How to Raise a Happy Dog: So they love you

by Sophie Collins

How to Raise a Happy Dog focuses on the happiness to be found in the person/pet relationship and includes dozens of ideas for activities and hacks you can build into daily life with your pet, from spontaneous play and activities to making them the perfect sleep spot.

We know how important happiness is for ourselves but when it comes to pets, making sure they’re happy – as opposed to obedient, say – is often underrated . Yet there’s plenty of fresh science that shows that a happy, engaged pet is easy to live with and creates happiness in its owners, too .

How to Raise a Happy Dog shows what you can learn from your pet’s behaviour and body language, offer a mass of practical ways to raise your pet’s happiness levels , and show you how to connect with them in the way they’ll love best.

Building on recent scientific developments into animal behavioural science, this book's methods aim to increase inter-species understanding and  encouraging the behaviour you do want , while discouraging the behaviour you don’t.

Divided into 6 chapters, each of which contains plenty of easy-to-follow activities which owners can carry out themselves, this book will become an invaluable resource for building and strengthening the bond between human and dog.

Sections


Perfect for dog owners who want to get to know their canine friends as individuals , this indispensible book offers a new angle that gives owners lots of customized ideas for having fun with their pet , as well as explaining behaviours that they may have previously found baffling.

Genres: Animals, Dogs, Nonfiction

128 pages, Hardcover

Published April 11, 2023

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

How To Raise A Happy Dog is a lovely and interesting book for all dog lovers and owners. This book enables the reader to learn more about their dog, their body language, their needs, health, life stages, training and behaviour. The book is divided into six sections complete with cute illustrations and I enjoyed how the author includes scientific information to back up what they are advising. There's some great information throughout this book handy for both new owners and more experienced owners. I found it really helpful and logical too. This would make a great book to gift anyone who has or loves dogs.

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quarto Publishing Group, adopt me.

Okay, that apart (😅) I love this series so much! I loved reading the one on cats. Totally loved it and found it so helpful as I am a proud crazy cat lady.
I am looking forward to have dogs as pets in the near future so I find this one quite helpful as well regarding the different dog breeds, their different needs, what should not be done for particular breeds and such helpful information.

I find the illustrations quite good.

Am impressed with the team!

Thank you, Quarto Publishing Group - Ivy Press, for the advance reading copy.

[Fern A · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brilliant book! Split into six sections covering everything from body language, to play, food to walks. While this would be perfect for any new dog owner, more experienced owners too may get some different ideas for enrichment for their canine friends. For the beautiful illustrations alone this book is worth a read!

Additional review from Floss, the border collie: Five out of five tail wags for this book! My human can now make me some new toys with items already in the house, bake me some tasty treats and take me on some new adventures!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really a great little book and would be a perfect gift for a first time dog owner. I looked the way the author provides scientific information about dog behavior, life stages, and health for context prior to her suggestions. I found her lists and ideas for enriching your dogs life to be thorough and creative. There were one or 2 suggestions that I personally would not try with my dog (fetch down stairs, giving your dog an old shoe). But overall, I think the tips and ideas are great. I am a very involved and loving dog mom and had to do a lot of research on my own prior to bringing home my pup. Would have loved a book like this that puts all the essential info into one place. Thank you to the author, Net Galley and Quarto Publishing Group for the opportunity to advance read this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[maya]

♥️ for MOOSIE ♥️

[Sha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute illustrations, but the advice was a bit repetitive. Quick read though!

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

T/c

[June Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Publication April 11, 2023

Dogs are innately happy. If you haven't already figured that out, it says so in the introduction. Unlike humans who tend to worry and fret and over-think everything, dogs tend to live in the moment. Looking across the room at my own dog, now happily stretched out and content after her walk, it's easy to agree. It takes so little to make them happy that the idea behind this book, making them even happier, seems a no-brainer.

I liked the idea behind forgetting old ideas of dominance tough training and instead seeing your dog as an individual who both gives and deserves joy back. Not only are ideas on how to do this shared, some of which gave me pause while I couldn't wait to try others, but we get a crash course on doggie instincts, traits, behavior,and even dog food. Using my own dog as a model, it was fun to see what body language she might be sending me, not to mention that I had far more patience with her sniffing instincts on our walk today after being reminded of the role smell/scent plays in a dog's life.

Where I questioned the author most was in the suggestion that items like shoes and boxes be given to them to tear up. In theory, okay, they'd probably enjoy that rush but, well, what wasn't really explained was how to ensure that they only rip into items given to them freely, not casually dropped by the door or couch. She also suggested you create a digging area for your dog. Again, in theory perhaps a fun idea but, well, although I've noted dogs tend to dig in the same areas repeatedly, they aren't inclusive. How do you keep a dog from diving enthusiastically into your flower bed instead of the more distant, boring spot under some bushes?

For every suggestion that made me shake my head, "No. Just. No", however, author Sophie Collins has a solid list of doable suggestions. She also offers up good suggestions on leash training, food choices, how to give your dog a good, basic massage, and even things to avoid. There's also an extra reading list shared at the end, offering other viewpoints and ideas.

Bottom line, although I wasn't quite sold on all Collins' ideas, she offers us an easy to read, nicely structured book of the basics. One plus is the different sections based on the dogs' stage of life, from puppy days to senior dogs, with activity ideas to bring joy into all stages of their life.

Thank you #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup - #IvyPress for letting me check out some ideas to make my Daisy dog's life a bit happier. I mean, it isn't like she's spoiled or anything. Grin.

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some dogs require more ‘training’ than others, but most dogs - at least those that are given love - are happy, given the slightest reason to be. I’ve had dogs since before I could crawl, and have loved them all, although admittedly, some have occupied more of my heart than others. Some have arrived and needed little other than love and affection, walks and food, where others have needed a little more help in finding a balance that pleases both the dog and the people they live with.

This covers the basics, and a bit more, in 128 pages. The reasons why these suggestions are made. If the dog isn’t happy, isn’t loved, he will not thrive. If the human isn’t happy, chances are the dog isn’t either - or if they’re like the latest member of my family - they’re just not interested unless there is some kind of incentive. For Aoife, it’s food and freedom. Food, I have no problem with, but freedom needs to be limited since I semi-frequently have a fox (or lately two) who like to sleep near my house. Aoife might weigh 6 lbs on a ‘fat’ day, so clearly there is a reason why I believe she needs to understand why her behaviour, at times, needs to be modified (at the very least). Plus the dog next door, who is typically on a long chain, is massive and not all that friendly and could easily swallow her whole. She seems to believe that the world, and all it entails, are her personal property. She is the reason why I wanted to read this.

If you’re looking for a book to teach you more about your dog, this covers their basic needs, training, health and behaviour, the stages they go through in life, as well as their body language. There are some illustrations as well as scientific research. This isn’t aimed only at new owners or puppies, as it covers aging, as well.

This includes chapters on Playing and Enrichment, Exercise, Eating, Rest and Relaxation. The purpose of these chapters are to improve your dog’s behaviour and make your dog (and thus you) even happier. Happy dog, happy life.

The final chapter, Life Stages, covers the various stages from puppy to their older years in order to give you a better, more comprehensive view of the things all dogs have in common, as well as the variations in different breeds and their various reactions as they age.


Pub Date: 11 April, 2023

Many thanks for the ARC provided by Ivy Press / Quarto Group

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this basic dog care guide, Sophie Collins shares scientific information, practical advice, and tips for ways that people can better understand and engage their dogs. The book avoids getting into breed-specific details and focuses on general themes related to dog care and how dogs bond with their humans. The chapters on play include some great ideas for activities that people might not think of otherwise.

In most cases, the author shares the science behind different assertions, explaining why something is a good idea and how it works instead of just telling you what to do. The information about how dogs experience the world differently from people can be especially helpful, and she includes ideas for figuring out the reasons behind problem behaviors. This is great for people who feel overwhelmed with advice from lots of different sources and want to get down to the basics. The book also addresses different stages of dog development, so this isn't just for puppies.

The book's presentation is nice overall. The illustrations are realistic and attractive, and the book is well-organized and even includes an index. My main critique of the presentation is that the text is small and cramped. My critique of the content is that the author criticizes traditional dog training and urges people to use rewards-based training only without explaining how to manage a reward system. Even while their pets are still in the training stages, many people won't want to give their dogs treats all day for every expected behavior. She never provides guidelines for how many treats you should give, how long this should last, or how you can avoid a relationship based on bribery where the dog won't obey you unless you have a treat for them.

Overall, I thought this book was interesting and informative. The author writes in an engaging style without talking down to the reader, the illustrations are cute, and the book is filled with practical information about how to care for a dog's needs throughout its lifespan. This will appeal to both new and experienced dog owners, and to people who want to better understand dogs that they know through friends and family.

I received a free copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a book that I was seriously into when I requested it but when I actually got a chance to sit down to read it I found it just didn't hold my interest.

Part of this to me just didn't sound right like allowing dogs to play with packing peanuts, which sounds like a digestive nightmare, especially for mouthy breeds or to still allow them to participate in things that humans have always been against such as providing them with shoes or books to chew when those are at the same time things we shouldn't want to encourage them to damage. And the rest of my unease with the book was just the fact that it was dully written thus it felt like I was slogging through a small font book hundreds of pages long instead of as short of a read as it promised to be.

Instead of starting off with the life stages of a dog as most other dog books seem to How To Raise A Happy Dog starts off with a closer look. I cannot fault the book for this introduction but then again instead of following up with a consultation of life stages it chose to confront the different aspects of being a dog owner - playing & enrichment, exercise, eating and rest & relaxation first. And finally at the end of the book it finally gets to the point of tipping off a hat to the life stages of a dog but it isn't an informative nod but rather one that consults the various "problems" that you may have to go through each stage with your pup.

Otherwise it was rather informative, provided the reader with different tips for dog training, games and socializing along with recipes if the reader would be tempted to try them. There are also various small spots in which the reader is given more information in the sides with small bubble inserts that provides the reader with either more information relevant to the subject at hand or with more information that can help you to better improve your pup's responses. This is also then followed up with the constantly repetitive What's the Payoff?.

There will most definitely be some dog owners who may find this book a great read and resource for doggy matters but unfortunately it doesn't seem like I will be one of them.

**I received a free copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie Collins’s upcoming How To Raise A Happy Dog is a wonderful, informative book which discloses some wonderful tips and tricks to help make life for you and your dog that little bit smoother.

I’ve recently got a new puppy and I couldn’t wait to try out some of the great advice. Some things sound like common sense when you read them, but you can easily become overwhelmed with things as you raise your new puppy / dog.

I particularly liked the way she lists dos and don’ts throughout the book as it helps you make informed decisions. This book was also easy to read and great to split things up into manageable chunks. You can easily pick this up and return to stay on track. Definitely recommend for any new dog owner.

If I was to criticise anything it would be the overly simplistic artwork - I feel it needs more stylised artwork if it was going to go down the cartoon path.

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you know someone with a dog or someone who is getting a dog? If yes, then get them this book. It is full of useful information. Whether you have had dogs your whole life or are new to being a doggy parent this book will help you. The title is great but I would say it not only helps you raise a happy dog but it makes you a happy dog owner too. If I had to choose my favorite part of this book it would not be easy but would choose the sections that show games to play with your dog. Yes some of them I have done for years but others I had never thought of and loved. I also found the index of great use (not all books like this have an index). Plus the extra reading section at the end of the book was lovely and helpful too. Finally, I loved the illustrations. They were fun and colorful almost like the children's books I grew up with. Thank you to Netgalley and Ivy Press for the ARC.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed with my dogs and am always looking for ways to make their lives better, so a book like Sophie Collins How to Raise a Happy Dog is right up my alley. This easy to read guide, complete with cute doggie illustrations, is chock full of information and tips to making your pooch as happy as can be!

Included is info on dog body language so that you can read your dog’s personality and mood; ideas for games, tricks, and enrichment (I taught my own dogs how to roll after reading the tips in this book); info on eating & exercise, as well as tips on how you can make your home a comfortable place for your dog to rest; and info on the life stages of dogs.

In all, this book is packed with a lot of helpful, pertinent info that even a dog lover like myself will find useful and eye opening. I can truly say that my dogs’ lives are better after implementing the tips & tricks I found in this book!

[J Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Raise a Happy Dog by Sophie Collins is a basic and mostly accurate look at how dogs interact with the world and how, having a better knowledge of that, we can better interact with them.

Most dog owners will get something from the book, even if it is simply being reminded of things you have let slip from your mind. This is a nice book for new dog owners who want to start off on the right foot. I wouldn't recommend this as your only source of dog information, if you want better facts go to a book written by an expert. But as a book by a dog lover for other dog lovers, there is far more that is useful and correct than is wrong or misunderstood.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Lara (Atlas Of Stories) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for pet owners, especially first-time pet owners.

How to Raise a Happy Dog, is an interesting book that will give you information and tips about your dog and your relationship with your dog. The book combines facts with fun. It gives the reader all the important information and also some exercises. The book also has adorable illustrations that are very pleasant to look at when reading.

I would recommend this book for dog lovers, dog owners and people who are generally interested in non-fiction dog books.

I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this delightful and captivating eARC.

How to raise a happy dog is the BEST book regarding living with our beloved canines as family members

Not only is this a training guide, it is a guide to the social behavior of canines and a love letter of a manual about living with our dogs in the best way possible, from our first hello.

Awesome enjoyable (for both pets and owners) training tips, dogs love a chance to be praised for showing off, at least my super smart miniature poodle Princess does!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read for those who have a dog, new or old.
This book gives a good overview of taking care of a puppy or dog and how you can be a great owner.
Developing a relationship with your pet is very important for them to live an enjoyable and memorable life.
Pick this up for the dog fanatic in your life!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[kmox14 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an informative book with cute illustrations and i got a few ideas for games to play with my dog. I would recommend this to first time dog owners, especially, since it had a lot of information I wouldn't have known until owning a dog. This would also make a great gift to a dog owner who really loves their dog!

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick and nice gift or coffee table book for someone who just got a dog or is about to get one. Even if you have had many dogs, I think it is worth picking up. The illustrations are nice too!

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Shanti Shanmugananthan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wish I had come across this sooner. Full of helpful practical advice and tips.
The section on reading the cues and body language was especially useful and informative. Definitely recommend.

[Tünde Kasza tóth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starting kit with some very basic knowledge. If you own a dog, you should already know all this. If you don't, you can get this knowledge from the internet.

[Yok · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every pages are useful.

[Corey Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie Collins does a fine job at giving us the gist of dog parenthood, but I feel many of the aspects she writes about are situationally and personality biased. That is, much of this book is a general overlapping idea of how to make a happy dog, but the reader must be cautious to understand not every dog will be happy always.

As a pet parent myself, I feel as if much of this book is basic knowledge.