A quick read for those who have a dog, new or old.
This book gives a good overview of taking care of a puppy or dog and how you can be a great owner.
Developing a relationship with your pet is very important for them to live an enjoyable and memorable life.
Pick this up for the dog fanatic in your life!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Sophie Collins’s upcoming How To Raise A Happy Dog is a wonderful, informative book which discloses some wonderful tips and tricks to help make life for you and your dog that little bit smoother.

I’ve recently got a new puppy and I couldn’t wait to try out some of the great advice. Some things sound like common sense when you read them, but you can easily become overwhelmed with things as you raise your new puppy / dog.

I particularly liked the way she lists dos and don’ts throughout the book as it helps you make informed decisions. This book was also easy to read and great to split things up into manageable chunks. You can easily pick this up and return to stay on track. Definitely recommend for any new dog owner.

If I was to criticise anything it would be the overly simplistic artwork - I feel it needs more stylised artwork if it was going to go down the cartoon path.

Dogs are innately happy. If you haven't already figured that out, it says so in the introduction. Unlike humans who tend to worry and fret and over-think everything, dogs tend to live in the moment. Looking across the room at my own dog, now happily stretched out and content after her walk, it's easy to agree. It takes so little to make them happy that the idea behind this book, making them even happier, seems a no-brainer.

I liked the idea behind forgetting old ideas of dominance tough training and instead seeing your dog as an individual who both gives and deserves joy back. Not only are ideas on how to do this shared, some of which gave me pause while I couldn't wait to try others, but we get a crash course on doggie instincts, traits, behavior,and even dog food. Using my own dog as a model, it was fun to see what body language she might be sending me, not to mention that I had far more patience with her sniffing instincts on our walk today after being reminded of the role smell/scent plays in a dog's life.

Where I questioned the author most was in the suggestion that items like shoes and boxes be given to them to tear up. In theory, okay, they'd probably enjoy that rush but, well, what wasn't really explained was how to ensure that they only rip into items given to them freely, not casually dropped by the door or couch. She also suggested you create a digging area for your dog. Again, in theory perhaps a fun idea but, well, although I've noted dogs tend to dig in the same areas repeatedly, they aren't inclusive. How do you keep a dog from diving enthusiastically into your flower bed instead of the more distant, boring spot under some bushes?

For every suggestion that made me shake my head, "No. Just. No", however, author Sophie Collins has a solid list of doable suggestions. She also offers up good suggestions on leash training, food choices, how to give your dog a good, basic massage, and even things to avoid. There's also an extra reading list shared at the end, offering other viewpoints and ideas.

Bottom line, although I wasn't quite sold on all Collins' ideas, she offers us an easy to read, nicely structured book of the basics. One plus is the different sections based on the dogs' stage of life, from puppy days to senior dogs, with activity ideas to bring joy into all stages of their life.

Thank you #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup - #IvyPress for letting me check out some ideas to make my Daisy dog's life a bit happier. I mean, it isn't like she's spoiled or anything. Grin.

Enjoyable and informative book on how to raise a happy dog. The book is very clearly and cleverly written. A reader is immediately engaged and pulled into the dog's world as the author begins that book by explaining how a dog's senses (hearing, sight, smell, touch, taste) allow them to access our world at much higher levels than humans. Any dog owner will be happy to spend time reading this gem to learn more about how best to bond, connect and have fun with their dog. And their lucky pup will be glad that they did!

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my ARC of this book to read and review.