“My Dog’s Journal” by Michael Powell, 2009, Octopus Publishing Group, Ltd., $15.99, hardbound, 92 pages: Written from the point of view of a dog – your new dog – this book is part memory book, part “owner’s manual.”
It begins with a list of things to keep in mind concerning the latest member of your family, such as the fact that s/he doesn’t speak English, that it’s best to never use physical punishment when dealing with an animal and that dogs get bored just like people do.
Then it has a contract of sorts for you to sign regarding the care of your new dog.
There are lots of wonderful tips about acclimating the new dog or puppy to his/her new home, as well as information on keeping your dog in good condition, including a growth and weight chart, plus a place for his/her medical history to be noted.
There are also sections for journaling, like fill-in-the blanks on where his/her bed is located, what s/he did on his/her first day and what s/he found a bit scary about his/her new home. Throughout the book are also places for photographs.
The section on “Doggy I.Q.” helps you give a series of tests to your dog to find out how clever s/he is. A spot for an intelligent-looking picture of your furry best friend rounds off this section.
You will also find a personality test in these pages, which asks you to tick off boxes which have traits that apply to your dog.
The answers to these questions can help determine if your dog is a hunter, team-mate, fighter or scaredy-cat. Information on training is given, with suggestions on how to teach your dog how to sit and stay on command, come, heel, walk on a lead and more. Socialization is explored, and a puppy party is suggested as a way to aid in this. Places are reserved for pictures of your dog’s new playmates.
Games are covered, with the important note that one should never play games which the dog usually wins. This could make the dog doubt your leadership abilities, which is not conducive to proper training.
There are sections with information on the dog sitters, walkers, kennels and other useful addresses and numbers.
The text is simple, straightforward and friendly in tone, with lots of humorous bits, and it’s peppered throughout with beautiful color drawings of various breeds of dog.
Lee’s take: Handy as well as fun.
J.J.’s take: A real find.
LEE AND J.J. MACFADDEN are twins and voracious readers living in Bristol, Tenn. E-mail them at leeandjj.doubletake@yahoo.com.
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