The Perfect Puppy by Gwen Bailey - Non Fiction - Paperback

Details
Condition: New
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780600617228
Publisher: Hamlyn

Overview
The Perfect Puppy is Gwen Bailey's bestselling, fully revised puppy care guide, trusted by hundreds of thousands of new dog owners across the UK. Combining decades of rescue and behaviourist experience with up-to-date canine science, this practical paperback walks first-time owners through everything from the first night home to solid house manners. Clear photography, step-by-step plans and a friendly tone make it an approachable reference for busy households, puppy classes and anyone determined to raise a calm, confident, well-mannered dog from day one.

About the Book
Structured around the real challenges new owners face, The Perfect Puppy breaks training into small, achievable stages rather than overwhelming lists of rules. Early chapters cover choosing and settling a puppy, puppy-proofing the home, and building a routine that supports housetraining from the very first week. From there, the book progresses through socialisation windows, lead walking, recall, and polite greetings, always emphasising prevention over correction when it comes to nipping, chewing and separation distress. Photographs throughout demonstrate correct handling and body language, so instructions are easy to follow even for owners who have never trained a dog before. Because it draws on Gwen Bailey's years running a national rehoming behaviour service and founding Puppy School, the advice is grounded in what actually works with real puppies in real homes, not just theory. The revised edition folds in current thinking on canine behaviour and welfare, giving the book continued relevance for today's owners while keeping the same practical, encouraging voice that made the original a bestseller. It suits reading cover-to-cover before puppy arrives, or dipping into chapter-by-chapter as specific issues come up, making it equally useful as a course companion for puppy class attendees and as a shelf reference for years afterwards.

• Step-by-step training plans for house manners, lead walking and recall
• Age-appropriate socialisation guidance to build confidence early
• Prevention-focused advice on biting, chewing and separation issues
• Clear photography demonstrating correct technique throughout
• Written by a leading UK dog behaviourist with decades of rehoming experience

About the Author
Gwen Bailey is a respected UK dog behaviourist who worked for a major national animal welfare charity from 1988 to 2002, becoming its first full-time Animal Behaviourist and helping thousands of rehomed dogs settle successfully. In 2003 she founded Puppy School, a nationwide network of accredited puppy tutors that has since supported over 100,000 puppies and their owners. Her books, including this bestselling guide, translate that hands-on experience into practical, evidence-based advice for everyday owners.

Why You'll Love This Puppy Care Guide
Straightforward, encouraging and genuinely practical, it turns the first months with a new puppy into an achievable, enjoyable process rather than a source of stress — ideal for new owners or as a thoughtful gift.

Please Note: Cover design may vary slightly from the image shown; contents remain the current UK edition as listed.