4 comments about Old Dogs: Are the Best Dogs.

1. 
   My Stanley, who is on page 18, died this year on July 31. I wasn't certain the book was being published, nor if Stanley had "made it". If he hadn't, it would not have changed my love of this homage to our best old friends. I took the book with me to give to my 86 year old mother, living in Assisted Living, and I read aloud the introduction. My mother cannot see well, but knew my Stanley and rescued close to 20 dogs in her life.
   Together we cried as I read "Remembering Harry".
   
   Thank you Gene and Michael!!!



2. Love the idea of a tribute to older dogs! The soulful eyes of older dogs of all shapes and sizes are captured beautifully in black and white photography. I will be proud to display this book on my coffee table for all my dog lover friends to peruse. Especially enjoyed the "Winnie and Lucky" photo.



3. If the excerpt in today's Washington Post is any indication, this book is going to be beyond words. You'll see why Gene won a Pulitzer Prize this year for his writing -- evocative, picturesque, meaningful.
   
   (And I'm a cat person, too.)
   
   Hats off, gentlemen -- a Gene-ius!



4. 
   I have nothing against the cuteness of puppies, but that territory has been well covered in the book world. Hence, I was thrilled to stumble upon this book, which perfectly spotlights the extraordinarily charm of old dogs. Marrying together wonderful photographs with witty biographies, the book captures what makes old dogs so great: their unapologetic quirks, their enduring mischievousness and their rock-solid love. Every type of dog imaginable is covered in this book, and every type of owner is allowed to give their unique testimonies about why old dogs truly are the best dogs.

5 comments about How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With.

1. This is a very solid, practical manual with good, specific guidance on raising a pup to be obedient, manageable and secure. The behavior or a dog can be a joy to itself and its owner or a disaster and this book will show you the steps to raising a pet you can love and enjoy and one that will be happy and safe with you.



2. This is the best book I've found on raising a puppy. Especially helpful is the week by week detailed description of what a new owner may expect developmentally from the puppy, and what the puppy needs for each stage of growing. I've given this book to every new puppy parent I've known!



3. This book is a MUST for all new puppy owners! It will tell you when to do what with your puppy so you can raise a puppy that you will be happy to have around and proud to own. Also great for all breeders- it goes into the first 8 weeks as well and what should be done to raise well adjusted puppies.



4. i thought this book was easy enough to read. it explained everything you needed... gets straight to the point and has good explanations of your puppy at a certain level or age. im planning to get a puppy and after reading this book, i know a lot more about how to take care of one. i feel ready.



5. This book is invaluable in the way it describes each stage of the puppy's development (both physical and psychological). It eqips you to answer the age-old question: Why is my puppy behaving this way???
   
   Also, after reading this book, you will understand why you should always purchase your pup from a breeder ... and NEVER from a pet store.

5 comments about How to Housebreak Your Dog in 7 Days (Revised).

1. I will advise the reader to buy the book before getting the puppy. READ IT!!! and think if you are ready to do what its needed... if you are still COOL with the idea.
   This is the BEST 7.99 you have spent in a long time. Adopt the schedule that best suits your style and star doing in it from day one. The schedule will help you and the puppy to get ready for the paper training, out door o whatever you decide.
   I have trained TWO shelties using this book, and on the first day. I GOT POSITIVE RESULTS, becuase I adopted a schedule from day one.
   Shelties are very easy to train, but getting them on the schedule from the start help to make it easier on you and them.
   The book gives you different choices depending on your life style, and it makes you feel good if you work all day (YES!!! THERE IS A SCHEDULE FOR YOU TOO)
   It is a quick read, no more than 30 minutes to a fast reader, around an hour for a slow.. it is easy to follow and you can skip a chapter depending on what you need.
   STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!!!



2. This is a most confusing and contradictory book. In the first few chapters, it states never paper train if your intention is to have the dog "go" outdoors. Then if you dog is very young put plenty of layers of newspapers on the floor. It says not to confine the puppy in the crate, let him come and go. Then it says to confine the puppy in the crate.
   
   I think it would have been beneficial to chapter each method and be consistant within each chapter. Our new puppy is primarily my 10 year old son's dog. However I am reading the material too. He has informed me that this book isn't vey good, and has found another that is better. I hope Amazon prints all of the reviews.



3. This approach really works. Our pup is only 11 weeks old and is already well on his way to being fully house trained.



4. This has been the most useful book I've seen so far, and I have 3 other books on this topic. Unlike a lot of reviewers here who talk about "common sense," this is my first dog ever, so I have no prior experience to apply.
   
   I found the information very specific and helpful. In the book, the suggested schedules begin with puppies as young as 4 months (16 weeks). But it worked just as well with my 13-week-old puppy. He's 19 weeks now and I can say with confidence "No 'accidents.'" I've even been able to take him over to friends' homes for an evening and he only goes outside. When he's in his crate at night, he's good until morning.
   
   The key to getting the best results from this book, I think, is that you really have to be consistent and follow the directions as written. I took a week off from work to apply the techniques in this book, and it's been great ever since.



5. Shirlee Kalstone's book LITERALLY changed my life. I had skimmed over this book at the pet supply store but thought, "Very interesting...but surely I'LL never need it because teaching MY puppy to 'go' outside will be a snap." Two weeks, one wet, yellow floor, and two peed-on couch cushions later, I was at wit's end, finally admitting to myself I needed help (BADLY), as it seemed that my 18-week-old miniature dachshund boy would never have ANY interest in outdoor urination.
   
   This book was truly the answer to my prayers - I was AMAZED by it and the great results it produced! It really did change my entire life, as well as my dogs'. The book emphasizes sticking to a schedule, which created a challenge for me initially since I am the "creative sort" (read: TERRIBLE at time management, being on time, sticking to schedules, etc.) but I really made a point of sticking to it as closely as possible (for me) and once he became reliable, I was able to relax it some. Another thing I liked about this book is that there are two different time schedules, depending on whether or not you work outside the home. Most housebreaking books assume that there is at least one person at home at all times to help with the housebreaking but, for those of us who actually have to work for a living (quelle horreur!), this offers an excellent alternative schedule that is very easy to comply with.
   
   Summarily, this is an INCREDIBLY worthwhile read and one of the few books that I would recommend - and give as a gift!- to ANYONE getting a new puppy. I devoured everything I could on puppy housebreaking when my dog was learning, both in print and on the Internet, and "How To Housebreak Your Dog in Seven Days" was by FAR the best, fastest, and most effective. In only two weeks' time, my dog went from seemingly SMILING at me while copping a squat on my bath rug to peeing outside on command whenever he hears the phrase "HURRY UP" (in fact, he's so reliable about it, I'm almost afraid to say those words indoors, even in other contexts!). This book is destined to become a classic and one I would recommend over and over to ANYONE who would prefer their dogs pee on their front lawn and not their carpet.

5 comments about On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals.

1. I was very disappointed in this book. I expected to learn much much more. There was no depth or insight in this book.



2. A light book with some good advice but not a book that should be taken in its entirety as a failsafe "How to".
   Some of the advice is vague and some of the behavioural signals written about are confusing as too are many of the guides.



3. When I saw this online I thought it would be interesting but I underestimated just how good and how helpful this little book is to me! I am using the information to understand my dogs better and to respect their boundaries and needs. They bring so much to my life, it is only fair for me to be more understanding of their behaviors. This book helps one to know what dogs are thinking and feeling and communicating. Thank you!



4. The booklet was not quite what I expected, but it did have some helpful tips for how I should interact with my shy dog. I did find that I was being seen as too dominate by the way that I looked and reached for my dog. By just changing some little thing, I saw a big differenc in my dog right away. If you are looking for a booklet with some quick tips, this is a good selection.



5. This is a brief, very readable book that increased my knowledge of canine body language. To her credit, Ms. Rugaas does not say this is a scientific study. It is a how-to book based on her observations and efforts, an accessible book to begin learning canine body language.
   
   I have several large dogs and have read many dog books. This book was light and enjoyable. It was fun to try the head-turns and other signals myself. I was able to more easily recognize stress in my dogs and then reduce it.
   
   Any language can be mis-interpreted. No book can guarantee to keep you or your dog out of aggressive situations.

5 comments about It's Me or the Dog: How to Have the Perfect Pet.

1. In all my years of dog ownership, Victoria Stilwell is the trainer that has taught me the easiest, gentlest way to train my dogs. This first book is a must read especially for first time dog owners who want their dogs to be happy, confident and obedient. I can't wait for subsequent books!



2. This is a great book. The only thing is I wish she had a section on how to train a miniture/toy dog.
   
   Overall one of the best I read so far.



3. I found this product to have exactly what I was looking for. It is a easy and fun read.



4. I have never been so pleased with a how-to book as with this one. After two dogs when we were younger, I remember all the trials and tribulations with raising them. And they were smart toy poodles! With each page, I could see how we were doing something exactly wrong-lots of yelling, praising at the wrong time, etc. I have seen Victoria on her TV show, and she is just marvelous. It is amazing how quickly a problem goes away when her guidelines are followed. A must-see for all dog owners.



5. Great book. Good, loving advice for dog lovers. I have enjoyed watching the different shows that the author host and I think that she is wonderful. easy to follow advice. My dog and I have enjoyed the time that we have spent together training and I think that he is the greatest American dog.

5 comments about How to be the Leader of the Pack...And have Your Dog Love You For It. ("How to" booklets from Dog's Best Friend).

1. This pamphlet has 12 briefly explained points on how to be the leader of your dog. Most of them are obvious. Actually there wasn't a single thing in this pamphlet that taught me something new. You can learn all of this through a google search of NILF (nothing in life is free). Some of the tips are: don't alpha roll your dog, initiate play and end it, teach your dog to heel, don't let your dog demand attention. Most people know these things, I think? I knew the pamphlet was short but I thought it would have some insightful tips and commentary, but nope. This may be worth 50 cents, but not 4 bucks.



2. This book is a great one to read in order to try to understand the reasons WHY dogs are having their issues. Watching the dogs behavior after reading this book makes their behavior make much more sense.
   
   I have recommended it to several of my friends who have aggressive dogs.



3. Excellent and extremely helpful book in understanding humane, positive dog training. Couldn't recommend this enough. In fact, I recommend ALL her books, especially For The Love of A Dog, and The Other End of The Leash.



4. I sometimes worry that I'm not succeeding at being a strong, benevolent pack leader. This worry led me to Patricia McConnell's book, How to Be the Leader of the Pack . . . and Have Your Dog Love You For It. After reading the synopsis and reader reviews, I felt like this book could help me with my desire to be a better pack leader.
   
   This 16-page book covers 12 must-read topics:
   
   1. Petting
   2. Body Blocks
   3. Look Aways
   4. Lie Down and Stay
   5. Wait at the Door
   6. Four on the Floor
   7. Teach Off
   8. Integrate Obedience Into Your Day
   9. Leaders Are In the Lead
   10. Play
   11. A Word About Food
   12. Alpha Roll-Over ... Don't Do It
   
   I found McConnell's advice to be practical and realistic,and took away helpful tips from each of these sections. Tonight, I've successfully "body blocked" my dog's attempts to use her front paws to lean on the couch as she stands on her hind legs. I've also started making my dog sit (the only command she knows right now) prior to petting her.
   
   This book is concise, interesting, and at 16 pages, I read it in less than 30 minutes. I highly recommend How to Be the Leader of the Pack . . . and Have Your Dog Love You For It to puppy owners and anyone interested in polishing their dog's manners.



5. Okay, it was fine...but even at $3.50 there's not much here. Buy her books instead.

5 comments about For the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend.

1. Obviously written by a new Author. The amount repetition in this book can become overwhelmingly irritating. The information it does give is certainly worth knowing, and is why I gave the book two stars.



2. Dr. McConnell is extremely knowledgeable about animal behaviors and is able to intelligently and humorously help people to better understand their animal companions. I found this book to be her best ever.
   
   I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a dog in their family. You will be amazed at how much it will help to know what your dog is trying to tell you.



3. For The Love Of A Dog
   Patricia McConnell is an absoltely brilliant woman. I've been a breeder/owner/trainer of German Shepherds for most of my life as well as a trainer/behaviorist of different breeds for many years. This is the most complete information compiled I have ever read. I would even go so far as to say it's my "Bible" for truly understanding how dogs perceive all of life. To make it even easier to comprehend, Ms McConnell even gives analogies relating to human behavior. If I could've given it a hundred stars in the evaluation, I would've! A must read for ANYONE who desires to have a real connection with their canine companions.



4. Patricia McConnell is now my favorite writer. This book helps us to understand your dog more. Isn't that what we all want?



5. Forget Caesar...Patricia McConnell has written some of the best, most informative books about dogs, language, and behavior you will ever read...hands down. Every dog owner should read this book, and even those who don't have dogs...a lot can be learned.

5 comments about How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend: The Classic Training Manual for Dog Owners (Revised & Updated Edition).

1. I read this in the late 80's. It changed my world and my relationship with my dogs ever since. A must have for your library



2. This book presents the state of the art in dog training dating back to about 1975. The techniques are based on punishment, not building a positive relationship with your dog. The techniques will work with SOME dogs, but you will get better results with all dogs by using more modern techniques based on a better understanding of how dogs learn. Check out books by Pat Miller, Patricia McConnell and Jean Donaldson, for a start.



3. The first thing I noticed about this book is how the Monks start right away as "REAL" people who are not trying to sugarcoat the readers eyes with what you expect to read. They have a honest, different approach to training your dog with methods that will not agree with everyone. I believe their techniques are very helpful to anyone who has a larger breed dog but has limited training and behavioral information on the toy breed owners. Even though I have a toy breed, I found that some information in this book was helpful and very resourceful.



4. The methods in this book will work on many dogs but be dead wrong for certain temperaments and breeds. It is WAY to harsch for my soft goldens.



5. This is a revised addition of a wonderful book that has been around for a long time. The Monks are very impressive with their knowledge of dogs, their behavior and body language. The book teaches how to recognize the body language and how to correct unwanted behaviors. Their corrections are very quick and non abusive. They stress the necessity of being the pack leader but not in an overly demanding and strident manner. I have raised and trained many dogs using their methods and found them to be very successful. My dogs have always been good friends and a pleasure to have in our home. I highly recommend this book as well the other books by the Monks on training dogs.

5 comments about Dr. Pitcairn's New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats.

1. This is a must for dog and cat owners who want to give their pets a healthy natural diet and who want to use alternative medicine -- a really super book with tons of information!



2. I was really looking for more recipes than are offered in this book. Also not quite ready to do raw feeding and didn't realize that most of the recipes are raw. There is quite a bit of info on nutrition so if that is what you are looking for this is the book.



3. Once you've read this book, you'll never go back to commercial dog food again. This book was very informative and helped me understand everything I needed to get started cooking for my dog. And it's easy! It takes about 30 minutes to prepare food for your pet for the whole week. I've only been cooking for him for 2 weeks and he's like a puppy again. If you love your dog, buy this book - You're dog will thank you.



4. This book is extremely helpful with lots of good information in caring for your pet. It informs you on how to keep your pet as healthy as possible and avoid the vets office. Wonderful advise.



5. I have had the original Pitcairn guide for many years now, and consider it a classic in the field of natural healthcare for pets. As a canine behavior specialist, I am well aware of the link between nutrition and behavior issues, so I find this information especially valuable and have recommended it to many of my clients.
   
   I like that this new edition contains information on environmental pollutants and toxins, which is a topic that is thankfully coming more to the forefront in the public's minds. This book will help owners to understand just how much of an impact those factors can have on our beloved pets.
   
   To comment on a review by another reviewer, I am guessing that the information regarding raisins and grapes and the link to renal failure came to light after this guide was published, and I certainly hope that any recommendations to include raisins in the diet will be removed in future printings.

5 comments about Good Owners, Great Dogs.

1. Easy to follow/read. Wether or not you are a first time owner, it is a great reference and a reminder of what to do and not to do. I enjoyed reading it and definitely found it helpful with our new puppy.



2. A comprehensive dog owners manual! I read through this manual before getting our first dog last week and it proved to be invaluable. We have followed it's instructions to a "t" and our puppy is house trained in one week with no accidents. She sleeps through the night (and has since day 1) in her crate and is already learning simple commands. The book hits home the need to have a schedule, be consistent, and be aware of your tone of voice. Excellent purchase!



3. I thought that Mr. Kilcommons had a lot of great ideas. The thing is you use what works and your leave the rest. Not every trainer works for every dog. The main thing is that the person must be the alpha dog and act properly so that your dog respects you and wants to work for you.
   I like the fact that Mr. Kilcommons says that the owners need to do their part, such as exercise. If a dog misbehaves, a lot of time it may be because they are not getting enough exercise. So if they still misbehave, give them more exercise. There is a lot of responsibility to being an owner. Also, I saw the results regarding using plastic bowls for my cats; I used Mr. Kilcommons' advice in using ceramic or stainless steel bowls instead and one my cats lost her black mark on her chin. So the book has a lot of good advice.



4. this book is amazing!! it has great tips and really helped me with my puppy triaing!



5. This is a good book if you need information about your dog, and things that you need to improve on! Its worth the money!