Understanding Your Dog

 In This Chapter Being prepared for any emergency Knowing who to call for help Getting your lost dog back You could have your dog from puppyhood to old age and never encounter an emergency situation — or you could face numerous emergencies throughout your dog’s life. You don’t knowif or when emergency will strike, but…

 In This Chapter Finding the right veterinarian for your dog Spaying or neutering your mixed breed Making sure your dog can be identified if he’s ever lost Giving your dog regular healthcare Dealing with chronic health issues One of the most important things you can do as the owner of a mixed-breed dog is to…

 In This Chapter Helping your dog be okay with being alone Knowing what to do with your aggressive dog Making Emily Post proud: Curing bad manners Many mixed-breed dogs have already learned some less-thanstellar behaviors in their previous environments. These problems are ones you want to identify and correct sooner rather than later. The first…

In This Chapter Getting ready to train Steps to success Teaching the basic commands Distraction proofing Finding a professional trainer  Part of owning a dog — and ensuring that you’re both happy — is training him. A good training regimen goes hand in hand with overall character development, good behavior, and communication. Plus, it’s fun!…

 In This Chapter Giving your dog the lay of the land Introducing her to your family and other pets Surviving the first night Scheduling your life around your new dog Bringing your new dog home involves more than just leading her through the front door. You want your dog to walk into a loving home…

In This Chapter Recognizing gotta-go potty behavior Scheduling time for your dog to go Training your dog to potty on command Crate-training your mixed breed Housetraining your indoor dog Preventing accidents Everyone who gets a new dog must immediately begin working on the most important task: housetraining. Whether you got your dog at a shelter…

 In This Chapter Figuring out how much exercise your dog needs Finding fun activities to do with your dog Dogs are extreme athletes. They require exercise to remain healthy and happy. Few are natural couch potatoes — but they become couch potatoes after living with humans for a while. Some breeds don’t require much exercise, but the…

 In This Chapter Understanding why grooming is about more than just appearance Brushing your dog Cleaning your dog’s ears and teeth Caring for your dog’s eyes Keeping on top of your dog’s nails Bathing your dog Checking your dog for parasites and other problems Would you be willing to walk out of your home without…