This is a very good book to read BEFORE you get your puppy. You need to have all the gear and be ready before the puppy comes home with you. If your puppy is like my puppy, you will have no time to read once he arrives.

This book has a totally positive focus. We followed the housetraining advice meticulously, using a crate, a pen, stuffed kongs, freeze-dried liver as a reward when the pup pottied outside. It worked. We had very few accidents (and we could blame ourselves for those) and Skipper is very well housetrained without a lot of drama and angst.

We also followed the advice to start puppy classes early. That threw our vet for a loop because most vets want you to wait until the pup has all his shots. But Dr. Denbar thinks that puppies are much more at risk from lack of socialization than from disease.

We also followed the advice on how to develop bite inhibition. My senior dog does not have good bite inhibition and has unintentionally nipped me on many occasions. I think Skipper has developed better bite inhibition as a result of our work on this.

Don't get a puppy and think "how hard can this be?" Read this book first and follow the advice of this experienced and respected vet, animal behaviorist and trainer.

Pros: good advice, easy to read

Cons: people probably wait and get this book when they're having problems; read it before you get the puppy

this is mandatory when you are getting a puppy!
every human needs to know what to do, how to act, what challenges lie ahead, etc when he brings home a new puppy .
this book is informative and easy to read.

Pros: great idea and everyone needs to read it

Cons: none

this is a great and helpful book for telling you how to prepare yourself and your home for a puppy, and also how to take care of it once its in your home

Pros: tells you about puppies behavior

Cons: when it ends

This book is a very helpful tool to help you get through the cute but demanding first year with your new puppy.

As this book points out, puppies have many issues that are relevant only to their age. And it is important to deal with many issues in a knd, firm and timely way.

I liked the book for its wide range of coverage and for the details it provides. It would be helpful to any new puppy owner.

Pros: good coverage of issues

Cons: more pictures would be nice

Perhaps that lady who asked the question about how to raise her beagle puppy today should get this book. Or her husband should have gotten her this before buying the dog. Dr. Dunbar gives good solid advice as to how to raise a puppy. Get this book before you get the dog.

Pros: Dr. Dunbar's experience

Cons: none