Dogs are getting lawyers. Cats are getting kidney transplants. Could they one day be fellow citizens? Cats and dogs were once wild animals. Today, they are family members and surrogate children. A little over a century ago, pets didn't warrant the meager legal status of property. Now, they have more rights and protections than any other animal in the country. Some say they're even on the verge of becoming legal persons. How did we get here -- and what happens next? In this fascinating exploration of the changing status of dogs and cats in society, pet lover and award-winning journalist David Grimm explores the rich and surprising history of our favorite companion animals. He treks the long and often torturous path from their wild origins to their dark days in the middle ages to their current standing as the most valued animals on Earth. As he travels across the country -- riding along with Los Angeles detectives as they investigate animal cruelty cases, touring the devastation of New Orleans in search of the orphaned pets of Hurricane Katrina, and coming face-to-face with wolves and feral cats -- Grimm reveals the changing social attitudes that have turned pets into family members, and the remarkable laws and court cases that have elevated them to quasi citizens. The journey to citizenship isn't a smooth one, however. As Grimm finds, there's plenty of opposition to the rising status of cats and dogs. From scientists and farmers worried that our affection for pets could spill over to livestock and lab rats to philosophers who say the only way to save society is to wipe cats and dogs from the face of the earth, the battle lines are being drawn. We are entering a new age of pets -- one that is fundamentally transforming our relationship with these animals and reshaping the very fabric of society. For pet lovers or anyone interested in how we decide who gets to be a "person" in today's world, Citizen Canine is a must read. It is a pet book like no other.

This charming and adorable collection of the best cinematic dogs is sure to delight dog lovers and movie-goers alike. The Citizen Canine pack includes sixty of the bravest, cutest, and furriest pooches ever to grace the silver screen. From top-billed hounds like Lassie and Benji to comedic scene-stealers like Asta from Bringing Up Baby and Puffy from There's Something About Mary, all your favorite furry friends are here. Whether you have a canine companion or just wish you did, Citizen Canine is your perfect guide to dogs, movies, and the magical moments when they come together.

The Canine Good Citizen program was created by the American Kennel Club to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. Written by the respected dog experts at the American Kennel Club (the very same organization that designed the test), Citizen Canine will help dog owner easily maneuver through the program's 10-step curriculum, stressing responsible pet ownership and basic good manners for dogs. With the valuable information found in this helpful guide, your dog will pass the Canine Good Citizen test with flying colors.

· Train your dog to be obedient, have good manners, and pass the esteemed Canine Good Citizen program · Work through the program’s 10-step curriculum with a focus on responsible pet ownership and basic good manners for dogs · Written by respected dog experts at the American Kennel Club, the same organization that designed the Canine Good Citizen test

"...purebred or mixed, with this book any dog can become a Canine Good Citizen.... The Volhards'...approach to training, which they call the Motivational Method,...is designed to do just that motivate the owner and the dog. The Motivational Method is grounded on a thorough knowledge of how people learn and dog behavior. Since 1983 they have authored or co-authored four major books on dog training and teaching dog Obedience classes, and have produced four video tapes. I am...pleased that they have written this book on the Canine Good Citizen. I cannot think of anyone else who could have done a better job. This book contains everything the reader needs to know about training any dog to become a Canine Good Citizen. Still, there is much more the book shares a wealth of insights for the beginner, as well as the experienced dog person. The book's best feature is that it gives each person the means to tailor the training to the individual dog's character and temperament. It thoroughly explains what makes dogs different and how these differences dictate the approach to training that needs to be taken." James E. Dearinger, AKC Vice President, Obedience The American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen program was developed to promote responsible dog ownership in a manner that would be easy for both dog and owner. Any book that promotes and encourages dog owners to participate is doing a public service, and this book does it well. "This book is aptly named. Yes, every dog, both pure-bred dogs and mixed breeds, can be a good citizen if their owners care enough to make it happen. The key is to encourage dog owners everywhere to be responsible enough to make their dogs a pleasure to be around and able to handle most situations that they might be expected to encounter in everyday life." Robert H. McKowen AKC Vice President, Performance Events A Howell Dog Book of Distinction

"I laughed so hard at Citizen Dog one day that I actually got the hiccups." --Kevin Fagan, creator of Drabble Man is dog's best friend. At least, that is in the case in Dog's Best Friend, the hilarious collection of Citizen Dog comic strips from creator Mark O'Hare. The humor of quick-witted canine Fergus and his hapless owner Mel are reminiscent of classic comedy teams such as Laurel and Hardy or the Honeymooners' Ed Norton and Ralph Cramden. Everything Fergus and Mel do, they do together--whether it's going to the movies, shopping, taking a walk, or sleeping. By foregoing the traditional master/dog relationship, Mel and Fergus are in a perpetual--and hysterical--power struggle that's reminiscent of an old married couple. Which one gets to be "roller guy" and who has to paint all the edges when the two decide to repaint the living room? How many times does Fergus get to eat--six or seven? The two may never figure out solutions to these everyday problems, but Citizen Dog readers found out long ago that the results are always hysterical. Anyone who enjoys slapstick humor, the company of a fun pet, or just plain funny circumstances won't want to miss Dog's Best Friend. Whether you're a child, a parent, or a senior citizen, it's a treasure of strips that will leave you howling.

Help your four-legged friend pass the Canine Good Citizen Test in a day? Easy! The AKC's Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program is one of the most rapidly growing programs in the American Kennel Club. With useful tips and quick fixes that will put a stop to all sorts of bad habits, Canine Good Citizen Test In A Day For Dummies helps owners build solid relationships with their dog based on positive reinforcement, trust, and obedience. This handy little guide gives you a better understanding of the test itself, the essential skills tested, and the benefits of this unique training program. It covers the test's requirements and various elements, and is packed with expert tips and advice for mastering all ten sections of the test. A detailed description of the entire test's requirements and elements Tips and tricks for mastering each the of 10 sections of the test The do's and don'ts of taking the test Online component takes you beyond the book with bonus content and features Canine Good Citizen Test In A Day For Dummies gives you everything you need to help your dog master the skills and proficiencies necessary to pass the AKC's Good Canine Test.