For Those New to Dogs.. And Thinking of Getting One

A whirlwind of choices awaits us when we dare to venture to a bookstore to look for dog books. Where to start? Most of us would feel overwhelmed and pick the first one with the catchy title, cute pictures and layout, or a persuasive backcover.

I'm offering you a list of books on basic dog books that dabble in many areas of dog raising, but don't necessarily go in depth. These are the first books we should turn to if we've just begun to twirl the idea of getting a dog in our heads. I've done many hours of research, read reviews and in some cases, read the titles from cover to cover.

Please note: I've omitted specific breed books as well as breed guides, as I feel the first are not general in nature and the latter warrant a list of their own.

So here's the list.. read and understand before you decide. Four out of five of these books will help you make a decision and tell you exactly what's involved in dog ownership. The other one will tell you dog trivia and other things that may test your interest and affinity for these great animals.


Six Picks for Knowing What You're Getting Into:

1. The Original Dog Bible: The Definitive Source to All Things Dog
2. Dogs for Dummies
3. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting and Owning a Dog
4. Essential Dog: The Ultimate Guide to Owning a Happy and Healthy Pet
5. Planet Dog: A Doglopedia
6. ASPCA Complete Dog Care Manual

The Original Dog Bible says it all. It's packed with information. In fact, everything you need to know about dogs is in here. Whether it's dogs in religion and art, how to choose a dog, questions to ask a shelter before you adopt, dogs and children, descriptions of 250 dog breeds, extensive chapters health and grooming, traveling with your dog, activities to do with your dog, basic training.. you get the idea. Gorgeous color pictures throughout and one picture of each of the 250 breeds is in itself a great source of fun for many of us. The title is not a misnomer. A good book for those who want to gain a substantial general knowledge on dogs. And like to read (it's 752 pages long!). This one is my favorite, and I own it.

Dogs for Dummies breaks everything down into simple prose that instructs and entertains at the same time. The quality of the information is high and trustworthy, and I recommend this to anyone who is contemplating dog ownership. The author stresses the importance of the right fit between owner and breed. A practical guide that will give the novice ample information in an easy-to-read format. (I have to say, I really like this series of books. Although I'm no dummy, I don't necessarily want to read the scientific research papers for every subject. I used to balk at them not having pictures, but what they lack in aesthetic sense they more than make up for in ease and practicality.)

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting and Owning a Dog is another of the simple guides that are just right for the uninitiated. 400 pages of an introductory course in dogs from before getting one, raising a puppy, and a nice little chapter on senior dogs.

Essential Dog: The Ultimate Guide to Owning a Happy and Healthy Pet is the perfect first dog book for the visually-oriented. At only 192, it also doesn't overwhelm while still providing good information on choosing a owning a dog, health, training, grooming, and all the essentials. I like the minimalist approach, easy prose, and high-quality pictures of both purebreds and mixed breeds.

Planet Dog: A Doglopedia. An interesting, trendy look at dog trivia for those of us who love tidbits of information or those who don't like to read much. Pick up this book and find out how to say dog in 131 languages, know 5 ways to find dog shows, see 33 breeds that are great with kids and find out why dogs don't use computers. Have a few laughs along the way, get some practical tips and learn about pop culture. You'll be a hit at the next cocktail party and be amazed at the knowledge you've acquired just by having a little fun. A lighthearted wayto get introduced to the world of dogs.

ASPCA Complete Dog Care Manual is a solid introduction the needs and requirements of a dog. Lots of pictures throughout, its strength lies in its practical information on owning a dog and tables to show breeds' traits that affect and owner's lifestyle, such as increased exercise needs and high maintenance (grooming). It doesn't hurt that it looks pretty as well. However, I wouldn't use this book as the only book to read about dogs. Just a nice introduction. As you get more experienced you may scoff at a few of the inaccuracies, but remember that it may have sparked your interest in the first place. Eye-catching pictures throughout. Nice for kids.