2 comments about Noble Hounds and Dear Companions: The Royal Photograph Collection.

1. Loved the pictures and explanations of all the family members and their dogs. Very interesting book. I enjoyed finding out about the varioues nobility and how they saw dogs, how important dogs were to some of them. Loved the beautiful pics too.



2. I have long been an admirer of the British Monarchy, for over. I remember skipping school to watch Princess Anne get married. (The first time in the early 70s)
   
   I've known they were animal lovers but this book just shows you how much they cared for their furry friends. I am a dog lover to the max, and this book was just so fascinating.

5 comments about Excelling at Dog Agility - Book 1: Obstacle Training (Updated Second Edition) (Excelling at Dog Agility).

1. This book was an easy read and chocked with great information for the beginning agility team. I liked the simplicity and simple tips.



2. For background, I have trained three dogs and wanted to get started in agility. This book got such great reviews that I ordered it... but when it got here, I read up to page 44, skimmed the rest, and returned it.
   
   It was a lot of common sense stuff like "dogs may become reluctant if you pull them through the weave poles with the leash". Well, gee, that I could have figured out on my own. :) No clicker use either, which surprised me.
   
   There *was* lots of mention of entering the obstacles from different angles and making sure you're in different places when the dog enters and exits, which was a good thing to point out. There was also a brief comparison of different techniques for teaching weave poles which I found interesting (still no clicker techniques though). So it's not that it was completely content free, but there was so much repetition and filler that I felt like the useful information could have been condensed into a one-page handout for each obstacle. It hardly seems worth buying the book for that.



3. I thought it would be fun to teach my italian greyhound some agility, so I picked up the entire series by Simmons Moake. She give excellent instruction on teaching your dog each obstacle, and how to properly approach and preform the obstacle the right way from the beginning. This book might not be appropriat for those with little patience (of the trainer or the dog), because she focuses of doing one obstacle till it is preformed appropriately from all directions at speed. She does not go into doing series until the next book. So, if you are just interested in having fun in the yard with your dog - this might not be the right book for you. If you could go on to competition and you and your dog want to feel confident in preforming a course I highly suggest picking up this series.



4. Masterfully worded with wonderful illustrations and diagrams, Jane Simmons-Moake has created one of the best books on dog agility training I've seen. This book covers obstacle training for all of the AKC/NADAC/USDAA equipment, focusing on excellence and doing things "the right way" from the beginning. Each obstacle is presented in an easy-to-read, step by step format. She provides tips for those who have troubles teaching a particular obstacle, and has special sections on fixing dropped bars and missed contacts. Not only does she show you how to train the obstacle, but also how to work from a distance with control and confidence... from the beginning! Many trainers leave distance training until the basics have been mastered, but this book allows even the novice agility enthusiast to get a competitive edge early on. Her method will produce consistent and satisfying results! Included in the beginning of the book is also a chapter on equipment and getting started. A brilliant read from start to finish! I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in agility, from the "newbie" to the seasoned competitor!



5. This book was chose to be on the prestigious 'DogRead' as a book selection of the month. We only do 12 books a year and this was May 2000. The author comes on line for the whole month to answer questions on the book. It was very well received by our 3000 member email group. The author was very knowledgeable and easy to understand even though also very in depth.

   treshell owner DogRead
   ...

No comments about A Dog's Life.

5 comments about A Brace of Bloodhounds (Bloodhound).

1. Ms. Lanier grabbed my attention with the very first book I read of hers in this wonderful series of mysteries starring her beloved bloodhounds. Her details of how they are trained could be boring, but she cleverly puts them into the story, showing why she picks a particular hound to do the tracking required in each case. Almost makes me want to own one of the wonderful breed. I couldn't wait until I could get my hands on the next book in the series, and now I have all of them. Hope she writes more very soon.



2. I just learned that my new favorite Author has died. I had just finished a Brace of Bloodhounds and was looking for the next installment. Mrs. Lanier died while I was reading this book. I was late in finding this great series and I will miss this character greatly. Thanks Mrs Lanier for a great series.



3. I hope nothing has happened to Virgina. this a great series. A new book would be great.



4. This is *NOTE* the third book of a series. It is well done enough that you can pick up the series here but it will be more enjoyable if you start from the beginning. The books are; 1996-Death in Bloodhound Red, 1997-The House on Bloodhound Lane, 1998- A Brace of Bloodhounds, 1999-Blind Bloodhound Justice, 2000-Ten Little Bloodhounds. I'm not sure why we don't have books for 2001 and 2002, but after you read the first book and then run out and buy the next four that continue without dropping the pace and excitement, you'll mourn the gap in the series. I have a review in on the first book that gives you an idea about the series, which I won't repeat the basics.

   It took the first two books to teach me to REALLY not start them on a work night because no matter how hard I try I am NOT going to sleep until its done and it's hard to debug unix on four hours sleep. This time I managed to wait till friday night to read it, and did i mention these are a healthy sized book, the kind a serious reader who reads very fast needs. A thin or medium sized book I can read in a couple hours and is more like an appetizer to me, and you'll see me always score short story collections as 4 or less because there just isnt time to do a 5 story in one. While not a thick as 'Dune', all her books are a serious read and very satisfying to the mature bookaholic with a substantial habit going. Speaking of addiction, this is not the first but one of the cream of crop of books that makes me sigh that I can only read a few thousand words an hour , I scored six hundred with 100% retention in high school, 30 years ago and am several orders of magnitude faster now though I don't know exactly HOW fast. This kind of book makes you regret you cant IV it directly into your veins!

   The reason I call this a 'friday night only' book is that she achieves the kind of realism where the idea of having to get up in three hours for ten or twelves hours of work, even vigourous brainwork, is a vague and unimportant concept once you start reading. Virginnia Lanier's books are filled with such a wealth of information and such an interweaving of the elements that after reading 1, then 1 again, then a pause before I found 2, and read 1 and 2, then 2 again, that it was only a few weeks before I found 3, and then read 1, 2 and 3! And im VERY ADHD so I get bored easily, but not with these books. Like only a few authors Virginnia Lanier manages to hold onto several themes at the same time (like life) and weave them in together so well that anytime you hit a low point at one you hit a high point elsewhere and the book never lets you go without being artificially extravagent, which never works for me. The story has to hold together well for things to happen within the realm of possibility of the definition of the characters and the environment and these stories definitely do that.

   The main theme of this book is a murder. But what makes this a different murder mystery? One reoccurring theme that comes up is here is a mystery that has clear warning signs come up that a SMART woman would back off. However while Jo Beth is smart, she is both stubborn and ruthless in her way. There is just a point where she don't give a rat's behind and goes on anyway cause it's RIGHT, which is why I **LIKE*** the character. And no matter how compelling the story is otherwise I can't stand reading a story about someone I can't stand. Well, unless they are in a serious hailstorm of.. you know. But even then they can't be the main character or I just won't want to bother reading it. I know enough of THEM in real life.

   So anyway, this book the main theme is a murder, but there are many others and skillfully woven in. Like life, nothing else waits while you work on your biggest priority. The lightning just keeps coming. And sometimes Jo Beth has to bail her boat pretty hard in the rain, which makes me like her and the series MORE. I've had to do some serious bailing myself, more often then not in fact I've been bailing out more then one leak and so does Jo Beth. I like Jo Beth because she has made herself a sucess AGAINST all odds, not because things just worked out her way easy. Also because she is smartmouthed ... tough broad that is willing to take the consequences of speaking her piece, even if they can be fairly serious.

   Of course by the strict definition of success a lot of people would not think she is a sucess, she works dang hard, long hours and doesnt have fast cars or serious jewelry (funny, like me). She does have a house (at the edge of a swamp) but then she did have an inheritance I didn't. But Jo Beth has none of the icons of success in the current world, most especially a husband. To a lot of the world she is just more white trash. But **I** think she is a success and that is all the thinking that **I** care about even if I am just 'more shanty Irish'. And if Jo Beth and I both blew some chances because we just had to tell someone where to go, sure but we're still laughing at the look on his or her face years later, not crying cause I'm 'trapped' in my nice house and wasn't 'allowed to be myself'. Which is actually something Jo Beth had and walked away from. I never had it so I don't know if I'd meet the test and give it up, but then Jo Beth is fiction and I STILL really LIKE her. I don't know what kind of background Ms Lanier has, but she sure created a tough gal that this 'worked her way up alone from minimum wage' reader can appreciate without rolling her eyes at the lack of realism.




5. The intrepid Jo Beth Sidden and her lovable, talented bloodhounds continue their daring exploits in this third suspenseful mystery of the series. This time our heroes deal with the kidnapping of a child, a murderous judge who's carrying on nefarious deeds in the woods, a bank robbery perpetrated by two drunken locals, and a rampaging alligator. And, yes, psycho ex-husband Bubba is still around. Add dangerous treks through the Okefenokee Swamp and stakeouts in the forest, and you've got an absorbing, unputdownable thriller. Unconventional characters, exciting subplots, vivid descriptions, humor, Southern atmosphere and, above all, those irresistible canines make for a most enjoyable read.

5 comments about Kennels and Kenneling: A Guide for Hobbyists and Professionals (Howell reference books).

1. I purchased this book so I could help a friend in starting his own kennel. The book was very helpful and informative. After reading it you have a much better prospective on everything from designing the building all the way to day to day operations. I would definitely recommend it to anyone starting their own kennel.



2. Ever wanted to do a big kennel design or to run your own kennel. all areas of interest are covered in this book.



3. i found this book to use the "old school" approach to dog kenneling.



4. This book was a delight to read, was easy to follow, and added humor to a topic that can be harrowing to all but the stought-hearted. I would have wished for more detailed pictures, but one can't have everything. This book is highly recommended for anyone who wishes to build habitats for all kind of animals. The processes in this book follow sound, ethical, and humane animal husbandry practices.



5. This book discusses everything from sanitation to grooming to feeding to kennel construction. There are sample kennel construction ideas and sample ideas for boarding contracts etc. Wether you have multiple show dogs in your kennel or just board dogs for others or hobby, this is an essential guide. Mcmanis has several tips on policy and planning to keep your dogs and customers happy and returning. There were also many frequently asked questions that I had grappled with for years but after reading this book I was able to solve them.

1 comments about Boarding Kennel Management, 2nd Edition.

1. If there ever was a expert on this subject, Mr. Kohl is it. He explains the ins and outs of this business in a very human fashion. The book goes into details that anyone interested in managing a boarding kennel must have. This is indeed a detailed guide for the previously un-enlightened.

5 comments about Your Lab's Life: Your Complete Guide to Raising Your Pet from Puppy to Companion (Your Pet's Life).

1. This book was a little too general for me. I was looking for more specific information.



2. If you all ready own your lab... you will all ready know everything in this book. I would purchase this for someone thinking about buying a lab.



3. This book was well written and had great content, but I do not feel as though it was an all-in-one book. A lot of the information is common sense, and after reading the book, I felt as though I still needed to read another. Good book as an introduction into the breed.



4. Gives you a great insight into this wonderful breed and excellent hints at both home, obedience and field training!



5. Here is an attractive entry by author Virginia Parker Guidry, abook that takes a loving look at America's singular and by far most popular wonder dog, the Labrador Retriever. As Berger points out so well, there are few other animals who draw such love from humans as a dog, and surely the Lab is the most loveable of the breeds. Here she presents the Labrador Retriever in all its wonder and does a yeoman service to the rest of us by enumerating all of the superb qualities the dog has to offer potential human enthusiasts. They are by reputation excellent working dogs, both as field dogs and as guide dogs for the disabled. They are also incredibly loyal, and the news services are often filled with wonderful and heartwarming stories of Labs crawling out on the ice to save their masters, often at considerable danger to themselves. Nonetheless, they stand by our sides.

   Therefore, this book, "Your Lab's Life", is the ultimate tribute to the breed, and is chock-full with stories and photos that actively serve to substantiate what might otherwise seem as idle boasts and overethusiastic praise. In fact, for anyone who spends any time around Labs, like me, it is hard nto to use superlatives when describing them. More than one of the stories herein will bring a smile to your face, a tear to your eye, and the idea in your noggin perhaps it is time to consider getting one of these incredible creatures into you rlife, and that of your extended family. they boost the energy level in any room they enter, are incredible chick-magnets, and have been shown to reduce high blood pressure and dissipate depression through their mere presence. This is a wonderful book about what I believe to be the world's most nearly perfect living creature, the Labrador Retriever! Enjoy!

5 comments about The Only Dog Training Book You Will Ever Need: From Avoiding Accidents to Banishing Barking, the Basics for Raising a Well-Behaved Dog.

1. I was disappointed in this book. The book was mainly about clicker training which is not a method I use in training my dogs. Some of the information in the book was useful but there are other dog training books that I like better.



2. Unfortunately, the book does NOT live up to its title. In fact, I bought three other books, and plan on putting this book in the 25 cent bin at my next yard sale. This trainer's idea of training is to use "Clicker Training" I don't know about you, but I don't carry a clicker around with me 24/7 and my dog's response to the clicker was to walk away from the irritating noise it makes. This book is not helpful in anyway. The book is no fun to read, it makes playing with your dog into work, the author has hard and fast RULES about dogs shouldn't be allowed on couches, beds etc... Too regimented, too harsh, and not for dog "lovers". My two pugs are part of the family, and our family enjoys cuddling with the pugs on the furniture and the beds. Better books I bought were, Dog Tricks for Dummies, Idiots Guide to dog training, the everything dog training book, etc. "The Only Dog Training Book You will ever need" Needs to be retitiled "A not Fun, unenjoyable way to annoy youself and your dog". Sorry, just don't waste your time. Dogs are to be loved and enjoyed. Not turned into soldiers that respond to a CLICK.



3. The book was quite helpful with thorough explanations and insights into the developmental stages of the dog. In addition, the book provided reasons why people and pets act/react to situations. Bravo!



4. We have used this book over and over to fix behavioral problems that have cropped up over the years. From jumping on visitor, to digging up the sprinklers, to jealousy over a new dog or cat. The solutions offered are simple, effective, and easily integrated into our lives.



5. I bought this book to teach our newly-adopted adult dog, Toby, how to behave. I was disappointed as it seems that this book (along with the majority of others) focuses mostly on how to teach puppies, not adult dogs.
   I think it would have been very effective had I been the intended reader.

5 comments about Pugs (Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

1. I was disappointed by the lack of information offered in this book. I have other "pug" books that provide more thorough information and advice in raising this breed. This book did not cover certain symptoms my dog was having as to help diagnose him, so that was no help when needed. I would not purchase this book again, nor recommend to anyone else for purchase. The "Pugs for Dummies" book offers a lot more info in all different pug-related categories.



2. As a new house dog owner, I was very pleased that the authors made it well known they were pug owners-- quite the family I might add! What I liked best about the book was how they gave more specifics than another book I bought. For example they showed a diagram of a type of clippers to use or told exact amounts of food they fed their own pugs instead of making generalizations. Nothing was insulting about how they presented the information, all was very helpful, comforting, and resourceful.



3. First, a little background on my experience with pugs: My husband and I have owned (or rather, been owned) by pugs for more than 15 years now. We love them dearly: they make us laugh every day and accompany us everywhere, from our hikes in the woods to a weekend in Carmel. They are friendly, spunky, reliable dogs who we utterly trust with both elderly relatives and children of all ages. They are clever and all of ours have passed basic obedience with flying colors, although they can be stubborn! Pugs are gluttons and are mainly motivated by food, so you have to keep an eye on their weight. But for anyone who is considering purchasing a pug, there are things you should know in advance, especially about their possible health issues.
   
   All of our pugs have been from Pug Rescue, and so came to us with various physical problems and emotional baggage. The emotional issues are easily handled in pugs with affection, discipline and exercise (see:Cesar Milan). Plus, all pugs really want to do is love and be loved, so once you have met that need, they become much more emotionally stable no matter what they have been through.
   
   Physically, however, pugs are prone to all sorts of troubles, many not so easily remedied. Here is a brief list of what we have run into: luxating patellas, dry eye, stenotic nares, nosefold and ear infections, bladder infections, food and skin allergies, immune-mediated polyarthritis, abraded corneas, interdigital cysts; the list goes on.
   Even pug puppies from "good" breeders can have these issues. A couple of our rescue pugs have been from "backyard breeders," people who just breed pugs without really knowing what they are doing. But one of our pugs came from a stellar breeder in L.A. who charges $1200 per puppy (don't ask how this pug came into rescue -- it's a long story) and that pup had serious medical issues too.
   
   All this by way of saying, a pug is a major investment. You may get one that is super healthy, but you may not. Phil Maggitti's book is an extremely helpful "first-glance" book for both people who are considering getting a pug and those who already have one or more. That is, the book is a wonderful introduction to the many aspects of pug ownership. Maggitti does discuss the medical issues but he also does a fantastic job explaining the pug personality, which is not easy to capture! He is a very good writer, and there were times when I found myself laughing out loud at some of his stories, and nodding in agreement at other times. And all this in such a slim volume! This is a gem of a book that no pug person should be without.
   
   One more thing: if you are considering purchasing a pug, you should know that they SHED. They shed TONS, a fact that many breed books will not share with you. Not only do they shed, but their fur (especially the fawns) is barbed, so it sticks onto clothing and upholstery with remarkable tenacity. We have worn out many a vacuum in our quest to subdue the pug hair, but it continues to overwhelm us on a regular basis. I mention this only because a good number of pugs are turned in to rescue because the owner claims "I didn't know they shed so much. I thought shorthaired dogs didn't shed!" Not so. Trust me! If you can get past the tumbleweeds of fuzz, though, pugs really are the best, sweetest, funniest, most loveable dogs you could ever hope to share your life with. We adore them, and so does Phil Maggitti!



4. the book is great and I really feel it has alot of information on how to train pugs... I will be a first time dog owner when I finally get a pug and I feel I have learned alot about dogs and how to handle the situations that pugs can get themselves into without hurting the dogs progress in training or their feelings!!



5. Maybe I was hoping for too much? But I didn't find it particularly in depth. I still had lots of grooming, health and vaccination questions.
   
   On the other hand...this isn't a generic dog health/training book. And the author has several pugs and knows the breed's quirks.
   
   It's the most entertaining dog breed book I've ever read, but not the most informative.

5 comments about Bichon Frise (Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

1. I was disappointed that this book was so basic. Was just not what I was looking for but I've owned dogs for years, but it would be good for a first time pet owner.



2. I paid a lot of money for next day service since I wanted the books for a present that weekend. I got them the next day exactly as promised. It meant a lot to me since I was giving it to a still grieving widow who was just given this breed dog.Bichon Frise (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)



3. This is a compact, well done little book. It always refers to the needs of the bichon, unlike many other publications which give information that could apply to any breed. Barron's has a good reputation for accurateness and completeness and maintains it in this publication.



4. I have been an AKC breeder of Bichon Frise for five years. We have had a total of 30 healthy puppies. Everyone of our new owners has been given this book. I feel that it has a lot of excellent information about the breed, their care, history and personality. When a family has children, I give them assignments from this book before they take their new puppy home.
   It is full of pictures which is great as well.
   I order it from Amazon, because their price is lower than the book stores!



5. If you're looking to get a dog and you don't have any dog books, this could be a good general one on the selection, care, and training of a dog, specifically a bichon. I have a bichon, and would definitely like to see more details on items covered, such as what to do about hot spots, why bichons run in circles, etc. The author tends to repeat himself, too. I would suggest other books that compare breeds if not sure on a breed, or get another book on training or puppies. This book is a good intro, but can't stand on its own.