Introduction -- Chapter 1: The Care Crossover. Dogs in Service. Crime-Fighting Dogs. Scent Sense. Exercise and Weight Control. Emotional Well-Being. Research and Medicine. The Canine and Human Genomes -- Chapter 2: Exercise and Environment. Starting an Exercise Program with Your Dog. Warm-Ups and Cooldowns. Environmental Enrichment. Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers. Thinking Outside the Box -- Chapter 3: Training That Works on Beings with a Brain. How Does Operant Conditioning Work? Building the Basics with Sit. Down. Come. Walking with You -- Chapter 4: The Doctor Is In. Choosing a Veterinarian. Vaccinations and Wellness Exams. Pest Preventatives. pay/Neuter. Identification. How DVMs Are More Talented Than MDs -- Chapter 5: The Unmentionable. Don't Be Squeamish, Be Practical. Cleaning Up After Your Dog. Housetraining -- Chapter 6: Omnivores Together. Dog Digestion. Feeding Strategies. Commercial Dog Food. Formulating a Home-Based Diet. Treats and "Human" Foods. The Advantages of Staying Slim -- Chapter 7: Puttin' on the Dog. Different Strokes for Different Dogs. Tools of the Trade (and How to Use Them). Bath Time!. Choosing a Groomer. Keeping Teeth Healthy. Nail Care. Attention to Ears. Anal Glands -- Chapter 8: Just for Fun. Play Time. The Ferrari of Dog Games: Tug-of-War. Put That Nose to Work: Search and Rescue and Treasure Hunts. Towser's Toy Box. Creating Toy Envy. Tricks Aren't Just for Kids. Dog Playmates -- Chapter 9: Some Serious (and Not So Serious) Shopping. Collars and Leashes. Some Management Devices. Crates, Exercise Pens, and Baby Gates. Bowls and Other Dining Supplies. Beds. Clothes. Toys -- Chapter 10: How the Dog Senses the World. The Nose Knows. Swivel Ears. Eye See You. In Good Taste. Touch Me Now -- Chapter 11: The Unspoken Language.Paying More Attention to Nonverbal Communication. Reading Your Dog's Emotional State. Using Silent Communication to Your Benefit -- Chapter 12: Life Stages, Life Changes. The Treats and Trials of Puppyhood. Adolescence. Adulthood. The Senior Years. Human Changes -- Chapter 13: Lending a Hand. Contributing to Your Community. Animal-Assisted Activities. School Programs. Search and Rescue. Public Demonstrations -- Chapter 14: Personality Profiles. Matching a Dog to Your Lifestyle. Breed Encyclopedias, Books, and Web Sites. Size, Activity Level, and Personality Considerations. Grooming Requirements. Finding a Purebred. Choosing a Rescue Dog -- Chapter 15: Meeting the Family. Introductions to Humans. Introductions to Other Dogs. Introductions to Other Animals. Special Considerations for Children -- Appendix: Online Resources. Collars, Leashes, Harnesses. Dog/Human Care Organizations. Flea Control Products. General Dog Shopping Sites. Miscellaneous Dog Products. Miscellaneous Organizations. Registries and Show-Giving Organizations. Toys and Environmental Enrichment. Training and Behavior Organizations/Lecturers. Veterinary and Care Organizations.
0
SUMMARY OR ABSTRACT
Text of Note
Discusses not only selecting a dog, veterinary visits, diet, grooming, and training, but also exercise, dog psychology and physiology, the physical and mental health benefits of dog parenthood, and human/canine interaction. With information particularly relevant to Baby Boomers, this book will acknowledge the life changes that may leave mid-lifers with just their dogs for support after death or divorce, when confronting an empty nest, or with older family members moving in and making demands on their free time.