Table of Contents
Acknowledgments.
About the Author.
Introduction.
Chapter 1: The Care Crossover.
Dogs in Service.
Crime-Fighting Dogs.
Scent Sense.
Exercise and Weight Control.
Emotional Well-Being.
Research and Medicine.
The Canine and Human Genomes.
Chapter 2: Exercise and Environment.
Starting an Exercise Program with Your Dog.
Warm-Ups and Cooldowns.
Environmental Enrichment.
Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers.
Thinking Outside the Box.
Chapter 3: Training That Works on Beings with a Brain.
How Does Operant Conditioning Work?
Building the Basics with Sit.
Down.
Come.
Walking with You.
Chapter 4: The Doctor Is In.
Choosing a Veterinarian.
Vaccinations and Wellness Exams.
Pest Preventatives.
Spay/Neuter.
Identification.
How DVMs Are More Talented Than MDs.
Chapter 5: The Unmentionable.
Don’t Be Squeamish, Be Practical.
Cleaning Up After Your Dog.
Housetraining.
Chapter 6: Omnivores Together.
Dog Digestion.
Feeding Strategies.
Commercial Dog Food.
Formulating a Home-Based Diet.
Treats and “Human” Foods.
The Advantages of Staying Slim.
Chapter 7: Puttin’ on the Dog.
Different Strokes for Different Dogs.
Tools of the Trade (and How to Use Them).
Bath Time!.
Choosing a Groomer.
Keeping Teeth Healthy.
Nail Care.
Attention to Ears.
Anal Glands.
Chapter 8: Just for Fun.
Play Time.
The Ferrari of Dog Games: Tug-of-War.
Put That Nose to Work: Search and Rescue and Treasure Hunts.
Towser’s Toy Box.
Creating Toy Envy.
Tricks Aren’t Just for Kids.
Dog Playmates.
Chapter 9: Some Serious (and Not So Serious) Shopping.
Collars and Leashes.
Some Management Devices.
Crates, Exercise Pens, and Baby Gates.
Bowls and Other Dining Supplies.
Beds.
Clothes.
Toys.
Chapter 10: How the Dog Senses the World.
The Nose Knows.
Swivel Ears.
Eye See You.
In Good Taste.
Touch Me Now.
Chapter 11: The Unspoken Language.
Paying More Attention to Nonverbal Communication.
Reading Your Dog’s Emotional State.
Using Silent Communication to Your Benefit.9
Chapter 12: Life Stages, Life Changes.
The Treats and Trials of Puppyhood.
Adolescence.
Adulthood.
The Senior Years.
Human Changes.
Chapter 13: Lending a Hand.
Contributing to Your Community.
Animal-Assisted Activities.
School Programs.
Search and Rescue.
Public Demonstrations.
Chapter 14: Personality Profiles.
Matching a Dog to Your Lifestyle.
Breed Encyclopedias, Books, and Web Sites.
Size, Activity Level, and Personality Considerations.
Grooming Requirements.
Finding a Purebred.
Choosing a Rescue Dog.
Chapter 15: Meeting the Family.
Introductions to Humans.
Introductions to Other Dogs.
Introductions to Other Animals.
Special Considerations for Children.
Appendix: Online Resources.
Collars, Leashes, Harnesses.
Dog/Human Care Organizations.
Flea Control Products.
General Dog Shopping Sites.
Miscellaneous Dog Products.
Miscellaneous Organizations.
Registries and Show-Giving Organizations.
Toys and Environmental Enrichment.
Training and Behavior Organizations/Lecturers.
Veterinary and Care Organizations.
Index.
