The only dog-training guide for kids written by a teen!
Author Kate Eldredge, age 15, knows what it takes for a kid to raise and train a dog--she's been parenting pooches since she was 7. It's a big responsibility, but it has awesome rewards (besides all those wet, slobbery kisses). When you're your dog's caregiver, provider, and trainer, your dog will be your loyal playmate, protector, and confidant for life!
In this book, Kate gives you the scoop on:
* Choosing the right dog for your family
* Getting the house ready and establishing a routine
* Teaching basic household manners
* Feeding and caring for your dog
* Dealing with health problems
* Showing your dog
* Activities like obedience trials, sports, and community service
Kate's mom, a veterinarian, provides valuable information. A "For Parents Only" section at the end of each chapter tells adults how they can help without taking over.
Table of Contents:
Preface. Acknowledgments.
Foreword by David Frei.
Chapter 1: Are You Ready for Parenthood?
Why Dogs Are Good for Kids.
Why Kids Are Good for Dogs.
Responsible Dog Ownership.
The Right Dog for You.
The Human-Animal Bond.
Profile: Tom with Susan and Baloo.
Chapter 2: Preschool and Kindergarten: Getting Ready for Dog Ownership.
Puppy/Dog-Proofing Your Home.
Establishing House Rules.
Who’s in Charge, or Who’s on First?
The Importance of Routine.
Profile: Kate and Flash.
Chapter 3: Elementary School: Teaching Household Manners.
Household Manners.
Attention.
The Three R’s of Dog Training.
Walking Nicely.
Putting It All to Use in Real Life.
Profile: Jamie and Buddy.
Chapter 4: Avoiding Detention.
Developing Respect for (Human) Authority.
Playing Well with Others: The Social Dog.
Separation Anxiety—Home Alone.
Chewing: The House, Not Gum.
Too Much to Say: The Barker.
Excavating: When Your Dog’s a Digger.
Profile: Margo and Raisin.
Chapter 5: Health Class: Care and Feeding.
Nutrition: Chow for the Hound.
Exercise: Run, Spot, Run!
Poop Patrol.
Grooming: Squeaky Clean.
Routine Care: What You Learned in Health Class.
Profile: Katelyn and Jake.
Chapter 6: Vet School: Dealing with Health Problems.
ER—First Aid, Not the TV Show.
Dealing with Aliens—and This Isn’t Science Fiction.
Minor Illnesses.
More Serious Health Problems.
Euthanasia.
Profile: Becky and Vicky.
Chapter 7: Going for a PhD in Obedience.
Where to Train.
Basic Levels.
Competitive Venues.
Rally Obedience.
Profile: Brie and Blaze.
Chapter 8: Finding Your Roots.
The Draft Dog Sports.
Herding.
Earthdog Activities: A Job for a Digger!
A-Hunting We Will Go.
Lure Coursing: The Canine Cheetahs.
Profile: Sarah and Sooner.
Chapter 9: Extracurricular Activities: Sports.
Agility.
Flying through the Air: Disc Chasing.
Flyball—a Team Sport for Ball-Crazy Dogs.
Water Sports.
Tracking: Born to Sniff.
Hiking and Backpacking: Taking to the Great Outdoors.
Profile: Cecilia and Sage.
Chapter 10: Extracurricular Activities: Cultural Experiences.
Breed Showing (aka Beauty Pageants).
Modeling: Junior Showmanship.
Tricks: A Place for the Class Clown.
Freestyle—Dance Class in a Whole New Way.
Profile: Amanda and Ripley.
Chapter 11: Civics Class: Community Service, Being a Good Neighbor, and Giving Back.
The Canine Good Citizen Program.
Doing Therapy Dog Work.
Walking a Walkathon.
Working at Dog Events.
Helping Out at the Humane Society.
Getting Political: Pushing Papers for Power.
Becoming a Foster Parent.
Raising an Assistance Dog.
Profile: Hunter and Smudge.
Chapter 12: Field Trips: Traveling with Your Dog.
Safety in the Car.
Flying High—Taking to the Skies.
Hotel Etiquette.
Campground Etiquette.
The Social Dog.
Boarding—Kennel, That Is, Not School!
Baby (Pet) Sitter—Another Great Option.
Profile: Matt and BooBoo.
Chapter 13: Fine Arts, Home Economics, and Shop Class.
Rubber Stamping.
Sewing.
Other Needlework.
Woodworking and PVC Construction.
Painting and Drawing.
Clay and Pottery.
Photography.
Kitchen Delights—Doggy Style.
Profile: Holly and Soda Pop.
Appendix A: Recommended Reading.
Appendix B: Organizations.
Appendix C: Internet Resources.
Appendix D: Hobbies and Crafts.
Appendix E: A Good Reminder: A Leash = Love = Life.
Index.
About the Author :
Kate Eldredge has won two Maxwell Awards from the Dog Writers Association of America and is a columnist for The Corgi Cryer, agilityaction.com, and Dogs in Review. Kate has successfully competed with her dogs in 4-H, junior showmanship, conformation, obedience, rally, agility, herding, tracking, backpacking, and freestyle. Debra M. Eldredge, DVM, is also an award-winning writer. Her books include The Everything Dog Health Book, Cancer and Your Pet, and Pills for Pets. A graduate of Cornell Veterinary College, she has been in private small-animal practice since 1980.
