Perfectly Imperfect Puppy: The practical guide to choosing and training the perfect dog for YOU

by Graeme Hall

'The perfect puppy hasn't been born yet. But that's not to say the perfect puppy for YOU doesn't exist.' When raising a puppy, we all want to make sure we're doing it right, but sometimes the unrealistic expectations of perfection can be overwhelming. Britain's best dog trainer, Graeme Hall, is here to help with his stress-free guide to training and caring for your puppy, so that they grow into a happy, well-adjusted dog. From choosing the right puppy for your lifestyle and preparing for your puppy to come home, meeting the family and sleeping through the night, to the crucial socialisation period, early training and adolescence, Graeme covers all the information you need to know as a new owner. All whilst giving useful insight and research into puppies' behaviour and development which will prevent behavioural problems later in life. Perfectly Imperfect Puppy gives expert advice on how you can give your puppy the best start in life, breaking down why techniques work, so you get the best results, leading to a happy home for everyone.

Genres: Nonfiction, Dogs, Audiobook

272 pages, Paperback

Published July 17, 2022

Reviews

[Lucy Hodgson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Graeme in his show dogs behaving badly and as someone who is going to get a puppy in the next few weeks this is an incredibly useful and handy guide. From check lists to glossaries to diagrams and pictures it had everything required to help me prepare in advance. I will definetly be utilising and going back to this book alot  throughout the next few months I'm sure. I like how Graeme doesn't over complicate things and is actually honest that it won't be plain sailing but there is a lot of guidance to help. Also that he actually speaks and continues to joke with you opposed to talking at you is a clear difference and made this book extremely enjoyable as well as useful. I just wish it was longer and I look forward to reading Graeme's other book too.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not completely comprehensive obviously but a good general overview of training techniques and behavioural info. A positive and compassionate view on puppy training, "the carrot not the stick". Useful notes pages after every chapter as well.

[Tony McAndrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had a dog in the family all my life. The last couple have been rescue dogs as an adult, so I thought it best to brush up on puppy life as I'm about to take the dive into bringing one into my home.

The book arrived this morning and I read it in one sitting. I'm sure I'll return to it for reference as I train my new arrival.

The book was well laid out and helped to point out some of the poorer habits I've developed from old school training. There's a few laughs in there too in typical Graeme humour.

[Lindsay B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Really helping me out with my new puppy and being a first time dog mom!

[Harriet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly recommend to anyone considering getting a puppy or anyone who's got one and is finding things a bit trickier than they expected. The first few chapters are also rather charming for anyone who just likes hearing about dogs.

I really like the tone of this book - practical, friendly and while there's a lot of info there, it all feels very much designed for your average first time puppy owner who wants to do a good job, with an emphasis on positive reinforcement and understanding a puppy's needs.

I listened to the audiobook (via my library) and the author reads his book beautifully. He's soothing and engaging. I am considering picking up a paper version for easy reference to the useful summaries and training guide sections.

[Ally TeaBooks&Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect Christmas present! I loved it and will definitely be coming back for references when we get our puppy.
As we’ll be first time dog owners, I really felt like I wanted to sit down with family/friends who have been there and done it and ask everything puppy/dog related and understand their experiences.
I don’t have to now with the help from this book. It felt like everything I need/want to know is right here and feel like the questions I had have been answered and the bonus part is each chapter comes with a tick list!
I would definitely recommend if you’re getting/have got a new furry family member!

[Clo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent advice on how to raise a calm and confident puppy! I would recommend this to anyone in search of a furry family member. It is a huge responsibility and Graeme makes no secret of that, which is how we should all feel about puppies!

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy to read with lots of useful information. Bring on the puppy!

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very useful straight forward guide for puppy training.

[Chava · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and helpful book on dog training

[Russell Niven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully insightful book, however it does make it seem like training a puppy will be easy which I am sure it will not be! Good book to start for the basics of getting a puppy