After several years of planning, our family has recently brought home a fabulous new puppy. Whether you are choosing, training or just wanting to read about dogs, the library has the resources you need.
If you're interested in purebred dogs, browse through the illustrations and breed descriptions in The Kennel Club's Illustrated Breed Standards (available in the Reference Department).
The Good, the Bad and the Furry: Choosing the Dog that's Right for You, by Sam Stall, matches the traits of owners and dogs to help you pick the perfect pet.
Cesar Millan's How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond is an indispensable training resource.
Check out Stanley Coren's books, such as Why We Love the Dogs We Do or the more recent Modern Dog: A Joyful Exploration of How We Live with Dogs Today for an insightful look into the human-dog bond.
A well-trained dog is a happy dog. The DVDs Our Good Dog: A Seven Week Program to an Exceptional Pet and It's Pawsible: The Five Week Dog Training Course provide step-bystep lessons on basic commands, leash training and obedience skills.
One of the gems in the library's dog section is Jon Katz' Dog Year: Twelve Months, Four Dogs and Me. Chaos ensues when the author adopts a high-strung border collie who must adapt to Katz's peaceful life with two adoring Labradors.
Everyone should read Farley Mowat's The Dog Who Wouldn't Be - an engaging, often hilarious tale about the author's 1930s Saskatchewan childhood with his dog Mutt.
For all things canine, check out the magazine Modern Dog. Billed as the lifestyle magazine for modern dogs and their companions, this glossy periodical is filled with articles, training tips and great photos.
And finally, don't miss the popular novel The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein.
This inspiring tale is told from the point of view of Enzo - a wise, old Labrador who reflects on the life of his racing car driver owner.