Welcome To Wordless Wednesday At Create With Joy!
How To Find Your Dream Dog
Book Review & Giveaway
At one time or another, it’s happened to all of us: we’ve become smitten by the cute little puppy or the adorable dog we’ve seen in the park, on our television screens, or in a friend’s home. We fall in love and decide that we want a dog to call our very own!
But what happens when we act on impulse and – without regard to our lifestyle and a potential puppy’s temperament – we bring a new dog into our home? How do we know if we are suited to be a puppy parent or dog guardian? How do we determine which breed is the right one for us?
In her new book How To Find Your Dream Dog, Dixie Tenny – an award-winning dog trainer and activist – shares essential information to help ensure that bringing a new dog into your household is one of the happiest events of your life and not one of the most heartbreaking!
Dixie’s book is divided into four important parts. In Part One, Getting Ready For Your Dream Dog, Dixie helps us examine if we really want a puppy or a dog and if we’re really prepared to care for one. She provides us with an overview of what living with a puppy is really like (be prepared for lots of barking, growling, chewing, biting, digging, running, jumping, accidents and messes, among other things!) and asks if we are realistically ready to take on the responsibilities of living with Rover 24 hours a day!
In Part Two, Choosing Your Dream Dog, Dixie reminds us that even if we pass the perils of Part One and decide that we’re ready for a dog – that “a dog is not a dog is not a dog!” In other words, not all breeds are alike and if we bring home a mutt, we bring home a mystery! Dogs are bred for different purposes and their different characteristics, including their sociability, energy levels, and trainability reflect that. It’s important to spend time researching different dogs to determine what breeds are going to best fit into our family and to learn as much about these traits as possible before impulsively investing in a “free to a good home” dog!
Part 3 is all about Finding Your Dream Puppy – this section discusses the best places to find purebred puppies, other good sources to find puppies, and places you should avoid. Most importantly, you’ll find advice on how to help you choose the perfect puppy for you once you’ve found a prospective source!
Part 4 will help you to evaluate whether an adult dog is a better option for your family than a young puppy by weighing the pros and cons of both choices, and identifying good sources for finding adult dogs. You’ll also find a Frequently Asked Questions and Resource section at the end of the book.
How To Find Your Dream Dog is an easy-to-read yet invaluable resource for anyone who is considering adding a new canine member to their family. I highly recommend this book to you and invite you to visit Dixie’s Website, the iRead Book Tour Page, and Amazon for more information.
I also invite our US/Canadian readers to enter the iRead Book Tour giveaway for your chance to win one of 5 Dream Dog Packages, which includes:
- One Copy of How to Find Your Dream Dog
- One $15 Amazon Gift Card
- One Outward Hound Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
Please note that iRead Book Tours is overseeing the drawing and assumes full responsibility for all aspects of this contest, including notification and prize fulfillment.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from iRead Book Tours as a Tour Host. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Chat In The Comments
Have you ever adopted a dog that was less than a perfect fit for you?
Or have you been lucky enough to discover your dream dog?
Please share your stories in the comments –
Inquiring minds and prospective dog parents would love to know!
Wordless Wednesday – Week of March 28, 2017
Happy Wordless Wednesday, dear friends! It’s time to share your favorite family-friendly photos – with or without words – at the friendliest party in town!
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Twitter: bethere2day
says:
Nice post and a good advice 🙂
Have a booktastic week 🙂
We miss our dream dog MoJo! But we’re taking our time to find another, just like this book recommends. Thanks for the chance to win.
I am a dog person through and through. I have loved them my whole life and really never been without one. I would love to know the right dog for me when I get another one. Thank you for the opportunity.
Maybe we need to read this book – we’re getting a dog soon…
Twitter: Myllls
says:
My last little girl was a shiatsu and I loved her so much, but now I am mom to 2 furfriends, (cats)! Thanks for sharing good stories and the party!
Have a great week!
Twitter: Xmasdolly
says:
I’ve been looking for a dog for some time now, but they seem to all be very expensive… did you know that the dogs at petfinder.com are all $250 and up… 🙁 So I’ve been watching the newspaper and asking around… it’s so lonely in my house during the day. I miss my Baby (black lab) remember her? She passed away right before Christmas. 🙁
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
Of course I remember Baby! I hope you are able to find the right companion soon Marie. I know how hard it is to lose a pet – to be ready for a new one – and then not be able to find the right one!
Sounds like a fantastic read!
Thank you for the Link Up. Happy Wednesday!
Though I adore dogs, I probably will never have one again. If I did, it would be a West Highland White terrier. They are my dream dog. Good luck to all those who entered. XO, Janet
I have 4 inside dogs, two were let out here 5 years ago, little winnies and two we got from a puppy mill when it was closed my authorities, Maltese. They are the love of our lives.
Thanks so much for your great review of my book “How to Find Your Dream Dog”! I hope it helps your readers who are looking for dream dogs of their own. 😀
What a wonderful book! Getting a dog should never be spontaneous. It’s a life long commitment that requires more that love and cuddles.
Well, we adopted Peru, and she’s been less than ideal. Don’t get me wrong, we love her, but we weren’t prepared to have a bully breed in our home. We’re not used to stubborn, strong willed dogs. We’ll prepare better next time I hope! This book sounds very helpful to those on the search.
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
Sorry to hear that Peru has been such a handful – I know what it’s like to end up with a dog that you love that is less than ideal for you! So glad you love Peru and are working with her though!
I think every dog is a dream dog!
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
Love it – wish more people thought like you Betty Sue!
Aw there’s even a papillon on the book cover. For years and years my dream dog was a papillon. Now we have one, he turned 8 last December, and he’s just an amazing little guy. I tell people that if I could keep him forever, even with the trade off of never being able to get another dog again, I’d do it in a heartbeat.
I love the idea of a chapter about puppies/adults. I know it’s easy to squeee over puppy breath and those puppy paws, but little ones are a ton of work. Here’s hoping many potential families study that chapter carefully, and take home an adult if that’s better!
Jean from Welcome to the Menagerie
Dogs are such special companions. It is funny how we often seem to find the breed/dog that helps us learn the lessons we need. This looks like such an interesting book!
People do need help finding their perfect fur partner don’t they 🙂
Happy Sunday Selfie!
Sounds like this is the best resource many a potential dog buyer can have. Thanks for sharing.
Purrs, ERin
That sounds like a good book.
Twitter: truebookaddict
says:
Someday I may get another dog. What happened with my last dog (about 13 years ago) broke my heart. Long story.
We’re still living with my mom so we can’t get a dog right now. My sons’ dad got a dog so at least they get to have one with him.
Twitter: MaryHill16
says:
I love the idea of finding a dream dog. I have three now though. I think this is a great resource fo those thinking about getting their first family pet. Thanks for sharing on the #LMMLinkup this week.
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
Love your dream dogs Mary – thanks for sharing!