The dog care handbook - Sophie Collins

1 Dog Behaviour:Canine behaviourists confirm that the majority of problems experienced by owners are most easily solved by a comprehension of the dog's viewpoint, so being able to 'read' your dog is useful as well as interesting.

2 Choosing a dog: This section encourages you to consider your circumstances - whether you are active, lazy, time-rich but money-poor etc; whether you live alone or with a family. Understanding the commitment you're able to make to a pet will help you to make the right choice.

3 Basic Dog Care: Once you've got a dog, you need to take care of him. This section covers everything, from a place to sleep (e.g. puppy crate versus basket) to feeding, handling, grooming and health checks.

4 Training, Exercise and Games: Starting with an in-depth look at the exercise and play needs of different types of dogs, this section has everything you need to ensure that you have a well-mannered, fun-loving pet.

5 A Healthy Dog: Keeping a young dog healthy is usually straightforward, but it may become more challenging as he gets older. This section looks at the treatment options both for preventing and treating problems and will help you to take the right decisions for your pet's care.