The author of this book is a self-taught dog behaviorist, trainer, and television personality. He founded the Dog Psychology Center in California and the Millan Foundation to aid in the rescue and rehabilitation of dogs. He has published 5 books for dog owners on behavior and training. One of his basic beliefs is that people must respect dogs as animals and not “co-opt [them] into being our friend, soul mate, or child” (p. 3), as this leads to unstable dogs with behavioral issues.
He begins the book by adopting 4 puppies of different breeds of “medium-level energy;” a pit bull, a Labrador retriever, an English bulldog, and a miniature schnauzer. He writes about raising these puppies as dogs first, as breeds with instinctive behaviors second, and lastly as individuals, as they mature from puppies to adolescent dogs.
A chapter on choosing the right puppy relies heavily on the advice of several breeders, and seems to discourage adopting rescue dogs, particularly for people with inexperience owning dogs. He advocates picking a puppy from a reliable breeder as it will guarantee a level of genetic health and excellent early life care and socialization, but determining one’s pick of the litter by gauging its individual energy level relative to one’s own energy level and experience with dogs. He also recommends going to dog shows to observe adult dogs of the breed chosen. He gives some basic tips on how to pick a puppy, as well as how to evaluate oneself for capability and readiness for dog ownership.
Throughout the book he emphasizes how early socialization is important, and discusses natural puppy behavior through the first weeks and months. He emphasizes preparation prior to bringing puppies home, from choosing the appropriate kennel and other supplies (food, toys, grooming aids, and baby gates) to puppy proofing the home. He advocates crate-training and gives advice on housebreaking that emphasizes routine and not allowing puppies the chance to make housebreaking mistakes. Using patience and practicing techniques for communicating limits in general behavior and play are also delineated, with examples from the raising of his four puppies and the rest of his “pack” given. Part of the preparation for owning a dog, he suggests, is creating a savings fund for medical expenses and/or purchasing pet health insurance. He covers basic health requirements, such as vaccinations and proper feeding. Included is a section on how to prepare your puppy for car-rides, veterinary visits, and the handling required for examinations and routine maintenance such as the cleaning of a bulldog’s skin folds.
One chapter is devoted to communication, conditioning, and training. He uses the behavior of a mother dog as an example of how to correct and set limits for puppies. Leash training and “mastering the walk” are emphasized and he believes exercise, discipline, and affection are necessary “in that order” (p. 165). Proper methods of play are outlined, and this section includes 12 color photographs for illustration. He gives tips and examples of how to train for basic commands and condition for appropriate behavior through consistency and effective rewards.
A chapter is devoted to socializing puppies to people (including children, babies, and new people of all ages and dog-experience) and to other dogs. He addresses owner concerns about socialization and immunity. Emphasis is placed on reading your pup’s behavior and setting up controlled situations while being aware of how your own energy can affect these new experiences.
Preventing and dealing with common puppy problems such as inappropriate jumping, chewing, and barking are covered thoroughly, with examples of how breed may contribute to certain problems. If a behavior such as inattention can not be prevented, tips on redirecting that behavior are offered. Throughout the book he explains that all members of a household must be consistent in their approach to training and discipline, as well as how that discipline must be timed precisely.
The final chapters discuss dog “adolescence” and the physical and behavioral changes that come with it, ending with an update of the happy, well-adjusted lives of the four puppies in their adoptive homes up to the time of writing. Spaying and neutering is advocated, relating the neutering of the English bulldog as proof of how it is a trauma-free and beneficial procedure.
This book is an easy read with many tips that may benefit potential new dog owners with limited animal experience. The point form lists included in many sections and the resource guide, notes, and index included at the end provide quick and easy access to information. There are many cultural references, such as to the book and film Marley and Me that will appeal to the average reader. It was written in consultation with several veterinarians but there are multiple references to the costliness of traditional veterinary care, extolling the virtues of holistic and organic approaches to diet and health while never mentioning cost. It is perhaps troubling that the American Veterinary Medical Association is listed as a source on only the costs of animal ownership, while the Humane Society of the United States, a lobbyist group with a political animal rights agenda that reportedly contributes less than 1% of its earnings to pet shelters, is used as a reliable source for puppy mill, pet shop, non-profit rescue group, shelter, and breeder information.