Présentation de l'éditeur A revolutionary way to raise and train your dog, with “a wealth of practical tips, tricks, and fun games that will enrich the lives of many dogs and their human companions” (Dr. Ian Dunbar, veterinarian and animal behaviorist). Zak George is a new type of dog trainer. A dynamic YouTube star and Animal Planet personality with a fresh approach, Zak helps you tailor dog training to your pet’s unique traits and energy level—leading to quicker results and a much happier pup. For the first time, Zak has distilled the information from his hundreds of videos and experience with thousands of dogs into this comprehensive dog and puppy training guide that includes: • Choosing the right pup for you • Housetraining and basic training • Handling biting, leash pulling, jumping up, barking, aggression, chewing, and other behavioral issues • Health care essentials like finding a vet and selecting the right food • Cool tricks, traveling tips, and activities to enjoy with your dog • Topics with corresponding videos on Zak’s YouTube channel so you can see his advice in action Packed with everything you need to know to raise and care for your dog, this book will help you communicate and bond with one another in a way that makes training easier, more rewarding, and—most of all—fun! Extrait INTRODUCTION Few things in this world are more exciting and more memorable than welcoming a new dog into your life. The journey goes far beyond simply having a companion by your side. Dogs have much to teach us: They always live in the moment. They’re never spiteful, and they don’t hold grudges. Also, there’s just something about dogs’ loyalty and unconditional love that makes people crazy about them. That’s not to say that bringing a dog home doesn’t come with its challenges. You have a lot to teach your new pet so that you can live in harmony and have a long, rewarding relationship. Whether you are reading this book because you’ve just gotten a dog or because you want some fresh perspective on raising the one you already have, I promise you that you have come to the right place. Like many people, I have always adored dogs. I grew up with an adorable terrier mix named Raisin, and I learned that dogs are independent-minded beings who have a great capacity for love. As I got older, my love for dogs continued to grow. I was absolutely fascinated by them—I’d watch dog Frisbee competitions on TV and was blown away by their flips, leaps, and other tricks. I just couldn’t wrap my head around the idea that a dog and a person could communicate so well, and I really wanted to experience that. So in my twenties, I decided it was time to raise a dog on my own. Little did I know that my life was about to take a turn from average to amazing: that’s when I got Venus. Venus is a Border Collie, and from the minute I met her I was so impressed by her intelligence. I spent a lot of time training her and always made it fun. In turn, we became completely in tune with each other, and she seemed as obsessed with learning as I was with teaching. I found that there was virtually no limit to what she could do. In just a few days, she learned how to fake a limp by walking on three legs—total Hollywood style, really convincing. Then there’s my favorite trick I call “Superstar”—I’d lie on my back and Venus would balance on her hind legs on top of the soles of my feet. Next, I’d throw Frisbees to her, one after the other. She’d catch every one while maintaining her balance! However, while I know part of her success was due to the amount of time I dedicated to her, it was our bond that played an even bigger role. Venus showed me that when you prioritize your relationship with your dog, the teaching process becomes easy. When Venus was about ten months old, I decided to drop my real estate career and figure out how I could somehow make a living while teaching her. Of course this job didn’t exist, but I found something surprisingly close. By this point, Ve