Review of A New Leash on Life
Posted: 30 Jun 2024, 14:08
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A New Leash on Life" by Alex Taylor.]
A New Leash on Life: Adopting and Training Your Perfect Rescue Dog by Alex Taylor is a guide that thoroughly explains the adoption process and how to care for rescue dogs. From the start, he emphasizes the joy and responsibility of dog ownership.
At the beginning of the book, Taylor clarifies misconceptions about rescue dogs, debunking myths such as behavioral problems and health concerns. Taylor shows us that many shelter dogs are healthy, purebred, have no behavioral issues, and may have unique personalities. He advocates for adoption to save dogs’ lives and create strong bonds between dogs and their owners. Understanding the backgrounds of shelter dogs (strays or surrenders) deepens our empathy and demonstrates responsible pet ownership and community support.
The book also provides practical advice on preparing for adoption, including assessing lifestyle compatibility, home preparation, and understanding the financial commitments involved. It stresses the importance of establishing routines, creating a safe environment, and integrating the new dog into the household gradually. I wish people would have read this book before impulsively adopting and then surrendering shelter dogs during the pandemic. This guide would have shown them the responsibility of caring for another living creature.
Moreover, Taylor emphasizes positive reinforcement techniques and the role of professional trainers when necessary. He is against negative reinforcement (or punishments) to change a dog’s behavior. The book also guides prospective dog owners through the adoption process, from initial considerations and shelter visits to completing paperwork and bringing the dog home.
In addition, the book outlines the significance of veterinary care, vaccination schedules, and preventative treatments. Taylor encourages ongoing care and commitment to a dog's health and long-term well-being, including considerations for older dogs and specific health issues.
The book concludes with insights into long-term care, behavioral challenges, and activities that enhance the bond between dogs and their owners. It also advocates for understanding and patience in dealing with dog issues, such as separation anxiety and excessive chewing.
I like that the book covers everything and emphasizes important points with summaries. I like the examples of success stories and how the author shows us how unique and loving shelter dogs can be.
I disliked that some information in the book was repetitive. Examples of how different dog breeds may behave, for example, would have been an informative replacement for repetitive sections. However, despite its repetition, I did not deduct a star because I enjoyed the book thoroughly. The book is well-edited and only contains minimal errors, including one accidental borderline profanity. I recommend it to prospective dog owners who want to adopt a canine from a rescue shelter or readers who would like to learn how rescue shelters operate. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.
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A New Leash on Life
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
A New Leash on Life: Adopting and Training Your Perfect Rescue Dog by Alex Taylor is a guide that thoroughly explains the adoption process and how to care for rescue dogs. From the start, he emphasizes the joy and responsibility of dog ownership.
At the beginning of the book, Taylor clarifies misconceptions about rescue dogs, debunking myths such as behavioral problems and health concerns. Taylor shows us that many shelter dogs are healthy, purebred, have no behavioral issues, and may have unique personalities. He advocates for adoption to save dogs’ lives and create strong bonds between dogs and their owners. Understanding the backgrounds of shelter dogs (strays or surrenders) deepens our empathy and demonstrates responsible pet ownership and community support.
The book also provides practical advice on preparing for adoption, including assessing lifestyle compatibility, home preparation, and understanding the financial commitments involved. It stresses the importance of establishing routines, creating a safe environment, and integrating the new dog into the household gradually. I wish people would have read this book before impulsively adopting and then surrendering shelter dogs during the pandemic. This guide would have shown them the responsibility of caring for another living creature.
Moreover, Taylor emphasizes positive reinforcement techniques and the role of professional trainers when necessary. He is against negative reinforcement (or punishments) to change a dog’s behavior. The book also guides prospective dog owners through the adoption process, from initial considerations and shelter visits to completing paperwork and bringing the dog home.
In addition, the book outlines the significance of veterinary care, vaccination schedules, and preventative treatments. Taylor encourages ongoing care and commitment to a dog's health and long-term well-being, including considerations for older dogs and specific health issues.
The book concludes with insights into long-term care, behavioral challenges, and activities that enhance the bond between dogs and their owners. It also advocates for understanding and patience in dealing with dog issues, such as separation anxiety and excessive chewing.
I like that the book covers everything and emphasizes important points with summaries. I like the examples of success stories and how the author shows us how unique and loving shelter dogs can be.
I disliked that some information in the book was repetitive. Examples of how different dog breeds may behave, for example, would have been an informative replacement for repetitive sections. However, despite its repetition, I did not deduct a star because I enjoyed the book thoroughly. The book is well-edited and only contains minimal errors, including one accidental borderline profanity. I recommend it to prospective dog owners who want to adopt a canine from a rescue shelter or readers who would like to learn how rescue shelters operate. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.
******
A New Leash on Life
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon