A New Owner's Guide to Papillons

Please do read up on these small wonders before you let one own you. All dogs are beautiful, all unique, find exactly the qualities best suited to you and your life style.I must have contacted a dozen breeders and asked hundreds of questions, read for months before I adopted my two year old Papillon. And still, he surprised me, he surprises me all the time. It's like having children, people can tell you all about it, but until you have one of your own it's hard to imagine.I would not part with Rudy for all the world now. Yes, being a rescue, he did have some baggage, and we're working on that. Brave little soul that he is, he was willing to take a chance on me.Thanks to Deborah Wood's insights, we will have a better understanding of one another.One of the things she mentions that really delighted me, and I have not found information to suggest otherwise, is that these dogs can live fourteen to sixteen years, and perhaps longer, if well-cared for and in good health. I certainly hope so.But I do not find, as she states, that Papillons are as delicate and easily injured as she fears. Compared to other toy sized dogs I have owned and known, Rudy seems quite sturdy. I often refer to him as my pocket sized Border Collie for that reason, and because of his high energy ball-chasing games.There are pictures of a couple of injured dogs in the book (nothing graphic), but had my Poodle or Pom pulled capers as Rudy does, neither would have lived to tell about it. The other two would have broken a leg taking the leaps he enjoys. This guy climbs ladders. It's enough to scare Mommy to death! And there he is, at the top smiling.He is definately one of the most intelligent dogs I've ever seen. Is there nothing he can't learn or figure out? He uses his front paws much like hands, hides toys inside boxes and bags so he can later find them, and that sense of smell is really something too. He even throws his own ball if nobody else will.The author gives very good advice on finding the right puppy after telling you what this breed about, the variety of personalities you may find, the behaviors to expect and so on, so you can decide if this is truly the dog for you.I'm glad to see there was a brief mention about adopting - I have no qualms about buying from reputable breeders (some people are on the breeder team, or the adopter team, and won't see the good side of the other for nothin' - I am not that girl. I know there is room for both. I adopt because that's what I do, it's what is right for me). I only wish she'd have put a little more effort into that, as it is a complicated matter and there is much to be said.There is as much to discuss about finding a decent adoption agency and how to check out a rescue dog as there is about buying a pup from a breeder. I'm sure the rescue she mentioned would have been thrilled had she asked for their advice on the topic.Overall, I think you'll find this book a delight to read. The pictures are beautiful. And it seems even if you've had a Papillon for a while, you'll get a lot of useful information. Even if you only buy it to read the training section, it's worth the money. It's not just about housebreaking; it's that, problem behavoirs, plus all the wonderful things a smart pooch can learn. I knew Pap's did agility and assistance, but dog dancing? Who knew dogs so tiny could do that? And the advice on the barking is priceless!

This is an excellent read for anyone who has or is planning to get a papillon! Unlike several other books I’ve purchased to learn more about the papillon breed this one is very specific to papillons where as the others were much more general to all breeds. There is guidance for every step in becoming and being a papillon owner . Topics include characteristics of the breed, selecting your puppy/dog, training, grooming, caring for you dog in different stages of development and more. There are also many lovely color photos throughout the book. If you’re looking for helpful information specifically related to papillons I highly recommend this book.

Although the outside of the book may look like a generic TFH product (you know, 10pages of out of date breed info and 40 pages about Nylabones and pictures of various kinds of worms dogs can get) , the inside is a treasure trove of sound, intelligent, up-to-date and breed specific information for the new Papillon owner. Ms Wood's experience with, and love of, the breed shines through on every page. The fact that she has intimate, well researched and thoughtful historical information at hand, has trained 3 of her own Papillons to numerous titles and does therapy work with the breed adds tremendous authority to the work. She understands, and addresses, that Papillons are not a "cookie cutter" breed and that there is a variety of temperments, sizes and personalites in the breed.Finally! There is a reasonably priced, EXCELLENT source book for anyone interested in the breed...newcomer, or experienced owner alike. If I were a breeder, I'd give out copies of this book to every new owner.

We purchased this book when we thought we were ready for a Papillon. We received it just in time to read important parts before selecting our puppy. I believe it will be our Papillon go to book for a while. She writes about selecting a puppy, potty training, training and more! We have only had our Papillon for a couple of weeks and I have read parts of this book over and over (especially on house training!). Would recommend this book for anybody interested in adopting a papillon puppy or any new owner.

We are "expecting" our first Papillon and are very excited. We want to do everything right. This book has been very helpful and has given my husband and myself the extra confidence for which we have been looking. It is clearly written, wonderful photos, and covers all the necessary topics. Not sure what to expect, as this is our first Papillon, but this book has made us less nervous and more anxious to become "new parents." Deborah Wood knows what she's talking about when it comes to helping a new Papillon owner. Thank you, Deborah!

I enjoyed this book. I felt the author gave some honest assessment about negative, as well as, positive aspects of the breed's personality. Every breed has its peculiarities, and I appreciate someone willing to share those, because if you aren't aware of them and they are not something you want to cope with, you might find the breed an inappropriate match for you and your family. That sometimes leads to a rescue dog situation. Something all dog lovers want to avoid.

Our Papillon is a hoarding situation rescue. This does not pretend to address our issue, but it is a good reference for general things. The photos are fantastic. All I paid was a penny plus shipping and handling.

Nice review for the decision maybe to purchase the dog

Good book if you want to learn more about the breed. Well written and splendid photography. I loved this book.

Thinking of a Papillon as a possibility in the future so this book was a mine of information and told us what we needed to know.

lovely book!