Many dog owners don't understand the dynamics of human/dog relationships and consequently experience problems with their pets, such as barking, aggression, chasing livestock, chewing, pulling and running away. Experienced dog trainer Debbie Connolly shows new and experienced dog owners alike how to deal with such behaviour problems, so that the dog can become a safe and happy member of their family. Debbie recounts real-life anecdotes to get across the serious point that you are playing with your dog's life, if you can't or won't learn to treat your dog appropriately. Some of the stories she tells are funny, some are sad, but all of them are easy for her readers to identify with and relate to. She explains how to get a dog from the right source and how to live with it afterwards. She gives practical advice on how to solve all the common problems dog owners face. And she isn't afraid to raise important issues that others avoid -- issues that dog owners actually face in the real world, for example, when you should give up and put your dog to sleep.