No comments about Basic Training Workout 2008 Calendar.

5 comments about Side Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 10).

1. This series is a fantastic reference for anyone interested in the finer points of kicking, particularly for those of us whose exposure to this aspect of the martial arts has been somewhat limited. I have been doing this stuff since 1970, for example, yet have focused exclusively on styles that have very little emphasis on kicking applications (e.g., Goju Ryu karate, Kodokan judo, and Matayoshi kobudo). Goju Ryu, for instance, utilizes roughly 70% hand techniques. Don't get me wrong, I have a pretty mean mae geri (front kick) that can rock your world, but there are many other leg techniques utilized by other arts that I am simply not at all expert with--hatchet kicks, axe kicks, and crescent kicks, to name a few.
   
   This is why I was so excited to find Shawn Kovacich's comprehensive "Achieving Kicking Excellence" series. If you are familiar with Kris Wilder's outstanding tome, The Way of Sanchin Kata: The Application of Power, these books take a similarly in-depth yet approachable style. Each volume explores one type of kick in great detail, outlining some 50 or 60 technical points (depending on the type of kick), in an easy to understand and utilize manner. At first blush you might think that it would be tough to devote an entire volume to just one type of kick, yet each offering in this exceptional series runs more than 200 pages and is packed with meaningful information.
   
   No dojo darling, Kovacich really knows what he is talking about. A fourth-degree black belt in both karate and taekwondo, he has competed in full contact sparring tournaments (including the prestigious Sabaki Challenge) and is the world-record holder for both endurance- and high-kicking as certified by the Guinness Book of World Records. Kovacich has been teaching martial arts since 1985 and this knowledge, skill, and ability really shine through in his writing.
   
   The text is clear and comprehensive, yet written in everyday language that just about anyone can easily grasp. No matter how good the writing, however, this sort of topic needs wide-ranging illustrations to ensure thorough comprehension. Fortunately there are tons of them. Regrettably though, the pictures are quite dark and/or grainy in most places (my only real complaint about the series). Despite the fuzziness of the photo printing, however, the pictures themselves are first rate as are the corresponding illustrations. Most of the pictures not only have captions but also reference numbers that align with the text to assure further clarity. There are separate illustrations that show the appropriate foot position and base of support for each movement too. This layout method is really slick; I like it a lot. There is a pretty good index in the back that supplements the table of contents too, so you can easily refer back to anything you will want to re-read later on (and you'll almost certainly want to refer back to much of this information later on).
   
   While the front and back matter are virtually identical amongst the various volumes (such that each one can stand alone without the rest of the series), the core content is unique for each type of kick. This front and back matter (e.g., warm up and stretching) is a bit cursory too, though that is perfectly understandable given the primary focus of the books; truly nothing to be overly concerned with in my opinion. Each volume in the series is laid-out in an identical manner and includes the following topics:
   
   -- Basic anatomy of the kick
   -- Warm up and stretching
   -- Principles of the kicking movement (e.g., stability, balance, sequence of movements, speed, accuracy, targeting, visualization, etc.)
   -- Performing the primary kick (e.g., fighting position, knee raise, coil, impact, follow-through, recoil, knee drop, return to fighting position).
   -- Performing variations from the primary kick (e.g., step, switch, jump, spin, cross-over, etc.)
   -- Training and practice methods (e.g., skill, strength, speed, and power training)
   -- Trouble shooting the kick
   -- Kicking applications against an opponent
   -- Author's awards and accomplishments
   -- Recommended reading
   
   No matter how well written, you cannot learn martial arts solely from a book, of course, but this series is a fantastic supplement for hands-on instruction. It covers important nuances that are rarely described adequately by most sensei (or sifu, etc.). I have found that, in general, books can reach a level of clarity and comprehensiveness that is simply not achievable with DVDs as well. This series is no exception to that rule. Despite a bit of redundancy amongst the various volumes, the technical merits and detailed analysis of the kicks make these books a stellar resource for any serious martial artist. I'm proud to include all ten volumes in my library.
   
   Highly recommended!
   
   
   Lawrence Kane
   Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, Martial Arts Instruction, The Way to Black Belt, and The Way of Kata



2. Side Kick was another kick that I thought I knew pretty well. But I didn't like to use it because I was always hurting my foot. I couldn't figure out what was wrong because everything looks like it is supposed to. When I read Side Kick, volume #10 in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series by Shawn Kovacich, I learned that I was using the wrong area of my foot to strike my opponent. I was using the entire side or knife edge of my foot to strike my opponent, rather than just the outside edge of my heel.
   
   That made sense to me, so I tried it the next class I had. Not surprisingly, I performed the kick a lot more efficiently and was hitting the kicking bags harder without the pain that I was used to experience in my foot and ankle. There were a whole lot more things that I learned as well, but since this is my last review for this series of books, I wanted to point out some of the great things that are relevant to each kick that are included in each book. Remember that each section in each book directly relates to that particular kick.
   
   1. Outstanding detail and approach to the principles behind the correct execution of each kick.
   
   2. The mind blowing amount of detail that is included in each book is staggering.
   
   3. The format of the each book is the same and very easy to follow.
   
   4. The "Troubleshooting" section was very informative and answered a lot of questions.
   
   5. The breakdown of each kick to its simplest level in order to enhance the learning process.
   
   6. The "Notes" sections that are found throughout the each book are little gems of wisdom in and of themselves.
   
   7. The additional sections on how to improve your kicking skills.
   
   8. The "Applications" section, although brief is very informative and wets the appetite for the next set of books in the series.
   
   9. The author's technical expertise is without question and the thought and care that he put into his books shines through in every way.
   
   10. Finally, the author's style of teaching is very easy to understand and comprehend.
   
   In closing I would like to highly recommend to everyone that reads my reviews on the books in this series to buy a complete set and see for yourself just how fantastic these books really are. You won't regret it!



3. Achieving Kicking Excellence
   
   If you are a novice martial artist, a kick-box exercise video nut, or someone who wants to advance their knowledge of martial art kicks, this book looks as if it would be very helpful.
   
   The series of books is organized by type of kick: back, wheel, axe, crescent, reverse crescent, front, hook, hatchet, roundhouse, side kick. Ten books in all.
   
   The volumes are absolutely loaded with pictures of not only kick technique but also of helpful strength-with-weight exercises, especially gym exercises with machines like the hack squat and leg press sled and of course the all-important lunge. So you get not only a discussion of how-to, but of what exercises can improve overall performance by gaining muscle strength. There are pictures with overlays of angles and axes, giving you an idea of proper form, though there is no substitute for a sensei giving you real-time feedback, of course. So these books are a good adjunct to martial arts class in the dojo; something to read and then take to practice and work on with real-time help.
   
   There is a section on sparring--right and wrong. There is a suggested reading list in the back. A very complete series.
   
   The only thing these volumes suffer from is slightly dark and low contrast black and white photograph reproduction due to pictures being on paper stock and not glazed plate stock, in order to keep costs reasonable for publishing. And the cover photo is wonderful but the graphic design (showing the title being shattered by the someone doing the title kick) was a GREAT concept but you can't read the title on the front cover (because it's being kicked to bits!) This is annoying; you have to read the spine to see which kick the book is about. If this bugs you, it's easily fixed: get some stickers or a Sharpie and mark the front cover with something like SIDE KICK VOL 10 or whatever works for you.
   
   Author Kovacich is a black belt in both Karate and Tae Kwon Do (which of course is one of the martial arts for which the kick is the premier technique.)



4. Shawn Kovacich's next book in the "Achieving Kicking Excellence" is on the side kick. Kovacich is outstanding at explaining precise detail on the method of his kick, which is the more traditional and probably the most taught way of executing this kick. He again writes about what muscles accomplish what, base and support, and how to turn, and most importantly, placements of the legs, knee, feet, at certain stages.
   
   While Shawn's method of performing this kick is a time honored method and works well for many people, I was disappointed, like in his hook kick series, that he did not mention the "Wallace method." Bill Wallace's method, of which Shawn is or should be familiar, is also a battle tested kick and has some advantages over the traditional method (and one may argue there are some disadvantages as well, but I would have liked to see that debate). I think he should have shown both method's or explain why he choose to disregard the Wallace method. Shawn's method takes the added step of coiling the knee at the waist level before swinging up at the midway peak. In the Wallace method, the midway peak is the coil position and therefore, a step is eliminated (and in my opinion, this is generally a benefit).
   
   Some may have suggested that I didn't fault Shawn for not dealing with Wallace's roundhouse kick in that book, since for Wallace, the side, hook, and roundhouse work off the same principle. While the Wallace roundhouse is slightly different, for sport or combat, that kick, unlike the side or hook, does not really need a Wallce method; unless, of course, one likes practicing the triple kick combination, but fo rsport or self defense, that is a poor combination. Both versions of the side kick have adavntages and disadvantages and in such an otherwise excellent book, I think Shanw should have mentioned it, since after all, it is not some unknown method; however, one does get a glimpse of this method photo wise on 164-165.
   
   Besides that criticism, I find his series to be outstanding and I still highly recommend this resource. I spent more time on the criticism, because his book and the rest of the series are really spectacular books and my criticisms have been scant. I think this book on its own still fairs extremely well and is a nice collection to any martial arts library. The photos in Black and White, while lacking a photo-finish quality, do show a quality of martial technique superiority.
   
   His trouble shooting guide is great.



5. Like all the titles in Shawn Kovacich's Achieving Kicking Excellence series, book 10 Side Kick is a comprehensive study of one of the important kicks used in modern martial arts today. The book is incredibly thorough with numerous photos demonstrating the every aspect of the kick in minute detail. Mr. Kovacich knows his stuff and it is obvious that he has spent many hours honing his technique. The book provides an in-depth study of the bones, muscles and mechanics involved in the kicking technique.
   
   In addition, the book contains a wealth of supplemental information on strength, speed and power generating exercises to enhance the technique. There is also a section on stretching as well as the application of the technique.
   
   This book is ideal for any martial artist who wishes to perfect their side kicking ability. The beginner will find a wealth of information to assist in developing proper mechanics while the advanced practitioner will glean some vital knowledge from an accomplished teacher.
   
   Be sure to check out the other books in this series. You are sure to find one that addresses the specific kick that you need work on.
   
   Aaron Hoopes
   author of Zen Yoga: A Path to Enlightenment through Breathing, Movement and Meditation

5 comments about Cats for Dummies.

1. I'm not a cat lover - I just love our cats. We went to the shelter to pick up one (selected a female kitten), and upon noticing a "two-for-one" weekend, decided to get a second (male kitten - turned out to be the more affectionate and venturesome one). That was an incredibly correct major act - the two keep each other entertained far better than my wife and/or I could. "Cats for Dummies" also recommends having two cats, but buried in the middle of the book it doesn't communicate the importance of this decision.
   
   As for toys, "Cats for Dummies" is absolutely right - their favorite toys are the plastic rings from milk bottles and baby food jars; further, they never tire of a new set of rabbit-fur-covered brightly colored "mice."
   
   However, early in our indoor cats' lives it became apparent that they were getting a bit bored, looking more than a bit longingly outside, and wanting to climb the $600 drapes. So, under the guise of "enrichment," we let them out. It took awhile, but now it is by far their favorite activity, and they no longer threaten the drapes, etc. However, one has to be very careful - a hawk and three coyotes have taken an interest in our house (and cats), so we have to be on the look-out and spend much time outside with them. Getting them back in, of course, is a bit of a challenge - this is impossible with less than an hour outside, and only accomplished (with some difficulty) after that by immediately feeding them baby food. Night-time outside play is an absolute no-no! (None of this good information is in "Cats for Dummies.")
   
   Finally, while both cats love tree-climbing, neither knows that the best way to come down is tail-first. This has led to a few crashes - anyone know how to teach them this? And as for "wildness," the neighbor's Bengal cat is beyond belief - much more athletic and adventuresome than regular cats (contrary to what "Cats for Dummies" seems to say) - unfortunately, the coyotes got it.



2. Item was in good condition with a crease in the cover that was not noted in its description. Otherwise, the book was great.



3. This is a valuable source of information for first time cat owners as well as long time lovers of the furry ones! We knew practically nothing about caring for kitties and now feel that we are enlightened and well informed.



4. I've gone from zero knowledge about cats to a wealth of information in a matter of hours. It's given me the confidence to be a first time cat owner soon. Highly recommended.



5. This book is actually for both advanced and beginners. New ideas and has pictures to illustrate those ideas. Would recommend.

5 comments about Front Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 6).

1. Volume 6, "Front Kick" in Kovacich's "Achieving Kicking Excellence" series, like the previous five books, covers the kick very thoroughly. Shawn if anything, is consistent, which aids this series. Format is the same throughout all books so far, which aids the instructor or the student, making information more quickly accessible. The reader knows what to expect, details about muscle groups, target areas, and proper technique are standard. This book serves its purpose well.



2. This is Volume Six of ten books devoted to mastering kicks. Shawn Kovacich devotes this book to the Front Kick. This review examines Shawn's book from a practical stand point--how well does this book enable me to learn the front kick?
   I'm 50, 6'3" tall and 220 pounds, but I'm not an athlete--just healthy. I cannot perform the back kick higher than my own waist right now--I'll need to improve my flexibility. It isn't too much of a handicap for self defense--or active military service--but for those of you involved in karate matches, you need the high kicks for the match-winning points.
   My two favorite kicks are the side kick and the front kick. I find them to be the most useful in real-world personal combat, though Shawn's book on the back kick did raise my appreciation for the back kick. The front kick is like a boxer's jab punch--quick in and out. A series of front kicks can be delivered rapidly with just one leg, or a flurry of front kicks from alternate legs can be delivered. The striking surface is the ball of the foot and targets are precision spots such as the face, neck, kidneys, solar plexus, arm pit, groin, knee, and nerve bundles on the thighs. Shawn lists a variety of targets much longer than my list--and has a useful target area diagram on page 29. The front kick must be precise, and because the front kick is less powerful than other kicks, you must kick THROUGH the target to deliver maximum punch.
   I have training prejudices: I like to employ mirrors, a video camera or two, a minimum of one sparring partner, and at least one referee when I train. Multiple sparring partners are to keep me from getting stuck kicking at the same height each time, and because in the real world, my problems usually come in bunches. Often, I must train alone or not train at all, so I have to limit my training intensity for safety. A second set of eyes can help spot flaws--and prevent injuries. It is very hard to dial 911 when one's back is thrown out. These kicking techniques can injure the practitioner if done incorrectly. I like both mirrors and video because when I initially practice, I can watch myself in the mirror. For realistic practice, I need to concentrate on technique and the target instead of watching my own reflection--instant video playback aids me in spotting what happened. I can even figure out if my kick was in the right place or not! Shawn wrote about the "crawl, walk, and run" phases of training and the basic and advanced kicking techniques are covered in detail. Exact detail. Train at your own risk. I perform a risk reduction prior to training--assess the risk level and employ risk reduction techniques to make training safe. Remember that training is synthetic reality, intended to be less expensive than gaining real-world experience.
   I think that "Achieving Kicking Excellence: Front Kick" is well organized. There are ten chapters. The introduction defines the kick and advises how to use the book. Chapter One is kick anatomy: bones and muscles. Chapter Two recommends warm up and stretching exercises. Chapter Three is Basic Principles: striking surface, target areas, and 11 other key points. Clear graphics left me with little doubt about what part of the foot to apply and where to hit my opponent. Chapter Four covered the primary kick technique. Again, the graphics are very clear. They include "dance step diagrams" showing where the feet go--footwork is critical to effective kicking. The photos have numbered labels stressing correct positioning of each part of the body. Chapter Five is variations of the primary technique. Chapter Six covers training and practice techniques to achieve skill, strength, speed, and power. Chapter Seven is a trouble-shooting guide. Chapter Eight is applications: how to use this in competition or combat. Chapter Nine is Shawn's awards and accomplishments. Chapter Ten previews the next volume in the series. There are a table of contents, a recommended reading list, and an index.
   This is an excellent study guide. I can train some now, on my own, and when I find training partners (sparring partners and a referee) I might even get proficient!



3. Achieving Kicking Excellence
   
   If you are a novice martial artist, a kick-box exercise video nut, or someone who wants to advance their knowledge of martial art kicks, this book looks as if it would be very helpful.
   
   The series of books is organized by type of kick: back, wheel, axe, crescent, reverse crescent, front, hook, hatchet, roundhouse, side kick. Ten books in all.
   
   The volumes are absolutely loaded with pictures of not only kick technique but also of helpful strength-with-weight exercises, especially gym exercises with machines like the hack squat and leg press sled and of course the all-important lunge. So you get not only a discussion of how-to, but of what exercises can improve overall performance by gaining muscle strength. There are pictures with overlays of angles and axes, giving you an idea of proper form, though there is no substitute for a sensei giving you real-time feedback, of course. So these books are a good adjunct to martial arts class in the dojo; something to read and then take to practice and work on with real-time help.
   
   There is a section on sparring--right and wrong. There is a suggested reading list in the back. A very complete series.
   
   The only thing these volumes suffer from is slightly dark and low contrast black and white photograph reproduction due to pictures being on paper stock and not glazed plate stock, in order to keep costs reasonable for publishing. And the cover photo is wonderful but the graphic design (showing the title being shattered by the someone doing the title kick) was a GREAT concept but you can't read the title on the front cover (because it's being kicked to bits!) This is annoying; you have to read the spine to see which kick the book is about. If this bugs you, it's easily fixed: get some stickers or a Sharpie and mark the front cover with something like SIDE KICK VOL 10 or whatever works for you.
   
   Author Kovacich is a black belt in both Karate and Tae Kwon Do (which of course is one of the martial arts for which the kick is the premier technique.)



4. I just finished reading Shawn Kovacich's book Frontkick. I found it to be very complete and detailed, as were the other two books that I have read in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series. I will not go into the front and back matter as I have already covered this material in my other reviews. Much of it repeats as things such as stretching, strength training, speed training, and the like apply to each of the different kicks equally. These specific parts of your training are covered in detail and are a very useful part of this book.
   
   I found that I especially liked the "notes" which are found throughout the book. Shawn's notes are filled with useful and interesting information. Both the kicking applications and the trouble shooting guide were also excellent. I find it refreshing for a martial arts author to be willing to show photos of himself making mistakes in order to point out what you should not do, instead of just showing you how your kick should look. I personally find this teaching technique very helpful.
   
   Obviously Shawn Kovacich knows what he is talking about when it comes to the art of kicking. I highly recommend this book to any martial artist, beginner or experienced, who is interested in improving his or her kicking skills. This book is technically complete and well written, and is a great addition to any martial arts library. My copy is now highlighted, pointing out tips and information that I want to go back and quickly reference. If you are looking for a great book to improve your front kick, this is it!



5. Like all the titles in Shawn Kovacich's Achieving Kicking Excellence series, book 6 Front Kick is a comprehensive study of one of the important kicks used in modern martial arts today. The book is incredibly thorough with numerous photos demonstrating the every aspect of the kick in minute detail. Mr. Kovacich knows his stuff and it is obvious that he has spent many hours honing his technique. The book provides an in-depth study of the bones, muscles and mechanics involved in the kicking technique.
   
   In addition, the book contains a wealth of supplemental information on strength, speed and power generating exercises to enhance the technique. There is also a section on stretching as well as the application of the technique.
   
   This book is ideal for any martial artist who wishes to perfect their front kicking ability. The beginner will find a wealth of information to assist in developing proper mechanics while the advanced practitioner will glean some vital knowledge from an accomplished teacher.
   
   Be sure to check out the other books in this series. You are sure to find one that addresses the specific kick that you need work on.
   
   Aaron Hoopes
   author of Zen Yoga: A Path to Enlightenment through Breathing, Movement and Meditation

4 comments about Ray Berwick's Complete Guide to Training Your Cat.

1. Mr. Berwick offers sound practical solutions for training cats and humane effective methods for correcting undesirable behavior. His observations on cat behavior are right on target. You can train your cat to be a wonderful companion without getting into a "war of wills".



2. I have trained my cats according to ray berwick's book since I got them in 1987. They are exremely well behaved. They NEVER beg for food. They use the toilet and flush. They come when called by name. They have never ever scratched me on purpose. They have not once scratched the furniture. People are amazed that the cats understand me when I give them commands. It's all because of Ray Berwick's book. I am so sorry it's out of print. I have two old copies that I've been lending to people for years. This movie aninimal trainer really knows his stuff.



3. In his book, Ray Berwick provides a comprehensive cook book approach to training cats along with very helpful photographs that show you how its done. In it you'll see how easy it actually is to train your cat to not only come when you call but to also "stay", "sit", "speak", "beg", "give paw" and much more.

   The myth that cats are too independent to obey is quickly dispelled when you see how easily your cat responds to your commands while you both have fun together. Cats learn fast when you speak their language and as an animal trainer for Universal Studios who trained many cats, Berwick knows cat speak!

   Following his formula, many owners will find as I did with mine that their cats are able to learn some of the simpler tricks like "come", "stay" and "sit" in as little as one five minute training session!

   More advanced things such as leash training, toilet training (on a human toilet) and learning to be hearing for the deaf will take time but they are also covered in detail in the book. It is a soup to nuts guide with everything you'll need to transform your cat into everthing from the most well behaved cat in the neighborhood to VIP kitty!




4. This is a review for the soft cover book with the blue front that has a photo of ray Berwick holding a couple cats.
   
   The movie animal trainer Ray Berwick shares some of his animal training secrets and they really are good ones to know. He takes advantage of a cat's instinctive understanding of certain body language to allow you to communicate with your cat in subtle ways that make everybody's life much easier.
   
   I got this book in the late 80's and followed its instructions for the life of my cats. They have never scratched my furniture, never scratched or hissed or bit anybody. They have used the toilet and flushed for years, come when called, never beg for food, never even THINK of jumping up on kitchen counters and know a bunch of cute tricks.
   
   This was the best book on cat training I have ever seen. It is a wonder that it isn't in its 20th printing and flying off the shelves to this day. There is nothing out of date in the book.
   
   This is a must-have book for all cat owners.

3 comments about The Body Language and Emotion of Cats.

1. If you're looking for a fun book about cat communication be sure to pass this one by. It's long on physiology - for example, a detailed explanation about how purring is produced - but very short on psychology: There's little discussion of what causes a cat to purr.

   The author takes a completely clinical approach to her subject matter. For her cat ownership is obviously a very serious business, fraught with difficulties. She addresses only "problem" behavior - as if cats' actions and antics couldn't also be curiously delightful and funny. She perceives bonding with cats as an obstacle for humans, worthy of an entire instructional chapter.

   Somehow I thought that a book with this title would have rich insights into all kinds of cat behavior. I expected some humor; maybe a little anthropomorphizing; and the kind of warmth I feel from the three sweet little furballs now dozing on my lap. No such luck. It has all the charm of an autopsy.




2. Being a cat owner myself, when I found this book I was curious enough for an impulse buy. Once I started reading it however, I found it hard to put down. The detail and explanations of daily behaviors that I saw in my own cats cleared up many questions. Forgive the pun, but my curiosity far from killed my cats, if anything it has brought us closer together. I highly recomend this book to any cat owner who wants to better understand their cat!



3. This was a real eye-opener for me. It was amazing to read of the complex range of behaviours and emotions you can spot simply from looking at a cat. Barry, my spaniel, and I often watch Maureen, next door's Persian as she walks across the wall at the end of my garden. We have detected disdain as she walks away from us with her tail in the air and back-eye winking, and smug pity as she eyes Barry's vain yapping from behind the French windows, but I am intrigued to learn that cats can feel pessimistic and have a rudimentary concept of the bourgeoisie and slapstick humour.

2 comments about Understanding Your Cat: Revised and Updated.

1. If you have a cat, especially a siamese or purebred one, you need this book. Some people own a cat for years and still don't know the first thing about them or how to properly take care of them. This book gives you a luminous insight into their super-selfish but predictable behavior, such as why they seem to turn around and try to get back in a door when you let them out. The many photos are great too, as is the history of where our domestic cats come from. All in all, "America's best known animal psychologist" is not an understatement. Dr. Michael Fox rocks!



2. Understanding Your Cat sets an expectation for deeper insights into feline behavior. In fact, what little commentary there is on cat behavior is superficial and obvious to the long-time-cat-owner. Dr Fox spends too much time analyzing feline evolution and contrasting feline, canine, and primate behavior and not enough time on cats themselves. Finally, the black and white photographs which comprise the core of the behavior section did not reproduce well and are dificult to see. I could only recommend this book to non-cat-owners.

5 comments about 50 Ways to Train Your Cat.

1. This book seemed like most Computer books I read. Define the problem and then a procedural step by step list of how to "solve" the problem. It just seems cold, calulating and impersonal. This may work with computers, but not with something living. The book just lists the steps, and if your cat doesn't follow the steps listed, oh well.
   
   The author also seems to be streaching to reach the 50 training tips mentioned in the title as most seemed to come natural to my cats or were common sense to me.



2. I found it lacking in detail, basically describing one way (positive reinforcement) used in 50 different applications. Much of the advice simply isn't practical.



3. This book relies heavily on squirting cats with water, which is not a positive reinforcement. Also, the steps do not address problem cats that don't want to cooperate. For instance, the section on nail-clipping tells you how to clip a cat's nails, but does not address how to get a cat to accept nail clipping without fussing.



4. Caution: One trick in this book is physically dangerous to your cat. Our vet said it is dangerous for a cat to stand-up on their back legs. Their hind legs can not support this activity. You will injure your cat. Please stop this trick. There are many, many other tricks cats can learn & not hurt themselves over time. PS Dog's hind legs can support standing-up - just not cats legs.



5. this book was very informative. My cats were receptive to the training

1 comments about Cruising With Your Four-Footed Friends: The Basics of Travel with Your Cat or Dog.

1. This book is a rare resource for those wanting to know more about the concerns and rewards of having a pet aboard. I found the information contained in this book very useful, especially the hints about port entry requirements for those with a pet. Anyone considering life on the water with their furry friends will appreciate this as a solid reference book.

5 comments about Litter Boxes Aren't Just for Cats: A Guide on How to Successfully Litter Box Train Your Puppy or Small Breed Dog.

1. This book is too vague; not enough detail. I knew most of what she wrote about just by using common sense;I was hoping for more information. Don't waste your money. Her method does not work as quickly as she states in the book either.



2. I'm not too sure what the previous comments are talking about, but I purchased this book to train my 3yr old Yorkie and thought it was great! My yorky has been trained to go outside and do to the recent cold weather I decided to try litter box training. There is some information on the web, but this is the only book I could find that went into greater detail. I found it went into much more detail, especially on problem solving. It also explained the process much better than any websites had. My yorkie was used to going outside so it took about a month to re-train her to use the litter box, but it was well worth it. I really recomend this book to anyone curious or interested in Litter Box training their small dog!



3. I thought the price was a little high, but the book is not bad. My Bichon is partially litter trained. I'm still working on it. I did notice a few spelling and grammatical errors. I can overlook that because the method is pretty good.



4. The title is misleading. The description of this book was sadly lacking in information. There really wasn't any direction on how to train a small breed, adult dog. I sent it back. It may have done a splendid job helpiing train pups, but there was hardly any mention of how to go about retraining an adult. I needed to look at the book before buying it, but was unable to find it in a local bookstore. The current discription needs to be updated to reflect what information is covered.



5. Don't be afraid to use this method. I followed this book and 3 weeks later my puppy is almost completely litter box trained!!! I wish I had done this with my last dog. I makes life so much easier!