Dogs can bring companionship, fun, and unconditional love to their owners. To reciprocate for all of the joy that a dog adds to life, dog owners need to be educated about and fully prepared for responsible ownership and care. There’s a lot to know when you’re a dog owner, and this comprehensive guide serves as the ultimate reference for owners at all stages of their dogs’ lives. Inside The Ultimate Guide to Dog Care: •A thorough discussion on what you need to consider before you decide to add a dog to your family •Sources from where you can obtain a healthy, sound puppy or adult dog •Checklists and charts to help you buy all of the equipment and supplies you will need before your dog comes home •How to introduce your new dog to your home, other family members, other dogs, and strangers •The importance of socialization to a dog’s overall personality and confidence •Complete nutrition for puppies, adults, and senior dogs •How to groom different coat types and the tools you will need •Making sure that your dog gets enough exercise for his body and mind, with special sections on organized dog sports and pet-assisted therapy work •Keeping your dog safe at home and everywhere you go •Raising a polite canine member of society through reward-based training, communication, and solutions to common problems •Routine health checks, dealing with parasites, and recognizing and treating illness and injury, with a chapter on care of the older dog