In this witty no-nonsense guide to puppy selection and training, veteran dog trainer Peter Franks, gives the facts, poses relevant questions to the reader and provides instruction on how to train a new puppy so that she or he matures into a well mannered, loving and responsive member of the family.

There are many photographs, sketches, cartoons and True Stories to help illustrate what Peter has to say.

Peter gives advice on:

• how to identify the dog breed which best suits you and/or your family
• where you can look for a puppy
• what you need to get for and how to prepare your home for the new family member.
• toilet training
• consecutive training instructions - the sit, stand, down, recall, the stay, walking and place up (heel).

There is a chapter on rescue dogs, another on what Peter calls the fear factor and yet another on how to deal with common behaviour problems such as separation anxiety and dominance.

In the Appendix there is information on Obedience Competitions. Peter uses the Companion Dog - Novice Class Competition as an example to:

• state the Australian National Kennel Council Rule Book requirements
• tease out what the rules mean
• provide training tips for each exercise in the Competition.