‘Tis the season for adding a furry member to your family. But WAIT! Before you add that dog or cat, do your homework, learn how to integrate the pet with the kids. Once you make the purchase, learning about care and training are imperative – here are some great new choices. 

“The Magic of Raising Children with Animals: Parenting with Pets,” by Christine Hamer & Margaret Hevel (Book Publishers Network, Bothell, WA, 2007; $16.95). An absolute must read before you succumb to the “Please, mommy can I have a puppy or a kitten?” Even if your little Timmy isn’t rescued from a well, there’s now lots of data to demonstrate many potential benefits of growing up with pets. Here’s one, at Purdue University Center for the Human-Animal Bond, Dr. Alan Beck found that nearly 70 percent of children confide in their pets. However, the relationship isn’t instant magic. Choosing the wrong pet can be a disaster (authors offer information on choosing the right pet), even ultimately ending the life of the animal chosen by relinquishment to a shelter. The book also takes parents through different age stages; obviously expectations are vastly different comparing a kindergartner to a teenager. 

“Chill Out Fido: How to Calm your Dog,” by Nan Kene Arthur (Dogwise Publishing, Wenatchee, WA, 2009; $15,95). How many of you believe your dog is ‘hyper?’ If your dog barks like a maniac when the doorbell rings, jumps up on people as they enter your house, or is in constant motion – this book is exactly what you need. The author begins by teaching readers how to teach dogs to relax (yes, it’s possible). Once your pup becomes more mellow, often times by dealing with underlying anxiety, you can now train how the pup how to respond to doorbells or people entering the house.  And the author explains how to do that with easy to follow directions. People write me and and they stop me on the street saying, ‘I love her, but there’s no dealing with her – she’s hyper.’ This book demonstrates you can deal with an ‘Ever Ready’ dog. Calm her down and you’ll be happier, so will your dog.  If you plan on adopting or purchasing a dog who you know may be very active (an assumption based on breed perhaps), purchasing this book is a great preemptive move.

“Fabulous Felines: Health and Beauty Secrets for the Pampered Cat,” by Sandy Robins (TFH, Neptune City, NJ, 2008; $18.95). An argument can be made that all cats require pampering.  It’s clear the author is from California, after all, she writes about safe ways to apply mascara and an entire chapter is devoted to aromatherapy and flower essences. Still, in truth, the cat care advice is up to date and truly informative. And the photos of the felines are fabulous! Robins’ conversational style also makes this a purrfectly fun book to read.

“The Thinking Dog: Crossover to Clicker Training,” by Gail Tamases Fisher (Dogwise Publishing, Wenatchee, WA, 2009; $24.95). This book is in many ways similar to “The DOG RULES,” it’s more comprehensive and a tad more technical – since it is also meant for dog trainers to read. The focus here is solely on clicker training, and supporting what will ultimately be a partnership between you and your dog. And that’s as it should be, rather than intimidation or force. Totally, a choice book, for anyone who desires to clicker train, whether it’s a puppy or even an adult dog who’s been a member of the family.

“Pets Need a Life Too: A Guide to Enriching The Life of Your Pet – Series One: Dogs,” by Gillian Shippen (2009; $21 at www.amazon.com). This little self-published gem from an Australian veterinary technician (they’re called veterinary nurses Down Under) echoes talks I give at veterinary and animal welfare conferences about enrichment. Most dogs are un-employed; dogs thrive on work and to please us – but too few have that opportunity.  There are lots of ideas for putting dogs to work. Also, are  activities suggested to include the entire family on a rainy day, keeping the kids as occupied as Fido. Examples, include games like Hide ‘n Seek to even blowing bubbles. I am a huge proponent of feeding dogs from kibble dispensing toys, and so is Shippen. I love the creative ideas to both interact with your dog, and also to keep him busy when you’re not home.