Puppy Parenting: Everything You Need to Know About Your Puppy's First Year

by Jan Greye, Gail Jesse Smith

They are rambunctious, don't listen, make a mess,destroy your belongings, and never clean up after themselves. No, not children-puppies! We may be your baby now, but if you want him to grow up to be your best friend, it's going to take some preparation. From the time he's just a twinkle in your eye to the end of the first year, Puppy Parenting helps you raise a happy, healthy, well-behaved puppy. Jan Gteye and Gail Smith -- aka the Dog Divas of Beverly hills -- have been helping to nurture pampered puppies in the 90210 zip code for more than sixteen years and are truly the best puppy caregivers around. Now they've gathered all the information they've learned over the years and written the ultimate guide to bringing your puppy up right. In Puppy Parenting, Jan and Gail guide you through all the developmental and behavioral stages of your puppy's first Puppy Patenting contains everything a parent needs to Complete with all the information you need to make it through the first year, Puppy Patenting is every proud puppy parent's bible.

224 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2002

Reviews

[Francis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Can be a coffee table book for dog lovers

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick and entertaining offering in the "Bringing Up Puppy" genre. I wouldn't suggest it as your only or even primary puppy reference because it isn't very in-depth; however, it's fine as a refresher.

I liked the little tips and ideas sprinkled throughout the book, such as the idea to put a teething puppy's chewtoys in the freezer to help soothe his gums.

What I liked about this book:
--It's reassuring. Some of the other puppy books I've read have amped up my newbie jitters with their dire warnings about developmental deadlines. Puppy Parenting has a more laid-back vibe and frequently reminds readers that raising a furry friend is supposed to be fun.

--Unlike many other pet care books, the authors don't skirt the puppy-mill issue. They firmly warn readers of the hazards of buying pet store puppies--genetic defects and a lifetime of misery for mill breeding dogs--and strongly advise against obtaining a dog in this way. Applause to Greye and Smith.

--More applause for steering readers away from unhealthy, preservative- and byproduct- filled grocery store brands of pet food. I thank them, and no doubt many dogs will too. Instead, the authors suggest purchasing high quality foods sold through vets and pet specialty stores. I couldn't agree more.

--The authors advocate spaying and neutering, which goes without saying is one of the smartest and best things we can do to prevent the suffering of unwanted pets.

What wasn't so good:
--This book was published nearly 10 years ago, so some of the information is outdated. For example, it suggests Iams as a high quality pet food, but nowadays it's just another crappy grocery store brand.

--The authors didn't make a terribly convincing case for shelter puppies, even suggesting that your first should probably be purchased, instead! Imagine how many more puppies and dogs would be doomed if everyone thought this way. (Although, the authors did go on to mention breed rescue groups, which many pet keepers are still unaware of.)
In addition, they didn't seem to be terribly up on their facts. At one point they note that "a million domestic animals" are euthanized every year. In actuality, the most reliable data puts the number at right around 4 million per year killed in shelters--and that's just dogs and cats. Many other domesticated species go unwanted as well.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

very informative, helpful, highly recommend

[Emily Huckstep · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though now a bit outdated, this is a wonderful guide for anyone thinking about getting a puppy and how to raise him through this first year.