The Australian Shepherd: Champion of Versatility

A Distinctive Guide to the Glorious AussieRecipient of numerous awards and rave reviews, The Australian Shepherd: Champion of Versatility is the definitive book on the Aussie for anyone who loves the breed and for those considering adding one of these intelligent, energetic dogs to their family. Australian Shepherd expert Liz Palika reveals the breed in all its glory, taking you from the decision to raise an Aussie to the challenges of training to the remarkable achievements the breed has made in competition. Inside, you’ll find a wealth of information on the popular Aussie, which ranks 35th in registrations with the American Kennel Club. Palika, herself a member of the Australian Shepherd Club of America, covers everything an Aussie owner needs to know–from proper nutrition and health care to the decision of whether or not to breed. You’ll see just how athletic and willing to learn these dogs are, as Palika explains the basics of competition for performance enthusiasts considering an Aussie for obedience and/or agility. Most of all, you’ll fall in love with these delightful dogs as you discover how much joy they can bring to your life. A HOWELL DOG BOOK OF DISTINCTION The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent, athletic, human-oriented dog highly desired for its versatility. The growing ranks of Aussie enthusiasts admire the breed for its remarkable ability to learn and excel at a wide range of canine sports –from obedience and herding to the rapidly growing sport of agility. Written by well-known and active Australian Shepherd expert and fancier Liz Palika, The Australian Shepherd: Champion of Versatility celebrates the breed, offering the owner or potential owner a comprehensive, authoritative reference for caring for and training an Aussie. The second edition of this award-winning book features more than 65 photos and illustrations, as well as new appendices that cover such timely topics as active dog first aid, conformation competition, Aussies in freestyle, frisbee and flyball, and obedience, tracking and therapy dog titles. As charming as the breed is, an Aussie is not for everyone. This book will help you decide if this is the right dog for you and, if so, how to choose an appropriate puppy. Writing in clear, accessible language, Palika guides you through every step, from bringing your Aussie home and feeding her to managing her health and beginning her training. You’ll discover the herding heritage of the Australian Shepherd and learn about the basics and responsibilities of breeding. Palika demonstrates how well-suited Aussies are for competition, covering agility, obedience, and conformation–her love for the breed shining through on every page. With active dogs occasionally come injuries, so Palika offers vital advice on putting together an emergency first-aid kit and procedures for specific accidents and injuries, including what to do if your dog is overheated or stung by an insect. Considered a must-have by Australian Shepherd fanciers, The Australian Shepherd: Champion of Versatility is updated with everything a wise owner of a working or performance Aussie needs to know to fully enjoy the wonders of the breed. A highly anticipated revision of the classic guide to Aussies The Australian Shepherd has a devoted following. Highly desired for its versatility, the Aussie is an intelligent, athletic, and very people-oriented herding dog. In this second edition of the popular and respected The Australian Shepherd, Aussie expert Liz Palika has updated the material to reflect the breed’s booming popularity, including the dramatic increase in performance records. She explains in clear, accessible language how readers can determine if an Aussie is the right dog for them and, if so, how to choose an appropriate puppy. Featuring 65 black-and-white photos and line drawings that beautifully illustrate the breed, this guide is a must-have for both potential Aussie owners and longtime breed enthusiasts. About the Author:LIZ PALIKA is an Australian Shepherd fancier, an active member of the Australian Shepherd Club of America, an obedience instructor, and author of twenty books on pets and pet care. Among them are The Australian Shepherd: An Owner’s Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet and Australian Shepherds For Dummies, both from Wiley.