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In a Dog's Heart

What Our Dogs Need, Want, and Deserve- and the Gifts We Can Expect in Return
ksoles
Oct 31, 2011ksoles rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
"In a Dog's Heart" contains an array of stories that describe the symbiotic relationship between humans and canines. Additionally, author Jennifer Arnold provides instruction on raising a healthy, contented dog with topics including deciding between a puppy and a mature dog; meeting the basic needs of your dog; preparing both a canine disaster kit and a first aid kit; dog bite prevention and how to enhance your dog's (and your own) quality of life. She also includes general training tips, which, though basic, provide solid grounds for further study. Arnold runs Canine Assistants, an American organization that rescues abandoned or neglected dogs and trains them as service dogs. Though many of her stories warm the heart, her book often reads as an advertisement for her business. Indeed, it sometimes seems as though she wrote the book to increase her credibility at the expense of others. Decrying her competition, she asserts: "I honestly believe that Cesar Milan is oblivious to the damage he has done in the world of dogs and thus in the world at large." This type of inappropriate, unprofessional statement detracts from Arnold's advice, a shame because both her knowledge base and vast experience would otherwise make her a reliable authority.