Books going to the dogs

“If your dog is fat, you aren’t getting enough exercise,” observed an

unknown source. If you want to get more, walk down to your nearest

library for resources that will help you live in harmony with

mankind’s best friend.

If you’re serious about caring for the canine in your clan, check

out “Caring For Your Dog,” new from noted veterinarian Bruce Fogle.

Following a section covering the essentials of dog selection,

human-canine partnerships and responsible breeding, Fogle describes

just about any disorder a dog owner might encounter. From proper

nutrition to diagnostic aids and holistic therapies, there’s advice

on care for every stage of a dog’s life in this definitive medical

reference.

Also new on the shelves is “Adoptable Dog” by John Ross and

Barbara McKinney. Aimed at owners who have adopted “pre-owned”

pooches, this training guide from the authors of “Puppy Preschool”

covers how to determine which dog is right for your home, how to help

a new pet get along with family members and how to cure common

behavior problems.

Have a dog with bad habits? Turn to “Dogs Behaving Badly,”

available in print and on audiocassette, for clues on how to get

inside the mind of pets that may be nipping, chasing or barking

excessively. Drawing on research and case studies from his Tufts

University practice, Dr. Nicholas Dodman offers techniques for curing

excessive aggression, destructive behavior, digging, hyperactivity

and other problems.

The secret to alleviating such behaviors may lie in bridging the

language barrier between humans and dogs. Learn how to communicate

with your pet with Jan Fennell’s “The Dog Listener,” in which the

canine trainer, known as “the dog whisperer,” describes a humane

method for teaching dogs to accept a human as their alpha leader.

The way you live may shape the behavior of the dog you love,

according to Jodi Andersen, author of “The Latchkey Dog.” Even if you

must work to earn money for dog food, there are ways to keep your pet

from having your sofa for lunch while you’re at the office, says this

professional pet trainer. Using dogs and owners she’s worked with as

examples, she reveals how to get your house back in order while

teaching Fido to be a functional family member.

Despite problems they can introduce into a household, pets can be

powerful weapons in fighting disease. Read how they’ve helped people

triumph over phobias, sedentary lifestyles and life threatening

conditions in “The Healing Power of Pets.” Blending science with

personal stories, Dr. Marty Becker provides guidance for activating a

medicine that can’t be found in any pharmacy in a work aimed at

anyone searching for optimal health.

* CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach

Public Library. This week’s column is by Melissa Adams, in

collaboration with Soon Jung. All titles may be reserved from home or

office computers by accessing the catalog at

www.newportbeachlibrary.org.