The Happy Puppy Handbook: Your Guide To Raising A Great Dog

Our Golden Retriever was our youngest puppy ever. We followed Fern's guidance in this book and within a few weeks have a house trained puppy well on his way to becoming a great companion. His advice kept us from using inappropriate responses to natural puppy behavior. We did take one departure with house training, however, and used artificial turf mats with the Glad absorbent sheets under, as it has been brutally cold here in CO since we brought the puppy home. That worked perfectly, our pup took to the mat immediately for his eliminations.Fern even responded quickly to a couple of questions that I posted via his website.

This book works.... if you follow what Fern says to do.... it will work... at least for a Lab. It has been great for our now 1 year old puppy!

This book is a nice combination of practical systems with sound advice. The House Training Chart was especially useful. Well done. I would highly recommend it.

I love Fern's approach to happy puppyhood. When he called this a handbook, he really meant it! How to give your new friend guidance, boundaries, and how to make life "happy" ... not just for the pup, but for his human housemates as well! The book isn't just a collection of chapters on training and care ... he has carefully placed chapters in a logical sequence -- house training and socialization at the front ... right where they belong. Fern has a way of taking the "mystery" out of turning a puppy into a stable, calm and friendly family member. If you're planning to get a puppy, or even give one as a gift ... there should be a "Happy Puppy Hand Book" as part of the package! Happy Puppy!

The Happy Puppy Handbook is a must read! This book is not only FULL of tips and useful training information, but is what is needed to make sure your puppy starts life out right! In fact, you’ll find this book helpful even if you don’t currently have a puppy! I really wish this had been around back when my dogs were younger as I can only shake my head now at some of the mistakes I made. (Please pay close attention to Chapter 2 on Socialization!!! I wish I had done more of what Fern makes note of, but now, thankfully, I know what steps to take in the future!) My boys are 2 & 3 now, so they are past that puppy stage, BUT they are both part hound and very high energy. I read the book and applied some of the concepts to both of them and was pleasantly surprised at the results. The tips Fern provides can help a dog out at any age, but if you’re looking to start your pup out with some great tips from early on, this book is for you! Puppies are A LOT of work, but if you invest the time and provide the training he or she needs, you’re going to have many years of enjoyment and fond memories instead of frustration, headaches, and chewed up decor and footwear! Let Fern’s training advice help you make that happen! You won’t be disappointed!

Must read if you are getting a puppy. It's been many many years since I've had a puppy in my home, and this not only reminded me of the things to do, but it taught me many new things I wish I had known or done back when I had young ones. Do you ever go to someone's house and they have a "perfect" dog and you wonder how they got so lucky? Fern teaches you how to get that dog (and it's not getting lucky with your pick). He's very detailed and doesn't sugar coat anything. This is not a generalized book, it's details. Short, sweet and to the point. Now.....to go find a puppy.........

I was privileged to be an early reviewer of the draft of this book. It needed no adjustments! The book hit all the points that a person with a puppy needs to remember.Fernando shared even his findings from a recent adoption of the cutest rescue. Yes, even experienced dog owners need this book to remind themselves of all the things puppies do. Fernando covers nutrition, socialization, boundaries, and common puppy problems from poop to continual chewing.Having hired Fernando to help me with my puppy (as recently as he is 3+ years old), I know it works! He has seen so much and knows even more. So much of which he covers in this book.Great for first time puppy caretakers and those who enjoy reading for enjoyment and as a refresher.

If you’re going to get a puppy, you should really get The Happy Puppy Handbook first. It is full of solid advice for positive training, specific examples and real life solutions. Even if your dog is a little older, both you and your pup will benefit from this book. Much of it applies to all dogs, and it is never too late to improve your dog’s behavior. Fern offers on line resources and shows how it is done. Complete instructions and good ideas told in plain English are what you’ll find as you read along. You don’t have to understand fancy jargon or decipher lingo to understand and apply Fern’s sensible methods, so he makes it possible to get the best behavior from your pet as he or she grows up. His conversational tone shows you how things look through your new puppy’s perspective, increasing your ability to relate to, and understand how to connect with, your new best friend. Fern also covers diet, exercise, vet care, leash walking, supplies, how to’s, and what not to do’s.