club Books’ Comprehensive Owner’s Guide series, Otterhound discusses the breed standard, breed characteristics, puppy selection, owner requirements, healthcare and much more. Surely all admirers of this noble breed will welcome this Special Rare-Breed Edition as a cherished addition to their canine libraries.
