5 comments about The Dog Breed Bible: Descriptions and Photos of Every Breed Recognized by the AKC.

1. For the most part the book is accurate. I did find some small details that I questioned but nothing that would be totally inaccurate.



2. We have been doing dog breeds reserach, and this book just have it all. Use it, is easy and complete.



3. I like that this book is easy to breeze through. Each dog breed is listed on a separate, glossy page and the book is set up with a spiral binder. It's better than other dog breed books in being aimed at the consumer who just wants to pick out a breed to buy, not to show. I thought it could go even further in its info about the positives and negatives of each breed as a family pet, for instance, known to bark a lot or being too active for the average suburban household. It briefly touches on these issues. Also, more info on the grooming needs would be good. It says how often to groom but doesn't explain fully if they mean take it to a groomer or do it yourself, and how much this would cost. Some of the possible diseases that each breed can be susceptible to are listed, but no info is given on the illnesses (fatal? possible cures? how often does it occur?). It does show lots of breeds, so that's nice.



4. 
   THIS IS AN EXCELLENT BOOK, ONE THAT I SELECTED TO BE AN INTERGAL PART OF MY SOON TO PUBLISHED WEB SITE "SELECTING YOUR PERFECT DOG, QUICKLY AND EASILY"
   
   DON SCHULTZ



5. Sturdy, spiral bound features one breed per page and covers basic information on origin, temperament, upkeep and health. Each breed is rated from 1 to 5 on energy level, exercise requirements, playfulness, affection level, friendliness toward other pets, friendliness toward strangers, ease of training and grooming requirements. A color photo of the head and side view of each breed is included.

5 comments about Golden Retrievers for Dummies.

1. I don't know what I was thinking ordering this book online. I recently purchased a golden puppy and I was hoping to learn more about the breed and training. It has a lot of useful information for people who are deciding whether or not to buy a golden. However, I already purchaced my baby and the book what not all that helpful. It seems like the book can erase and insert any other breed name into it. Very general puppy training info. I was able to read the book in 2 days. I was expecting more from a women who has owned goldens herself for many years. This just reaffirmed my reasons for not buying online. You really have no idea what you are getting. I won't do it again.
   Good Luck to others with Goldens. They are the best breed ever.



2. For someone don't know anything about dog or how to take care of a dog. It helps.



3. I purchased this book used on Amazon shortly after I got my new golden retriever puppy, Maggie. Having wanted a golden retriever for as long as I can remember, I was so excited to bring her home even if it was in a small dilapidated cardboard box. After surviving 2 LOOONNNGGG days with a new puppy, thinking how I could have made such a mistake (at the time), I realized I needed some professional help. The book was very helpful and went on to describe issues goldens have, how to potty train, obedience train, crate train, proper food etc they need. what I really liked was not only needing puppy training like I did, I needed it to be golden retriever specific, and that it was. It tells you the types of health problems they're prone to, traits they have and things they're good at. I found it extremely helpful. I would definitely recommend it! In case you're wondering, Maggie is now a healthy, happy just had her first year birthday golden! Yeah we still have some things we need to work on, And as for me, I survived the first year!



4. I just a got a pup a few weeks ago and I open this book daily to look something up, or to prepare for new skills I want to teach. Not all of suggestions have worked (supplementing with puppy training classes). It's probably best to have a few books on goldens - this one serves as a good general reference.



5. I've not had a dog since I was a child so I need ALL the help I can get. The only thing I was looking for that this book didn't discuss was the topic of selecting and installing doggie doors, so for that you'll need to go elsewhere. Otherwise, I loved it.

5 comments about Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies.

1. An absolute must if you are planning on adopting a retired racing greyhound. No other book will prepare you more thoroughly.



2. This book is a fantastic guide for those looking to adopt a greyhound or even those curious about adopting a retired racer. Personally, I found it much more in-depth and helpful than the most widely recommended book by Cynthia Branigan. The "dummies" style of breaking topics down and highlighting common pitfalls really worked for us. Further there is great dedication to ways to train your grey and get through common fears, issues and behaviors which I feel is lacking in the other books. While no book can prepare you for the idiosyncracies of your racer when you bring him/her home, greyhounds' common background allows for this book to be rather comprehensive and instructional and it really attempts to be so.
   
   My only caveat is that the book was published in 2000 and could use some updating. There are so many web resources, meet-up groups, etc. which could be highlighted in a newer edition. Perhaps one is in the works because I know the author speaks often at "Dewey Beach."
   
   Your best resource will very likely be your adoption organization and your adoption agent(s). Foster great relationships with them and allow this book to complement all that they tell you (even though no one will ever agree on food) and you will be able to get through with as few bumps as possible.
   
   And for the record I couldn't recommend adopting a greyhound more. For dogs which have been all but tortured they survive to become goofy, soulful, respectful, devoted companions.



3. I had thought this would be a very simple, basic book, but in fact it has a wealth of information, with plenty of detail. It is easy to read and organized in a sensible way. I highly recommend this book!



4. I was brand new to greyhounds when I bought this book. Reading this book prepares you for the worst. In reality my greyhounds were very well behaved. I think they are amazing in how they conform and learn your lifestyle.
   
   Some personal gems I've gleaned from the book: Try and ignore minor bad behaviors. Also, ignore your pets when you come home so they learn to greet you properly. I love the lazy training technique where you just kinda watch your dog and if he lies down you say "down" and if he comes towards you you say "come."
   
   I think it's important to set your greys up for success by doing things like keeping the kitchen counters clear. My dog has learned that if I'm not defending my kitchen there's nothing good up there and if I am he should give up now because I'm quite good at body blocking.
   
   Many pieces of advice have not turned out so well. For example reinforcing my alpha gave him a narcissism complex. I regret being passive when he growled to steal a bed, a toy, a bite of food. If your dog isn't playing nice, you need to impress upon him that the other dog has certain rights by yanking the alpha's collar and tackling him if needed before things get out of control.
   
   I still find I could use more help in some areas like getting my dog's attention and getting my two dogs to like each other more. I felt like I didn't have a good baseline of what a greyhound acts like. An "is my dog normal" section would be useful.
   
   Stay close with your adoption agency and take the book with a grain of salt. It's not infallible.



5. an informative, non repetitive, common sense reference. greyhounds, while low maintenance as a pet, have unique requirements - this book informs in a practical way, on these issues.

5 comments about Mutts Shelter Stories: Love. Guaranteed..

1. What a wonderful book. I had received it as a gift initially then purchased a copy for another animal lover. It is the best gift for those who have a tender spot in their heart for shelter/rescue dogs.



2. Every pet owner should read this to understand the realities of what happens. Then pass it along to their children. Shelters are overwhelmed with these stories. Some end well, but many more do not.



3. Great for any pet lover or aspiring owner. You'll be moved to run to the shelter on your lunch break and make a new home for some eager little animal. Thanks Patrick McDonnell! Love Mutts. Love this book!



4. Pet lovers and those who enjoy the Sunday funny pages have a treasure indeed in "Mutts Shelter Stories: Love. Guaranteed.", a compilation of over one hundred of McDonnell's Mutts comic strips; on the opposite page of each strip are full color photos of pets found in animal shelters and their heartwarming success stories. A perfect gift for the dog or cat lover, "Mutts Shelter Stories: Love. Guaranteed." is highly recommended for community library pet and humor collections.



5. I awaited the release of this book very eagerly, looking forward to seeing a lovely little all-black shorthair cat named Pauline featured as a starlet. And there she is, cute as can be!

3 comments about How to Run a Dog Business: Putting Your Career Where Your Heart Is.

1. This is another good book that I would recommend to those getting into this business. Good info and Ideas.



2. I've been running a small dog training business for around 8 years now and after reading this book, have realized how many things I could be doing better. Her ideas are simple yet effective. This is a definite MUST READ if you're thinking of going into a dog related business or even if you're already in one!



3. A professional dog-trainer, Veronica Boutelle is also the former Director of Behavior and Training at the San Francisco SPCA. In "How To Run A Dog Business: Putting Your Career Where Your Heart Is", she draws upon her many years of experience and expertise to show aspiring dog trainers wanting to start their own business how to analyze their market, set prices, and advertise their services; determine what licenses, insurance, and professional affiliations are needed; create systems that profitably streamline the business; and how to balance work demands with having a personal life. Exceptionally well written and superbly organized, "How To Run A Dog Business" is very highly recommended for aspiring professionals, as well as non-specialized general readers who enjoy the company and training of their canine companions.

5 comments about The Loved Dog: The Playful, Nonaggressive Way to Teach Your Dog Good Behavior.

1. Although there was a lot of Hollywood-style name dropping, and a ton of treat-giving, the book was a pleasant read of the author's life story. Most of the dog training info can be found on-line for free, though, so you might want to try that out before buying this book.



2. "The Loved Dog" doesn't teach or instruct the reader on anything more than common sense would dictate in dealing with dogs. Geller uses a much kinder method than other trainers, but the book is lacking in depth and detail. Too much time is spent on her past without really connecting the reader on anything more than a basic level. Once the training starts in the book, the author seems to speed through it without taking enough time to get fully into the hows and whys. More time is spent in commenting on all the famous folks that Geller knows and has worked with in the past. The book is definitely a good start to someone new to dog training, but wouldn't be the only book needed.



3. On page 82 where Geller discusses learning your dog's favorite treats, she mentions that one of her client dog's favorites is chocolate. Chocolate is toxic to dogs. Geller warns against other foods that are toxic to dogs--onions, grapes and raisins--but she makes no such warning about chocolate. This is a pretty serious oversight, especially for new dog owners who may be reading this book because of the Humane Society CEO's good review of it. I might have given this book 3 stars otherwise, but I'm giving it one star just to call attention to this hazard.



4. It was a pleasure finally to find someone with whose gentle, sensible, methods, view point, and philosophy I agree, especially after some rather harsh tactics I have observed by other trainers. You can tell Tamar truly loves her dogs as much as most owners love their dogs. I am glad I happened to become familiar with her book. All dogs deserve to be the loved dog.



5. I enjoyed this book, since I'm at the beginning of learning about dog training, in advance of getting a dog. But dear god, that woman likes to name drop! Did I mention Oprah's dogs? What about Olivia Newton-John? And my favorite, her best friend in the world is married to some moderately successful somebody, and she barely mentions her best friend to describe what her best friend's husband does... and then she gets to their dogs. Yikes.
   
   That being said, she has a nice message, I like the nonviolent approach, and the fact that she does incorporate some pack behaviorism (alpha dog without the alpha roll or forced submission).
   
   Next, I'm reading "The Other End of the Leash", "Culture Clash", and "How Your Dog Thinks" for a little meatier training. Tamar Geller is light and has a nice kind philosophy, and some good ideas about how to handle your dog(s).

5 comments about Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats : Your A-Z Guide to Over 200 Conditions, Herbs, Vitamins, and Supplements.

1. If you want to understand your little friends and what can you do for them, read this book



2. This book is alright if you already have a diagnosis from your vet. But trying to figure out if something is wrong in the first place (symptoms)is not happening. Or perhaps your dog just has dry skin and a sensitive stomach..there is nothing in the book that helped me for less serious conditions either. Needless to say, I ended up returning the book.



3. I wish I had found this book sooner! My dog had a bulging disc and I needed something other then tradional meds (they were making him very ill). I researched everything I cold get my hands on and I have to say- this book is particularly fantastic as it's easy to read. It also lists the traditional meds and the alternatives which could complement those taditional meds. On top of that it lists other therapies such as chiropractic and acupuncture. Overall- it's easy to read, provides great info as well as accuracy. It's a fantastic reference to have for all animal owners!



4. My Bichon, Bailey, has food allergies. I bought this book to do research on this subject, and found it had lots of other very informative information. I am looking into natural homemade diets and natural care. It did the trick! It was very resonably priced for the size and information it has in it... Also so easy to read and understand.. I would highly recommend it!
   Sharon Coombs
   Herndon, Ky.



5. This is one of the more detailed books I have found. I also got Health for Happy Cats and Your Cat by Elizabeth Hodgkins. This one has a lot of details about what to feed, how to feed it, what the diseases are and what the treatments are. You can look it up by both disease and symptom and treatment, which is fantastic. They discuss pros and cons of various things. They also have a good section on cooking natural diet versus raw natural diet. They are more advocates of cooked diet as far as I can tell. They also have a few diets. If you are going to get one book on natural health for cats this should be it. there is a lot of information on supplements.

5 comments about Canine Reproduction And Whelping: A Dog Breeder's Guide.

1. If you have not had the opportunity to attend one of Myra's seminars, this is the next best thing. This book has a lot of hands on practical information. She has a simple matter of fact style of instruction. Her explanations and directions include easy too follow instructions. Very basic information,... the 'need to know' stuff. Not an expansive all inclusive text. Just the down to earth topics to get you through the moment.



2. This book covers so much more that hasn't been covered in other popular breeding books. Well worth the investment.



3. This is a good book but a first time breeder would be making a mistake to not discuss the whelping recommendations given here with their vet... use of Calsorb, in particular, but a few others. All dogs are individuals and one size does not fit all.
   
   The companion book, Puppy Intensive Care, is also helpful and its DVD shows how to do sub Q IV and insert a feeding tube.



4. This book is very through and covers all aspect of Canine Reproduction and whelping. The book is rather strait forward and makes for a good read on this topic. This book is for people who want to know more about Canine Reproduction and Whelping, and is a great addition for breeders. This is not the book for someone who clearly knows nothing on breeding and wants to find out if the dog they have is worth breeding. This gets at the mechanics and care of the Canine.



5. Book is very helpful, answered a lot of questions I had and now feel pretty prepared for delivery of our first puppies..

5 comments about The Dogs of Bedlam Farm: An Adventure with Sixteen Sheep, Three Dogs, Two Donkeys, and Me.

1. it is a shame for him to start out with a good dog and a good book and then turn himself into real jackass -- he should have stuck with his labs - they are suited more to him - fat and lazy - hope no one buys anymore of his books - and maybe he will have to get a real job instead of making money off of a dog he killed!!!!!



2. This is one of the best books about dogs I have read. Jon Katz has a way of writing that makes you feel the laughter and the pain. There are times when reading this book that you will literally be laughing out loud. HE is a very descriptive writer. I would (and have) recommend this book to friends. It is a must read for not just dog lovers but anyone who just needs a good book.



3. I found this book to be a fun, enjoyable, quick read. If you love animals, you will love this book. It has dogs, sheep, a ram and donkeys. The best part of this book is the parts that deal with the dogs. I recommend it.
   
   --Gerard Zemek, husband of author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"



4. The reviewer comments on the back cover of this book say "An inspiring portrait of the human-animal bond...". "Funny, touching, and insightful...". "Rewarding memoir...". I might have said as much about other books on humans and animals, but not this one.
   
   Jon Katz tells us straight out that his goal in taking on the care of three border collies, a herd of sheep, and two donkeys is to better himself, to "become a better human being". It's an admirable goal - but at what sacrifice? When does it seem a good idea to experiment on animals for your own so-called personal growth? What kind of growth is that really?
   
   Obviously I am in a different camp from Katz. Long ago I concluded that there is no animal on this earth who is safe from humans. I also concluded that human destruction of much of the natural world means that some animals, including cats and dogs, no longer have a natural habitat, that in fact their natural habitat now is with us, in our homes. A corollary: it is our responsibility to care for homeless dogs and cats humanely (which does not mean killing them); we created this situation and we are responsible for them. I offer this paragraph as a disclosure that explains part of the reason I take issue with the way Katz approaches the animals he takes on.
   
   Katz sells his mountain hideaway (the subject of previous books) and purchases a run-down farm in upper New York state. He brings his three dogs there and accepts delivery of 15 sheep and the first donkey. Later he travels to the farm of a self-described "donkey lady" and purchases another, younger donkey as companion for the first. He works with his dogs, trying to train them to herd the sheep, and he spends much of each day cleaning, repairing, doing the chores associated with this life. He also spends part of his day writing about it and appears to spend nearly 100% of his waking hours trying to figure it all out. By which I mean he sorts through his relationship with the different animals and comes to conclusions about himself, those animals, and other people and their animals. Forcing himself to be responsible for all of these animals is supposed to make him a better person.
   
   What others have characterized as "introspection" I see as justification. Katz spends endless paragraphs justifying actions that he suspects others may see as wrong somehow. He tells us honestly what trainers have told him (that, for example, he needs to stop yelling at his dogs) and that he bemoans his failures as a human being, and then he obstinately reverts to pattern (keeps yelling at his dogs). It is as if he wants to become a better person but retain all of his prejudices and habits in the process.
   
   Again and again he describes occasions when he has gone against the advice of people he trusts, only to find out that their advice was good. A trusted trainer said don't bring another puppy into the mix until you have resolved the issues with Homer. Katz wants a new puppy so he gets it anyway, only to find out after much work with all of the dogs that perhaps that wasn't such a swell idea. I can't help but conclude that he is going after what Jon wants rather than what the dogs want or need.
   
   When Katz wants a new dog he heads for the breeder. He chooses a breed and a specific puppy for its characteristics. He wants a border collie to herd sheep. He wants a labrador for companionship. He snipes at those who frown on obtaining dogs from breeders with this argument: some people adopt babies but most of us want one of our own. Is that a fair comparison, though? The comparison fails on more than one level:
   
   *When Katz goes to a breeder it's like he's going to an adoption agency, not "having his own". He also deludes himself by assuming he can specify exactly the dog he wants. Even when you choose a puppy of a breed that tends to have certain characteristics, there is no guarantee that the puppy will grow up to be the dog you expect. Katz's own experiences with different border collies are testament to this variability in dogs. All dogs. (not to mention all people)
   
   *Even the best breeders produce dogs that are "not acceptable": dogs they can't sell. These dogs are a result of the breeding process. Even the champion dogs tend to have physical or mental issues that are genetic, a result of the breeding process. The best breeders will claim that they find homes for all of their dogs, whether or not they are "perfect". But every time a breeder's dog goes out the door the people who take that dog do not instead take another dog that needs a home. Thus breeders contribute to pet overpopulation and contribute as well to the population of genetic misfits.
   
   *Approximately 40% of the dogs in shelters are purebred dogs. Many breeder dogs do not come to good ends.
   
   *Katz ignores statistics because he wants his own chosen dogs, not some "rescue", even though he has rescued dogs in the past, from inappropriate homes. Therefore he justifies his decision.
   
   When Katz takes out his rifle and shoots a feral cat it is at the end of many paragraphs explaining he never thought he'd ever shoot anything and his dogs were being attacked and he did not have a choice. Actually, he did have a choice, but it would have taken more work of the kind he chooses not to do. It would also have labeled him some kind of bleeding heart there in the country, and we can't have that. He desperately wants (maybe needs) approval from the old-time "real" farmers and ranchers. Katz is no lazy person. He simply makes his choices for his own comfort and supposed better-personhood rather than for animals.
   
   Katz does come to the conclusion that he cannot provide the kind of home needed by his sweet Homer. After agonizing and justifying this decision - a justification not needed, believe me - he places Homer with a family that can give him what he needs. In this Katz has done the right thing. He wears the hair shirt, however, over and over expressing distress that it was his own bad training practices that complicated life for Homer and made it necessary for him to go to another home. Enough already. He protests too much.
   
   I have come to the odd conclusion that perhaps Katz is not the dog person he says he is.
   
   He would say he's not a "Dog Person" too, but his definition of "Dog Person" is not what I mean. He describes his sister and others he has met as dog persons, and what he means is people who actively rescue "unadoptable" dogs, who care for them with every last scrap of their incomes, who let them overrun their lives in every respect, shutting out people - except other "Dog People" who meet the same definition. This type dog person is a small subset of the whole, the dog people I know personally.
   
   Katz is not afraid to reveal what he sees are the problems in his own personality: a lack of patience, a tendency toward anger, especially quick anger. He refers frequently to a childhood of chaos where he learned these ways of keeping other people at bay. He obviously truly wants to find and keep a genuine long-lasting closeness to those who matter to him, and does not want to continue to alienate friends and family with his bursts of anger or silence.
   
   He finds his salvation in the animals. Through them he learns patience especially. Through them he harnesses his will toward the care of others. Through them he finds a connection to his sister that had been lost. Clearly this is the message of the book. Animal people will all tell you that animals change you, make you better than you were. I have no argument with that. What concerned me throughout this book was the total me-ness of it. It was always about Katz and what he wanted and needed from the animals. Even though he went on various trips to find out what the animals needed, the need of the donkey to find her "inner donkeyness", for example, ultimately he did these things because they would make him a better person. There is something backwards about this approach that simply bothered me the whole time I read this book.
   
   At the end of the book Katz is laying in supplies and readying the farm for another winter. We are expected to believe that he has found his place at last. I for one doubt it. It was good enough for one book but the adventure will not be enough for many more.



5. I'm disappointed in this book, after having wanted to read it for a long time. It is the first of the author's books I have read. It's fairly interesting, but not anywhere close to a great book.
   
   I had assumed that this is a book by a shepherd about his sheep and his working border collies. Instead, it's about a man who has animals for a hobby (apparently mostly as research for writing books, actually). He comes across as very narcissistic: leaving his family, expecting working farmers to help him at a moment's notice, working a farm that he doesn't need with dogs that aren't well trained, as a short-term experiment.
   
   His understanding of herding dogs seems slim. Now, I have a collie and not a border collie, but I'm dismayed to see him present herding as bloodlust, as a dog's desire for tasty prey that is kept in check by its owner. Good herding dogs, from everything else I've read and seen, protect the sheep and don't drool over them. Herding dogs really aren't hunting dogs; the instincts are very different.
   
   I can't figure out how this book made it to best-seller lists. There are MANY better dog books out there.

No comments about William Wegman Man's Best Friend 2009 Wall Calendar: (with poster).