5 comments about Four Paws Five Directions: A Guide to Chinese Medicine for Cats and Dogs.

1. Not necessarily the easiest book to follow for the lay person, but this book contains very comprehensive information on treating your whole dog rather than just a specific symptom.



2. Although I must say that this is a well-written book, and very useful for those people who don't know much about Traditional Chinese Medicine, the author did not seem to have an in-depth knowledge about TCM.
   
   Filled with little mistakes that can mislead a practitioner, I'd recommend picking up a different text to learn from. (For example, the author refers often to "Kidney Blood," which is NOT a term used in Chinese Medicine.)
   
   Fun to read, but too inaccurate for an alternative medical doctor.



3. This is an excellent reference book for both beginners & experts. It is well organized, easy to understand & contains a wealth of information.



4. This book is a constantly used handbook for me. I bought this copy to replace the one that I have given away most recently. It is wonderful to be able to help your pet feel better, in addition to what your vet can do, with relatively inexpensive remedies available at the health food store and with accupressure which also helps you bond with your pet. I was even able to get remarkable results from an inexpensive & common TCM patent remedy for my dog who had great difficulty moving her hindquarters after a life-threatening infection. it worked within hours!



5. I bought this book on the recommendation of an integrative vet I know. It does throughly explain TCM, but if you aren't familar with TCM, I would recommend having someone help explain it to you. Some of the info in the book can be used without reading in depth and I used some of the techniques to ease stiffness in pets right away. I haven't pick it up much because it isn't a "light read", at least to me- not a book to read to past time. It is through, probably one of the best layperson books for animal Traditional Chinese Medicine. The price is really good, too, and the book is almost 400 pages.

5 comments about Shelter Dogs.

1. I bought this book because I read all the wonderful reviews and frankly I was extremely disappointed. I am a real dog lover and melt at the sight of any dog but these photos lack life. They look like mannequins and very few of them show the wonderful expressions we so often see in dogs and which make dogs so utterly lovable. For a book that is trying to tug at your heart on the subject of shelter dogs, it has failed spectacularly.
   Give this book a miss.



2. This book gives us details on shelter dogs, who the author Traer Scott, has met in her travels. So touching, uplifting and heartbreaking, especially when we learn so much about them and are told at the end which dogs lived and were adopted...and which ones were not (sniffle)...If this book doesn't convince you to adopt from an animal shelter, then I don't know what will! A portion of the proceeds from this book and Scott's other book, Street Dogs, are donated to animal charities. Worth it to buy both! Thanks for this great, insightful look at America's animal shelters.



3. This was a very good book. The descriptions were great. The pictures were beautiful. I really enjoyed reading it. There was alot of information. Shelter Dogs



4. I'm an aspiring photographer/shelter owner...and this book just confirmed why I want to do each of those things. I cried when I read some of the stories in the back, and each picture was so darn cute. I love this book, and (when I get one) will sit on my coffee table for all my guests to look at!



5. ..of finding the soul of her subjects, and showing us all what loving, intelligent, sensitive creatures these abandoned companions truly are!
   
   As the proud "parent" of five rescued canines (and three rescued felines), I can only express my regret that our "forever home" cannot accommodate more: I'd take in each and every one of these lost souls that she captures so hauntingly.
   
   Complaint has been lodged that Ms. Scott erred by not including each animal's bio with their photograph, but I take exception to that: The impact is magnified, when the photograph alone is displayed.
   
   My only dissatisfaction might be that the book is too short, and I can only implore the author to continue her exceptional work with additional issues: If only more people could truly see these loving creatures through the "eye" of her camera, perhaps our shelters would not be so full, and "euthanization" could become anachronistic...

5 comments about Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs: Small Doses for Small Animals.

1. I'm not wild about this book. While I'm sure there's some good information in here, I haven't found it yet. What I have found are opinions that I find difficult to swallow.
   
   For example:
   
   Don't vaccinate your pets. Hmm. I understand there might be reasons to stay away from vaccinating pets, as there are for not vaccinating children. However, I also understand that if I want to board my dog, or take him to the local dog park, or take him to the groomer, or have my vet come within ten feet of him, I need some evidence that this dog has, in fact, been vaccinated. I don't see a practical way around this in this book.
   
   He says vaccinations weaken the species by allowing weaker animals to survive. My neutered dogs aren't contributing to the gene pool anyway, so I don't understand this argument.
   
   Then there's the thing about feeding your dog only raw meat, because dogs in the wild don't have someone cooking for them. Okay, fine. Dogs in the wild don't have veterinarians, nor do they sleep on a human's couch. If we're going to take this thought to its logical conclusion, we shouldn't have pets at all. And if we should have pets, why on earth would I want to risk their getting infected with E. coli? Or does this raw meat thing assume that I kill it myself rather than buy it?
   
   He says that a lot of meanness in dogs comes from the rabies vaccine. He cites no studies, offers no data, just says that from what he's seen, this is true. I'm sure I don't see anywhere near as many dogs as the author, but come on, I have yet to see a dog made mean by vaccines. Show me a reproducible study.
   
   There may be some valuable information in this book, but it's colored by these unsupported "facts", so it's hard to tell what's good information and what's not. There are better books on the subject. Buy one of them.



2. It's good for reference. A little difficult to self diagnois your pet and not always easy to find the treatment for a specific problem in the book.



3. AFTER REVIEWING OTHER BOOKS & BUYING ANOTHER BOOK (that was poorly written) I WAS RELIEVED TO READ THIS. HOMEOPATHIC CARE FOR CATS & DOGS GETS RIGHT TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER. INDEX IS GREAT, NICE LISTING OF HOMEOPATHIC SUPPLIERS THERE PHONE, FAX & WEB SITES ( I had wondered where to get supplies but that answered it for me.) YOU ONLY RECEIVE NEEDED INFORMATION. NICE GUIDE FOLLOWS WITH EASY TO FIND REMEDIES. INCLUDES INFO ON HOW TO DECIDE YOUR ANIMAL NEEDS HOMEOPATHY OR IS IT TIME TO SEE THE VETERINARIAN. IT'S NICE TO KNOW YOUR LIMITS. I PROMISE YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK.



4. I purchased this book along with 3 others to educate myself as to various diets and medical care of my pets. I found this one so far to list anything about heartworms in cats. I live in Oklahoma and we have a lot of mosquitoes and have had 2 dogs that contracted heartworm but we've never had a cat contract it and we've had cats live to be 14, 16, and 20 years. I had my suspicions about the necessity of giving heartworm medication to a cat and Dr. Hamilton pretty well answered my questions about it in two sentences on page 332, "This is a serious disease that primarily affects dogs (it is rare in cats, despite claims by the preventive manufacturers)." and, "I do not recommend their use (preventives) in cats, as the incidence does not warrant the drug use in my opinion." Overall, I found it's a very professional yet understandable book for those of us who wish to take care of our beloved pets through more natural means.



5. We just got two new fur persons and this is a great guide---
   recommend it as a study for animal understanding....
   had forgotten how much care babies require and this is a good reference

5 comments about Dog Language: An Encyclopedia of Canine Behavior.

1. The content of this book I found a little thin. Did not really get into the subtlties of dog communications



2. A highly technical, behaviorist slanted, wordy A-Z book of behaviors. A dull read which necessitates extraction for application in dog training. Not exactly what I thought it would be - but none the less a good reference book.



3. This was not at all what I thought it would be based on the description, etc. on Amazon and I was very disappointed.



4. Excellent book for all two-leggeds. The format is encylopedic, but what seems intuitively to be a fault is really a plus. The book has become close to number one on my shelf of books directed at learning dog. Short of growing a tail, this book will yield rewards in enriched relationships with the four-leggeds.



5. We are now fostering and I was curious what the dog was telling us. This is an excellent book on letting you figure out what the heck your saying.

5 comments about Golden Retrievers for Dummies.

1. For someone don't know anything about dog or how to take care of a dog. It helps.



2. I purchased this book used on Amazon shortly after I got my new golden retriever puppy, Maggie. Having wanted a golden retriever for as long as I can remember, I was so excited to bring her home even if it was in a small dilapidated cardboard box. After surviving 2 LOOONNNGGG days with a new puppy, thinking how I could have made such a mistake (at the time), I realized I needed some professional help. The book was very helpful and went on to describe issues goldens have, how to potty train, obedience train, crate train, proper food etc they need. what I really liked was not only needing puppy training like I did, I needed it to be golden retriever specific, and that it was. It tells you the types of health problems they're prone to, traits they have and things they're good at. I found it extremely helpful. I would definitely recommend it! In case you're wondering, Maggie is now a healthy, happy just had her first year birthday golden! Yeah we still have some things we need to work on, And as for me, I survived the first year!



3. I just a got a pup a few weeks ago and I open this book daily to look something up, or to prepare for new skills I want to teach. Not all of suggestions have worked (supplementing with puppy training classes). It's probably best to have a few books on goldens - this one serves as a good general reference.



4. I've not had a dog since I was a child so I need ALL the help I can get. The only thing I was looking for that this book didn't discuss was the topic of selecting and installing doggie doors, so for that you'll need to go elsewhere. Otherwise, I loved it.



5. This reference book was really informational. It did however focus a lot of it on a golden retreiver puppy or how to take care of one. If you already have a grown golden retriever, I don't think this book is right for you, but it's still good at looking at health tips and information.
   
   There are a lot of instances in the book where the author makes her own comments, as if she is talking. If that will bother you, then don't get this book.
   
   It's a really good book if you are deciding to get a Golden Retriever puppy or new dog because it gives you fundamental things to know for taking care of a puppy or new dog coming home. I think a person should read this book before getting a dog or golden retriever because it does help educate you to learn more on the breed. However, this book is mostly generalized stuff that you can already search on the internet or online resources.
   
   I think this book was very helpful, so I think you should get it if you have no idea on how to take care of a dog.
   
   See ya!

No comments about Play With Your Dog.

4 comments about Training Dogs the Aussie Way.

1. this book is greAT FOR a first time dog owner thAT DOESNT KNOW MUCH about dog trAINING and hAS A DOG THat is eASILY TRained.it is ALSO GOOD FOR TRainers thAT Have been in prACTICE FOR Many yeARS, as it offers insight on AMERICan trAINING TECHNIQUES VERSUS FOREIGN DOG TRaining. otherwise, dont expect much help with the section thAT IS SUPPOSED TO COVER SPECIal issues AND advANCED TRaining techniques. they just refer you to cALL THEIR agents or contACT a dog trAINER, WHICH NOT all of us hAVE MONEY FOR. THERE IS NO SECRET about dog trAINING, anyone AND EVERYONE Can train A DOG, Man or womAN. ITS all in the knowledge AND THE DESIRE TO Want to do it. once you aRE REady to be consistANT and follow A SCHEDULE as A DOG NEEDS Many issues ARE FIXED RIGHT THERE.
   THERE are ALSO DIFFERENT METHODS IN HOW TO TRain A DOG, as i believe, different strokes for different folks. it hAS TO BE a method you cAN FOLLOW and believe in to work. ALTHOUGH I DONT BELIEVE IN BEating A DOG INTO SUBMISSION OR VIOLENCE TO HELP IN Any wAY. I DONT BELIEVE IN FREE FEEDING TREats without discipline will help with ALL ISSUES EITHER. THERE MUST BE a bALance. think ABOUT IT. WHO GIVES THEIR CHILD a treAT FOR EVERYTHING THEY DO GOOD, and ignore them when they ARE Bad, does thAT WORK all the time? no. there must be other wAYS TO REach these children becAUSE NOT all methods work for one personALITY.



2. Having adopted an Australian Cattle dog from a shelter and researching all that I could on the breed on the Internet I settled on reading the book Training Dogs the Aussie Way.
   Not only is this book well written and very informative but it is also very entertaining and easy to read. I have read some literature on training that managed to either put me asleep or be so self indulgent that I wasn't sure if it was a biography about the trainer as opposed to a training manual. This book not only didn't put me asleep but kept me very entertained and the methods work.
   My "Heeler" had a terrible habit of nipping which is a trait that is inbreed. Using the methods sited in this book I managed to get my dog to stop biting within a day.
   Do yourself and your dog a favour and train your dog The Aussie Way.
   A great book at a great price.



3. This is a great book. My husband and I have always trained our dogs as if we were all part of a pack. This book uses the same training and it works. We are getting ready for a new puppy and we wanted to see what this book was all about. Many of the techniques in the book we already use, but there were a few things that we learned and are planning on using when our new pup arrives. Sound and gentle techniques to train your new puppy or aging dog alike. Don't pass this book up!



4. I've read a lot of dog books and have to say this method makes a lot of sense to me. It's written in a way that is clear and concise. And I loved all the real life examples. Wish I found this book about 7 years ago. It would have saved my poor dog from having to go through all kinds of blundering mistakes and methods. From the first day of using these methods I saw results. Who knew it could be so easy? And best of all I could toss the treats and e collars out of sight and work with just me and him.
   Sign me artie, a very happy dog owner

5 comments about Labrador Retrievers for Dummies.

1. I have bought this book as soon as I've bought my labrador, and she is still alive... I'm just joking... I have the female labrador and this book really helped me to teach her some manners and right now I have a great dog that can be with me wherever I go. If I go to the coffee shop she is with me, if I go to the beach she is with me and I have no problems with her.



2. When I bought my little yellow lab puppy, I searched the internet and scoured reviews to buy the best book to prepare me for my new endeavor. I purchased this book, and I am sad to say, I was a little disappointed. It barely skims the surface of each topic, and did not prepare me to be a first-time puppy owner, or a first-time lab owner. I highly recommend Barron's "Training Your Labrador Retriever". I just bought it (my puppy is three months old) and I wish I had bought it first - it has much more information on how to handle your new puppy!



3. Cool book. I'm a lab retriever owner and loved the information from the book- brought me up to date on everything I should know about this breed...



4. This book was easy to read. It had a lot of general information about all dogs. It had really good training tips.



5. On December 11, 2006 I adopted a 7 week old lab puppy who needed a home. So, as a retired teacher, I needed a guide! Walton's book is practical and well written to help new, or experienced,pet owners. It has practical tips and humorous insights that make it easy to read and full of useful information. Lucky, my lab, is growing happy and healthy and I am not tearing my hair out trying to figure things out on my own.

5 comments about Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats.

1. This book provides a very eye-opening and eventually obvious insight into what a dog or cat's diet should consist of. It alleviates all of those unwarranted fears of feeding the appropriate foods to our four-legged friends. I bought a bunch of copies to give out to people who needed to re-evaluate the way they are feeding their pets.



2. This book contains good information on how to feed a raw diet based on Billinghurst's barf diet. I think it would be helpful for people considering switching to a raw diet, as well as beginners.
   
   My problem with this book is that the author annoyed me. The first quarter of the book is about how wonderful she is. The last quarter of the book is full of amazing anecdotes about animals on her diet. I don't have the patience for either. It you like anecdotes about how wonderful the author and her diet are, you will probably like this book much better than I did.
   
   While I agree with most of the things the author says about nutrition and dog food companies, she doesn't back up anything she says. If I was starting out as a new raw-feeder, I'm not sure I would find this book very convincing. I definitely wouldn't recommend this book as your only resource.
   
   For beginners, I would recommend "Raw Dog Food" by Carina Beth MacDonald. For people who want to understand the nutritional principles behind a raw or homemade diet, I would recommend "Home-Prepared Dog & Cat Diets" by Donald Strombeck. They're a better investment of time and money.



3. If you are looking for straight forward, sound information on providing a raw diet for your pet this is a fine resource. The section on nutrients is very good. In it you will learn what food sources provide what nutients and what parts of the bodys health they aide and supportThe 'shopping list' is also a nice spring board for the newbe. There is a ratio guide that addresses serving size to weight balance. The book includes a significant resource guide as well. If you are interested in providing a Raw, natural, BARF type diet for your pet this is the book I would recomend.



4. This book saved my dogs' life. We struggled with a very serious allergy for years, one day I saw Kymythys' book and decided to go with the raw diet. My dogs' health turned the corner and he has never looked back. He will be 10 this year and I could not be more grateful.
   I have read loads of other books on raw feeding but keep coming back to this one.



5. This is a good starting point if you are considering a raw or barf diet for you pet ... it is written simply for everyone to understand and gives many helpful observations, answers, and suggestions for those interested in this type of dietary regimine for their dog.

4 comments about Training People: How to Bring Out the Best in Your Human.

1. it is the funniest book written from a dog's perspective. If you love dogs it is just hilarious and you can see the logic



2. Very funny book, and unique perspective on the dog-human relationship. Had me laughing out loud in several sections, especially as my own dog has trained me on some of Tess's same lessons. Also insightful to many human quirks, and how our habits are viewed from the dogs' perspective. Great gift for dog lovers, and keep one for yourself.



3. This book is a tell all. Tess, a lab owned by Brian Kahn exposes the way she shamefully manipulates him. She shares all the well know secrets and some not so well known about how dogs, under the guise of being pleasers in fact run the homes they live in.
   
   I must concede she does so with wit and charm. This is a fun book.



4. This book will bring a smile to any dog owner's face. Very well written.