Puppies for Dummies

I recently got Izzy, my very first puppy. I read about 10 books in preparation for her, and this book really helped some it all up and explain so many things. Definately recommend this book to first time pet owners.

i don't know what the reviewer "a reader" was talking about - maybe they have this book confused with something else? there's plenty of information in this book, INCLUDING how to crate train your pup, as well as WHY it is IMPORTANT to crate train your dog. there's no guilt-tripping, just a ton of education and information. everything has a very clearly stated, rational explanation behind training techniques and do's and don'ts. if you care about the comfort, safety, physical and mental health and well-being of your new pup *as well as yourself, your family, and your friends in relation to your new pup*, then you owe it to yourself and everyone else to EDUCATE yourself on how to raise your puppy. it's not simple or easy, it's work. but it pays off in the end by resulting in a well-adjusted pet who compliments your life and brings joy. if you'd prefer to just yell at your dog half the time (or more) for being "bad" (thanks to your completely confusing him and mis-raising him), if you relish the idea of having a neurotic dog to add more stress to your life by jumping, biting, running after kids, cars, other animals, etc., then please - skip this book. i'm sure you don't need the "guilt trip."

Every single thing that we read in this book was useful, and worked too! I would highly recommend this book over any other for training any puppy, any breed.

I was new to puppies, and didn't have a lot of time to read book after book. I thought the layout and the information in the book was wonderful. She gives several ideas on how to do things--based on your dogs personality not everything works--and tips on how to do it. I admit, that I did not always have my dog on a leash attached to my waist, but keeping your puppy with you is certainly better than having him wreaking havoc on your home while you're cleaning up his last mess! Crate training is great when you're away, asleep, or in the shower, but it is not practical for the day-in and day-out routine. All in all a great book.

I always approach the 'Dummies' series of books with some trepidation since I always expect them to be shallow and short on detail. Although true for some of their computing books, that's not the case here.By coincidence, I came across this book as we were about to get a puppy ourselves. The most useful part is certainly about housetraining and then the stuff about properly looking after it so that it doesn't get instilled in bad habits.I'm sure there are many other books on how to look after puppies. This one, I'm sure, is as good as any of them.