Puppy's First Steps: A Whole-Dog Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, Well-Behaved Puppy

If you, like me, have no idea on what to do with a new puppy, this is the perfect book for you too.

On the subject of raising dogs there are as many opinions as there are, well, dogs. Internet's full of 'em. Several of the negative reviews of this book have one thing in common: The reviewers differ *in opinion* with the scientifically based positions taken by the authors. Example: One reviewer scoffed that the book does not support alternative dog/puppy food alternatives, e.g. raw, or "home cooked". First of all, the book clearly supports their position on that with numerous, significant, fact-based rationale. The critic offers no evidence to support her counter-claims. Advice on socialization requirements and methods are also supported. And so on throughout the book. Perhaps those who rate the book poorly because they have a different opinion should offer a link to some scientific evidence and/or alternative book to back up their claims? Regarding the narrator of the book on tape, yes his voice and reading method are somewhat unusual, however I would not classify him as sounding like "sociopathic killer". That's a little unfair. I don't know if I could necessarily sit down with the intent of just listening to the book from beginning to end, but I have been listening to the book on CD on my commute to and from work and while driving around town and find it's quite pleasant in that venue. After all, this is a textbook, not a novel. The narrator is trying to convey information clearly. The concerns regarding being able to locate content on the CD's are valid. Many times I've wanted to re-hear a part, and had to listen to the entire track again, but my current CD player does not have a fast-forward or reverse option. My previous car did have that and it made short work of those issues. My wife and I just got a bullmastiff puppy and have found this book to be extremely helpful. It starts out as many such books do, advising you on the commitment required in having a puppy: According to the book 1/2 of all puppies don't make it to their second birthday in the home they started out in. The authors lament this fact and clearly are trying to give you sound advice that will benefit both you and the dog. They move on to describing health care, food requirements (they very clearly spell out what to look for on the dog food packages), socialization, how your dog sees the world (how their senses differ from ours), etc., etc. Sure, there are some parts on the CD's that you'd skip over if you were reading. Perhaps not. We found it all interesting. If that doesn't appeal to you, get the book not the CD. Better yet, check it out at the library first, and if you like it, then get it here.

I heard the author speak on NPR and thought it was worth reading his book, since I am buying a new puppy. Being a first time owner, I really wanted to know what I was getting into. The book is quite comprehensive starting from the very first day and extending far beyond. I have been able to fly through it and it is not boring like you might think a manual might be. Chapters are well organized so you can skip over non applicable items and move forward... Really gives you a good idea of all the work, time, and effort that goes into good pet ownership.

We are in the process of getting a new puppy and I've been trying to learn as much as possible. The internet is a vast and wonderful place but on any given subject you can find a number of people who pass themselves off as 'experts' giving advise that can be misinformed or outright dangerous for animals. I found it incredibly helpful to have a book written by someone who obviously knows about and cares for animals. The book speaks at length on topics that are very valuable to someone who is expecting their first dog. While there are certainly a number off 'fluff' dog books, this is certainly not one of them. This is a wonderful resource and I cannot recommend it enough. Thank you Tufts University for putting out such a helpful book!!

I am an animal lover. You will find critters from dogs to horses of various sizes at my home. This book answered any question I had about puppies and dogs. It explained any behavior I ever questioned as to why do dogs do that. The book is a treasure of information and anyone who is interested in puppies or dogs in general, will enjoy it and refer back to it frequently. You think you want a puppy - READ IT! You have a dog - read it! I read it in one sitting. Happy Reading!