The Dog Bible: Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know

by Tracie Hotchner

Excellent Book

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Dogs

704 pages, Paperback

First published November 3, 2005

Reviews

[Craig Dougans · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great bedside reference. I am unlikely to ever read it from cover to cover, but I am sure it will be close at hand as long as I have dogs.

[Mikki Bunnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

For such a large book, I didn't have a difficult time reading through this! I love the writing and the information! I made notes and marked places that I thought may need some updated information (the book is now 16 years old) and learned a lot of useful information otherwise. If Tracie Hotchner ever sees this: I would seriously love to give you my notes if you ever do an updated version! Lol but seriously, I hope you decide to make an updated version!

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best doggie books I own. When in doubt, check it out. I can usually find at least a paragraph to direct me on unusual behavior.

[C.T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

7-second review: sensible, practical, well-researched, highly useful reference for any caretaker of a canine companion.

Updated from original 2012 review (opinion still current):

I received it as a Christmas gift from someone who knew I love dogs, but the book sat on my bookshelf for years. Then, I remembered to consult it when my husband and I started looking for a dog of our own. That was a wise decision. Now that I actually have a dog again, this comprehensive resource has far exceeded my expectations.

The text’s navigability, range of topics, reading ease, and quality of information and advice place it as my number one print reference on the subject. From selecting a pet to understanding your dog to training to health, safety, hygiene and nutrition to addressing emergencies, this 7-by-9-inch, 688-page tome routinely delivers something helpful for every stage of canine life.

As a 2005 publication, some of its information is out of date, such as the section about the latest developments in nutrition products. However, much of the material is current, some of it timeless. Everyone with a dog, or planning to get one, should read the parts about specific breed characteristics and genetic ailments, behavior management, communication, and dog psychology.

As someone who has read and followed Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan’s philosophy, I find the core of author Tracie Hotchner’s perspective to be quite similar and in agreement on key aspects of the human-dog relationship. Yet, the scope is wider as she offers alternative opinions worth considering for your unique situation.

Brimming with predominantly sound content, this reference is a worthy investment for dog lovers, pet owners, dog industry workers, people living or working around dogs, knowledge hounds, dog seekers, and even generalist veterinarians.

Just like my dog . . . 10 years old and already a classic. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

[Nolan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a thorough, comprehensive guide to dog ownership. It covers every aspect of dog ownership you can conceive of, from finding the right dog to keeping it healthy. There's a fascinating section on communicating with your dog that seems to reflect what most of the positive reenforcement folks teach these days. If you want old-fashioned yank-and-yell techniques to deal with your dog, this isn't your book, and you probably shouldn't own the dog, for that matter.

The only down side is that this book takes such cautionary tilts that it can turn you into a neurotic worry wart if you don't keep it in context. My advice? Read it, and then just concentrate on enjoying your dog.

[elissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read this whole thing, but a lot of it. It helped when we recently got a new (and very hyper) dog. I checked out tons of books when we first got her, and this is the only one that I keep checking out of the library (eventually I guess I'll stop). I've referred to this a few times about nail clipping, and I haven't caused a bloody nail yet, so it has good directions/descriptions. I love how comprehensive it is about having a dog in your life.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty much anything you want to know about dogs, with few pictures, mostly information.