5 comments about From Problems to Profits: The Madson Management System for Pet Grooming Businesses.

1. This book was purchased for me to help set up a business plan for self-serve dog wash with employees. I was not impressed with some of the ideas that were mentioned in the book regarding the design and style of cards to send to the customers to encourage continued business. Overall, this book was helpful and it sparked my own ideas.



2. So far what I have read has been very helpful in starting my business. There are many ideas and helpful forms to help you along. Also, it is easy reading and you can highlite the pages.



3. Its a must have book if you are planning to open a grooming business, or if you already do, its good to read it.



4. This book is a great reference for a dog grooming business. It discusses how and when to hire, how to run your business efficiently, how to run the salon as a business so you can make money. I keep on going back to this book for information as my business grows. A must have for every dog grooming shop owner.



5. The single most comprehensive and informative factual guide for pet grooming business management, and tuning into effective business growth. No other books even exist that address so completely how to adapt your grooming business in any market and make that business grow to its fullest potential. This book is a MUST have for those groomers who aren't business minded, and for those who are as well, as there are so many strategic and yet simplified ideas in this book.

5 comments about Secrets of the Spas: Pamper and Vitalize Yourself at Home (Life's Little Luxuries).

1. This book is the perfect gift for girlfriends. It's organized really well and has many creative recipes and tips for skin and haircare. We've entertained the idea of having a "spa party" and using this book as a guide.
   
   My only nit is that many of the ingredients are difficult to find, unless - of course - you have your own herb garden or a Whole Foods nearby. However, some of the recipes are simple and really work. Ideas range from the very easy - beating an egg white and using it as a face mask; to the more complex - mixing several oils, pulverizing herbs and refridgerating the mixture before using... Who has time for that - really?



2. This is a very good book if you enjoy pampering yourself and your body. You only have one; so take good care of it! The book has some great ideas and gives you an "in" to some very exciting secrets. This book is a real great source of ways to nourish your body. It will also make a great gift for anyone else that shares your passion.



3. This book is so inspiring if you are a sucker for the spa and want to capture a bit of that sensation at home. Nothing replaces the soothing and relaxing effect of the spa that you can only get while being pampered by someone else. But if you're like me mixing up a few of these pure elixirs at home is sure to be an ideal replacement. Most likely you already have the ingredients at home so just whip up a nice lavender salt scrub and enjoy pampering yourself. A few ingredients that come in handy for a nice body scrub are, rock salt (easy to find at the grocery store), olive oil, lavender oil extract or dried rosemary. There's much more too. for instance, masks, wraps and spa foods. Enjoy!



4. I just recieved this book in the mail yesterday.I flipped through it and am already excited to begin using the recipes. Just reading it has made me feel tranquil and calm. ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!!!!!!



5. Hi, I bought this book a few months back its perfect. When I first had it I was happy with it and pleased. YOU have to buy this book its very nice. I did not try a lot of recipes yet but a few you will be in awe. Even if you want to give a beauty gift the recipes make it possible.

5 comments about The Stone Guide to Dog Grooming for All Breeds.

1. I already had checked this book at library and was looking for a good price. This book has good info and helps new groomers become familar with breeds and specific grooming for each one.



2. I definatly enjoy this book, I would love to someday become a dog groomer, so this book is very handy in that respect!
   
   I would recommend this to anyone!



3. A pretty good book for beginning pet stylists. The book should be updated with the current patterns and care changes for some breeds. Always nice to have as much learning material on hand as possible, so for that I would recommend that you give it a try.



4. I didn't think that this book was very helpful at all. All the pictures in it are black and white and VERY basic. Their are ALOT better grooming books that you could buy.



5. This is a very informative book for dog groomers. The book was in great condition.

5 comments about How to Cut Your Own Hair (Or Anyone Else's!): 15 haircuts with variations.

1. I got this book hoping to learn some tips on cutting my husband and child's hair. The book's layout is not so good with illustrations going in two different directions, gets a little distracting. The spiral bound is helpful as you can set the book up to read while cutting. This book is mainly for what it's title reads " How to Cut Your Own Hair" but I was hoping the "Anyone Eles's" would be more detailed as well. I was hoping to learn more about male child haircuts (which only had one) and the proper way to fade a buzzcut which was not covered. The simple tips for using styling tools were also not so great. So basically, just not what I personally was looking for but I do recommend this book to females looking to cut thier own hair as they will get more use of this book than others.



2. Really good for those who have never cut hair before. The 15 haircuts include men's, women's and boy/girl cuts, not so much different styles. There are some easy solutions if you're not super picky about hair. Just make sure you don't cut it too short to begin with, so you have room for corrections.



3. I had high expectations for this book as I wanted a self help remedy to repair the last few bad haircuts that were overpriced for the finished look. This book attempts to cover several areas in a glossed over fashion, with minimal benefit. The layout is cute for a teenager which is probably their target audience. As an example, they suggest putting your hair in a rubber band on top of your head and cutting it across-well, to be honest when I was 14 yrs. old and wanted a shag styled haircut, I did exactly that. While okay to do then, now that I'm a few decades older, I desire a "real" haircut. You know the type where your hair is sectioned off and the sides actually match. There is a brief example showing how to this, but not enough detail or style selection for my tastes.



4. I am very particular about my hair cuts, in all my life (late 30's) I've only been truly happy w/2 of my hair dressers. Both of those were Vidal Sassoon trained. Even though I'm particular about hair cuts, I don't like to spend time styling my hair, it bores me and makes my arms hurt to hold them up so long! So since I moved to a small city where I don't know who to go to and have already had three hair cuts I didn't love and since money is tight I decided to try the methods in this book and all I can say is I'm happy. I have fine thin, very long hair in layers and wispy bangs. Just long feminine hair with layers for fullness and I was able to achieve that effect with the very simple twist and cut methods in this book. I bought the cutting shears at TJ Maxx for $10 and the other stuff at Target and I was set. I could have done without the book but the very good illustrations and explanations gave me confidence. I think my hair looks fine and my husband liked it too. It's not as well done as when I went to my sassoon trained stylist but since she's far away now, and I never liked her manner anyway, this will do for me. I like feeling self sufficient and the book paid for itself already.



5. Luckily I went to the library to rent this before I bought it. TUrns out they give you the option of a. cutting your hair at one length or b. cutting layers that are gunna make it looks like its at one length.
   
   The ideas they give you in the book is basically common sense, nothing I would have thought o fmyself. Oh yeah, and the one chapter is about how you should put your hair in a ponytail and just cut it.. WHO DOES THAT?!

5 comments about All 87 Breed Dog Grooming for the Beginner.

1. I'm glad I bought this book. It is a hand reference to keep on hand for a groomer-in-training.



2. This book gets you thru bathing and drying and basic coat care, but not so much on actual styling, clipping and scissoring for true professional pet groomers and stylists. In my opinion, it would be good for grooming apprentices and bather/brushers or pet owners.



3. I ordered this book for a friend that has started working at a dog grooming shop. She found that it is very informative.



4. Having three dogs that must be groomed often, I had to learn how to do this at home. Occasionaly I would pull out the sissors and try to groom between a professional groom. It is a little daunting not knowing how to groom with out a step by step guide. This book does this.
   
   
   This book also gives you a good idea on the tools you need along with many cuts to choose from. I was especially happy that the clipper sizes were there and how to use them.
   
   Another book to purchase that also has many tips on "how to" is The Everything Dog Grooming Book.



5. I don't think the instructions were detailed enough. I have cocker spaniels and even the pictues don't show how to trim the back of the head or under the chin

5 comments about The Winning Edge: Show Ring Secrets (Howell reference books).

1. First of all I'd like to point out that in the introduction of this book it says exactly who it is aimed at: the owner-handler who already knows the basics of showing and wants to beat the pros.
   
   I think that makes it fairly obvious that you will not be getting neophyte-level instruction and at the same time you will be getting a pro's perspective.
   
   With that said I could not put this book down. It's the second one I've purchased (get Peter Green's "New Secrets of Successful Dog Showing" for a great entry-level book) and I have already gained innumerable tips and insight that I will be putting to immediate use. What I found most refreshing was the perspective that the owner-handler is actually at an ADVANTAGE over the pro because 1) he probably only has one dog to focus on and 2) all things being equal the pro is going to be held to a higher standard of performance in the ring. Makes sense to me!
   
   I won't go into every detail of the book but I do have to say that what I appreciated the most was the admonishment to treat your dog as though they are a fine piece of art in the ring. Every touch, every motion on your part should give the impression that you are displaying a priceless Ming vase. So many times I've seen frustrated handlers (let's be honest here--I've BEEN one!) whose handling belays their frustration...particularly if the dog is getting wiggy in the ring. I am going to work on that illusion....that I am presenting a priceless china cup to the judge and they should feel honored to be allowed to handle it. My dog deserves that high respect regardless of whether or not he's the best specimen in the ring that day!
   
   There is a lot of info on campaigning in the Specials that I probably won't use, however I still mined it for jewels.



2. A friend of mine loaned me this book to read. The first thing you must know before you get this book is that unless you've been in the ring at least once, you won't understand a single word of what Alston says.
   
   Alston reveals many showring "secrets" (like sucking on a mint if you're nervous so your dog won't smell the adrenaline in your breath and get nervous himself), and there are a lot of interesting stories and good tips throughout the book.
   
   The one problem of this book is his utter contempt for owner-handlers. He seems to think that they don't know one end of the dog from the other, and that all they do is complain when they don't win and gripe about the politics, while the professional handler is the expert in all situations and never complains about the politics (which is untrue: I know this lady who is a professional handler AND a judge, and she is always complaining about the politics in the ring).
   
   If you seek a book that teaches you how to stack, bait, gait, etc. correctly, then this is not the book for you: Caroline Coile's Show Me! will fit your needs.



3. This book is well written and has provided extensive important information to those of us that will be in the show ring. It was amazing to me to discover all the things I thought were correct only to discover they were not. Turns out I was my dogs biggest handicap!! I am grateful for this book and the knowledge I've recieved as a result.



4. This book was recommended by Pincie Creek Aussies for its info on the right "frame of mind" to win.



5. This is a great book for the owner handler. Yes, George tells it like he sees it and from what I have experienced as an owner/handler...he is spot on! Some may not appreciate his frank approach, but couldn't put the book down. Lots of practical information that helps the handler to focus on the important things and present your dog in the best possible view. The only thing better than the book will be attending one of his seminars, which I will do in the next month.

5 comments about Dog Grooming For Dummies.

1. I am teaching myself to groom dogs and find this book to be the biggest help available!



2. Good book as far as teaching the fundamentals and explaining why things are done the way they are. It just didn't help me as much as I expected because it lacks details on grooming specific breeds.



3. Delivery was prompt. Book was more worn than expected but still good. I would buy from this seller again.



4. Prior to now, I've always had dogs that required only an occasional bath and a brush, but I have a new little one that requires serious maintenance. She's TERRIFIED of anyone else (long story), so I wanted to learn how to groom her at home with less stress for us both. This book has helped us work through some issues -- we're still not perfect, but it's a practical book with real information and helpful tips to give ME the courage to get out those shears and that shampoo and get busy. I recommend it for beginners.Dog Grooming For Dummies (For Dummies (Pets))



5. Fabulous experience. Book as described. Prompt delivery! Would gladly do business with this seller. Further, the book is well written, has very inciteful and common sense approach to dog grooming; and when appropriate uses humor. Highly recommend Seller and Book.

5 comments about Poodle Clipping and Grooming: The International Reference (Howell Reference Books).

1. Having purchased my first poodle this book was recommended to me by many poodle breeders. The book is AMAZING! Covers any and all needs for grooming from standard pet care to fancy show grooming.
   
   A MUST HAVE for all poodle owners.



2. Even if you are not planning on doing your own grooming, this book is a greqat reference tool. I originally bought this book over 20 years ago & at the time I was grooming my own standard poodle. After my poodle passed & a couple of moves, I lost it. Several years later, I am once again the proud owner of a standard poodle. I no longer do my own grooming but knew that this book has so much information on coat care, styles, etc so I purchased it again. This version is even better than I remembered.



3. If it is by Shirlee Kalstone- you should have it. This book is by far the best guide anyone can have for grooming of Poodles. Excellent.



4. A very informative, detailed and very interesting reference book with great pictures I can't wait to finish it and put what I read into practice. As I have just finished a long distance grooming course I find that it is helping me increase my knowledge about grooming the three types of poodles.



5. !! a joy to read--(and to re-read after you are practicing your skills--at all levels!) A beautiful book on every level; so intelligently and interestingly written! A must-have for every Poodle owner--the book is a fixture on all groomers' shelves, I have been told.

5 comments about Everything Dog Grooming Book: All you need to help your pet look and feel great! (Everything Series).

1. I bought the "Dog grooming for Dummies"because it received a lot of good reviews. However one of the reviewer commented that the book didn't provide specific "how to" but only "what" information. Also it doesn't have photos for most of the sections. I should have trusted his words. I was very disappointed with the book. The reviewer recommended this book. I bought it and was very pleased. It has a lot of "how to" information with photos. It also provides a trick that I was looking-- how to groom dog's facial hair if the dog doesn't cooperate (which is the way my dog did) -- Grab the dog's hair under its chin. There was a shih-tzu in the photo. This is exactly what I was looking for and I have a shih-tzu! Now grooming my Lilly's facial hair is no longer a problem to me. This is a small book but with a lot of helpful information! I highly recommend it!



2. From what I've seen so far this books looks as thought it contains information on how to trim a dog, etc.



3. All right, to be fair, I just now started reading this book which was delivered today. I am so excited about it that I wanted to write a review before I tried some of the techniques. I'll have to update after I've applied some of the info.
   
   This book has it all! It gives information on grooming tables, arms, restraints (loops or nooses), how to groom a nervous and/or snippy dog, how to express the anal sacs (if necessary, & you must be careful), how to groom hairy paws, all about shampooing, clippers and blade sizes & how to maintain them, tells why not to use scissor on dirty dogs(bathe them first), how to take care of the dog's teeth, even talks about food and food allergies....oh, my goodness, this book is chock full of helpful information.
   
   I had to resort to grooming our shih-tzu because his experience with groomers was not a good one. He was cut most of the time by a groomer, not always, but enough times to make him throw up in the car the last time we took him to a groomer. I've been struggling with grooming this nervous shih-tzu for over 5 years & decided I need some equipment and a book of instructions. We keep his hair long. The equipment is on the way, & I think this book fits the bill for me. I'm anxious to read through it more thoroughly and then give it a try.
   
   *update: I'm still lovin' this book! But you won't learn how to do a specific breed cut. You will find great basic ideas that you can apply. If you keep your shih-tzu's hair on the short side, this book explains how to trim the hair to make the dog's front legs appear to be straight. There is a deskunking recipe, how to kill fleas with dish soap; vinegar is great for yeasty skin; the correct mixture of Listerene and water in a spray bottle will make a dog's hair shine. There's lots more useful info in this well-written, informative book.
   
   **Update: My friend just used the de-skunking recipe and said it worked!!!



4. A wonderful book that is easy to understand, easy to relate to, and has SO much great info for pet owners!!!



5. I highly recommend this book for first time grooming. There are many tips to help make the experience more workable. I also recommend buying "All 87 Breed Dog Grooming"
   
   Both books have a list of must have tools to purchase before trying to groom your dog at home. In addition, pet care, health and ear care is discussed.
   
   I found the pictures most helpful.

5 comments about Family Dog.

1. I read every review on here before I bought a copy of this book. So I knew that the author promoted spanking the puppy when it misbehaves. But the reveiews were so good that I thought I could filter through those "spanking" parts of the book and be able to extract the pearls of wisdom. When I actually received my copy, I read it in two days. The book was such a disappointment! In every chapter he insists that you spank or hit your puppy. In one part he even says "thrash the dog with fervor"! He suggests that you hit your puppy with a folded over lease until the dog cries out! I don't know about you, but I have a lab and even if someone is hurting them, they don't usually cry out. This author is recommending to hit the puppy until you get that response. Then he says that you should teach your children to hold their hand up to the dog in a threatening manner to keep the dog in place! This is out of date and barbaric means of training a dog. I am not an animal rights activist, I'm just a pet owner. But I see no reason to teach people that the only way to have a well behaved dog is by hitting it into submission. Read the other negative reviews on here if you are concerned. They were very accurate and I wish I would have heeded that advice and had chosen NOT to buy the book. I don't want any author profiting from the sale of this book because he recommends violence toward our pets.



2. This book is a great book for a first time dog owner or someone with years of experience. Many training methods today seem to rely on doggie psychology and can seem very if-y. But this book and the information is proven and logical. Wolters shows a method of training that is simple to follow and really does make sense. It have continued to work over the years. We have had many dogs, mostly goldens, and we followed this book and ended up with exceptional dogs. There are thousands of methods for dog training out there, but this method seems to hold up the longest. The book is interestingly written and included photos as well. It is also a good book for even a young dog owner to read, since the information is straight forward, logical, and effective!!! You can create a wonderful family dog.



3. This is a common sense approach to training a puppy. The specific times for training were interesting, however not useful since my puppy was already older than the specified ages. I liked that the training wasn't all sunshine and roses, every once in a while a swat is necessary.
   
   This book made sense, almost too much sense. I didn't finish it because by the end I had a good idea of what to do if I wanted to train my puppy to do those tricks.



4. It cam in great condition and very fast. Content is great and shipping was fast.



5. The Family Dog by Richard Wolters is an excellent book for training a dog, step by step, week by week, with pictures. Follow his advice by spending 10 minutes a day for a couple months and you'll have a well-trained dog.