Expert guidance in choosing the right dog -the first time Written by a renowned expert in shelter adoption, Successful Dog Adoption delivers all the information you need to find the perfect dog at a shelter and make him part of your family. In easy-to-understand language, Sue Sternberg helps you decide if you're ready to adopt by evaluating your reasons and translating them into what you should look for in a particular dog. She shows you how to find a reputable shelter, prepare for the adoption process, and work with shelter personnel to make sure they have appropriately screened their dogs. You'll also learn about "rescue" dogs and why one might be right for you. This practical guide covers all the vital issues you need to consider when adopting-choosing a male or female, a puppy or an adult; identifying fearful dogs or dogs who will bite; and seeking out a dog with the ideal temperament. Featured here are detailed tests and observations used by professionals to ascertain the temperament and compatibility of shelter dogs-now made available to the public for the first time. You'll discover how to determine risk factors in an unknown dog, gauge a dog's potential reaction to guests and strangers, and predict the compatibility level when you add another dog to your household. This book also offers invaluable advice on training your new pet, including guidance in housebreaking, selecting a training class, and helping a dog who gets carsick or doesn't like to be home alone. And, if you still experience difficulties with your dog, Sternberg gently discusses the steps you can take. Authoritative and friendly, Successful Dog Adoption is the one-stop guide for finding your own "superdog"-and keeping the dog-owner relationship fresh and rewarding for years to come.

In 2015, Cara Achterberg’s Pennsylvania farm became a haven for Operation Paws for Homes, which rescues dogs from high-kill shelters in the rural south and shuttles them north to foster homes. Nine puppies arrived with less than a day’s notice; a heart-worm positive dog; a deeply traumatized stray pup from Iraq; and countless others who just needed a gentle touch and a warm place to sleep. The stories of these remarkable dogs—including an eighty-pound bloodhound who sang arias for the neighbors—and the joy they bring to Cara and her family (along with a few chewed sofa cushions) fill the pages of this touching and inspiring book.When asked how she can possibly say goodbye to that many lovable pups, Cara says, “If I don’t give this one away, I can’t possibly save another.” Filled with humanity and hope, Another Good Dog will take the reader on a journey of smiles, laughs, and tears—and lead us to wonder how many other good dogs are out there and what we can do to help.

A guide to successful dog adoption for every family. Addresses questions such as whether dog adoption is right for you, how to adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue group, how to prepare your home for a new member, integrating the dog into your home, family, lifestyle, and more.

Learn to communicate with your dog—using their language “Good reading for dog lovers and an immensely useful manual for dog owners.”—The Washington Post An Applied Animal Behaviorist and dog trainer with more than twenty years’ experience, Dr. Patricia McConnell reveals a revolutionary new perspective on our relationship with dogs—sharing insights on how “man’s best friend” might interpret our behavior, as well as essential advice on how to interact with our four-legged friends in ways that bring out the best in them. After all, humans and dogs are two entirely different species, each shaped by its individual evolutionary heritage. Quite simply, humans are primates and dogs are canids (as are wolves, coyotes, and foxes). Since we each speak a different native tongue, a lot gets lost in the translation. This marvelous guide demonstrates how even the slightest changes in our voices and in the ways we stand can help dogs understand what we want. Inside you will discover: • How you can get your dog to come when called by acting less like a primate and more like a dog • Why the advice to “get dominance” over your dog can cause problems • Why “rough and tumble primate play” can lead to trouble—and how to play with your dog in ways that are fun and keep him out of mischief • How dogs and humans share personality types—and why most dogs want to live with benevolent leaders rather than “alpha wanna-bes!” Fascinating, insightful, and compelling, The Other End of the Leash is a book that strives to help you connect with your dog in a completely new way—so as to enrich that most rewarding of relationships.

How do you welcome an adult or adolescent dog into your home and incorporate this new individual into your family. The authors guide you through the first steps of this new relationship, with advice on training and a section on solving common behavioral problems.

The definitive resource on dogs from North America's largest non-profit pet adoption website. Includes photos! The Total Dog Manual covers everything from how to choose your pet to appropriate training methods and environments, to understanding behavior and selecting the right food, toys, and care for your new family member. From understanding a dogs’ anatomy and those deep-down doggie instincts to grooming tips, this team of experts provides all you need to understand your furry friend. Behavior: Why do dogs jump so much? What do wolves have to do with anything? Find these answers and more to better understand how dogs “talk” to each other—and to us—and how to communicate more effectively with your pets. Training: Tired of your dog slobbering on your face? Trying to minimize mouthing? Want to teach an old dog new tricks? Find instructions and top tips on curbing bad habits, the latest thinking on teaching basic commands, and how to deal with the challenges and rewards of introducing a puppy or adult dog to a new home and family. Care: Is his fur a tangled mess? What kind of collar tag should you get? What supplies does a new puppy need? What do you do during a thunderstorm or with an elderly animal? Learn everything you need to know to keep your dog safe and happy, including tips on security, vacations and travel, and major upheavals such as moving homes or stressful situations. This easy-to-use manual, filled with delightful photos, is an ideal reference no matter what your dog’s age or breed.

Pet Friends books are a practical way for children and their parents to learn about all types of pets, what makes them special, and what you'd rather know about their care before you bring them home. Adorable animal drawings illustrate the sometimes baffling behaviors of common pets. This wonderful series of practical how-to guides will educate all young pet lovers.