I am disappointed because I'm considering getting a rescued dog and I'd like to know what to expect and how to deal with the specific problems that are unique to second hand dogs.

Some things I wanted to know: What are typical health problems that come with a rescued dog? How do I deal with a dog that is fearful/anxious/depressed? How do I correct my dog without triggering a surprise negative response? How do I get my dog to accept affection? How do we make the dog feel comfortable and safe in his new home?

This book will certainly come in handy for training, but I need some answers about what it takes to rehome and relove a rescued dog first. I'll need to go elsewhere.


A must for anyone with a second-hand dog   December 18, 1999
 25 out of 25 found this review helpful

I do rescue work, and like this book so much I buy it in bulk and give a copy with each dog I place. It's straightforward, no-nonsense and highly readable. If you're adopting an adult dog, this is the one book you must have. It'll save you and your dog a lot of grief!


this is a great book   February 25, 1999
 20 out of 20 found this review helpful

I am buying this book after lending out my original copy to new dog owners so many times that I finally lost it. This is a very clear, concise dog training book. It's one of the best you can get, especially if you don't have the patience to read an entire long book. I love Carol Lea Benjamin's other training books also (How to Survive Your Dog's Adolescence is amazing), but this one is great, too, and a little more of a quick read.


Excellent for ANY dog owner!   May 20, 1998
 9 out of 9 found this review helpful

This is an excellent book for any first time dog owner. I first read it when I adopted my first rescue but I wish that I had read it sooner!