The Poodle is known for her keen intelligence, excellent trainability, and, most notably, those signature curly locks. But there’s more to the Poodle than meets the eye (like, say, those expensive grooming bills). So, to Poodle or not to Poodle? That is the question. With an overview of the breed’s history, an exploration of all three varieties (Standard, Miniature, and Toy), and 8 pages of full-color photos detailing the colors available and tips and techniques for grooming, Poodles for Dummies is filled with all the meaty information and enlightening morsels you need to decide if this refined beauty is a good match for you. You’ll get answers to your most important questions, including: Which size Poodle is best for me? Which color? How do I know if a Poodle breeder is reputable? What are the pros and cons of shelters and rescue groups? What do I look for in choosing a healthy Poodle? How can I Poodle-proof my home and yard? What’s the best way to introduce my Poodle to kids and other pets? How often does my Poodle need grooming? No matter which size, color, or gender you own, Poodles are not a “wash ‘n’ wear” breed. But if you have the time, passion, and dedication to give her the training, exercise, and upkeep she needs, you and your curly companion will have a happy and rewarding life together.

Fall in love with a Doodle Dog! This guide tells you everything you need to know about this popular cross-breed. With their cute names and curly coats, Doodles have become popular pets. And why not? They’re more than just cute—they’re generally affectionate, playful, and highly trainable dogs. They also don’t shed much, so they’ll ideal for people with pet allergies. In other words, a perfect family companion! If you don’t know exactly what a Doodle is, they’re a cross breed of a poodle with another kind of dog; think Labradoodles (Labrador and poodle), Aussiedoodles (Australian shepherd and poodle), Goldendoodles (Golden Retriever and poodle), or Sheepadoodles (English Sheepdog and poodle). You get the idea. The possibilities are endless and no matter the crossbreed, they all live in the cuteness zone. If you don’t want to resist—and who can?—Doodle Dogs For Dummies is the ultimate guide on all things Doodles. You’ll find helpful information within its pages whether you’re just considering a Doodle, or you’ve already brought one home. Learn how to identify breeds Find the Doodle that's best for your family Pick a breeder or go the animal shelter route Keep your Doodle looking their best with proper grooming Acclimate your Doodle to your home, including to other pets Get expert tips on training and healthy treats for your Doodle From long walks on sunny days to cuddling on the couch, you have a lot of quality time to look forward to with your furry best friend. And Doodle Dogs For Dummies will ensure that your Doodle is happy and healthy for their lifetime.

Mixed Breeds For Dummies takes the mystery out of mixed breed dogs and gives you the 411 on everything you need to know about owning your very own Heinz 57. Whether your mixed breed dog is a mangy mutt, a reserved rescue dog, or a dainty designer dog, one thing is for certain—he needs just as much love and attention as his purebred peers. Mixed Breeds For Dummies shows you how to: Decide which mixed breed is right for you Find a puppy or adult mixed breed dog Test your dog’s temperament Housebreak your dog and teach him basic commands Overcome mixed breed training challenges Weigh the pros and cons of “designer dogs” (such as Labradoodles, Cockapoos, and Puggles) Groom and exercise your mixed breed dog Care for senior dogs Mixed Breeds For Dummies explains how a dog doesn’t need a pedigree to make a fantastic companion and shows you how, sometimes, a little of this, a little of that can be all the more rewarding!

For the past decade, the Golden Retriever has ranked among the five most popular breeds registered with the AKC, with more than 65,000 Goldens registered every year. The Golden Retriever’s personality is as golden as his outer coat. He was bred to please, and please he does. He started out as a hunting partner who delivered birds to hand and has evolved into modern times delivering whatever suits his owner’s fancy. Because Golden Retrievers were originally bred to work in tandem with humans, they are also highly trainable. Golden Retrievers For Dummies is intended for busy 21st century dog owners who don’t have time to sit down and read through 300 pages at a crack. This is a reference you can jump in and out of as dog questions rear their furry heads. This handy guide is also for you if You own a Golden Retriever or thinking about getting one. You've just brought home a Golden pup. You want to find the best way to raise and train your Golden. You want to help your Golde n to not just survive but to thrive. Find out what it takes to own this active, intelligent, and friendly dog. Explore the Golden's personality traits and living requirements. Discover which diseases are hereditary. This reference guide covers all the aspects of dog ownership, including: Looking at breeders, rescue groups, and animal shelters Adopting and caring for older dogs Selecting a puppy with help from an established testing process Dog-proofing your house and yard Crate training, housetraining, and obedience training Canine communication and growing pains Feeding, exercising, and playing with your Golden Dealing with illness, problem behavior, and treatment Grooming for health and beauty If you’re serious about this Golden business and not just caving in to the kids or some other wild impulse, follow the advice of responsible dog owners and breeders. Look deep into your dog-loving soul and carefully consider the big picture. Love alone is not enough.

An easy to follow program about puppies and dogs.

Getting a dog is more like getting married than it is like buying a new car or lawnmower—it’s a melding of spirits and a lifetime commitment. So, before you take the leap, you’d better make sure that your choice is based on more than a nice smile and a lively tail. And with more than 400 breeds to choose from, it shouldn’t be too hard to find the right canine companion for you. Looking for a fun-loving pal for lots of rough and tumble family fun? You might try a Boxer or Spinone. Are you a neat-freak who values quiet? The meticulously clean, cat-like Basenji—the handsome Egyptian barkless dog—is for you. Looking for a dependable, even-tempered guard dog/baby-sitter? You might want to consider the fierce-looking Neapolitan Mastiff. No matter what qualities you’re looking for in a dog, there’s a breed out there for you, and Choosing a Dog For Dummies can help you find it. Written by Chris Walkowicz, President of the Dog Writer’s Association of America, this friendly guide fills you in on what you need to know to: Figure out whether or not you really want to share you life with a dog Decide which pet qualities you value most Select and buy the perfect pet for you and your family Give your canine pal the care it deserves Find out about breed rescue Select a kid-friendly dog From Affenpinschers to Xoloitzcuintlis, Chris gives you the complete lowdown on 150 of the most popular breeds along with priceless pointers on: Finding a reliable breeder and choosing the right puppy for you Navigating registration and pedigree issues and handling the paperwork involved with getting a purebred dog Preparing your home for the new arrival and adjusting to your new lives together Understanding the unique instinctual qualities and demands of each breed, including grooming, exercise, training, and more When it comes to matching the right dog to your lifestyle and temperament, it doesn’t pay to play Wheel of Fortune. Make sure that the breed you choose is the right one and have fun doing it with Choosing a Dog For Dummies.

Pack your bags, mystery lovers, we're headed to the Southwest! Kimberley West's life takes an exciting turn when she receives a mysterious note and a rare variety of turquoise. Along with a plane ticket to Arizona, the note from a long-time friend entices Kim to join a treasure hunt. But what starts as a peaceful turquoise excavation quickly turns into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. With a killer on her trail, Kim must use her wit and cunning to solve a very modern mystery involving the legendary Montezuma's Gold. Written by an award-winning author, The Turquoise Treasure is a cozy mystery perfect for fans of David Rosenfelt, Kate Carlisle, and Kathi Daley. With a feisty heroine, charming characters, and a plot that will keep you guessing, this book will have you on the edge of your seat. What readers are saying about the series: “Took me back to that oh-so-delicious time when I couldn’t put a book down.” – 5-star review “A perfect whodunit with characters you will love and a plot that keeps you guessing until the end. Could not put it down.” – 5-star review “These are characters so real you want to call them up and visit. And get invited for dinner.” -- 5-star review

There are new residents in the Long Island Sound . . . and they have a taste for flesh. The first time the creatures tasted human blood, their savagery went undetected. Thus begins Mount Misery, a terrific horror tale by writer Angelo Peluso. Located on the Long Island Sound, random attacks by unknown creatures are terrorizing local residents. The question: Who is going to do something about it? Marine biologist Katie DiNardo and ichthyologist Nick Tanner have seen the damage caused by their mystery creatures but are at a complete loss as to the attacking species. All they know is that they need to get to the bottom of this . . . and fast. While they continue to do their research, people are dropping like flies, and if they don't figure out what's going on, there's no saying what this destructive species will do next. In a similar style to Jaws, Mount Misery is a spectacular suspense novel that grips you from the first page and doesn't let its teeth out! Fans of horror will rejoice with Mount Misery, and readers will enjoy the throwback style that made this genre what it is today.

So what’s the big deal about breeding purebreds? You put two compatible dogs alone together in a room, lower the lights, put a Barry White CD on the stereo and voila, two months later you’ve got yourself a litter of purebreds—and the rest is gravy, right? Not quite. Simply breeding dogs takes considerable space, time, and capital. Consistently breeding mentally and physically sound purebreds, on the other hand, is a labor of love that involves all of the above and a whole lot more. If you really love dogs then you need to consult with an expert on the many responsibilities, rules, and regulations dog breeding entails before you take the leap. And that’s where Breeding Dogs For Dummies comes in. Written by Rick Beauchamp, professional breeder, exhibitor, and author of numerous books on the care and feeding of purebred dogs, Breeding Dogs For Dummies fills you in on every facet of the business. Packed with priceless insider tips and expert advice and guidance, it tells you what you need to know to: Decide whether dog breeding is really for you Choose the right breed for you Create the best possible breeding environment for your dogs Establish a breeding program Find the right breeding stock Comply with all government and AKC regulations Care for and socialize your pups Find the right owners for your dogs Explore what it takes to start a breeding program that will ensure your dogs’ health and enhance their lineage for fun and profit. Topics covered in detail include: Selecting breeding stock and keeping track of breed types Understanding purebred genetics and genotype characteristics Finding and selecting the right stud dog and brood bitch Prenatal care, whelping, and raising puppies Running a successful dog breeding business—including tips on budgeting, taxes, registration, charting, planning litters, transactions, sales contracts, and more Breeding puppies involves many responsibilities, but it can also be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences of your life. Make sure that it is—order a copy of Breeding Dogs For Dummies today.