I have been so excited for this book as a dog Mom, and as someone who volunteers at a rescue and if often looking for a great go to book to offer others who are potential new dog owners. I have to start by saying how much I loved the intro, do not skip it if you want to feel out the authors writing style and find out what makes author Ace Tilton Ratcliff an authority you would like to listen to. It’s so important to do your research on where you get information like this and you’ll quickly find that the author is a wealth of resourceful, useful and professional information written in an incredibly open and approachable tone. I hate when books like this feel like homework or like you’re being scolded and this was the opposite of that! I love the authors usage of the word friend when talking to the reader and it sets the tone quickly as relatable, fun and engaging. It really feels like a friend is talking to you giving you informed and professional advice where all question are very okay, rather than an overly clinical tone where you feel like you’re being talked at. I loved the narration on the audiobook as well because the narrators voice, tone and inflection also matched the voice I felt the author had.

Now to the book itself! In a world of pet manuals and floods of advice from who knows where online I found this book to be incredibly detailed without feeling heavy. You can take what you need and the organization of chapters lets you know where to look first for what you’re hoping to learn. It’s very informative for all owners both current, potential and future. You’ll learn every important step from bringing a dog into your life, the wheres the how’s, and the how much! You learn the basics of adopt and shop and how important the adopt option is! You will walk through the truth of puppy mills, backyard breeders and the health risks that they pose beyond the inhumane conditions and so much more. You will also hear the truths and facts about shelter dogs and the misinformation out there about them. You’ll learn why dogs deserve better! This might be old news and you may already have a pet so this might not apply but there’s so much great info on things like grooming, collars (Team Paco collars!), feeding, sleeping, playing, “speaking dog”, licensing, and healthcare. The author runs and owns an in home euthanasia business so they are uniquely qualified for this information and touches on so many things that we don’t always know or think about and I know would have been incredibly useful for me in the past! Overall if you need to know, it’s here and in an easily digestible tone, again it doesn’t feel clinical and preachy, and reminds me of my Dads favorite saying “there are no bad questions” because you really learn it all and aren’t expected to know it all magically. This will be a fantastic resource for Vets, shelters, rescues and a very gift-able book for a loved one who might feel in over their head with their pet or someone who wants to know the ins and outs of dog ownership before committing. I also think this would be a great gift for someone you know who might have unrealistic ideas of pet ownership and a great subtle non threatening or accusatory way to toss some education their way before they take the plunge. Whether you consume this in ebook, adorable hardcover or audiobook, it’s a must read for dog lovers, future dog owners and a fantastic educational resource for Veterinary professionals!

-- If you’re buying or adopting a puppy or adult dog in the near future, you’ll want to have on hand a copy of “The Little Book of Dog Care: Expert Advice on Giving Your Dog Their Best Life.” Written by Ace Tilton Ratcliff, this nine-chapter primer for pet parents starts with finding a dog and takes the reader through the basics: grooming, feeding, playtime, health care, canine body language and more. The up-to-date information teaches kind, positive interactions and is written in a conversational tone that draws the reader in. The author, married to a veterinarian, owns a practice that focuses on end-of-life, hospice, palliative and euthanasia care. The book will be published July 11 by S&S/Simon Element. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

This book is full of great, basic information with just enough detail to make it perfect for new dog owners. We recently adopted a rescue dog, and pretty much everything I needed to know was in this book. I'm sure I will come back to it as a reference many times. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.