Understanding Your Dog

In This Chapter Shopping for supplies you’ll need immediately Checking out training collars and leashes to be used later on Readying your house and your family Making introductions Getting through the first week Mom’s right again: First impressions really do count. To make your puppy’s transition into your home as smooth as possible, you have…

 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…