5 comments about ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs (Aspc Complete Guide to).

1. This is a great book. I purchased it for the school library. Kids love it.



2. I read this book from cover to cover and I have to say I really enjoyed it. It is a really great book for people who are thinking of getting a new dog but should not be used for breed specific information only. This book has very limited information on each breed and it is not overly detailed in regards to all a breed has to other or consideration as to health and special training issues that each breed might have.
   
   If you are looking for a book that covers most aspects of dog ownership and how to start training then this a book for you. It is an easy read...full of really great ideas and solutions for your average dog with out many behavior issues. Great pictures and easy instructions. It lets you know the reality of owning a dog and how much commitment you need to have to achieve a well behaved dog from the start.



3. A good overall, generic resource; however, I caution against using it as your only resource for breed-specific information (section 2) because it only provides a brief overview of each breed. Specifically, each breed is only afforded one page (approximately 5-6 paragraphs) to describe its positives and negatives.
   
   However, the good sections (which represent about 60% of the book's pages) are:
   
   1) Section 3: What Makes a Dog a Dog? including How the Dog Came to Be Man's Best Friend, How the Dog Works, and Understanding Your Dog.
   
   2) Section 4: Taking Care of Your Dog including Everyday Care for Your Dog, Keeping Your Dog Healthy, Common Canine Health Problems, Home Nursing, and First Aid.
   
   3) Additional Resources section: including, Important Telephone Numbers, Breed Organizations and Kennel Clubs, Organized Sports and Showing, Recommended Reading, and miscellaneous dog-related resource organizations.



4. Some of the facts in this pet care guide are innaccurate, as well as MOST of them being true. Although some of the life span facts, and ibs. facts are incorrect. This dog guide is worth buying, as long as you don't rely on it as your number one recource. Use the internet, and other books as well, to backup some of your un-answered questions, and facts you're un-sure of in this dog care guide. This book is great for looking up quick facts, but not great for searching up a full backround, or history check on a specific breed,and/or illness.



5. This book is an excellent primer for someone interested in an overview of the needs of a family/person getting a dog. It is also very useful in providing information about different breeds with the characteristics and tempererament of the various breeds. For someone who is interested in a "purebred" dog, this book is an excellent research tool. For someone interested in an overview of the dogs needs and requirements, this book is a very useful tool.

1 comments about Just Boxers 2009 Calendar (Just).

1. i loved this calender of boxers! this is a great gift idea and a great wall display. if you love the boxer breed, then this calender is for you!

5 comments about Hermit Crabs: Complete Pet Owner's Manual.

1. I have had hermit crabs most of my life. So, when my son asked to get some while at the beach I couldnt say no. To brush up on my knowledge I got this book. It covers everything. Great for the beginner or someone who has crabs. Beautiful pictures through out the book. I have a few books this is the ONE I recommend.



2. This book is just what it says it is. I learned so much about my cabs that I didn't know. I only wish that is would tell me exactly what the enjoy to eat but it said that you have to learn what they like and don't like. Just like each of us like and dislike things they do to.



3. I picked up this book because we recently got two hermit crabs and I wanted to learn more about taking care of them. While this book was among the more helpful I've come across on the subject, I was hoping it would be more detailed. Everything in it was useful, and it helped me know what to do for the basics, but I want to go a little more advanced.



4. I found the book to be extremely informative and helpful.
   there was a great deal of information that i found very useful. Very pleased with this product.



5. With there not being out the in pet stores on how to care for your hermies, this book is very helpful for the novice owner or even for a brush up for someone more experienced. I like to try and read as much as I can. It explains the background of the species as well as how to care for them properly. Thru that, it shows that they are NOT just a disposable pet to live in a little plastic container w/ a 1/4 inch of sand :-( hopefully someday that philosophy will change. They are so interesting and can live a very long time if taken care of properly. It is only a lot of work if you do not have the time.

5 comments about The Shih Tzu (Terra Nova Series).

1. I'm planning to get one of these precious little dogs next summer, but I've already begun my research by reading books about the breed. I've not read all that I plan to yet, but so far this book is the best I've read. The chapters on grooming, training and behavior were especially relevant and informative for a new shih tzu owner, as these are the topics I feel are of critical importance. I'm sure I will refer to this book again and again in the future. If you can only get one book on the shih tzu, this is the one you should buy!



2. I looked at quite a few books about Bassets before deciding to buy this one. As a new owner of a pet Basset, I wanted a book that would tell me what to expect and how to care for my new friend. Many other books focused on training for show; this book tells you all about Bassets. There is some information for those interested in showing and registering a Basset, but this is a good resource for anyone who just wants to love, care for and understand the lovable little hounds. Highly recommended! And even better if you check this out and read all about them before you adopt a new friend! Enjoy!



3. I really liked the way this book was written and put together. It did indeeed cover thing specific to Shih Tzus and was not a generic dog book. The DVD was a really nice bonus. I would recommend this book to anyone thinking about buying a Shih Tzu, or people like myself and wife who have had them for over 12 years. We currently have 3, and this book just reignites your passion for these fun little dogs.
   
   Bill



4. I found all the necessary information I was seeking in this book.
   I will raise my puppy excellent with the support of this book.



5. Much better than the animal planet books, the terra nova series really gets into the basset hound and what it takes to own one. Great source of information if you are considering the basset.

2 comments about The Dog Trainer's Resource 2: The APDT Chronicle of the Dog.

1. Dog Training is a lucrative business, and "The Dog Trainer's Resource 2: The APDT Chronicle of the Dog Collection" is a solid reference for dog trainers who want an encyclopedia reference available for them. With theories touching upon dog psychology, socialization, and more, it also touches on the business model suggestions for this business. With additional asides on training not just the dog, but the dog owner, "The Dog Trainer's Resource 2" is a must for any dog trainer looking to turn it into business.



2. The first Dog Trainer's Resource was greatly oriented toward running a dog training business. This book, however, mostly addresses actually training, rather than business issues. This book consists of the best articles from the American Pet Dog Trainer's magazine "Chronicle of the Dog." It covers some of the most up-to-date, newly conceived ideas in dog training. Much food for thought. More for the serious dog training person (such as obedience competitor) than the pet owner.

No comments about Man-Trailing: How to Train Your Bloodhound.

2 comments about The Canary Handbook.

1. Yes, this book is adorable. The pictures are wonderful. They range from images of canaries eating in a large group, to canaries at a show, to canaries in cages, to a canary-breeding room, canaries in nests, canaries canaries!!
   
   This book is very detailed, and covers bird accomodations, nutrition, breeding, history, illness prevention and cure, type canaries, color canaries, and song canaries.
   
   There are examples, very well photographed, of many of the type and color canaries.
   
   He is a real fan of song canaries, and gives interesting examples of the types of song, the breeds of song-canaries, and their potential.
   
   Just like the visual support for the color and type canaries goes beyond mere description, I would have loved to have a supplementary song-cd to go with the last chapter. It is inspiring, and than it leaves you off, wondering about this magical sound that he describes.
   
   Very cute, very nice, relaxing book; a journey into the world of canaries.



2. I recently expanded my bird collection to include two canaries and as I knew little about these pet birds, I purchased several books on the subject from Amazon. According to Barron's THE CANARY HANDBOOK which I have found the most useful of the four books I bought, there are three kinds of canaries: "type", "song" or "color". My birds (two bright yellow brothers) are supposed to be song canaries, but according to the breeder, the dominant one will do most of the singing. Apparently, girl canaries don't sing but not all boy canaries can carry a pleasant tune.

   Barron's handbook is filled with many up-close photos showing the many different kinds of canaries as well as various stages of development including breeding tips. In a charming chapter entitled 'Understanding the Canary' the handbook shares some history of the domesticated bird along with a little bit of information about canaries in the wild. The handbook says the canary has been domesticated for five centuries and breeding and marketing these birds via peddlers once formed the chief industry of the Harz region of German Black Forest.

   The handbook includes a section on `Feeding Canaries' and discusses "color" feeding. Beginning in 1870, cayenne pepper was mixed with canary seed to improve the red color of the Norwich and Yorkshire canaries. Later on, breeders and owners discovered sweet red peppers were more effective. The authors of this handbook suggest mixing canthaxanthin in egg yolk. This handbook includes many similar tips for helping your canary obtain the best food and care.

5 comments about How to Live with a Neurotic Cat.

1. Its light hearted, simple, and funny, thats it. Its pretty true, and the illustrations in it are a riot.
   Its a humor book, its not meant to be taken literally.



2. "How to Live With a Neurotic Cat," by Stephen Baker, Gramercy Books, NY, 1999. ISBN 0-517-20734-6. HC unnumbered pages (not counted) with 9 chapters has an Introduction & many Illustrations. 9 1/2" x 6 1/4".
   
   This prolific author gives an informed and knowledgeable accounting of feline behavior, undoubtedly from extensive experience as he effectively describes the collective and individual behavior demonstrated by our 4.5 cats (one comes early AM just to eat) & counts as 1/2). The illustrations by Jackie Geyser are superb and are as good as photographs.
   
   I've often considered all my cats demonstrated paranormal activity and behavior akin to pre-psychotic afflictions, all exhibiting variable degrees of autism and Mama Keikeiaeu demonstrating typical Asperger's syndrome, but with big-time class. Mighty Sebastian at 25# smashes on the steel doors when he wishes to come inside.
   
   I enjoyed Baker's calculating the degree of cats' boredom by their yawning gap: for years I naively ratiocinated it was true fatigue! Our cats, however, cherish prolonged brushings and do not object being bathed (wife does this); so obviously they have an inborn organic brain defect...I'll order each a CAT scan to make the diagnosis.
   
   The book has a serious flaw, to my mind -- the pages are not numbered and I downgraded it for that reason. Else, I love the book.



3. This book is ONLY a comic relief, there is nothing here that you can learn. The words "How to" in the title are misleading. I was mislead by great reviews here, so want to warn other potential buyers. I bought this book as a gift to my girlfriend because we got a cat and she has never had cats before, only dogs. I was hoping that she will learn something from it. She read the whole thing in about 20 minutes, smiled a couple of times and that's it. Even as a humorous book, it is very silly, repetitive and lacks in quality.



4. I've given several of these to friends with multiple cats. Hilarious! I flip through every now and then just to chuckle at the illustrations, which are definitely the highlight of the book.



5. This is a must-have for any cat owner,or someone who's cat owns them, great fun, and very funny!

No comments about Sos Dog: The Purebred Dog Hobby Re-examined.

5 comments about Get Connected with Your Dog. Emphasizing the Relationship While Training Your Dog.

1. While I haven't read the entire book yet, I have read parts of it and have also watched the DVD. I respectfully disagree with reviewer Swissy Mom; her review very nearly prevented me from purchasing the book. I'm glad it did not.
   
   Ms. Aloff is using a method of communication with which dogs are familiar by nature: body language and space. I did not get the impression at all that she was ignoring the dogs' reactions to her movements and behavior. In fact, she understands that, under certain circumstances, dogs are uncomfortable with being handled and unsure (to start with) about what is expected. But this is a part of learning new things. Many dogs react strongly to their first collar or head halter - this is not so different. Some discomfort is to be expected. Movements and handling were performed in a gentle and caring way. All of the dogs in the DVD relax noticeably and seem to begin to enjoy the process as their learning progresses.
   
   I have a smart and wonderful but difficult adolescent dog. As a result, I've done a great deal of reading about various training theories/methods in addition to participating with him in a number of courses. While I understand that space management is important when working with dogs, this is the first comprehensive guide I've found that uses this as a foundation for training, offering individual exercises and a step-by-step approach to each of them, including various key movements/behaviors in your dog that should influence your responses while you help him/her to understand what you want him/her to do. These are called out in the DVD as well. There are also modifiers for dogs who are timid or excitable.
   
   What is most encouraging to me about this approach is what Ms. Aloff describes as getting your dog to use his/her forebrain (thinking about what your communication means and how he should respond) rather than his/her hindbrain (reacting to what you are doing - whether that is offering a treat as a lure or giving an appropriate physical correction). Please note that I am not disparaging other training methods. It is simply useful to have a means of communication with dogs that they already understand on many levels. I'm hopeful this will enable me to teach my dog that he is capable of self-control and help us learn to read and understand each other better. I'll update this review when I have more information.
   
   The only minor negative thing I can say about this is that the DVD I received is a bit grainy. Perhaps that is just my copy, or even my old DVD player. But the content is an extremely helpful complement to the book.



2. Although some readers of the "pure positive/got-a-problem-put-a-cookie-in-it" bent may be offended, ( oh, boo-hoo) this book offers really good thinking and knowledge about dog training in the real world, and some wonderful explanations of why methods work.
   My wish was for better organization, as I found the proliferation of different fonts to be distracting and annoying, and the chapter organization lacking. Every paragraph seemed to have its own chapter heading in yet another frilly font. There are nuggets of gold in this book, but it takes some sifting to find them. I would love a second edition that is cleaned up in the editing department. Some really basic errors in spelling and syntax mar the read, and the case histories are too vague and not helpful. I suspect Ms. Aloff is a terrific trainer, and she has put a great deal of thought into why she does what she does and why it works. Its taking me twice as long to read it as I'd like because I have to keep skipping through irrelevant stuff like "How long have you been training dogs? and "What titles have you put on dogs?" in the client intake forms. I don't care. I want to know what problem the dog had and how you fixed it. A simple narrative style would be better, for me.
   I also found the photos less than helpful, and they take up a lot of space. One, which takes up most of a page is of a person wearing a cute saying on her tee shirt. I'd rather see a drawing, photo or diagram of how to hold a collar or how to face a dog.
   Still, its really good dog-thinking and pretty darn good writing and I will use it and refer to it often.



3. For the past 12,000 years of human history, domesticated dogs have been man's constant companion, helper, and occasional food source. Dogs come in an immensely diverse profusion of breeds, sizes, and dispositions. A professional dog trainer specializing in canine problem behavior, Brenda Aloff has produced "Get Connected With Your Dog: Emphasizing The Relationship While Training Your Dog" a book/dvd combination training manual that will teach dog owners how to use the subtle language of the body to direct (or redirect) their dog's movements; how to be both consistent and coherent in their interactions with their dogs; and how to identify, mark, reinforce those behaviors to be encouraged from those behaviors to be extinguished. The accompanying 90-minute DVD provides exercises and illustrative examples for building skill and confidence as a trainer. Enhanced with 286 black-and-white photos and an extensive \index, "Get Connected With Your Dog" is an ideal, step-by-step training manual for first-time dog owners as well as aspiring and aspiring dog trainers. A comprehensive, detailed, practical, experienced based, and thoroughly 'user friendly' manual from beginning to end, "Get Connected With Your Dog" is an especially recommended addition to personal, professional, veterinary school, and community library reference collections and supplemental reading lists.



4. In her book on Canine Body Language, Brenda Aloff showed handlers how dogs use exquisitely subtle body signals to communicate with one another. In her new book, Aloff offers handlers techniques to make their own body language a means of giving clear, consistent information to their dogs. Clear communication is the basis for developing relationship with your dog, Aloff says: "a communication loop becomes a relationship loop."
   
   Aloff's Get Connected protocols are based on respect for the dog's feelings and talents, and aim to help handlers of all levels of experience and ability earn their dogs' respect. Respect does not mean "dominance" or forced obedience. For Aloff it means that your opinion matters to your dog---that your dog feels comfortable with you (which Aloff says is less common than many handlers might think), and that your dog feels safe and is happy to be with you and to work with you. The protocols are intended to develop internal rather than external motivation in the dog, and to encourage "forebrain" (thinking) responses rather than "hindbrain" (reactive) reponses in both the dog and the handler.
   
   Aloff relies on her dogs to think and to problem-solve. It's not a matter of "believing" that dogs think, she says. She "absolutely" knows that her dogs think and have emotions and opinions. One of the greatest pleasures of the book and the DVD that comes with it is to see Aloff interacting with her own obviously happy and thinking dogs---especially Zasu, a little rocket of a smooth fox terrier with a mind of her own.
   
   Aloff has run into criticism from some trainers for not using "purely" positive methods. She discusses her training theories and her own training history in this book, her preference for clicker training, her refusal to use force-based methods, and the need that she's found in her practice to communicate with clients who need immediate help with their dogs and don't have the skills or the inclination to use clicker training. The book, which is almost 400 pages long, contains both theory and very detailed explanations of the protocols and exercises. The DVD shows the exercises in real time. Some readers have complained about the quality of Aloff's photographs, but to me they look like real life (or at least real life in a dog class) and are very helpful.
   
   Case histories show how the protocols have worked for both experienced and novice handlers and for dogs with varying degrees of reactvity. Wilson, a hound/Great Dane puppy, is seen on the DVD growing (literally and figuratively) before our eyes from a gangly and highly reactive puppy into a much calmer and smoother-working adolescent. What the DVD doesn't say but the case history does is that Wilson as a 12-week-old puppy bit his very experienced handler in the neck and that Aloff and the handler discussed euthanasia at that time. After much work with Aloff, the handler is now considering trying competition obedience training with Wilson. Another case history tells how a horribly reactive rescued border collie found a new, calmer relationship with his handler through long, determined, patient work with Aloff's protocols.
   
   For a handler like me, who has fallen over her own feet in dog class, and for a dog like mine, who from the age of eight weeks has been telling me "I'm so fast and you're so slow," and "I get it. I get it," exercises based on movement (as opposed to sit-stay protocols, which are absolutely and undoubtedly useful but drive me nuts)are a blessing. Aloff says that her intention is to expand the tools available to all handlers, so that the handler can help the dog "be the best he can be" and the dog can help the handler "develop her very best character." Positive training does both those things, and I'm very grateful to Brenda Aloff for her protocols and her teaching.



5. Get Connected with Your Dog. Emphasizing the Relationship While Training Your Dog
   
   I found this book to be a heartbreaking and disturbing read and view of the DVD. Far from connecting, Ms Aloff takes all she knows about dogs, their body language and space - and that's a considerable amount - and uses it against them. Throughout the book and disk she intrudes, hovers, manhandles and applies pressure to collars and necks in an attempt to control how and where a dog moves. Blatantly ignoring every sign given by the dogs, mostly puppies, and sometimes acknowledging but choosing to dismiss the signals the dogs are giving her ("I know he looks a little nervous right now, but he'll get used to it"), Ms. Aloff seems to defy her previous teachings of awareness and sensitivity in favor of a tight leash and a "relationship" based on the the human moving away only when the dog behaves - most healthy relationships would focus, one would think, on the arrival of a human being a positive event, not the opposite. "Petting" is only ceased when the dog stops moving, space is only ceded when the dog "behaves," and proximity to handler is consistently paired with what must surely be experienced as punishment, while reward becomes the lack of close dog/ human interaction. Based on what I've seen and read, Ms. Aloff has surely lost her way, and in the process has lost a fan.