Book excerpt: You can often tell how healthy a dog is by the appearance of its coat. Grooming your dog regularly offers clues to her health: It nips potential health problems, like allergies, poor nutrition, parasites, or diseases, in the bud--or at least gives you some early warning about them. Grooming also makes your dog (and you) comfortable socializing whilst also stopping the spread of dirt, fleas, and germs. You can conveniently groom your dog in the comfort of your home. But perhaps the biggest benefit to grooming your dog yourself is strengthening your bond with them. DIY Dog Grooming, From Puppy Cuts to Best in Show by Jorge Bendersky, and foreword by Cesar Milan, will show you how to take the best care of your dog, regardless of breed, temperament, or age. Practical step-by-step photos will take you through everything you need to know to bathe and trim your dogs, plus care for their nails, ears, teeth, and more. Learn how to train them to relax and enjoy grooming. "While you can make excuses not to take your dog to the groomer, you have no reason to make excuses for not doing it yourself any longer." -Cesar Millan Inside you'll find: - Simple, step-by-step instructions for everything from bathing to brushing. - Practical solutions to common problems like fleas and ticks, dirt and mud. - Creative suggestions for grooming a picture-perfect dog.