5 comments about The Essential Shih Tzu (Howell Book House's Essential).

1. I fould this book very informative. I just brought home a shih tzu puppy and it helped.



2. This is my favorite book on Shih Tzu. When we have a little of puppies each family goes home with one of these books in their "puppy bags". A must have for the serious Shih Tzu owner.



3. My Shih Tzu recently had puppies so I bought a bunch of these books to give to the new owners of them and I think its great for an owner and a new Shih Tzu owner as well, its easy reading and straight to the point.



4. This is the first time I am getting a dog and it really help me in every way.



5. This is a great book for the new Shih Tzu owner - breeders should think about adding it to the new puppy packets they give to new owners - pretty color pictures

5 comments about The Ultimate Labrador Retriever, Second Edition.

1. I have raised Labradors for many years. This book is very up to date and informative in all area's of the breed. I would highly recommend to those new to the breed and those who want to expand there knowledge.



2. I have an English Labrador. (She's the love of my life.) This book is different than a lot of the stuff I've read because it doesn't focus on the Labrador of the AKC, or the Labrador Retriever Club of America to the exclusion of all the other valuable opinions on Labs that exist in the world. Labradors have been around a lot longer than the AKC and they aren't necessarily being well defined by them now. The book does a great job comparing and contrasting the difference between English Labs and American Labs. It also very clearly illustrates an ideal Lab versus labs that have faults (with pictures instead of long, confusing paragraphs.) And, it has lots of lovely photographs of beautiful Labs at work and play. If you care about Labradors, as a breed, then this is a must read.



3. Starting with the quite believable notion that the Labrador Retriever is perhaps the single most agreeable and people-oriented creature this side of Paradise, the author shows the reader how and why to care for God's most perfect earthly creature, the Labrador Retriever! By showing us the degree to which the breed represents a witch's brew of intelligence, honesty and loyalty to its human companions, the author illustrates why the Labrador has become the single most popular breed of dog in the world today. Labradors are sturdy creatures indeed, bred for sporting use along the quicksilver shores of Newfoundland, where the water temperatures and sea conditions require a healthy dollop of strength and endurance, and those are qualities these dogs have in spades.

   For any of us that have seen them at work or play in the fields and in the water, their unique combination of physical attributes and obvious intelligence makes them the ideal human companion. I should know; I live with four of them! The proof of their adaptability to almost any condition and their loyalty, intelligence, and unparalleled work ethic is demonstrated by the wide use of them as guide dogs and as adjunct partners for the physically handicapped. Stories of Labradors crawling out onto the ice to save their masters are legendary, as are the tales of them rescuing children from fires or from underneath rubble. Never has there been a dog superior to them.

   The author has recruited a wide variety of experts to testify as to the qualities and abilities of the dog, and one walks away from a reading of the book much better informed as to the all of the many qualities and capabilities of the breed, which seems to represent an astonishing list of useful and worthwhile attributes. We also get quite critical information as to what to look for when choosing a lab, and how to analyze the quality of the puppy you see before you. The author offers a compendium of information regarding genetics, feeding, health care, and inherited dispositions, as well as some sage advice as to how to ensure your puppy becomes the grown up Labrador companion you will come to view as another family member. This is a great book, and one I heartily recommend! Enjoy!




4. I don't find this book to be anything special. Although certain things about this book are fantastic, other aspects are annoying or inadequate. Let me start with what is good about the book.

   Good points:
   Excellent photography, beautiful pictures of dogs.
   Outstanding descriptions of the breed standard, presented in a very educational and helpful way.
   A good amount of information on competition, breeding and current breeders.

   Bad points:
   Too much information which is not useful to the typical pet owner, and not enough information that is useful... information is quite sparse on puppy training, socialization, etc.
   Annoyingly obvious British colloquial language style, and not particularly well written or readable by any standard.
   Lame attempts at scientific presentations of nutrition and anatomy, when this person is obviously not a scientist.
   Scattery accounts of the breed history, filled with quotes without much useful elaboration.




5. This Book is very informative, it covers all aspects of the Labrador Retriever. An interesting history of the Labrador and its development is included. I found the book very helpful in assessing the conformation and pedigree of my puppy. The Ultimate Labrador Retriever gives the reader both UK and US standards for conformation, as well as showing and titles offered. Many of the world's top Labradors and top Labrador kennels are discussed. Genetic disorders and general health care are discussed in depth. AS a first time Labrador Retriever owner, I found this book to contain all the information I will need, starting with choosing a puppy and covering all bases through training and showing in all disciplines. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would, without hesitation, recommend it to any Lab enthusiast.

3 comments about Bullmastiff (Comprehensive Owners Guide).

1. This book is a must have for people who are planning on being or are currently bullmastiff owners. It covers everything history of the breed, characteristics and standards, puppy care, mature care, training, healthcare, and showing. Not to mention, this book looks nice. It has great pictures and an attractive cover.



2. This book is very useful for first time bullmastiff owners. I would recommend it to anyone who plans to buy or just wants to learn about bullmastiffs.



3. the author has a good approach on every topic... many good information about this wonderful and rare breed... to be perfect it could only have a little more topics about training ....

2 comments about The Family in Dog Behavior Consulting.

1. Understand I'm a layman, not a professional. And, yes, I did see "dog behavior consulting" in the title. :-) To be honest, I bought this because we have seven people in and out of our house and we've been raising two dogs. I expected something different but I still found this a useful resource. The author is described as both family therapist and dog behavior consultant. She is obviously sensitive to both dogs and people - if that's possible. I'm guessing this would be a useful handbook for dog behavior consultants even if you don't consider yourself a "positive dog trainer" because of the family elements that she highlights and strategies she purposes. It's nicely laid out and easy to use with short chapters divided into shorter sections, lists, charts. She's practical and down to earth. Even though it wasn't what I expected, I definately found it interesting and worth looking at.



2. To begin with I would like to include a quote that describes my opinion regarding this book."
   
   "Talent is the ability to hit a target others cannot hit; genius is the ability to hit a hit a target others cannot see." Schopenhauer/author
   
   Lynn Hoover's new book is a refreshing change which includes a comprehensive outlook regarding treating the dog's "problem behaviors" within the context of the family and other support personnel.
   
   As an applied behavior analyst by trade and experience with people,and animals specifically horses, the book provides an interdisciplinary process based upon systematic procedures validated in the behavioral world as "state of the art treatment". Buy the book and improve the quality of life for your animals and your family. Debbie Strother, MS, BCBA, CABA/Equine

5 comments about The Tao of Bow Wow: Understanding and Training Your Dog the Taoist Way.

1. The exercise of you being a dog while another person attempts to "train" you without using words is outstanding. The book really reminds you to be very clear and focused when dealing with your dog. I am a first time dog owner, and I would higly recommend it. My only problem is that I wish it dealt with aggressive behavioral problems more in depth.



2. I like her training methods -- positive reinforcement, no negative "punishment." But, she's not the first to suggest this, nor necessarily the best. I definitely felt that the "Tao" part was an merely added as an attempt to set her "style" apart from others -- a superfulous & poorly integrated attempt in my opinion. Was a waste of my money; we've been training for 3 years.



3. The Toa of Bow Wow is a super cool book. The author reminds us that it is an honor to share our life with a dog and that it is our obligation to train our dogs in a respectful and loving manner. She encourges the reader to think like your dog and to not expect your dog to think like you - remove your ego from the relationship. It is a beautifully written narative on the special bond between dogs and their human compainions.



4. Another excellent book that treats animals(dogs) as the thinking, loving life forms that they are. We share this planet with some amazing, fellow creatures. Dogs are one of the most interesting and intelligent. We have taken them from their packs and placed them into our homes. We have the responsibility to provide ourselves and our home as their new pack and den. They understand us far better than we understand them. Deborah Wood helps you understand them and their world as only a sensitive, intelligent observer can.



5. This book should be the standard in training a dog. I thoroughly reccomend this book, and the use of Taoist techniques in the obedience training of a dog.

5 comments about The Complete Idiot's Guide to Beagles.

1. As the owner of a rescue beagle, I found this book to be incredibly helpful. This book provides a full range of history about this delightful breed of hound. I was able to determine what materials and equipment my hound would need. It is an excellent book for all owners of beagles, from happy pet owners to people interested in showing their hounds. My beagle is a lovable and trusty pet, so I was mainly interested in the parts aimed at pet owners.
   
   A good book and no doubt beagle owners and those who love beagles will enjoy it as well.



2. This book is helpful to any beagle owner. It covers all of the basics and goes into plenty of detail for just about anything you might want to know about your beagle or to consider when thinking about welcoming a beagle into your family. The book does go into quite a bit of detail about breed standards and AKC events and whatnot. Unfortunately if you don't have an AKC registered dog none of this pertains to you. Good intentions abound, but the level of snobbery in the AKC will keep plenty of good dogs (maybe even better *gasp* dogs) from field and agility trials. This isn't a downfall of the book, but if you're like me and have a rescued or adopted beagle, or even one thats just been fixed, much of this book is useless as it pertains to AKC or Nat'l Beagle Club trials and events. I would have liked to see just a little more coverage of training and behavioral issues, but the information overall is pertinant and usefull. Whether you have a registered beagle or not this book is a good tool and packs plenty of bang for the buck.



3. Having grown up with a beagle, I thought I knew this breed, but author Kim Campbell Thornton pleasantly surprised me with new facts and insights into all that is Beagle. Her book covers everything you need from nose to the white tip of the tail. I especially enjoyed the Beagle Bonus pullout boxes. This is a must read for anyone blessed to have a Beagle in their life.



4. Just had to comment on The Complete Idiot's Guide to Beagles...a couple of years ago I decided that I'd like to have a beagle again...I had one during my teen years...and thought that a little research was in order. I was right and this book covered so many facets of beagle behavior that I realized that I would have to learn to accomodate if I was to have a meaningful realtionship with one of the little darlings. The book gave me a much better idea of what my expectations should be and what kinds of compromises and precautions I would have to make to make beagle ownership a joy and not a trial for both me and the dog.
   
   Both Poochie and I give it five stars!



5. Found this book to be the answer to all. Very enlightening!

No comments about Puppies: 2009 Mini Day-to-Day Calendar.

4 comments about Dogfriendly.com's California and the West Dog Travel Guide.

1. This is the perfect traveling companion book for those who never leave their dogs behind. Do check for updates though. The Arizona section is pretty lean...there are many places dogs are allowed in Northern Arizona that are not included in the book. We take our two Lhasa Apso's with us everywhere and wouldn't leave home without this book!!!!!



2. Any who would travel with a pet in California, and any libraries catering to California pet owners - which is most general-interest California collections - needs CALIFORNIA AND THE WEST DOG TRAVEL GUIDE. It highlights all kinds of lodging, from standard hotels and motels to upscale resorts, campgrounds and RV parks too, and includes assessments of attractions that welcome dogs as well. This means dog owners can now plan a holiday without the usual uncertainty of what to do with a pet (take it along!), and can travel with confidence knowing exactly where the pet parks, beaches, and even restaurants with pet-friendly patios are located. It's a unique, essential acquisition.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



3. The guide pointed us to many interesting locations which were fun for both the humans and the dogs. We found a few dog-friendly locations that were not in the book, but never a location that was listed as dog-friendly that turned out to be dog-unfriendly.



4. Was really helpful. Wished it included more about the states other than CA, but it is suggested by the title that this might be the case !

5 comments about Getting Lucky: How One Special Dog Found Love and a Second Chance at Angel's Gate.

1. When my dog passed away a good friend gave me this book. Although I couldn't read it right away it meant so much to me. It reinforces that although we all outlive our pets we have done right by giving them good loving homes and in return we have received nothing but unconditional love in return. Since then, I have had 3 friends lose their dogs and have sent this book to each and every one of them. Our pets will live in our memories forever.



2. It was a pleasure to read this book. The stories are heartwarming and you can't help but fall in love with the animals in the stories. The chapters are short and it would be easy to read one of two and then come back to it later. I wasn't able to do that, though. I couldn't put the book down and I read it in one day. If you are an animals lover you will fall in love with this book.



3. i actually bought this book for my wifes birthday. it was an idea from my mom, since she found out how big an animal lover my wife (and I) are. i started to read the first chapter before i wrapped it up, and knew right away it would be a tear jerker. all in all, i bought this book because a portion of the proceeds go to Angels Gate. that is terrific for lots of animals out there, and my wife loved the idea of giving something back. if you even like animals, you should get this book. i pray every day now that more people in the world will follow Susan Marino's idea.



4. Once you open the book, you can't put it down. My husband picked it up to
   read the first couple of pages and did not put it down till he was done.
   I did the same. Since I did some volunteer work at Angel's Gate during the summer, I was really able to connect with some of the animals and was able to see how much they are loved and cared for.



5. This book is one that has to be read just to see what people go through when they lose a pet. I never thought I would be the one that was so attached to a pet. But I did for 13 years. Then when it was time. I made sure everything was is place for a pet funeral and made a great headstone for him. He was a loyal friend and I miss him dearly. I know that there are Angels Gates in heaven.

3 comments about Miniature Schnauzers (Complete Pet Owner's Manuals).

1. I was looking for just the knowlege for the very breed. However, this book offers nothing about it. I can get the same information online browsing.



2. Can anyone tell me if this Book by Karla Rugh, is a better book to buy for the miniature schnauzers or "the Essential Miniature Schnauzer" by Ian Dunbar? Which one is the better buy for the buck of the two?



3. I thought it was a very knolageable book to say the least.