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Your Dog: The Owner's Manual: Hundreds of Secrets, Surprises, and Solutions for Raising a Happy, Healthy Dog
Through surprising facts, moving stories and tested solutions, the veterinary expert from Good Morning America and The Dr. Oz Show will give every dog owner the secrets to raising a healthy, well-behaved dog.
For anyone who owns a dog or is thinking about getting one, Dr. Marty Becker's manual is a must-have guide to anything and everything canine. In Your The Owner's Manual, the "best-loved family doctor for pets" shares insider secrets on how to keep puppy problems from becoming doggy disasters and how to best bond with your dog through helpful, easily accessible tips and tricks on how
Find the right dog for your family's lifestyle
Solve the most annoying behavioral problems
Make sure your dog gets the exercise he needs
Use food puzzles to prevent weight gain
Prevent dog health problems
Save money on medication, both traditional and alternative
For seasoned dog owners as well as those looking to adopt a new friend, Dr. Becker provides all the insight that makes for both happy owners and happy dogs.
For anyone who owns a dog or is thinking about getting one, Dr. Marty Becker's manual is a must-have guide to anything and everything canine. In Your The Owner's Manual, the "best-loved family doctor for pets" shares insider secrets on how to keep puppy problems from becoming doggy disasters and how to best bond with your dog through helpful, easily accessible tips and tricks on how
Find the right dog for your family's lifestyle
Solve the most annoying behavioral problems
Make sure your dog gets the exercise he needs
Use food puzzles to prevent weight gain
Prevent dog health problems
Save money on medication, both traditional and alternative
For seasoned dog owners as well as those looking to adopt a new friend, Dr. Becker provides all the insight that makes for both happy owners and happy dogs.
- GenresNonfictionDogsAnimals
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
16 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 14, 2024
I didn't really need to read this entire book, but I did. I found it to be a great review of things I already knew, and I picked up a few great tips for the dog I was fostering. I listened to this book as I walked the dog.
April 13, 2011
Your Dog: The Owner’s Manual
by Dr. Marty Becker with Gina Spadafori
Grand Central Life & Style, 2011, ISBN: 9780446571326
This is a practical, information-packed, easy-to-read book. You will enjoy while you learn, and you’ll keep it handy as a practical reference. In four sections it lays out how to find the right dog for you and your family; basic care for a happy, healthy dog; training and socialization so that you have a dog you can take anywhere and who is a joy to live with; and more weighty health care matters, including selecting a veterinarian, being prepared for emergencies, and caring for an aging dog.
The section on finding a dog covers the advantages of shelters, rescue groups, and responsible breeders, as well as why pet shops, casual backyard breeders, and “click and buy” websites are disastrously bad sources for a new puppy. Please read that section carefully; the convenience and immediate gratification of such sources are not worth the increased vet costs, the potential early grief, and the conditions the parents of your puppy are living in. Responsible breeders and rescue groups, on the other hand, will match you with the right puppy or dog, give that puppy or dog the best start possible, and be there with advice and assistance if you have problems. In addition, the responsible breeder will have screened her dogs for health problems common to the breed, and done her very best to make sure your puppy or dog can expect a long, healthy life. Shelters aren’t able to provide the same amount of background information, but most dogs in shelters are good pets who just need a new home—and likely some additional training, but nothing beyond most people who want a dog in their lives. Also, you’ll be saving a life, and this is in most cases the least expensive source for a new pet.
In the section on basic care, they cover food, exercise, safety, basic health care. Among the recommendations that may surprise many readers: Throw out your dog’s food bowls! Dr. Becker recommends feeding your dog with food puzzles and toys such as the Kong Wobbler and Kong Genius toys. Meal time will be more fun for your dog, whose ancestors had to hunt for a living, and in working for her meal will get more exercise and be less at risk of weight gain. My own dog gets some, though not all, of her meals this way, and her bouncy eagerness at the sight of one of her food toys is a reward in itself for going to the trouble of preparing it.
Section three covers training and socialization, and the importance of helping your dog to be comfortable and confident in new situations and with unfamiliar people and dogs, as well as how to achieve this. Taking the time for good training and socialization will multiply your pleasure in your dog, as you and he will be able to spend more time together, doing more different kinds of things together—including dog sports, if you’re both so inclined.
Some of the hardest topics are saved for section four. Our dogs’ lifespans are much shorter than ours, so we will see them through puppyhood and young adulthood and maturity, into old age and the last days of their lives. Good veterinary care, as well as a high-quality diet and good exercise, holds off the deterioration of old age, and makes your dog’s senior years golden years rather than painful ones. And when major illness or injury strikes, or in late old age, we need to be prepared, with a good relationship with a veterinarian, with the resources to provide care, and the honesty with ourselves and openness to our pets to know when treatment is right, when hospice care at home is best, and when it’s time to say good-bye. Dr. Becker deals with these difficult topics in an honest, sensitive, and helpful manner. One suggestion I want to highlight, because I believe many people are still not aware of it, is pet health insurance. Pet health insurance works more like car insurance or indemnity health insurance for humans than like HMOs; you use the veterinarian of your choice and pay, and then get reimbursed. Selecting the right insurance policy for your pet can make the difference between being able to treat something treatable but expensive, and having to euthanize your pet simply because it’s impossible to afford the bill.
Overall, this is an extremely practical, helpful book that you’ll be glad to have on your shelf throughout your dog’s lifetime.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book for review from the publisher.
by Dr. Marty Becker with Gina Spadafori
Grand Central Life & Style, 2011, ISBN: 9780446571326
This is a practical, information-packed, easy-to-read book. You will enjoy while you learn, and you’ll keep it handy as a practical reference. In four sections it lays out how to find the right dog for you and your family; basic care for a happy, healthy dog; training and socialization so that you have a dog you can take anywhere and who is a joy to live with; and more weighty health care matters, including selecting a veterinarian, being prepared for emergencies, and caring for an aging dog.
The section on finding a dog covers the advantages of shelters, rescue groups, and responsible breeders, as well as why pet shops, casual backyard breeders, and “click and buy” websites are disastrously bad sources for a new puppy. Please read that section carefully; the convenience and immediate gratification of such sources are not worth the increased vet costs, the potential early grief, and the conditions the parents of your puppy are living in. Responsible breeders and rescue groups, on the other hand, will match you with the right puppy or dog, give that puppy or dog the best start possible, and be there with advice and assistance if you have problems. In addition, the responsible breeder will have screened her dogs for health problems common to the breed, and done her very best to make sure your puppy or dog can expect a long, healthy life. Shelters aren’t able to provide the same amount of background information, but most dogs in shelters are good pets who just need a new home—and likely some additional training, but nothing beyond most people who want a dog in their lives. Also, you’ll be saving a life, and this is in most cases the least expensive source for a new pet.
In the section on basic care, they cover food, exercise, safety, basic health care. Among the recommendations that may surprise many readers: Throw out your dog’s food bowls! Dr. Becker recommends feeding your dog with food puzzles and toys such as the Kong Wobbler and Kong Genius toys. Meal time will be more fun for your dog, whose ancestors had to hunt for a living, and in working for her meal will get more exercise and be less at risk of weight gain. My own dog gets some, though not all, of her meals this way, and her bouncy eagerness at the sight of one of her food toys is a reward in itself for going to the trouble of preparing it.
Section three covers training and socialization, and the importance of helping your dog to be comfortable and confident in new situations and with unfamiliar people and dogs, as well as how to achieve this. Taking the time for good training and socialization will multiply your pleasure in your dog, as you and he will be able to spend more time together, doing more different kinds of things together—including dog sports, if you’re both so inclined.
Some of the hardest topics are saved for section four. Our dogs’ lifespans are much shorter than ours, so we will see them through puppyhood and young adulthood and maturity, into old age and the last days of their lives. Good veterinary care, as well as a high-quality diet and good exercise, holds off the deterioration of old age, and makes your dog’s senior years golden years rather than painful ones. And when major illness or injury strikes, or in late old age, we need to be prepared, with a good relationship with a veterinarian, with the resources to provide care, and the honesty with ourselves and openness to our pets to know when treatment is right, when hospice care at home is best, and when it’s time to say good-bye. Dr. Becker deals with these difficult topics in an honest, sensitive, and helpful manner. One suggestion I want to highlight, because I believe many people are still not aware of it, is pet health insurance. Pet health insurance works more like car insurance or indemnity health insurance for humans than like HMOs; you use the veterinarian of your choice and pay, and then get reimbursed. Selecting the right insurance policy for your pet can make the difference between being able to treat something treatable but expensive, and having to euthanize your pet simply because it’s impossible to afford the bill.
Overall, this is an extremely practical, helpful book that you’ll be glad to have on your shelf throughout your dog’s lifetime.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book for review from the publisher.
August 24, 2012
This is a great book if you're just starting as a dog owner, especially for those getting a puppy. The information is still relevant for those adopting older dogs as well.
The book gives quite a broad overview of different topics (such as selecting, training, health care, etc.) while singling out ways to improve your dog-rearing. Becker also goes into detail in regards to picking a perfect collar, how to properly groom your dog and so on.
As dog books go, I would say this is a perfect choice for new dog owners, but don't make this your only go-to manual. There are plenty of other books on specific dog topics (grooming and whatnot) that it would still be beneficial to search those out and give them a read. Because when getting a dog, it's best to be knowledgeable so you can give it the best care.
The book gives quite a broad overview of different topics (such as selecting, training, health care, etc.) while singling out ways to improve your dog-rearing. Becker also goes into detail in regards to picking a perfect collar, how to properly groom your dog and so on.
As dog books go, I would say this is a perfect choice for new dog owners, but don't make this your only go-to manual. There are plenty of other books on specific dog topics (grooming and whatnot) that it would still be beneficial to search those out and give them a read. Because when getting a dog, it's best to be knowledgeable so you can give it the best care.
September 19, 2021
This was a very informative book. I really wish I would have read it prior to getting my puppy. She is now a year old and I feel like I would have benefited from this information so much earlier on.
December 12, 2022
Lots of very basic info about dogs. But part 3 was helpful in regards to behavioral things.
January 29, 2014
A bit less dry than I expected, and a bit less informal. This book (manual?) doesn't go into very much depth for anything, but it seems as if the goal here was breadth, not depth, and it does that pretty well.
It covers the span of dog ownership, from choosing a puppy to euthanasia, and gives several good tips for everything in between. Dr. Becker's point most of the time seems to be that if you have any questions or if your dog seems off, you should ask your vet--he repeats this several times throughout this book, enough to almost get annoying, but it's not really a huge detriment when compared to all the other information here. It lives up to its title as a manual and is a good read for general dog information, but if you want something more in-depth you might want to look into a more specialized resource.
It covers the span of dog ownership, from choosing a puppy to euthanasia, and gives several good tips for everything in between. Dr. Becker's point most of the time seems to be that if you have any questions or if your dog seems off, you should ask your vet--he repeats this several times throughout this book, enough to almost get annoying, but it's not really a huge detriment when compared to all the other information here. It lives up to its title as a manual and is a good read for general dog information, but if you want something more in-depth you might want to look into a more specialized resource.
June 12, 2025
This manual offers a refreshingly practical and engaging approach to raising a happy and healthy canine companion. Its format, filled with digestible tips and solutions, makes complex topics easily understandable and actionable for the everyday dog owner. While the breadth of information is impressive and immensely helpful, the sheer volume of tips means that some more intricate or behavioural nuances might be covered in a broader stroke rather than in exhaustive detail. Despite this, it remains an excellent, highly accessible resource that empowers owners with valuable insights for ensuring their dog's well-being and a fulfilling life together.
December 25, 2015
Really great book for understanding the basics about owning a dog for first time owners. Enjoyed around 95% of the advice and stories and found most all relatable and engaging. The only thing I would change would be the final chapters about medical advice; of course being a Dr. himself he is a little biased towards his practice and feels that no cost is too much for his animals but while it seems obvious to suggest the most expensive care is quote on quote the best I'm doubtful that's always the way.
All in all a good read!
All in all a good read!
December 2, 2011
Dr. Becker writes with enthusiasm, which is contagious as you read the book. He has some interesting suggestions and I would heartily recommend this book for anyone considering getting a dog, even if you grew up with them.
June 24, 2014
Good Book for dog owners.
February 9, 2015
it was okay but maybe only because I've read 6books on dogs and I'm burnt out
June 26, 2015
Nothing I didn't know before.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews