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Dog: The Definitive Guide for Dog Owners

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A famous vet's complete guide to dogs and their behavior. This handsome book celebrates the close and complex relationship between humans and dogs, and it examines dogs in the contexts of behavior, anthropology, history, literature and genetics. Dog reveals the essential nature of the human-dog relationship and gives insight into how that relationship has changed and what its future holds. Topics

384 pages, Paperback

First published August 13, 2010

2 people are currently reading
102 people want to read

About the author

Bruce Fogle

187 books34 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for C.
567 reviews19 followers
July 25, 2021
Written by a vet for the everyday pet owner. At times weirdly sexist, but generally engaging and an overall good reference.
406 reviews
March 10, 2011
This is an excellent summary of everything about dogs - history of the dog, how to choose a puppy, training, behavior, and what is going on with old dogs. I cried my way through the chapter on how to decide if it's time to say good-bye. I didn't read it cover-to-cover, but skimmed most of it. Great pictures, too.
Profile Image for Tara.
34 reviews
October 20, 2025
Very easy to read while being super interesting. But it actually convinced me in the fact that fully educating your dog is only a necessity if you live an urban lifestyle. The more I think about it, the more the concept of leash is strange to me and only makes sense if there are stupid cars everywhere - I'll probably edit this review later, lol !
Profile Image for Noelle.
37 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2019
This is a great book to just pick and choose what to read. It was very informative.
174 reviews1 follower
February 12, 2025
An excellent book that covers many subjects on all the stages of a dog's life. It was well, written, great photos & illustrations & made from nice, heavy-duty quality paper.
16 reviews
March 8, 2021
This is a wholesome book written lovingly by a dog owner (and a vet) for dog owners. It is detailed but easy to read (the 377 pages were a blur as I zoomed past them), humorous, candid and an honest potrayal of how to care and love for your dog.

10/10 recommended reading.
Profile Image for Lachlan.
44 reviews
December 7, 2016
Excellent book covering all stages of a dogs life, finding a puppy or rescue dog, their training, different breeds and from where dogs originated. The author is very knowledgeable and relatable, with many touching moments where he recounts his own experiences with his Golden Retrievers. A very enjoyable read and well worth the almost 400 page commitment.
Profile Image for Anita Weber.
40 reviews
February 6, 2011
Fogles' insight into the way dogs "tick" was very illuminating for me. Some of the accepted myths are just that, and he shows new ways of looking at their behaviors. Sure makes a difference when you're struggling to help them understand what you want, or vice versa.
Profile Image for Mac.
48 reviews9 followers
September 9, 2012
A very detailed description of dog stuff. Despite not owning a dog, and not planning to (not until I'm settled anyway), it is an interesting read regardless. Although watching the Dog Whisperer, to me, was much more interesting and informative.
40 reviews
August 12, 2013
Bruce Fogle has written many books on dogs and I highly recommend anyone with a dog or thinking about getting one that you read his books.
I worked with dogs for many years and I am amazed at how little people know about these wonderful companions we share our lives with.
Profile Image for Geraldine.
19 reviews
July 3, 2014
I was going through a list of recommended titles by Cesar Milan and I found this book.Whether you're a first time owner or an experienced dog owner,you will find this an informative and entertaining read.Bruce Fogle has a wicked sense of humor for a vet!
Profile Image for Joan Colby.
Author 48 books71 followers
March 18, 2011
An extremely sensible and comprehensive guide to dog breeds and the raising and training of dogs by an acclaimed vet. I would compare him to Dr. Spock
Profile Image for Rebecca Dunbar.
406 reviews15 followers
August 11, 2012
An excellent book for dog-lovers. Honestly written, this book is exactly what it says in the title, a 'companion guide' for every stage in your dogs life.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
808 reviews14 followers
August 1, 2015
Quite thorough. But I wished I owned it. I only borrowed it from the library. It would be more useful as reference, as I'm not going to retain all of that.
Profile Image for Leah.
2 reviews
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April 10, 2013
Great book tells you everything you need to know
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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