I have a delightful young lady of 9 years old who is on my puppy waiting list. She's been waiting over a year to save up for a puppy and to feel that she is old enough and confident enough to look after her very own, first time doggy :-) She may have to wait quite a while longer, but we're thinking ahead and trying to prepare her.

How lucky is she going to be to grow up with one of the best friends you could wish for as a child :-)

Can anyone recommend a really good book, or dvd, aimed at this age group for caring and looking after a dog and which also includes basics for dog training. I've had a trawl on the internet and there seems to be a lot out there but nothing's leaping out at me at the moment. So am asking for any recommendations, or even ones not to bother with. Many thanks.

BTW before anyone thinks I've gone completely mad ... this delightful young lady is fully backed, and will be backed up, by parents who are experience dog owners :-)

Although it isn't the same as a book, why not suggest she becoming part of the Young Kennel Club. they do a magazine and their website lists events that are held.
just a idea but it doesn't list training technique but there info on the website about competing, grooming and activities. :)
How lovely for her to grow up with the dog, there nothing better than having a 4 legged best friend as a child :)

Hi thanks, yes already suggested YKC to her, which she's keen to do when we get to pup stage. Have also sourced a good training class for her locally which she's also keen to do.

Mum's an experienced dog owner BK (before kids) but I just wanted to set girl off on a project.

I recall seeing the Blue Dog CD a few years ago, but it's aimed at a younger audience though will suggest this as there's a younger sister, who I'm sure will be involved with the dog, although she's saving up for a rabbit :-) Not quite the same in my view, but I did love my pet rabbit as a child!

Puppy will be reared with 'sacrificial' (in the nicest possible way) bunny :-)

How about this as something to aim for, even has an under 12 category and isn't a competition in the normal way?

http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/2309/pg_dtl_art_news/pg_hdr_art/pg_ftr_art

> Hi thanks, yes already suggested YKC to her, which she's keen to do when we get to pup stage.

I don't think that actually owning a dog is a requisite for membership :)

I don't think that actually owning a dog is a requisite for membership

I'm saving her money ... she's had to save for a pup for a long time :-)

Thanks. There are some fabulous categories in YKC, I shall be encouraging her to join, specially as she's got a very good agility club nearby ... good, keen young handlers are in demand :-)

Just had a quick search on waterstones to see if there's anything suitable for her to read whilst waiting.
came up with:
http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/denise+p-+cherry/step-by-step+children27s+guide+to+dog+training/3811059/
and http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/benjamin/the+author/dog+training+for+kids/4995171/
also my sister was 10 when we recently got our DDB pup and she learnt alot from a breed book we got, it wasn't designed for children but had plenty of pictures to look at on how training can be done and how to groom, diet etc.

Thank you. Will do a bit more research into the books you've linked to. Hadn't thought of a breed book, but you're right, they generally have lots of pics to keep young folk interested. Will have a look for one of those to recommend.

What about Lyn Fleet's Fast Track Puppy Guide"?
http://www.lynfleet.com/the_fast_track_puppy_survival_kit.html

Not a big booklet but everything you need to know about first steps with a new puppy,  I don't think it would be too far above a 9 year old's reading level.

Oh ta, that's a possibility. Had a look on the APBC site earlier. Will look further into this one, thanks.

> I'm saving her money ... she's had to save for a pup for a long time :-)

Maybe it would be a nice Christmas or birthday present :)

How about one of Gwen Bailey's books, I know they are not aimed at children but they also have plenty of images and she sounds like she is already wise beyond her years and may appreciate the slightly more mature outlook.  Also what about some of the training or trick books you can get - Mary Rae's are packed full of pictures demonstrating each step.  I bought this book http://www.amazon.com/Dog-Games-Stimulating-Play-Entertain/dp/1845843320/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1300719690&sr=1-8 at Crufts and I'm really impressed with it, has games of levels for all ages and types of owners of dogs with plenty of pictures and good, simple instructions. A good book to illustrate how to improve the bond she will have with her dog.

I got this one for my kids when they were younger.

Actually, as we never use it now I could probably send it to you to give to her if you would like? - PM me?