Grab Life by the Leash A Guide to Bringing Up and Bonding with Your Four Legged Friend 1st Edition by Cheryl S Smith ISBN 0470178825 9780470178829

Chapter 1: The Care Crossover.

Dogs in Service.

Crime-Fighting Dogs.

Scent Sense.

Exercise and Weight Control.

Emotional Well-Being.

Research and Medicine.

The Canine and Human Genomes.

Chapter 2: Exercise and Environment.

Starting an Exercise Program with Your Dog.

Warm-Ups and Cooldowns.

Environmental Enrichment.

Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers.

Thinking Outside the Box.

Chapter 3: Training That Works on Beings with a Brain.

How Does Operant Conditioning Work?

Building the Basics with Sit.

Down.

Come.

Walking with You.

Chapter 4: The Doctor Is In.

Choosing a Veterinarian.

Vaccinations and Wellness Exams.

Pest Preventatives.

Spay/Neuter.

Identification.

How DVMs Are More Talented Than MDs.

Chapter 5: The Unmentionable.

Don’t Be Squeamish, Be Practical.

Cleaning Up After Your Dog.

Housetraining.

Chapter 6: Omnivores Together.

Dog Digestion.

Feeding Strategies.

Commercial Dog Food.

Formulating a Home-Based Diet.

Treats and “Human” Foods.

The Advantages of Staying Slim.

Chapter 7: Puttin’ on the Dog.

Different Strokes for Different Dogs.

Tools of the Trade (and How to Use Them).

Bath Time!.

Choosing a Groomer.

Keeping Teeth Healthy.

Nail Care.

Attention to Ears.

Anal Glands.

Chapter 8: Just for Fun.

Play Time.

The Ferrari of Dog Games: Tug-of-War.

Put That Nose to Work: Search and Rescue and Treasure Hunts.

Towser’s Toy Box.

Creating Toy Envy.

Tricks Aren’t Just for Kids.

Dog Playmates.

Chapter 9: Some Serious (and Not So Serious) Shopping.

Collars and Leashes.

Some Management Devices.

Crates, Exercise Pens, and Baby Gates.

Bowls and Other Dining Supplies.

Beds.

Clothes.

Toys.

Chapter 10: How the Dog Senses the World.

The Nose Knows.

Swivel Ears.

Eye See You.

In Good Taste.

Touch Me Now.

Chapter 11: The Unspoken Language.

Paying More Attention to Nonverbal Communication.

Reading Your Dog’s Emotional State.

Using Silent Communication to Your Benefit.9

Chapter 12: Life Stages, Life Changes.

The Treats and Trials of Puppyhood.

Adolescence.

Adulthood.

The Senior Years.

Human Changes.

Chapter 13: Lending a Hand.

Contributing to Your Community.

Animal-Assisted Activities.

School Programs.

Search and Rescue.

Public Demonstrations.

Chapter 14: Personality Profiles.

Matching a Dog to Your Lifestyle.

Breed Encyclopedias, Books, and Web Sites.

Size, Activity Level, and Personality Considerations.

Grooming Requirements.

Finding a Purebred.

Choosing a Rescue Dog.

Chapter 15: Meeting the Family.

Introductions to Humans.

Introductions to Other Dogs.

Introductions to Other Animals.

Special Considerations for Children.