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