Understanding Your Dog

In This Chapter Grouping dogs into breeds Understanding breed groups Sorting out mixed breeds Predicting dog behaviors from breeds In this chapter, we take the word breed and look at its value in helping you understand your dog. If you’ve ever watched a dog show, you’ve probably noticed a lot of different types of dogs prancing around…

In This Chapter Testing the personality of your puppy and adult dog Understanding canine personality types Evaluating your dog’s personality Like snowflakes and paw prints, every dog is unique. Their actions and responses are what make up their personality. Broken down, a dog’s personality is made up of three components that blend together to create…

In This Chapter Knowing what your dog thinks about all day long Organizing the hierarchy in your home Encouraging good manners Conditioning your dog to share objects and food Your dog, regardless of his size or coat color, is hard-wired to act like . . . well, like a dog. He isn’t a kitten, bunny,…

In This Chapter Interpreting what your dog is saying Decoding body language Listening for verbal clues Reading facial expressions If your dog could talk as you do, she would have a lot to say, both good and bad. But alas, for better or worse, she cannot. Your dog’s brain, not her determination or will, limits…