CHECK IT OUT:

Man’s (and woman’s) best friend, agreeable companions, loyal, friendly, eager to play, ready to cuddle dogs have traditionally been welcome into our homes, lives and even our human beds.

Amusing anecdotes and relationship stories between dogs and humans never fail to arouse our interests and sympathies, especially with the particular breed of dog we most admire.

Whether we read for insights into dog training, tips on health care or general feel-good stories, tales about dogs always seem to produce the “awww” factor.

Here is a sampling of new titles available at the library.

“Dogs: A Natural History” by Jake Page: If you’ve wondered about the differences between wild and companion dogs, between the coyotes and your friendly buddy, this is the title for you. Smithsonian Books highlights the recent scientific discoveries about the historical contributions of dogs and their domestication through scholarly analysis, gorgeous photographs and sharp illustrations.

“Dog Man: An Uncommon Life on a Faraway Mountain” by Martha Sherrill: Akitas as endangered species? The popularity of this Japanese breed has come into the forefront lately, but what you didn’t know was that this breed was brought to the brink of extinction during the WWII. This new biography about Akita enthusiast and savior Morie Sawataishi details the extraordinary effort undertaken to ensure the breed’s

survival.

“Dog Days: Dispatches from Bedlam Farm” by Jon Katz: Dogs and farms seem a natural fit. Join with the author in marveling at his four dogs’ antics and those of the other animals on his upstate New York farm. This is the third book after “A Good Day” and “The Dogs of Bedlam Farm” to extol the dogs’ popularity and propensity for high jinx.

“Designer Dogs: Portraits and Profiles of Popular New Crossbreeds” by Caroline Coile and Anna Kuperberg: Labradoodle? Cockapoo? Mutts no longer, mixed breed dogs are strutting down the runway with designer labels intact and price tags to match. Discover the new “in” dog types.

“Bad Dogs Have More Fun: Selected Writings on Family, Animals, and Life” by John Grogan: “Philadelphia Inquirer” columnist Grogan compiles more than 75 anecdotal articles in this charming follow-up title to “Marley and Me.” Think warm and fuzzy thoughts.

“Every Dog’s Legal Guide: A Must-Have Book for Your Owner” by Mary Randolph: From the popular Nolo Law series, know your rights and responsibilities as a pet owner or, if you prefer, animal companion. Updated topics include traveling with dogs, barking problems, assistance dogs, landlord legislation, veterinarians and more.

“Be the Pack Leader: Use Cesar’s Way to Transform Your Dog and Your Life” by Cesar Millan: Having trouble communicating with your dog? Does he come when you call? Eat your slippers? Or worse? It’s Cesar to the rescue with practical ideas and real-life techniques you can learn to understand the canine mind and bring harmony into your home. With Cesar’s help, you are the pack leader and your dog is the follower. His previous book was “Cesar’s Way.”

“Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 on DVD” presented by Cesar Millan: These wonderful episodes from Cesar’s television program poignantly show the pitfalls that humans get themselves into when they cannot control their dogs. If you like to learn visually, these DVDs will fulfill all your expectations.

CHECK IT OUT is written by Newport Beach Public Library reference librarian Mary Ellen Bowman. Use your Newport Beach Public Library card to reserve these titles at www.newportbeachlibrary.org or call (949) 717-3800 and press 2.