Puppy Parenting Everything You Need to Know About Your Puppy's First Year Book

This is a quick and entertaining offering in the "Bringing Up Puppy" genre. I wouldn't suggest it as your only or even primary puppy reference because it isn't very in-depth; however, it's fine as a refresher.

I liked the little tips and ideas sprinkled throughout the book, such as the idea to put a teething puppy's chewtoys in the freezer to help soothe his gums.

What I liked about this book:
--It's reassuring. Some of the other puppy books I've read have amped up my newbie jitters with their dire warnings about developmental deadlines. Puppy Parenting has a more laid-back vibe and frequently reminds readers that raising a furry friend is supposed to be fun.

--Unlike many other pet care books, the authors don't skirt the puppy-mill issue. They firmly warn readers of the hazards of buying pet store puppies--genetic defects and a lifetime of misery for mill breeding dogs--and strongly advise against obtaining a dog in this way. Applause to Greye and Smith.

--More applause for steering readers away from unhealthy, preservative- and byproduct- filled grocery store brands of pet food. I thank them, and no doubt many dogs will too. Instead, the authors suggest purchasing high quality foods sold through vets and pet specialty stores. I couldn't agree more.

--The authors advocate spaying and neutering, which goes without saying is one of the smartest and best things we can do to prevent the suffering of unwanted pets.

What wasn't so good:
--This book was published nearly 10 years ago, so some of the information is outdated. For example, it suggests Iams as a high quality pet food, but nowadays it's just another crappy grocery store brand.

--The authors didn't make a terribly convincing case for shelter puppies, even suggesting that your first should probably be purchased, instead! Imagine how many more puppies and dogs would be doomed if everyone thought this way. (Although, the authors did go on to mention breed rescue groups, which many pet keepers are still unaware of.)
In addition, they didn't seem to be terribly up on their facts. At one point they note that "a million domestic animals" are euthanized every year. In actuality, the most reliable data puts the number at right around 4 million per year killed in shelters--and that's just dogs and cats. Many other domesticated species go unwanted as well.