5 comments about So You Want to be a Dog Trainer (2nd edition).

1. If you're just getting started in the dog training world, this book is for you. It covers what it's really like to work with people and their dogs, getting your education, advertising, all sorts of tips and sample forms. If you're trying to decide whether dog training is for you, get this book. I'm glad I did!



2. Love this book! I wasnt sure if I was taking the right path to becoming a dog trainer, but utilizing the resources in this book, I feel confident in my decisions. Very informative and realistic.



3. Excellent resource for trainers or those considering the field. Chock full of tips, guidelines and ethics. Extremely helpful in devising your business plan. You don't realize how many things you didn't think of until you read this book!



4. I was really excited to read this book. I kept a note pad by me to jot down all the great ideas that the book gives! Great info on starting your own business



5. This is an excellent source, full of useful advice on the ins and outs of putting together a dog training business. It does not go into training techniques, so you'll definitely need other books on methodology along with this one, which is strictly business. I think she's a bit conservative in her advice, which is probably necessary to publish and avoid liability. However, it can be a little discouraging to think that ALL OF THAT is necessary - just realize, it may not be. But it certainly has EVERYTHING you need!

5 comments about Scent and the Scenting Dog.

1. Good book that makes it easy to understand the complex nature of tracking human scent. Opened my eyes and gave me a new prespective!



2. This book is an excellent book for anyone involved in tracking with dogs.



3. I was first introduced to Scent and the Scenting Dog in 1973 when I went through the Seattle Police K-9 Academy. I found it to be the only text to present the facts of scent and scentwork in a scientific manner. The underlaying source information is footnoted and verifiable.This book presents the facts of scent and avoids simplistic methods. It demonstrates to the practitioner the scent evidence available to the dog under differing circumstances and what methods of application/training are likely to succeed. It also describes the physiology of the dog's olfactory system, giving the reader a factually based understanding of the dog's ability and power to receive scent. It is as accurate and valuable today as when it was written. I relied upon this book as a police dog handler, and retained it as a text when teaching future handlers through a 20 year career.



4. This was a great book for theory. Helps you to understanding what you might be seeing when those seemingly unexplainable things happen on the track. It won't teach you to track at all, but it will help you understand the mechanics of your dogs senses and scent. This was the missing link for me.



5. Thorough and easy to understand explanation of human and vegetative scents, their relevance to search dog training, and the ways their properties affect searches and are affected by influences such as heat and snow. A well researched and presented argument for air searching over tracking and trailing. I'd like to see a similarly clear and easily understood essay by Mr Syrotuck on passive and pro-active narcotic dog training. I found this manual fascinating and full of invaluable information.

5 comments about Aggression in Dogs: Practical Management, Prevention & Behaviour Modification.

1. There does seem to be some good information in this book, but it is so difficult to read that it easily gets lost along the way. Some of the problem is that the book looks like its been laid out using a late 80s word processing program attempting to create a "homey" feel, but fails to follow even basic layout principles, such as a consistent pattern flow of text from column to column on a page. Even if the text were to be more accessible, the content is badly in need of an editor, both for the overall structure and flow, as well as removing a Propensity For Capitals and "Overuse of Quotation Marks" in the text. Dennis is pretty much right on in that it wants to read like a scholarly work, but it doesn't and I believe it would have been much better presented in another style.
   
   Definitely "Look Inside" at more than a couple pages before you buy this one!
   
   The first third of the book is about reading "dog" and some categories of aggressive behavior. It is good content, but, as the text points out, unless you are a professional seeing a wide range of dogs and breeds on a regular basis, the subtleties are likely to be elusive. I was disappointed to find that fear-driven aggression was not one of the categories. The remainder of the book goes into what now seems to be well-accepted positive-reinforcement practices of training "replacement" behaviors for inappropriate aggression.
   
   As the book is not only difficult to read, but may be a also bit dated (e.g., head harnesses seem to be more widely regarded as a negative reinforcer), there are probably some more easily accessible sources of information. Some that I have recent read that I find valuable include:
   
   How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves -- General dog learning and training approaches. A good read for the non-trainers in your household.
   
   The Power of Positive Dog Training -- 2nd Ed., 2008 -- Similar in scope to "How to Behave..." but more focused on clicker training and a little more "cookbook" in its approach (not a bad thing).
   
   Click to Calm: Healing the Aggressive Dog (Karen Pryor Clicker Book) -- Covers similar exercises as those in "Aggression in Dogs..." in a much more digestible way.
   
   Click for Joy! Questions and Answers from Clicker Trainers and Their Dogs (Karen Pryor Clicker Books) -- Think of this as the FAQ of clicker training. While not a "textbook" on training, helps to answer those nagging questions like, "Will I have to use the clicker and treats forever?"
   
   On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals -- "Reading" your dog, and helping shape your own movements.



2. This book gives real, usable tools to people whose dogs already have aggression issues or want to prevent them - there just is nothing better out there.
   
   I do agree with "Dennis in Michigan's" review that this is a book you need to focus on while you read it. But if you want to understand and treat aggression in your dog, I think you do have to really understand the complex concepts she shares in the book. This may be why other books on the subject are less helpful - they water it down too much. If you are already having issues with your dog or trying to help someone else who is, you know that it just is not that simple. Do yourself a favor - skip the other books and spend your time reading this one.
   
   I've seen Brenda Aloff twice in person, presenting some of the concepts in her books to a group. Her practical approach is great, and I've seen her methods work on several dogs in these presentations - with the dog's owner implementing them. She has real experience helping dogs with serious aggression issues and is not the type of trainer that picked out the best, well-adjusted dogs to have as her own showpieces -- you can tell she speaks from the experience of actually living with dogs that have had these types of issues.
   
   If you read this book, you will likely be far ahead of the trainers in your area on the topic of aggression unless you are extremely lucky to have this talented a trainer near you (and I say that as a trainer myself). Trainers, read this for practical and sound advice you can give to your clients.



3. This is really one of the best books out there for dealing with agression. It really clears up what it is all about and what to do about it in very practical terms. It helped me see what the real issues where and gave me a number of suggestions for training against the agression. Very practical where others are not. She doesn't waste time with too much philosphy but gets straight to the issues and the training. But the true measure is in the results and I am very happy about that. We had one very confused 6 yr old boy and he's coming along terrifically--I was really worried that he would spend his days angry, confused and mean. It's a turn around--so yes, things can be done to work with aggression. Thanks Brenda Aloff.



4. This book actually has a lot of very good, practical, and very helpful information for the dog owner who wants to prevent (as I do) or treat agression problems, especially in agression-prone breeds like spaniels and some of the guarding breeds. I debated whether or not to give this book a five star rating. I settled on four stars for now because of my one "complaint" against the book -- it is a very, very COMPLICATED book to read and utilize. The author, apparently through many years of working with problem dogs, has developed a number of complex systems for treating and preventing agression problems which, while I'm sure will be useful and should work well, and just very complicated for the amateur to use. This is definitely NOT the kind of book one can read in bed when tired. It reminds me of some of my college texts -- a challenging and complicated read, and perhaps a bit on the dry side. I know that when I tried to read it recently, my mind often wandered.
   To sum it up, I would recommend the purchase of this book for the interested reader, just be prepared to sit down and devote quality time to reading the book and learning the system of training the author has put forth. Unfortunately, my life right now is just too complicated to really give this book the time it deserves. I hope in the near future to have a little more free time to carefully read the book, absorb the information, and begin to implement it with my own dog.



5. This book is terrific for owners of any dog. We actually rescued an dog-aggressive dog and actually went to Brenda Aloff for a few sessions. Her advice and exercises helped turn a stressed out little monster into my little princess. My dog isn't magically cured, but by using this book, we've taught her to look to her humans for guidance in stressful situations, instead of just attacking as she would in the past. She knows the rules and was taught them in a completely positive reinforcement manner. I highly recommend this book.

5 comments about Herding Dogs: Progressive Training.

1. A well written description of training a herding dog from step one. It includes how to train dogs with different personalities which is very helpful. It focuses on the Border Collie which is the ultimate herding dog and take to herding more naturally than probably any other dog. It may take longer to teach another breed of dog which has instinct but if you work at it you will end up with a dog that herds. It is very good at explaining why you do certain things which helps you understand your own dog which is important in training.



2. I first read this book when my first Aussie was about three months old. Frankly, I did not get it. I think it is difficult for the average person to learn how to work with a herding dog. Vergil Holland has not only put down all of the steps one might need to become successful at this activity, he has a lot of great advice in the book including very useful exercises and as the subtitle suggests, a progressive training method.
   
   However, the reason I did not get it when I first read the book was that the meaning of much of what he says is dependent on having the actual experience of herding. After many years of training stock dogs, I went back and re-read this book. It was very revealing in that I found myself agreeing with almost everything he said about training. I also found it helpful to get a clear picture of exactly what I wanted to do in a training session to read the portion of the book-- usually fewer than two pages at a time-- that was relevant to what I wanted to acheive in the session. So for me, this has become a valuable hands on training tool.
   
   I still recommend it to beginners and I think it would really help anyone getting ready for their first exposure to stock to have read the preliminary sections on getting started and basic commands. It would help the beginner become familiar with common training techniques and concepts so that a clinic experience would be more valuable than going in without the insights that are offered in this book.
   
   But this is not just a book for beginners. It can be useful at several levels. For the more experienced trainer/handler, the troubleshooting section provides very useful exercises for solving common problems that are likely to be encountered.
   
   I do think the section on herding breeds is a bit simplistic and in the case of Aussies not really accurate. But I think it is only there as a summary of what one might expect from herding breeds and therefore does not take into account the variance of different lines within a breed. I would not recommend the traits listed in this chapter to select your dog. However it does contain some very good advice such as basing your decision in part on the parents' abilities and characteristics.
   
   The diagrams could be improved as was mentioned elsewhere, but they are accurate. The pictures are not very clear and they could be improved to actually demonstrate better the points they are intended to make.
   
   Overall I give this book high marks and recommend it to anyone who is building up a stockdog library. But remember that there is a lot more information in this book than there appears to be at first reading. Go back to it often as your skills develop to really get the full potential of the book which really does offer a progressive training method.



3. I have always had an interest in herding dogs and have owned them and been around them most of my life; however I have never known anyone that had any real knowledge of training for herding, or had a dog that was trained for that matter. This book is fantastic for a total novice. It takes you carefully and "progressively" into the world of herding and explains everything from the very beginning, including the somewhat confusing language that is used to communicate with the dog while the two of you are at work. Thank you Mr. Holland!



4. Brand new book received in good shipping time.
   This book is very informative, easy to understand and clear as to how to apply what is presented.
   I believe it will help any level of sheepdog handler.



5. This book contains some really great information. The author gives details about all of the herding breeds, including many that I didn't expect. He gives insights about what each breed has been specifically bred for, i.e. driving, gathering, etc., that is very helpful in understanding your dog. A careful study of the personality types of dogs as it affects their approach to stock is also extremely helpful. He also gives several progressive excercizes that that seem very useful. Also, I appreciated the calm, quiet, but firm training style emphasized in this book.
   
   Despite that, I was disappointed with the lack of explanation and clarity. If you are just getting started in herding, as I am, this might not be the book for you. I was often confused and feel that this book lacks enough details about the training process to be useful for beginners. Also, the author's clear preference for Border Collies as the ultimate herding dog was emphasized at points in such a way that made me a bit defensive about my "inferior" non-border collie.

5 comments about Teamwork II: A Dog Training Manual for People with Disabilities.

1. This book was basic but helpful. There are things in this book that my dog will learn to help assist my mom.



2. Teamwork II was easy to read. It presents options for each command, allowing anyone to train their own service dog.



3. This info not available elsewhere as far as I know!
   Barbara Graham, Cloverdale, CA



4. I've just started reading Teamwork I. I am very impressed. I believe that the writers cover many concerns regarding training your dog as a disabled person. The book calms and gives you confidence that you can train your dog and gives you precise steps on how to train your dog. I would assume that Teamwork II would follow suit.



5. It is very breif, and lacks a lot of detail, which I would personally have found helpful. It would be useful for those with impaired mobility to find ways to achieve basic obedience and some other skills for their dogs. It is very poor in relation to public access skills and requirements.

5 comments about Chihuahuas For Dummies (For Dummies (Pets)).

1. I used this book as research prior to bringing home a chihuahua puppy and a guide book after we brought her home.
   This book has proven to be a valuable tool in training and gaining knowledge as to the mannerism's and behaviors that is unique to the chihuahua breed. I feel that our pets loving and friendly nature is in part due to information we found in this book. Its easy to read, somewhat entertaining, and well researched. A must have for those new to raising chihuahuas.



2. I brought this book for my friend, and she has found some very useful information in it regrading the raising and caring for of her Chihuahuas.



3. This book is really handy. It's nice that it's specific to the chihuahua breed--lots of information to help this new puppy owner differentiate between the general advice for all puppies and approaches best suited to my pup.
   
   One of my favorite things about this book is the way it has really helpful information like diagrams of different tail positions and whether they indicate something is wrong. Great reference.



4. very good book, i just adopted a 2 year old chi & i love him dearly but he was not well socialized or well-temermented & this book gave me soo much information on how to correct that even though hes not a puppy and the advice works lol i take my pup to the park in the AM when dog off leash time is allowed and now he plays and doesnt hide or attack and thanks for all the chi adivce



5. I found this book to be very easy and fun to read, plus extremely informative. It's a great book to buy BEFORE you get your Chihuahua because it puts everything into perspective. After I got my two Chihuahua puppies I carefully followed this book's instructions and my puppies immediately learned to be very obedient and it wasn't long before they were potty trained inside and outside the house. I highly recommend it!

5 comments about The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat.

1. I have owned this book for several years and it has literally been a life-saver!
   
   As the one reviewer mentioned, it does not replace the vet - but ...it comes in handy for those emergencies that happen in the middle of the night.
   
   Examples:
   In the middle of the night, our dog wanted outside. She got stung by an insect and her nose immediately began swelling - making it difficult for her to breathe. We gave her benadryl and within minutes, she was fine.
   
   My kitten has a severe upper respiratory infection. We have him on antibiotics that the vet gave us, but the poor little guy was having a horrible time trying to breathe. Again, I gave him a little benadryl and diluted some nasal spray and applied some on his nose with a Q-tip. And it has helped!
   
   I have used Pepto Bismal for upset stomachs and Ascripton for arthritis. All of these are listed in the book as being safe ... and they WORK!
   
   Have saved me hundreds of dollars in vet bills ... and most importantly, has helped my pets feel better.
   
   I highly recommend this book!



2. This book has been nothing but helpful to me. Considering I am a devoted cat slave and regularly take my kitties to the vet this book has helped me immensely on everything (so far) that has been prescribed for my little fur babies. This book is a must for any animal lover



3. This is a very good and handy reference. However, the author should consider to put all medicine's brand name, scientific name to the index. Otherwise, it is difficult for a layman like me to check.



4. I was disappointed because the book was described as brand new and arrived with a torn cover.Other than this it was what I ordered.



5. I've had this book for a couple of years and it has truly saved the day!! I find it most useful for OTC medications for my pets. Sometime the vet is not available and I don't want my pets to be uncomfortable while waiting for the doctor. So, I give them OTC meds and know that I have not given them a thing that can harm them. Also, dosage being so important, I am assured that they are not being overmedicated (which can make them worse or even kill them.) I have such faith in this publication that I sent one to several relatives and friends for their animals safety. Doesn't get a much better recommendation than that!!

5 comments about Jack Russell Terriers for Dummies.

1. I know that the book is for dummies. I kept saying "Duh, teach me something new and effective." The book was heavy on the traits. I now know about the breed but I need solutions



2. Guess it does say "for dummies" but I still thought this book as a little too elementary. Also, tired of hearing what bad qualities JRTs have -- a little too heavy on the negative side, I felt. Frankly, I didn't get a lot out of this book that was useful to me, a first-time JRT owner.



3. We have two Jack Russell Terrorizors, and this book helped with the basics. I read it cover to cover a few times, and it had some good hints. It would be best to get this book before you ever get a dog, but I am sure that if you buy this book it is because you are already getting a Jack, not because you went out and bought every book of every type of dog. That is the only downside to this book. It spends way too much time talking about the decision to get a Jack. I guess this is because a lot of people got Jack's thinking they were apartment dogs and realized they had bought a Rambo when they should have bought a Fifi. This book should have said that Jack's are way more resilient than any other dog you can probably get (read: way more stubborn, so you can't always be the Dog Whisperer, you sometimes have to be the Dog Shouter). You will have to be very consistent and strict (I am a softie, so some of the hints were not good for me, because it should say "Get ready to be a Drill Sargent"). Jacks are very smart, tough, territorial (especially if female and with puppies, or male and there is a female in heat nearby, or just in general), (they can be aggressive, my 14 lb jack attached a 150 lb Rottweiler and had kicked his butt before we could get them apart) and you have to be prepared to keep them busy. Also be prepared for them to take forever to be potty trained (up to a year). Mine are now happy, so loving, and I am glad I had this book. We live in a Townhouse, and our dogs are loving it. They do get walked every morning, get busy games to play with and have a two hour play group every day so they get lots of diversion, which they absolutely require.



4. I have previously owned a Collie, Golden Retriever, and a pound mutt - but no dog has been more fun than the Jack Russell we just got. He's 3 months old and this book explained his personality perfectly. It also went over all the neat little tricks required to get them to follow orders and act right! Well written book, easy to read & very useful.



5. This is a very good book. A lifeline in a troubled sea of dog woes.

3 comments about Modern Dog: 20 Years of Poster Art.

1. As a graphic designer and fine artist I found this collective of poster design to be both inspiring and extremely funny. It's refreshing to see such a creative design studio not taking itself too seriously while at the same time doing work that is both timely and powerful. The joy of loving what you do shines through on each page. Bravo Modern Dog.



2. I am a professional freelance artist who specializes in poster design, and I found this book to be a wonderfully inspiring collection.
   
   No two posters look alike; each have their own distinctive feel and approach and the stories behind them are equally interesting. I had never heard of Modern Dog before, and now I wonder where they've been all my life.
   
   A throughly solid art book, I wish it had been twice as long!



3. This is a very entertaining book from a group of very talented designers at Modern Dog. I heard the founders of Modern Dog being interviewed by Debbie Millman= and thoroughly enjoyed listening to the Modern Dog story. I highly recommend this book to all fans of the protest poster, and hilarious graphic communication.

5 comments about Yorkshire Terriers for Dummies.

1. Solid book, but nothing I really didn't find on the internet. I guess you can either buy this book or just search online for a good hour or two on dogs and yorkies.



2. This book got a lot of great reviews and I tend to like the "Dummies" books. It did follow the traditional format the Dummy books are known for and it was informative and helpful. However, the lack of two stars are for what seemed to be the lean towards AKC snobbery. Come on, a pet Yorkie should never be bred because she isn't show quality? We are getting our Yorkie because we want her to be loved and a member of our family; but this book seemed to written for those who have an allegiance to the AKC and only own Yorkies for strutting in shows. By the way, there are other organizations to register a Yorkie with than the AKC!!
   May I recommend the Animal Planet Yorkshire Terriers book instead?.



3. This book is great. I bought it after already having Logan. I wish I would have bought it before hand. Lots of great info and they are pretty much bang on for everything they say. Please buy this book before buying your Yorkie... it does make life easier.



4. This book really helped me decide if I wanted to get a Yorkie. I felt it didn't sugar coat them and made them feel real.



5. I cannot believe there is no chapter on biting as a puppy. It is a thoroughly obnoxious habit--thought this book would have had some words of wisdom.