Understanding Your Dog

In This Chapter Asking yourself why you want a puppy Considering how a dog fits with your current and future family arrangements Figuring out what you want in a dog Fitting a puppy into your daily routine Your puppy may be the only family member you get to handpick. You choose based on anything from…

 In This Chapter Competing in performance trials Making your dog a star Your dog doesn’t have to be pedigreed to compete in shows or participate in fun activities. In this chapter, I introduce you to the world of obedience shows, agility trials, and Rally-O. I also let you know how you can get your mixed…

Mixed-breed dogs are every bit as adorable as their purebred counterparts. This dog doesn’t know he doesn’t have a pedigree! (For more on what makes a mixed breed a mixed breed, check out Chapter Mixing It Up: Introducing the Mixed Breed.) The Cockapoo was one of the first designer dogs — intentional crossings of two purebreds…

 In This Chapter Showing off your mixed-breed dog Playing games Becoming a good citizen Having fun outdoors Helping others There are loads of fun activities you can do with your mixedbreed dog — none of which require a pedigree! From competition to helping others, you can participate in many activities where both of you would…

 In This Chapter Finding low-cost ways to spay or neuter your dog Understanding how spaying or neutering your pet can help the pet population Assessing the health risks of not spaying or neutering your dog When you start thinking about spaying or neutering your dog, the first questions you should ask yourself are: Why did…

 In This Chapter Preparing for your trip Driving or flying with your dog Leaving your dog at home There was some genuine worry about my traveling alone, open to attack, robbery, assault. It is well known that our roads are dangerous. And here I admit I had senseless qualms. It is some years since I…

 In This Chapter Competing in performance trials Making your dog a star Your dog doesn’t have to be pedigreed to compete in shows or participate in fun activities. In this chapter, I introduce you to the world of obedience shows, agility trials, and Rally-O. I also let you know how you can get your mixed…

 In This Chapter Knowing when your dog becomes a senior Caring for your senior dog Recognizing age-related health issues Knowing when to say goodbye Getting old is never easy, but you can make the transition a smoother one for your mixed-breed dog. In this chapter, I help you identify when your dog is really a…