5 comments about Illustrated Guide to 140 Dog Breeds.

1. This is the best dog breed book I have ever read in that it gives specific information about each breed. Most breed books on Weimaraners say they need a lot of exercise. What does this mean? This book is very specific and says that a Weimaraner needs a 2 1/2 hr walk per day. This is so true. Also, even though Weimaraners are wonderful, wonderful dogs, I have had to pay a trainer to help me tone down my dog's aggression. This book says that hiring a trainer may be necessary. I have never seen this information in any other sourcebook, even though I have searched for it raising my Weimey dog. If you've got an acre of land, and want a brilliant, beautiful, elegant, athletic, nonshedding, protective dog, you can't beat a Weimaraner. Or if you get up at dawn in the city and run for an hour, you couldn't find a better dog. Otherwise, think twice.



2. Pretty book, but sadly coloured by personal beliefs which are out of place here, and badly researched in at least one area - the one I always turn to first: my favourite breed.

   There is gross misrepresentation in the Greyhound section, which would put many people off owning one of these lovely dogs. Having kept greyhounds for ten years, I can tell you these dogs are NOT long distance runners - they're bred for sprinting. Running beside a bike/horse would be quite inappropriate for most greyhounds, particularly ex-racers who may have old racing injuries. They are sensitive to both heat and cold, too, which may cause further distress on long runs. My dogs get a long walk of between one and one-and-a-half miles a day plus a short 15 minute lead walk and they are pretty tired after that. Most greyhound rescues/adoption agencies recommend two twenty minute walks a day.

   Also, it is misleading to say their coat requires no attention. All dog coats require attention and the greyhound is no exception. And far from being unsuitable for city living, the greyhound is one large breed that can be a good apartment dog because of its 'couch potato' character.

   To find such inaccuracy in one section rather puts me off using this book as a reliable guide in other areas.




3. I have worked for many years in greyhound rescue so I naturally turned to the greyhound entry of this book first. I was absolutely struck dumb to find the book claiming that retired racers need frequent 13 MILE runs next to a horse or bike! This is total insanity. In truth, there is not a racer alive who is able or who desires to walk more than 1 or 2 miles a couple of times a week at most. These guys are SPRINTERS NOT MARATHONERS. Where on earth did the authors get this information? A quick check into any greyhound book or a call to any adoption agency would have set them straight instantly regarding greyhounds' very low exercise requirements-- they are truly couch potatoes. What is most upsetting is that these "facts" could scare off potential adopters. If the rest of the entires are as accurate as this one then this entire book is worse than useless.



4. The pictures are nice, and the quality of the dogs presented there is great, AND THERE IS MY FAVORITE BREED IN IT!!! If you read my other reviews, you know what my favorite breed is... COCKER SPANIEL!!! Cockers are great, and it's true a million times the stuff written about them there. And I also find other breeds interesting. But there are some important breeds missing, like, the Sussex Spaniel, Brittany, Welsh Springer Spaniel, American Water Spaniel, and Tibetan Mastiff. But it's still great.



5. Very useful book for learning about the personality traits of different dogs. Includes easy to use tables showing grooming needs, exercise requirements, and suitability for apartment life. Also notes whether the breed is suitable for first time owners or is better for experienced owners.
   Prospective buyers should be aware that the book is a translation of a text originally published in Germany. Many of the breeds profiled are German breeds, presumably popular in their country of origin, but little known in the U.S. (And because so many German breeds are covered, many AKC breeds are omitted.)

5 comments about The Intelligence of Dogs: A Guide to the Thoughts, Emotions, and Inner Lives of Our Canine Companions.

1. If you go to Dr. Coren's site you may notice he lists his credentials twice in the first three paragraphs, and if you look at his published papers they have nothing to do with dogs. If you want to know the effects of being a left-handed person he may be the guy to talk with - but dog intelligence? He certainly writes a lot of material. Makes you wonder how he has the time to properly research things. He certainly claims to be an expert on a huge number of topics!! I don't see any peer reviewed articles on dogs anywhere. So how is it possible that he has become the most quoted person on the internet on dog intelligence? It's the horribly flawed list included in this book. Every pet food site looking for material to make their site look more legitimate quotes this nonsense. A research scientist (opinions of trainers and human psychologists do not count as animal intelligence research scientists) would never produce a list on dog intelligence using the data and sample sizes this "expert" obviously used. This guy is not an animal behavioralist. Does he have the credentials to judge the breeds and what their level of intelligence is. I say no he does not. Proof of this is just the statistical sample sizes needed to come to real conclusions when making claims like he has. Does anyone believe he sampled enough individual dogs to come up with dependable results?
   Dog breeds were developed to do very specific things. They have very different traits. If anyone has ever worked with a number of Australian Shepherds, for example, they'd have to just laugh at where the good doctor has placed them on his list. This is an extremely smart breed that is considered by many to be the equal of Border Collies. I live in an area where herding dogs are very common and Australian Shepherds are generally considered among the smartest of breeds. Where they should be on a list of dog intelligence is an interesting question as herding dogs are experts at certain - but not all - jobs. They do need to have high intelligence as they need to be able to take charge of a herd of large dangerous animals. Certainly nothing beats Border Collies at working sheep, but the three main breeds used around where I live are Aust. Shep.s, B. Collies and Aust. Cattle dogs. The Australian Shepherds are becoming more and more popular. So if B. Collies are #1 and Aust. Cattle dogs are #10 why are these breeds being displaced by a dog ranked #42 ? I guess the people that actually use and depend on their dogs for their safety and ability to help make the mortgage payments are just crazy or really not very bright. What really makes this list a joke, though, is the obvious lack of research work it represents. You need to use huge samples of each breed. He has not done this. I question his methods. I question his motives. What value does a list like this represent? Simple. People love lists - so they will buy them.
   How unbelievably egocentric it is to actually produce this list to begin with. And without up to date knowledge about the whole "alpha myth" and social structure of our dogs and wolves. This book is an insult to serious research scientists who could spend a career studying this material before feeling confident in their data set and results. This is just absolutely the worst kind of junk-science that is written to make a buck. I rate it as a step backwards in our understanding and knowledge of the breeds we love and choose. Minus 5 stars.



2. This book was not written to teach you how to train your dog. Rather, it's by far the most authoritative book available on what your dog senses and how he's likely to process and remember what he sees, hears, and smells. It gave me for the first time an understanding of why dogs react as they do and why successful training methods work. As Coren points out in one of his books, almost half of us share our homes with dogs at one time or another, but what we learn about in high-school biology is salamanders, sharks, and the platypus, creatures we never encounter personally. This book addresses that disconnect so well that I think it should be included in basic life-science curricula. Even for someone who has no intention of ever including a dog in his or her household, this book can provide an interesting new slant on understanding animals. That is to say that it has great value for its academic content as well as its practical applicability. I give Coren my highest recommendation among authors writing on the subject of canine psychology.



3. This is an absolutely awful book. It trades in on common misconceptions with dogs, and then goes on to make generalizations about breeds that have no business circulating. Thanks to this fine author, people can parade around their poodles and say they have the second smartest dog in the world... Never mind that they are tethered to a puppy mill inbred. Generalizing that Border Collies are smarter than Poodles are smarter that Rottweilers is just plain asinine. What was the sample size? (I believe it was like 5 dogs.)
   
   Maybe this book was supposed to make some owners feel better or something... Beats me. Read the Wiki on "Dog Intelligence"... Coren's only barometer for "intellect" revolves around the dog's willingness to please, which he still hasn't recognized because he's too busy believing the "Alpha Dog" myth.
   
   Save your money and buy your lil' man some bully chews.



4. Well, I was not that impressed. The book is a rather dull read, not terribly informative, although it gives some pertinent facts about dog barks, growls, sounds and positions as to what they mean. I learned quite a lot from this particular section. I don't know if I totally and quite agree about which particular breed of dog is the absolute most intelligent, as Coren points out, intelligence takes many forms---in dogs as well as in people. The book was all right. It has some good facts, but I was not overly impressed as I said above. He has many stories and tales about different breeds of dogs that underscore his points throughout the book. Again, it's all right, and if anyone wants to buy my copy really cheap, let me know. The book is not a keeper. That's my review of The Intelligence of Dogs!



5. This book is fabulous! Stanley Coren really has a way of bringing it down to the dogs level, giving you a deeper understanding of dog behavior.

5 comments about My Life with George: What I Learned About Joy From One Neurotic (and Very Expensive) Dog.

1. As a trainer, rescuer, fosterer, owner of four dogs and avid reader, I read just about anything on dogs. I'd recommend not to bother with this book which mainly dwells on the author's son and her escapades with lovers after losing her husband in her 40's. I finished the book but was very disappointed as George was not written about for long periods of time. When he was he either ignored, punished, not trained, and wound up with the author's last partner who doesn't like dogs. In defense of the author, she did care for George and take him to the vet. But pleeeeeze, spare me-I don't want to read about a 50 year old woman being obsequious to a man--and barring the dog from the bedroom at his behest and wanting "that animal to find his way home". Thought I'd scream if I read "it's only a dog" one more time. Hate to write a bad review on a dog book but just had to on this one.



2. I'd say this book is more about learning about love than anything else. Summers stumbled into pet ownership while floundering as a single mother after both her husband and her father died a mere two weeks apart. George is not the typical dog, and life with him is far from easy. But struggling through grief, housebreaking and the arrival of adolescence of both boy and dog is both a heartbreaking and uplifting experience that Summers shares with utter candor. This is a very charming book that I wouldn't hesitiate to recommend, especially to folks who liked Marley and Me.



3. Anyone who is going through the process of deciding whether or not to add a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or any other type of dog to their family should read this book! It will help them understand, through the author's experiences, ALL of the requirements and responsibilities plus joys and sorrows that sharing your home with an animal can actually entail. It is proof that the challenges and costs are all worth it in the end.
   
   If one is a type of person who can learn from other people's mistakes, there are some great lessons for potential dog "parents" in this book. Experienced dog people could find themselves relating to but frustrated with the author over her way of handling George's "issues". Fortunately, they will find themselves laughing and crying with her too.
   
   The title of this book is very accurate; it is about her life WITH George, not just about the beautiful little dog on the cover. Reading this would also be helpful to anyone who has lost a spouse to illness. My heart just ached for the author and her son.



4. This story, for the likes of myself, a truly passionate Cavvie owner, is so 'familiar' and yet continually enlightening and heartwarming. This little guy is not an easy subject as he gets himself into so many scrapes over the years, and I found myself regretting reaching the end of the story, wondering what else happened to him afterwards. There is something so special about this breed (not half biased!) that I feel just about any Cavvie lover and owner could write a beatiful story about their own little 'friend' and we would all love reading every page. George's mum has endeared him to so many even that I know of myself who have been so keen to get hold of this book. He's a real winner! Love you George!



5. This book is a must-read for any and all dog lovers.Some of the other reviewers thought that George,the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel,was not in enough.It is true that there are some chapters that he is not in.Many people compared this book with Marley & Me:Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog,and they said that it is better than My Life with George because Marley was in more than George,but Marley was not in some chapters,too.They are both great books.Please come to the Discussions to talk about dogs.Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog

4 comments about Dog in Action: A Study of Anatomy and Locomotion As Applying to All Breeds.

1. Very informative and easy to read. The author uses 'every day' examples that make understanding muscle movement easy.



2. This is a difficult book to get through. The author tries to compensate for that fact by starting out with some "stories" of his own, but it can't make up for the difficult reading ahead of you. You're going to need a dictionary to read this and don't read it when you're bored, you'll fall asleep!

   The structure information is good, it's just not an easy read.




3. This book is like a bible for those that study the mechanics of animals as they move, especially dogs. It details the coordination of every bone with the corresponding limb as the dog moves and then ties it all together with images of how the whole dog should move as a unit. It justifies every aspect, supporting the information with examples of the survivors in nature. For anyone aspiring to judge dogs or already judging or breeding it is a must. Although written over fifty years ago, the information is still relevent and stands up to recent high tech studies done with slow motion and stop action cameras. The book is presented in a way that makes it easy to understand the mechanics of the dog as it moves, the importance of efficiency, which is such an important part of assessing the value of one dog as compared to another. After reading this book, watching dog shows will become more meaningful, whether one has been breeding and judging for years or is just getting started. Years ago I lent out my copy and never got it back so will order a copy in paperback.
   Gordon Garrett



4. I first saw this book when my friend brought over a library copy. I didn't have time to read it, but I read the chapter on single tracking.

   Let me explain. I'm an engineer. And conformation vs. performance as always been a hobby of mine. Mostly for horses. I always wondered why horses single track. Now I know. Based on that chapter I scoured the used book market until I found my own copy. I found this book to be thought provoking and credible. I bought a copy for a friend of mine who is a professor at one of our state universities and who heads up the collage's judging team (horses again).

   I found that by studying dogs, whose conformation could be much more diverse than horses, I could better understand how more subtle conformation differences affect the horse. I will never give up my copy. They will have to pry it from my cold dead fingers.

5 comments about Dog Problems (Howell Reference Books).

1. I was intrigued by the title of this book, since I come into contact with all sorts of dogs regularly and am often asked advice about issues like possession guarding, dog-on-dog aggression, etc. However, the advice in this book is by no means anything I would ever pass on. Most issues are dealt with by correcting the dog harshly, shaking him, dragging him by the leash, and similar awful methods. The author's 'cure' for a dog that growls and snaps from under the bed is to daftly drag him out by the lead, and if he happens to bang his head on the way out, so much the better! She advises owners of dogs with fear aggression towards strangers to severly reprimand the dog with voice and leash corrections every time he becomes agitated around another person. This is a ridiculous way to 'help' your dog and will most likely only make the aversion worse. I noticed that Ms. Benjamin has also written a book that claims to use positive training methods, but unless her philosophy has changed from one book to the other, I would not recommend any of her material to anyone else. There are plenty of truly humane training guides out there, don't waste your money on this.



2. This is an excellent source for all first time dog owners and should be purchased and read, along with Benjamin's other book--Mother Knows Best--before the dog is purchased. Little problems remain small when dealt with quickly and efficently using methods that dogs understand. Training right from the beginning is the key. Benjamin also tells how to fix a problem before it becomes worse. I have had dogs for over 40 years--terriers--and can testify to the success of Benjamin's methods.



3. This is an excellent book for people who have mild or moderate dog problems. It is well written with a sense of humor, and with insight into the behavior of dogs. It is a book by a professional trainer, not for professional trainers.

   Carol Lea Benjamin does not advocate punishment. In fact, she advises to NEVER hit your dog. Appropriately correcting a dog is not a punishment any more than appropriately correcting a child when they run into a street is a punishment. In addition to describing how to properly correct your dog, she points out human behaviors that inadvertantly encourage dog problems, when and how to use praise to encourage positive behavior, how to redirect behavior, and that sometimes, we can eliminate a bad behavior just by removing the trigger.




4. If you have a aggressive dog who is over 10 pounds and need some seriouse help or advice, I would advise purchasing another book, this trainers advice for everything was grab the dog by the collar and shake it while saying NO NO NO. I have read better books..



5. This was a well-written book aimed more at the novice dog-owner or someone who's experiencing a problem they've not experienced before. The book is written with a good sense of humor; for example, her final comment about ticks. She also recognizes that there are some "problems" that can not be solved, they are just part of being a dog, while other problems that people say are just part of being a dog can be solved. I enjoyed the book and have started trying her method on my German Shepherd, who back-talks as bad as any teenager when told to do something.

5 comments about The All Breed Dog Grooming Guide.

1. I think this book was useful and easy to read.
   The format makes it easy to check while the book is open.
   I liked the step-by step descriptions and the setup - which is very well arranged. There are drawings on each breed mentioned, some drawings better than others - but still the drawings are nice and very useful. In the more demanding breeds there is drawings on several details and sometimes several angles, this was very helpful in understanding the text.
   I also liked the introduction part where equipment and techniques are described. You should read this part carefully before you start reading about the different breeds, especially if you are a beginner like me.
   
   I would prefer an even more detailed description on some more popular breeds as flatcoated retriever, bernese mountaindog and other breeds with similar groomingdescriptions in the book on usual "small stuff" - shortening and trimming of ears and tail etc. I would also have preferred that stripping procedures could be mentioned - in addition to clipping - with regards to the terrier breeds. The book does mention though that it describes "pet grooming", and thus should not expect to give a perfect show result.
   What this book lacks in respect to pet grooming is that there is only one style described for every breed. For many pets it may be more attractive to owners who do not want to use much time grooming their dog to cut the dog in an alternate style - but for this you can use your imagination or another book, and the drawings of each breed are helpful when discussing how the owner wants his or her dog groomed.
   
   I recommend this book to anyone who wants to start as a groomer, pet or show, or if you are interested and want to groom your own dogs and maybe help some friends with grooming.



2. This book was purchased for a grooming class I took. It provided a wealth of information and will be a great information tool in the future. Great content!



3. This is an ok book for new people, but it has several safty issues, and doesn't have the show cuts for many dogs, poodles. It also has the wrong cuts from some of the dogs. There are better books out there.



4. this book has every breed that you'd ever come across at work. BUT... We don't like the short grooming discriptions and especially the pictures/illustrations. Don't get me wrong, Lynn Miller is a great artist. Our fellow employees have agreed that we'd much rather see a photogragh or better yet, a before and after photo of some more difficult breeds.



5. This book is supposedly a reference for professional dog groomers. As one, I find it disappointing. The illustration quality is variable, and on one particular clip (the miniature schnauzer, I believe) there is a serious error in the clipping guidelines. Not enough angles of the dog pictures are shown for you to be able to discern the clipping pattern. Also, most dog groomers use modified forms of the show cuts on their customers' dogs. This book fails to describe or even mention these alternative clipping styles, which I think are not only invaluable to dog groomers but to laypersons as well who choose to groom at home.

4 comments about The Home Spa Book for Dogs: Nose to Tail Treatments to Soothe the Soul and Age-Proof Your Canine Companion.

1. A Unique book to say the least. Got it for a gift and its pretty interesting. Funny too!



2. This book makes me want to open up my own pet spa. Good information and wonderful ways you can spoil your pooch.



3. Even though this book had "Search Inside" option and I checked it, I thought it would provide more info for our fur baby.



4. If you're a SERIOUS dog parent (and by that I mean you have no human children or you totally love your canine to death) this book is for YOU! I collect Dog books, Dog magazines and this had information I had never found in other Dog books. It was very informative and user friendly. You could easily read this book in less than a week. Doesn't your furbaby deserve the best?!? I think so!
   A MUST READ!

5 comments about The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood.

1. 
   I just finished reading this book minutes ago and I have to tell you it has to be one of the best books I have ever read. I never smiled, laughed or cried so much. The journey that Nadine & Buttons went through was amazing as well as inspirational. I only hope that me and my dog Roxy can experience such special times. I felt like I knew buttons after reading this book. She reminded me a lot of my girl Roxy. Her free spirit, kindness and devotion reminded me a lot of her. Nadine should be a role model for other pet parents. She opened my eyes to so many different things. She made me feel like I am not crazy for loving my baby Roxy as my child. I am so glad to have read her book. It is so informative I never even knew what Holistic pet care was before reading this but believe me I will definately look into it more to assure my baby is as healthy as she can be.I am recommending this book to all my friends especially those who are fellow pet parents. This book will not disappoint you.



2. Not often have I come across a book about the relationship between people and pets that truly speaks to me. The story of Nadine and Buttons is heartwarming and endearing and I feel blessed by having experienced it. In many ways, it's my own. I lost my boy, Malcolm, to bone cancer and know both the depth of loss and the loneliness and isolation one feels from societal preconceptions. It's a brave book and about damn time!
   
   Luke
   2 Dogs 2000 Miles



3. Thoroughly Enjoyed this book! A must read for any pet parent!!
   Buttons will be forever in My Heart!!!
   A very insightful view of the Love and Grief that comes with having and eventually losing our "kids"
   5 Paws Up!!!



4. A loving true story of the bond between a human and a special friend.(her Dog named Buttons) I think of buttons everyday after reading this story.
   What a special read. I would highly recommend this loving true story to anybody with a big heart.
   Sha moran Tucson AZ
   [...]



5. Outstanding book! Not only was this a wonderful memoir to the author's pet, but the book inspired me to look into alternative healing methods for my German Shepherd who is plagued with IBD. And guess what? It has only been 30 days, and my German Shepherd has seen a dramatic improvement, something that conventional medicine has not been able to accomplish in 18 months. If it wasn't for this book, I would not have the special love of my canine friend today. Many thanks to the author for sharing her personal journey.

5 comments about Top Dog Sales Secrets: 50 Top Experts Show You Proven Ways to Skyrocket Your Sales.

1. This book features Jill Konrath's "Naked Sales Calls Pay Off."
   
   If you search the Web for "Gitomer Naked Sales Call," you will find a major-league rant / tirade that Jeffrey Gitomer wrote in response to this article.
   
   For copyright reasons, I won't post lengthy excerpts here. Let's just say he started out with "I was reading an idea from a purported sales expert, who recommends going into a sales appointment "naked." She writes about sales reps who she says are having extraordinary success by going into meetings without a brochure or any other collateral material."
   
   And if you look at the front cover of Selling to Big Companies, you will see Jeffrey Gitomer's testimonial on the front cover.
   
   I have an aversion to books like this one and Masters of Sales. I'd rather read one book written by one author than a collection of snippets like the "cold calling script" found in this volume.
   
   But the truth of the matter is that I can't get past the Jill Konrath article and the Gitomer connection. If you have 20 bucks you're willing to spend on a sales book, consider The Inner Game of Selling: Mastering the Hidden Forces that Determine Your Success, Zero Resistance Selling, ProActive Selling: Control the Process -- Win the Sale, SPIN Selling, Advanced Selling Strategies: The Proven System Practiced by Top Salespeople...and that's just for starters.



2. Top Dog Sales Secrets. 50 experts show you proven ways to skyrocket your sales. Michael Dalton Johnston ed. 2007. ISBN 9781934346143. I have really taken my time reading this book. It looks at the sales process after you gain the lead, so it is planted squarely into sales efficiency. How ever some of the treatments of qualifying a lead, are very appropriate in our sales effectiveness model. For my money, if you are in sales today this is one book you need at your side. The experts are truly expert. One book with insight from:
   
   Tony Alessandra, Jim Domanski. Dan Kosch, Mark S.A Smith, Bob Bly, Colleen Francis, Tina LoSasso,Art Sobczak ,
   John Boe,Tom Freese, James Maduk, Dave Stein, Dianna Booher, Patricia Fripp, Jim Meisenheimer,Bill Stinnett, Ed Brodow, Ari Galper, Michelle Nichols, Joel Sussman, Bill Brooks, Joe Guertin, Rick Phllips, Julie Thomas,Jon Brooks, Joe Heller, Tom Reilly, Will Turner, Shamus Brown, Craig James, Tom Richard, Al Uszynski, Bill Caskey, Brian Jeffrey,Llinda Richardson, Steve Waterhouse, Tim Connor, Michael D. Johnson, Keith Rosen, Wendy Weiss, Kevin Davis, Dave Kahle, Mike Schultz, Roger Dawson, Ron Karr, Jacques Werth, Jill Konrath, Anita Sirianni .
   
   One example from Jim Domanski:
   
   Prospect: "Hmmmm. Let me think about it."
   
   Rep: "I understand completely. If l were in your shoes I'd want to think about it as well. Now ask one of the following questions:
   
   * "May I ask what concerns you still have?"
   * "May 1 ask what's causing you to hesitate?"
   * "May I ask what questions I've left unanswered?"
   * "May I ask what your final decision will be based on?"
   
   Get this book. Do not wait. Then read it. Sales advice you can take to the bank.



3. This isn't your typical sales book. It is a collection of authors writing on various topics, not a selling system or sales `program' such as Strategic Selling or SPIN Selling. The authors are excellent writers and the information is current. I found the tone to be enthusiastic, humorous and easy to read. It's a good book to read when you only have snippets of time and can't get involved with a long read or concept. Each article has nuggets of wisdom in it and every article is written by a proven sales pro who has been in our shoes, not an academic or manager from some ivory tower.
   
   The down side is the books organization. It isn't divided into sections such as prospecting, qualifying, closing, etc. While the book contains multiple articles on each subject they are intermingled throughout, like a newspaper that continues a story inside to force you to go through the entire paper. This is a great airplane or waiting room read. I find myself rereading many of the articles several times, going back to important ideas and quotes. After you read this book you can get more information by reading the various authors books.



4. So many of these types of sales success books put out the same old stuff that we've all heard before. Top Dog Sales Secrets was refreshingly different packed with ton's of original material, mixed in with some "tried and true" ideas that we sales veterans tend to forget or overlook after many years in the field.
   
   It doesnt matter if you are a sales veteran or a rookie, Top Dog Sales Secrets has something for you. PS: Everything from Dave Kale is solid gold and will put money in your pocket if you read and follow it!!!!



5. The SalesDog.com team has pulled together an excellent book filled with articles from top sales experts in the field today. My favorites* include:
   
   - Creating a Successful Cold Script, by Wendy Weiss
   
   - Transforming Customer Complacency into Urgency, by Mike Schultz
   
   - Help - I'm Talking and I Can't Shut Up, by Michelle Nichols
   
   - Success is an Inside Job, by Bill Caskey
   
   - Winning the Negotiation Game, by Colleen Francis
   
   The book is organized by sales challenges such as cold calling, presentations, proving value and handling objections. So if you're having trouble in one area, just turn to the specific section and get great advice from a variety of experts.
   
   [...]
   
   P.S. I'm also a bit partial to my five articles which were selected to be in the book too!

5 comments about Hip Ideas for Hyper Dogs.

1. 1. This book is great for dog owners who, despite their best intentions and the love they give to their unruly pets, need help in curbing their dogs' troubling habits - like constant barking, growling, chewing, jumping up, straining on the leash, rolling in do-do, ignoring commands, running away, soiling the carpet, and just plain manic behavior. The authors don't offer a magic bullet. They make it clear that if owners want to be the masters they need to be persistent trainers of their dogs. That takes tough, but gentle, love.
   2. The book provides clear, no nonsense techniques to get the job done. Some of these seem counter-intuitive to those of us who may think we can simply rely on innate "feelings" to train and care for our pets. But they are time-tested, and Ms. Ammen promises that they will work. Your dog is trainable. Being a pack animal, it actually seeks direction from someone (that would be you) who knows how to give it. The secret is communication.
   3. I was impressed by the book's upbeat tone. The joy and rewards of having a spirited dog comes through. It talks of the dog, as well as its owner, having fun, even during their training sessions.
   4. Ms. Ammen has owned many dogs, and she's found that once she has invested the time and energy in training them, the ones who started out "hyper" are usually the most fun to be around.
   5. The book also has a lot of other information about dogs, like how to teach them tricks, and how to get them used to a new dog, cat or baby, or to traveling, moving or visiting the vet. And there's plenty of things I didn't know, like:
   * "Come" is the most important command
   * Use the leash, not your hands, to correct bad behavior
   * It's not cruel to crate your dog: many dogs love their crates
   * Dogs need mental direction: physical exercise is not enough
   * Dogs don't experience shame or guilt, despite how they look
   * Repeating an unobeyed command doesn't reinforce it; it teaches the dog to ignore it
   * There are a number of books on doggie massage, but there's much more to winding down the hyper dog than massage.
   
   The book is very useful - even essential - if you have a hyper dog. And I'm thinking it will be a great gift for a friend of mine who's got one of those dogs.



2. I was disappointed. There were very few new obedience games or "attention exercises" within the book's pages. A lot of stuff anybody would already be doing with a hyper dog - throwing the ball, retrieving, walking the dog, throwing the ball up the carpeted stairs to tire out the dog... etc.
   The horseback riding suggestion was over the top. Please give me a break. How many people does this author think have access to a horse nor land to ride, nor a dog well-trained enough to follow along off-lead!?!?! Or even know how to ride? Crazy! If they did, they wouldn't have a hyper dog. I was appalled to see this as a viable solution. Rollerblading with your hyper dog I also found hard to swallow.
   Worth reading, but only a few chapters worthwhile or helpful.



3. I didn't gain a lot of useful information from this book. There are a couple of chapters that make the book worth buying.



4. Let me preface this by saying that I've been working with animals for about 10 years in varying capacities, including working as a sealion trainer, and I have done extensive reading of various training methods. In this book, I expected to find new ideas for training interesting games with my hyper dog. Instead, pretty much every training suggestion given in this book involved "jerking" the dog's leash if they didn't immediately comply with what was being asked. I have always worked with positive training methods, and continually yanking on my dog's throat just doesn't fall in with those methods. Because of their high energy, hyper dogs need even more patience to teach them productive and appropriate ways of using their energy, but instead of patience, the authors of this book recommend routinely punishing the dog for being hyper- exactly the dogs this book was written for.
   
   Sadly, this book was a total waste of my money, and I really can't recommend it for anyone. Thankfully, my dogs won't be subjected to the discomfort suggested by the authors of this book.



5. This manual is a great resource for any dog owner. It breaks down ideas into easy, understandable steps and will work if your dog has lots of energy or even if he/she doesn't. Great how-to photos and common sense manners training for a happy relationship with your best friend.