Made famous on The Martha Stewart Show on television and Sirius radio, Marc Morrone is front and center to answer his viewers’ (and his readers’) many questions about their favorite pets. In Ask the Fish Keeper, Marc’s quirky, entertaining personality shines on every page as he spews out his wisdom, know-how, and hilarious anecdotes to answer dozens of questions.Divided into ten chapters, Marc tackles a range of topics from flakes, flies, and feeder fish in the ?Food” chapter and cycling, changing water, and testing in the ?Water” chapter to complete chapters dedicated to fish health, care, filters, and fish behavior. For fish keepers interested in either marine or freshwater fishes, there are specific chapters dedicated to both, covering topics tank setup, equipment, parasite, and favorite species.While Marc is often laugh-out-loud funny in all of the chapters, it is his genuine admiration of all kinds of fishes and animals in general that makes this book a unique resource for all pet lovers. Fill with real first-hand information and reliable tips, readers will be laughing and learning in equal measure! The book is beautifully designed and illustrated with color photographs as well as original artwork by Jason O’Malley.

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Author Ray Hunziker, longtime editor of Tropical Fish Hobbyist magazine and lifelong fish keeper, is the ideal tutor for aquarists looking to take a dive into the saltwater end of the tank! Marine Aquariums begins with a discussion of seawater and water quality, the most critical part of keeping marine fishes happily swimming (and breathing) in their tank. Hunziker continues with a step-by-step explanation of setting up a marine aquarium, discussing aquarium types, the number of fishes for the size tank selected, siting the tank, stands, substrates, temperature, lighting, filtration and décor.The chapter on stocking and maintaining the tank discussing purchasing healthy, vibrant fish, acclimatizing them to the tank, feeding them, and monitoring the tank on a regular basis. An elaborate chapter on the various types of saltwater fishes available, ?Ideal Fish for Your Marine Aquarium, ?details and illustrates nearly 70 fishes divided into the following categories: moray eels, squirrelfish and soldierfish, lion fish, groupers, cardinalfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, damselfish, hawkfish, wrasses, jawfish, gobies, surgeonfish, and triggerfish. The final chapter discusses keeping fish healthy, including the signs of illness, treating various ailments, and setting up a quarantine tank for affected fish. Resources, glossary, index included.

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Meet the Boxer is the first official publication endorsed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) on one of the world’s most beloved working and companion dogs, the Boxer. Thanks to the experts at the AKC and the American Boxer Club, this volume offers the most accurate and authoritative information available on this breed. Eleven chapters detail the history of the breed, characteristics, and special requirements for owning this versatile German breed, heavily illustrated with beautiful color images of puppies and adults. A chapter devoted to the purchase and selection of the Boxer puppy gives the reader specific guidance on how to locate a qualified breeder and to recognize a healthy, sound puppy. Two separate chapters serve as a primer to training the puppy--house-training and obedience work, favoring positive-training techniques as the best and most successful way to educate dogs. Chapters on home care, safety, feeding, and healthcare present indispensable information for new dog owners. As an official publication of the AKC, Meet the Boxer also explains the many vital programs offered by the country’s leading canine organization to all pet dog owners, including the S.T.A.R. Puppy and the Canine Good Citizen programs, as well as descriptions of various dog sports such as conformation showing, agility, obedience and more. A detailed resources section offers recommendations for websites, books, periodicals, and club affiliate programs, all of great interest to responsible new dog owners.

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With more than 200 registered breeds either in one of the seven Variety Groups or part of the Miscellaneous Class, the American Kennel Club is the world’s largest purebred-dog registry and the governing body for the canine sport in the United States. For someone looking to add a purebred canine companion to his or her life or for the all-around purebred-dog enthusiast, this AKC-authorized fifth edition of Meet the Breeds is a complete, current, and fully illustrated resource on all AKC breeds. Meet the Breeds presents the most current AKC information, introducing readers to two new Miscellaneous breeds, the Barbet and the Kooikerhondje, and documenting the transition from the Miscellaneous Class to full recognition for six other breeds. Fanciers are sure to learn something interesting about their favorite breeds while meeting plenty of new and intriguing furry faces.Inside Meet the Breeds:Considerations for potential dog owners An introduction to each of the groups and a discussion of common traits shared by group membersListings of AKC dog breeds, including each breed’s history and description, temperament, size, coat, color, life expectancy, activity level, grooming and exercise requirements, healthcare, and parent-club and rescue-group contact information.Breed profiles organized alphabetically and color-coded by groupColorful photographs of adult dogs and puppies of each breed

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The American Kennel Club’s Meet the Bulldog an official publication of the American Kennel Club (AKC) in collaboration with the Bulldog Club of America, serves as the recommended resource for new and experienced owners of this one-of-a-kind companion dog. With his characteristic flattened muzzle, large head, and low-slung body, the unmistakable Bulldog has a limitless fan base in the United States and around the world. Illustrated with color photography throughout, Meet the Bulldog begins with a discussion about the responsibility of owning the Bulldog and its special traits and challenges. Equally important is the selection of the right breeder, a topic covered in a chapter that includes a list of questions to ask the breeder and the answers new owners are looking for.The book addresses the health of the Bulldog and alerts new owners to potential problems in the breed. The chapter on health discusses the importance of finding the right veterinarian for this breed as well as how to embark on a preventive-healthcare regimen with your vet. New owners will profit from the chapters dedicated to selecting the right merchandise for a new puppy and how to make the house and yard safe for the curious Bulldog puppy. House-training and obedience training are presented in individual chapters, and the AKC’s stance on positive training methods shines through as owners are enlightened to the power of praise and rewards. The book doesn’t stint on information about grooming, exercise, dental health, and feeding, all vital topics for the dog owner.The final chapter includes various ways to get your Bulldog involved in dog sports and the community?from participating in AKC dog shows to becoming certified as a therapy dog and visiting nursing homes and retirement homes with your people-loving Bulldog. The chapters also offer advice on how to pursue the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy and the Canine Good Citizen programs, both ideal for young dogs getting their start in organized dog events and therapy. The Resources section of the book includes excellent recommendations for websites, periodicals, books, and programs that owners will find informative and helpful.

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Meet the Dachshund is the first official publication endorsed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) devoted to the world’s favorite wiener dog! Thanks to the experts at the AKC and the Dachshund Club of America, this volume offers the most accurate and authoritative information available on this breed. Eleven chapters detail the history of the breed, characteristics, and special requirements for owning this colorful hound breed, beautifully illustrated with photos of puppies and adults. A chapter devoted to the purchase and selection of the Doxie puppy gives the reader specific guidance on how to locate a qualified breeder and to recognize a healthy, sound puppy. Two separate chapters serve as a primer to training the puppy--house-training and obedience work, favoring positive-training techniques as the best and most successful way to educate the super-smart, sometimes-stubborn Doxie. Chapters on home care, safety, feeding, and healthcare present indispensable information for new dog owners.As an official publication of the AKC, Meet the Dachshund also explains the many vital programs offered by the country’s leading canine organization to all pet dog owners, including the S.T.A.R. Puppy and the Canine Good Citizen programs, as well as descriptions of various dog sports such as conformation showing, agility, obedience and more. A detailed resources section offers recommendations for websites, books, periodicals, and club affiliate programs, all of great interest to responsible new dog owners.

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Meet the Lab is the first official publication endorsed by the world’s leading authority on purebred dogs, the American Kennel Club (AKC) devoted to America’s most popular dog, the Labrador Retriever. As the AKC’s number-one breed in registration statistics for twenty consecutive years, the Labrador Retriever reigns as America’s top companion breed, though the breed’s superb athleticism has led it to excel as a hunting and competition dog as well.. Eleven chapters detail the history, characteristics, and special requirements for owning this active Sporting breed, heavily illustrated with beautiful color images of puppies and adults. A chapter devoted to the purchase and selection of the Lab puppy gives the reader specific guidance on how to locate a qualified breeder and to recognize a healthy, sound puppy whether for companionship or sport, or both. Two separate chapters serve as a primer to training the puppy--house-training and obedience work, favoring positive-training techniques as the best and most successful way to educate dogs. Chapters on grooming, feeding, exercise, and home and veterinary care offer indispensable information for new dog owners. As an official publication of the AKC, produced in conjunction with the Labrador Retriever Club, Meet the Lab also explains the many vital programs offered by the AKC to all pet dog owners, including the S.T.A.R. Puppy and the Canine Good Citizen programs, as well as overview to the various dog sports in which Labs excel, including obedience, field trials, dog shows, agility, and more. A detailed resources section offers recommendations for websites, books, periodicals, and club affiliate programs, all of great interest to responsible new dog owners.

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The American Kennel Club’s Meet the Rottweiler, an official publication of the American Kennel Club (AKC), serves as go-to resource for new and experienced owners of this impressive working dog. With its characteristic black and mahogany coloration, the robust Rottweiler cuts a unique silhouette and has attracted thousands of admirers in the United States and around the world. Meet the Rottweiler begins with a discussion about the decision to own this powerful, large guard dog, and the responsibilities that accompany this decision. Equally important is the selection of the right breeder, a topic covered in a chapter on puppy selection that includes a list of questions to ask the breeder and the answers new owners are looking for. The book addresses the health of the Rottweiler and alerts new owners to potential problems in the breed. The chapter on health discusses the importance of finding the right veterinarian for this breed as well as how to embark on a preventive-healthcare regimen with your vet. New owners will profit from the chapters dedicated to selecting the right merchandise for a new puppy and how to make the home and yard safe for the active and agile Rottie puppy. House-training and obedience training are presented in individual chapters, and the AKC’s stance on positive training methods shines through as owners are enlightened to the power of praise and rewards. The book doesn’t stint on information about grooming, exercise, dental health, and feeding, all vital topics for the dog owner. The final chapter includes a dozen ways to get your Rottweiler active in dog sports and the community?from participating in AKC performance events like dog shows, obedience and agility trials to becoming certified as a therapy dog and visiting nursing homes and retirement homes with your well-trained Rottie. The chapters also offer advice on how to pursue the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy and the Canine Good Citizen programs, both ideal for young dogs getting their start in organized dog events and therapy. The Resources section of the book includes excellent recommendations for websites, periodicals, books, and programs that Rottweiler owners will find informative and helpful.

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This brain-busting activity book teaches kids all about their favorite animals, from kangaroos and polar bears to tarantulas and snakes, all while having loads of fun! With crazy cool codes, puzzles, word searches, and so much more, these entertaining activities align with STEM curricula to keep kids engaged as they learn. Author and former teacher, Vicki Whiting, is the founder of Kid Scoop, an award-winning weekly activity page that promotes standards-based learning. Parents and teachers around the world use Vicki’s fun activities to stimulate academic success and a joy of learning. With this expansive collection of exercises, kids aged 5-10 will spend hours learning loads of fun facts all about animals as they complete hundreds of exciting activities!

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Keep kids busy by learning and playing all day long! This on-the-go activity book teaches kids all about their favorite animals, from sloths and giraffes to tigers and anacondas, all while having loads of fun! With crazy cool secret codes, puzzles, word searches, and so much more, these entertaining activities are sure to keep kids engaged as they learn. Author and former teacher, Vicki Whiting, is the founder of Kid Scoop, an award-winning weekly activity page that promotes standards-based learning. Parents and teachers around the world use Vicki’s fun activities to stimulate academic success and a joy of learning. With this expansive collection of exercises, kids aged 5-10 will spend hours learning loads of fun facts all about animals as they complete hundreds of exciting activities!

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Jay F. Hemdal’s introduction to miniature aquariums (essentially home aquariums that contain 8 gallons, or 30 liters, of water or less) begins with choosing a mini-aquarium from the many options available today and getting started with the right equipment (lighting, filters, heaters, decorations, and so forth). The author offers step-by-step instructions for installing the mini-aquarium and establishing the biological filtration system as well as maintaining the tank. Mini-Aquariums devotes a chapter to water, giving sound advice on water changes, sea water, maintaining the necessary chemical levels, and water quality. Deciding the contents of the mini-aquarium?tropical fish, plants, corals, and invertebrates---is looked at in two chapters devoted to marine mini-aquariums and freshwater mini-aquariums. There is also a special chapter on mini-container ponds and mini-ecosystems. Resources and glossary included.

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This Comprehensive Owner’s Guide to the Miniature Pinscher serves as a complete introduction to the diminutive and distinguished ?King of Toys.” With a lot of personality, courage, and confidence packed into a small frame, the ?Min Pin” hails from Germany and is a regal sight in his red, black-and-rust, and chocolate-and-rust coat colors. Min Pins are popular the world over for their intelligence, loyalty, and sense of humor, all in a compact size that makes them suitable companions for most living environments. Sporty little dogs who love to be in the spotlight, Min Pins are best matched with owners who have plenty of attention to lavish on a dog. Although this breed was originally intended to hunt rats, as discussed in the first chapter on its origins in Europe, Miniature Pinschers today enjoy life at home as valued pets. The second chapter discusses owning the breed, activities to keep an energetic Min Pin happy, and sound advice about which owners are best suited to the breed. New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on the breed standard, finding a breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard and purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with handsome adults and puppies bursting with fun and personality! There are more than 135 color photographs in this compact, useful, and reliable volume. The author’s advice on obedience training the bright Min Pin will help readers better mold and train their pets to be the most socialized, well-mannered dogs in the neighborhood. The extensive chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, parasites, infectious diseases, and more, which is followed by a chapter on caring for the senior dog. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.

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