Dogs can bring companionship, fun, and unconditional love to their owners.

To reciprocate for all of the joy that a dog adds to life, dog owners need to be educated about and fully prepared for responsible ownership and care. There''s a lot to know when you''re a dog owner, and this comprehensive guide serves as the ultimate reference for owners at all stages of their dogs'' lives.

Inside The Ultimate Guide to Dog Care:

• A thorough discussion on what you need to consider before you decide to add a dog to your family
• Sources from where you can obtain a healthy, sound puppy or adult dog
• Checklists and charts to help you buy all of the equipment and supplies you will need before your dog comes home
• How to introduce your new dog to your home, other family members, other dogs, and strangers
• The importance of socialization to a dog''s overall personality and confidence
• Complete nutrition for puppies, adults, and senior dogs
• How to groom different coat types and the tools you will need
• Making sure that your dog gets enough exercise for his body and mind, with special sections on organized dog sports and pet-assisted therapy work
• Keeping your dog safe at home and everywhere you go
• Raising a polite canine member of society through reward-based training, communication, and solutions to common problems
• Routine health checks, dealing with parasites, and recognizing and treating illness and injury, with a chapter on care of the older dog