5 comments about Dog Grooming For Dummies (For Dummies (Pets)).

1. Well written and informative.Fairly good on the "how to" subject and very good on general dog subjects such as dog health,dog maladies and the basics.



2. The book is good for beginner easy to read and understand,has a little of everything in there.



3. I really liked this book. It was helpful to me in all the areas that I needed a grooming book for. The tool recommendations plus the way the book was written itself I found interesting and helpful in grooming my pets at home.



4. This book does provide a lot of helpful hints and information. It is a good item for dog owners.



5. This was purchased just in time to supplement the adult Ed. Intro to Pet (dog) Grooming classes (10 hours) at the local JVS.
   The class is strictly an INTRO to dog grooming, BUT, was disappointed that instructor/school for our $150 fee did NOT give us an actual book on the subject. We got some printed copies of pages from insructor's book...
   DOG GROOMING for DUMMIES is a GREAT source for home groomer want-to-be's.
   I think it is well written and not at all boring.
   I am glad I got it for I have 2 new pups and two older dogs, and, I I have found out, I can do a LOT more for both me and the dogs' benefit.

5 comments about A Three Dog Life.

1. What a moving and insightful novel. This is the type of book that you savor....re-reading sections, sentences to fully digest the thought. A friend has experience working with traumatic brain injuries and is going to recommend it to her group.



2. A beautifully written story of loss and survival. Anyone who loves someone and who also loves dogs will understand and be heartened by this book.



3. I read an excerpt of this book in O Magazine and was intrigued, so I ordered the free sample for my Kindle - was intrigued some more - and finally ended up buying the full Kindle edition. I'm almost done reading it, and I think this may be the first book I've read as a Kindle book that I also want to purchase in hard-copy form - just to HAVE. This is a keeper, a book I will remember long after putting it down. Where has Abagail Thomas been hiding and why is this my first introduction to her?!
   
   This is a tough topic - the traumatic brain injury her husband sustains and the author's adjustment to life after that event - yet Thomas handles it without unnecessary self-pity or pathos. I've read books of a similar vein that are gut-wrenching to read, others that are so lofty and inspiring they depress me - how can I ever measure up to such perfect humanity as expressed in those books. Thomas's book is the perfect treatment of this very difficult chapter of her life. She is able to speak the very emotions and mixed feelings and mixed up thoughts that any one would experience in that situation - I find myself reading and thinking YES, this is exactly how I would feel, it's exactly how conflicted and guilty and torn I would feel.
   
   I think I will be taking this book off my shelf many times over the years to re-read. Sitting down with this book feels like sitting down with the author for a long talk over coffee. A very difficult talk, granted, but it reads as one of those memorably discussions you had with a good friend at the end of a very difficult period.
   
   I look forward to finding other Abagail Thomas books.



4. A friend handed me this book while I was visiting her home...someone had given it to her. She wasn't interested because she thought it was about dogs. I did too. I would not have read it had I known that it's not a dog book. I'm so glad I didn't know its topic, because I would have missed out on a deeply emotional account of the author's experience of her husband's TBI. A very fast read. Poignant, courageous, thought provoking.



5. Life is not perfect. Tragedy can strike at any minute. How do you handle it when it happens to you? Thomas faces her tragedy with grace and poise. After her husband is injured in a horrific accident, Thomas begins the seemingly unending cycle of hospitals, doctors, and emergency calls. Eventually, Thomas realizes that, while Rich's life may remain in a state of limbo, her life must go on. She manages to find a balance between the wife she continues to be, and the woman who must now find meaning in her life -- on her own terms. She finds comfort with friends, family, and above all else her dogs. This is truly a story of love, loss, and ultimately - healing.
   
   I applaud Thomas for her ability to stand by her husband under such devastating circumstances. Her memoir is honest and thought provoking -- sharing her feelings of fear, self-reproach, and even happiness. Her love for Rich is evident in her writing. A Three Dog Life is a true love story and a joy to read.

5 comments about The Power of Positive Dog Training.

1. Very interesting book. I wish I had read it before I got my puppy. It explains dog behavior and gives very specific steps for training.



2. Based upon reviews I bought this and 101 Dog Tricks. Both are excellent and complement one another.
   Positive Dog Training explains the whys of positive dog training through the author's experiences. And goes into great details about the hows, including suggested weekly charts to help you plan the training for your dog.
   Dogs want to be good citizens in our worlds. These books show us how to help them to be so.



3. No more choke chains, no more yelling.
   
   The last time we had puppies was almost 30 years ago. The puppies were taught with choke chains, correction jerks, and loud, assertive commands. I hated it and was never very good at the training methods we were taught, but these methods were considered the only way to show a dog who is boss and get obedient behavior back then. The puppies eventually learned and behaved fairly well. They lived into their teens, and then we got our first adult shelter dog, an already well-trained dog with beautiful manners whom we loved dearly until she died too early from malignant melanoma.
   
   When we brought Jazmine home from the shelter, it was another experience altogether. She had been a stray and in the shelter system for a while. She came to one of our local shelters on a lab rescue program--she is part lab and part ???
   
   She was around two years old, and very active, but a challenge. Fearful at first, she eventually relaxed into a bit of a wild child--very sweet but a handful. Fortunately, the shelter gives a one hour home visit from their trainer who uses positive training methods.
   
   She taught us the very basics, and we attended her classes. Jazmine has too poor an attention span to do well around other dogs, but we wanted to continue the training at home, so she recommended this book. I was so happy not to have to deal with choke chains, yelling and jerking the dog. I was amazed to see Jazmine learn things immediately, with soft, calm commands and a gentle, positive approach.
   
   The book is great. It explains the theory behind the approach so well, that I was later able to apply the principles to some of the behavioral challenges Jazmine presented. She loved to steal things, especially socks and run into the other room to chew on them. We would chase her and grab the object, and you could see the little wheels turning in her head while she decided what object would be next. Using what I learned from the book, I analyzed what reward she was getting from this behavior. I finally realized how much she loved the chase and attention. So the next time she stole an item, I totally ignored her. She came back with the object to taunt me--"lookie what I have!" she seemed to say. I ignored her. She dropped the item and went to lie down in a corner of the family room with a puzzled look on her face. We have learned to chase her only when she has her own toys, she loves that. Now, when she wants a chase, she chooses her own toys and leaves our stuff alone. I didn't have to yell, punish, or swat--all things we would have been told to do by trainers in the "old days".
   
   I enjoyed the chapters and worked through them with Jazmine. She seemed to really enjoy the training sessions as well. We used clicker training at first, but were gradually able to move away from that. Now a simple "yes" will do most of the time and we don't have to carry a pouch of treaties either. Unfortunately, there are still certain behaviors she will only do with a treat--more my fault than the method's I think. We lent the book to a neighbor who brought home a new puppy, and I'd like to get it back so I could learn more.
   
   I buy this book for friends and relatives with new puppies and they give it good feedback as well.



4. If you're training your dog, this is a good book to read; it promotes using positive reinforcements instead of scaring the animal with punishment. It works best too, that is if you like your dog to respect you and not fear you.
   
   It includes Bonus pages on Tricks with lots of instructions too.



5. I highly recommend this book, I had dogs previously to purchasing it, but I still learned a lot about dog behaviour and training tips. I would love a training session with the author she is highly knowlegable and it is clear she has a genuine love of dogs.

4 comments about Oh Behave!: Dogs from Pavlov to Premack to Pinker.

1. The mind of a dog is not an entirely simple thing as most people think; training them is a science nonetheless. "Oh Behave! Dogs from Pavlov to Premack to Pinker" is a guide for dog owners looking to train their dog with firmness but without cruelty. "Oh Behave!" Answers common training questions about nature and nurture, conditioning, how one's personality affects the dog, and more, all while dispelling countless myths about dog training. An essential pick for dog owners and for community library pet collections.



2. Once more Donaldson gives insights that have a light bulb "on" feeling. Sure, much of what she says here we have all heard before but every now and then long lost thoughts are brought back and different perspectives presented.
   
   The chapter on observtion vs interpretation alone is worth the price of the book. If only all dog trainers and pet guardians could read this chapter and stop labelling behaviour, maybe more successful outcomes would ensue.
   
   No matter how many years you have been training, you cannot read a book by Donaldson without discovering something new and interesting. A great reminder and refresher read.



3. Donaldson's essays on dog behavior are excellent reading. She backs up her assertions with solid science, and if the science is too much for you, skip that paragraph and go on to her interpretations! Her understanding of animal behavior is deep and she shares interesting facts not only about dogs, but other members of the animal kingdom.
   
   Have a specific problem? The later chapters are responses to people's issues with their dogs and provide sensible advice for working them out.



4. I bought this book, sight unseen, because Jean Donaldson wrote it. One of her other books, The Culture Clash: A Revolutionary New Way to Understanding the Relationship Between Humans and Domestic Dogs, is generally regarded as one of the top books in dog training and animal behavior.
   
   That said, here are some things I wish I had known before I bought this book.
   
   First, almost all the chapters start with a "Dear Jean" letter sent in from a reader. Since it is a Q&A format, the answers sometimes seem specific to the question.
   
   Second, she also highlights the "Key Concepts" that are covered in that chapter. However, sometimes I feel that these concepts are merely touched on, not always 100% covered, because they are often huge topics.
   
   Third, I wish I had thumbed through the table of contents to get a rough outline of the book's sections to understand if it would be useful to me overall. At the risk of disclosing too much, here are the section and chapter headings.
   
   Section 1: Behavior
   Chemistry and Constraints: How We Choose Our Dogs
   Test Your Dog's IQ
   Observation vs Interpretation
   Wolf Behavior Patterns
   Social Organization Models; A Mind Virus
   Neonate Puppies
   The Owner Signature: How We Build Our Dogs
   What Is Play?
   Dog Cognition Research
   Ambivalence and Conflicting Motivation
   Nutrition and Behavior
   Malingering: Do Dogs Ever Fake It?
   
   Section 2: Training
   Dog Training Philosophies
   Puritanism and Reward Training
   Pavlov in Everyday Life
   Prompting and Fading
   Shaping
   Exploiting Premack's Principle
   Ringwise Dogs
   Training Deaf Dogs
   Managing Barrier Frustration
   Home Alone Training
   Scratching the Rescue Itch
   
   Section 3: Behavior problems
   A Problem According to Whom?
   Marking
   Barking
   Oh Behave! Love and Mounting
   Car Whining
   Behavior Problems in Geriatric Dogs
   Understanding and Executing Time Outs for Dogs
   High Performance Dogs
   Dogs and Cats
   Small Dog Syndrome
   Tales From The Potty Training Trenches
   
   Section 4: Fear & Anxiety
   Better Safe Than Sorry: Fear
   Compulsive Disorders in Dogs
   Understanding Psychotropic Medications for Dogs
   Desensitization to Veterinarian Visits
   Separation Anxiety
   Do Dogs Pick Up Their Owners' Prejudices?
   
   Section 5: Aggression
   The Dog Bite Epidemic
   Aggression Prognosis Estimates
   Resource Guarding in Puppies
   Resource Guarding Prevention
   Fighting Dog Rehabilitation
   Predatory Drift
   Breed Specific Legislation and Behavior
   
   Section 6: Genetics & Evolution
   My Genes Made Me Do It
   Genes and Behavior
   Adaptive Significance of Various Dog Behaviors
   Chows vs Border Collies
   Theories of Domestication
   Breeder Power
   Dog Moms and Other Evolutionary Misfires
   
   Last night, I read through the chapters in section 1. I have to say that I think that each chapter is going to be hit or miss with me.
   
   For example, the chapter called "Chemistry and Constraints: How We Choose Our Dogs" wasn't that enlightening. Jean even admits that there isn't a lot of research about how we choose our dogs, and she confesses, "So, using a wholly rigorous approach -- mulling it over in the shower and chatting with some dog friends -- I have generated the following list of dog choice factors." At least she's honest, but in a book that throws Pavlov, Premack, and Pinker in the title, I figured the conclusions would be based more in research than mulling it over.
   
   On the other hand, I really enjoyed the chapter called "Observation vs Interpretation." She contrasts the behaviorism school of thought versus other interpreters, and I'm pretty sure she's implying folks like Caesar Millan in the later case. It's pretty clear from the subtext that she doesn't like the whole "the dog is displaying his dominance" school of thought.
   
   In the end, I think I'll end up marking the chapters that are worth reading, and then taking the bibliography in the back and doing some further reading. This book is almost like a series of blog posts strung together, and although that's not really what I look for in a book, it's probably a good starting point for learning more about what we really know about animal behavior science.

5 comments about Dog Man: An Uncommon Life on a Faraway Mountain.

1. This book is a great book for a Akita owner. The author gives you lots of insight into the Akita behavior. Being a Akita owner, I found the book enlightening and a joy to read. This book is a must for any Akita owner or anyone considering a Akita.



2. I don't own an Akita, but this book caught my eye because it was a different kind of story. The subjects of sexual discrimination, poverty, wartime in Japan, and the Morie's singlemindedness in raising dogs are explored. If you love Akitas, you'll love this book. If you're not a dog person, you'll like this book, but may not go ga-ga over it. I thought the writer jumped around a bit in telling the story, and could have been better with the continuity. But all in all, I recommend this interesting look at a life far different from ours in America.



3. I bought this book for my brother, who loves dogs as much as I do. When he finished it, he sent it back, so I read it as well, and we both enjoyed it. This is a very sweet book which makes a great gift book for someone who loves dogs, someone who loves Japan and its history, and especially for someone who loves both. I would have liked to see Penguin go the extra mile for Martha Sherrill and spring for glossy pages for the many great photos in the book, but that would be my only criticism.



4. I had to leave it at the library because i wanted to leave it for my friend who i intended to send right down to check it out. It's about an eccentric in a culture not known for eccentrics. It's about his wife and family. His wife is a stoic and her relationship with her husband is like reading science fiction to a 21st century American. The dogs are great. Great. Please do not go out and buy an Akita though. This is a lot of dog. A whole lot of dog. They almost need a mountain.



5. This book has touched me. The main character is morally strong, and the result of his strength has affected a breed of dog to a point beyond comprehension. If you own an Akita, this is a must read. If you do not own an Akita, you need to read this as well.

5 comments about The Perfect Puppy : How to Raise a Well-Behaved Dog.

1. This is a MUST for all owners of puppies - in fact it should be issued to all intending owners prior to bringing that little bundle home. The book is extremely well organised, the writing clear and well illustrated, the content sound and up-to-date, in fact we can't fault this book given it's intended audience.



2. A good reference book and easy reading. Most information very helpful.



3. you can not go wrong with this book, you need patience but it is very rewarding at the end of the training. My pup is very good at 16weeks old.



4. This book is full of GREAT information and was very helpful since I had never owned a dog before. But I only gave it three stars because it doesn't have anything that you can't already find online for free! It will be a good reference if I am in a training situation and the power goes out, thus limiting my access to the internet!



5. This book has all you will ever need to have the perfect dog.
   No silly psycho-babble....just common - every day plan to have a great dog!!

5 comments about How to Raise a Jewish Dog.

1. Very dry humor, but right on point. I recommend it to psychologists to help understand jewish guilt.



2. Very cute point of view, if a little much at times. May I recommend, "Yiddishe Mamas: The Truth About the Jewish Mother" for an eye-popping, serious, yet entertaining, and absorbing look at this maligned stereotype.



3. This was a great book - very easy to read and extremely funny!
   I bought this for my kindle but am going to get a hardcopy for a co-worker- she is raising a Jewish dog and doesn't even know it!



4. Very few books make me laugh out loud as frequently as this one did. I especially loved the training lessons, and am impressed with what brilliant actors they found to portray the dogs in the evocative photos that illustrate each step of the program. I eagerly await the sequel, How to Raise a Jewish Cat.



5. I'm not Jewish but I loved this. Sent to a Jewish friend who said they really identified with the book

5 comments about The Dogs Who Found Me: What I've Learned from Pets Who Were Left Behind.

1. I feel I met a kindred spirit when I read this book! I recommend it to anyone who is involved in rescue work or may be interested in learning more about how they can help!



2. As we all know working in rescue, no one sets out to do this. This book is full of just those stories, the dogs who found the author when he wasn't ready and how he made do with each situation. He talks about the experience being in New York for 9/11 and evacuating New Orleans for Katrina. I have had this book sitting on a shelf for the last year and finally got to read it while I was recently on vacation and just couldn't put it down. It read just as if I were talking with any of my rescue volunteers about their rescued pets. Ken Foster does a great job of articulating the emotions and struggles involved in animal rescue. I think it is a great read for any of us as a reminder of why we do what we do.



3. Got the audio book. I was not thrilled with the individual who did the reading, but Ken's stories in the book were easy for me to relate to. He succinctly put into words some of the emotions involved when one is performing animal rescue, including the initial denial that an animal is meant to stay with you. Also, I think he does quite well at capturing the essence of just being one of those people who can't look away when you see an animal in need. It's a state of mind that only a certain type of person really seems to understand.
   
   - C.A.Wulff author of Born Without a Tail



4. I enjoyed this book for the most part. It makes you think about all those dogs out there that need a home or ones who are out there that are being mistreated. I think it is great what Mr. Foster is doing for all those poor dogs out there. Especially Pit Bulls. I also liked all the informative information on shelters, rescues, etc in the back of the book.
   The only problem that I had with the book was the writing style. It wasn't written very evenly and took me longer to get done than usual. All in all it would be a book I recommend.



5. I took this book with me on a recent vacation and started reading it on the plane. I am a true dog lover, I have 5 of my own, but this book did not hold my interest at all. And in fact, it really bothered me. It seems to me that he assumes that if he finds a dog, especially if the dog is in need of a combing or such, that there isn't an owner that is frantically looking for that dog. He just seems to assume the dog was "abandoned" and doesn't make any real effort to find the owner, who may be heartbroken. He is very quick to judge, i.e. when he found the 23 year old woman's dog and made judgements as to her worthiness as an owner, without having all the facts.
   He also seems very reluctant to take a dog in/rescue it, because it may inconvenience his life or he doesn't have room.
   In one case, he took the dog he found, clear into ANOTHER state to turn it into a shelter. As someone whose petsitter lost my dog while I was on vacation, this kind of thing infuriates me! Unbelieveable. I will not be finishing this book.

5 comments about Greyhounds.

1. Viewing Barbara Karant's magnificent photographs of these elegant creatures, is to witness dancelike grace and amazing athleticism across every page of this beautiful book. Not to mention those sweet faces and gentle ways as the dogs lean on one another. Truth be told, I am a labrador lover, but to gaze at these astonishing dogs through Karant's amazing lens is a rare and extraordinary treat. This book if for ALL dog lovers.



2. Barbara Karant's stunning photographs depict the TRUE personalities of our beloved Greyhounds. Those of us who know and love these wonderful, graceful and noble dogs are reminded of the many facets of their both silly and tender personalities. For those who have yet to meet a greyhound, it is an introduction to the joy and love these dogs so magically bring into our lives. I applaud the talents of all who have contributed to this book: a dedicated work of art.



3. Have you ever seen a greyhound in full stride? Do you remember your heart stopping a beat and your breath catching in your throat? Barbara Karant's photographs powerfully replicate this feeling of awe, respect and humility.
   
   Any and every animal lover will be moved by these amazing dogs through this gifted photographers eyes. A MUST HAVE for this holiday season!!



4. The suberb photography and composition of this book redefines the genre.
   Beautiful portraits of individual and groups of dogs are at once Art and a loving and humourous look at the worlds most elegant dog. Quotations evoke the history of the breed as the ultimate in fashion and speed.
   
   Moving, informative, and as elegant as the greyhound itself.



5. This is one of those books that every greyhound owner must have, will make every dog lover want a greyhound, and will make everyone else a fan of greyhounds.
   
   The photos are expressive and capture the souls of every hound featured. The stories, quotes, and essays are equally touching. I've looked through my copy a few times now and discover something new each time.
   
   You will not be disappointed with this book.

5 comments about Feeling Outnumbered? How to Manage and Enjoy Your Multi-Dog Household..

1. I have a multi dog household and most of the books out there don't cover the things you have happen when you have a "pack" of dogs...this book is wonderful !!!!!!!!! I now have a bit of peace with my 4 dogs !!!! (2 - 4 month old plott hound pups , the momma plott hound and a great pyrenees)Training them is much easier after reading this book!!!!!It's a small easy to read pamphlet type book - so no excuse not read it!!!



2. This is a very small booklet but full of good advice for those of us in multi-dog households.



3. This book was very informational. I learned alot about the multiple dog household. It also confirmed things I had thought but didn't really know, such as; having a group name for your animals to respond to, training the dogs individually to get basic commands first before expecting them to respond in a group.... And just getting over your guilt of trying to always make things fair and equal for all of them. Its a great book that I will read and reread.



4. I found this very usefull in understanding why my dogs inter-related the way they did. It also gives useful information on how to correct problems within your pack.



5. I found the book to have many common sense points. but not enough direction for unique group situations. I wanted more information, not just a booklet. The overall impression was that it was a good review of common sense points, which many people don't have with their pets. If you have not information about dogs, dog packs or dog behavior this will work for you. if you do have that basic information you may be disapointed with this book.