5 comments about It's a Dog's Life...but It's Your Carpet: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Your Four-Legged Friend.

1. This book makes a great gift for your dog loving friends! It's a funny, light and informative read. Dr. Lee gives plenty of advice and offers a compassionate and caring opinion, interspersed with lots of wit and sarcasm.



2. Lots of people have mentioned how funny this book is -- rather than echo those comments, I'll mention how touching and heart warming the book is too. The author is clearly an expert and is very funny, but the thing that stood out the most for me is how deeply she cares about our 4-legged friends.
   
   The author provides sage advice on how to best care for our dogs, maximize their quality of life, and even discusses the best options for when it is time to say goodbye. This book is a fantastic tribute to the slobering little buggers that bring joy to ours lives like nothing else in the world. Bravo Dr. Lee! Can't wait for more from you!



3. This book is funny and informative! It covers serious and not so serious questions with a sense of humor and some interesting facts. I couldn't put it down!



4. It's a Dog's LifeIt's a Dog's Life...but It's Your Carpet: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Your Four-Legged Friend
   
   A fabulous book full of humor and great information! Dr. Lee covers a lot of material left out of most books. I found myself laughing out loud reading this informative and entertaining book. A must read! J.Pantaleo



5. "I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
   A powerhouse. A tour de truth.
   I laughed. I cried. I lost 15 pounds!
   A must buy!"

5 comments about Gun Dog: Revolutionary Rapid Training Method.

1. Here is another book that was written too many years ago and needs to be updated.The rapid training pretty much come from breaking your dogs spirit to get him to do what you want. Bird dog discipline is a must but this guys techniques are poor in general and will not make it fun for the dog. He makes the dog more of a tool than a hunting companion. Thumbs down



2. R. A. Wolters' books are so much fun to read, and most of the information is correct and useful. Actually, it is all useful. I recommend this and his other books for anyone preparing to get a dog (hunting or otherwise).
   
   I like the 7 week pup thing personally, but the basis of Wolters' assertions on this matter may be a little dogmatic and are disputed by some experts and researchers. I looked into the study that he uses for this assertion in all of his books, and it seems that he misinterpreted the data and came to a rash decision. I believe getting a pup at exactly 49 days is a good idea, but it is not as necessary as Wolters would indicate.



3. It is no news that this is one of the best training books for upland game that has ever been written. You may disagree with Wolters but you can never say his methods dont work. This is my number one resource for training my dogs.



4. Succinct, easy instructional read that works. I am 2 weeks in to training a new pup via the book and he is responding positively. It had been 13 years since doing this and the book is helping us both.



5. Learn the phases your dog goes through as he ages, and then learn how to use those phases to your own advantage in your training.

5 comments about Small Dogs, Big Hearts: A Guide to Caring for Your Little Dog , Revised Edition.

1. I purchased this book as an expectant toy breed mother. It is a light hearted but informative book on the joys and pitfalls of having a toy breed in your house. I was a little disappointed in the lack of information on my particular puppy, a Chinese Crested, but then I didn't expect a lot of info on the Cresteds since most people know little about them. For more breed specific information, it's advisable to get a breed specific book. However this is a great reference for those who are looking at the toy breeds and don't know a lot about them. It's an easy read and the general information is great. The breed specific information is just enough to perhaps help someone choose which breed is a good fit for their family.



2. As the owner of 4 small dog rescues, I have found all of Darlene Arden's books extremely helpful and "small dogs, big hearts" is certainly no exception. It is filled with valuable information and should be a must read for anyone who has or is even remotely thinking about getting a small dog. Like all her books, this one is well written in Ms. Arden's easy to follow and understand style. I especially like the fact that this book contains mixed breeds and all the pictures are a wonderful addition.
   I applaud Darlene Arden for emphasizing that these small breeds are not toys to be played with, but real dogs with real dog issues and needs.



3. I was very anxious to get this book. In fact by the time I realized there was a second edition of the Irrepressible Toy Dog, I had been waiting several months. This lead me to several other small dog/ breed specific books. This book is definitely top notch However, I was a little biased having read similar information in several other books before reading this book. This made me less excited about its content, however I have to say that it is extremely well compiled, lots of good information and has the best health section on small breed specific disease that I have seen to date. The picture sections are cute, however it could have included more breeds instead of the same breeds over and over. It however was not as much fun as other books, and lacks in the training section when compared to other books. It is a great overall guide on toy dogs and every toy dog owner should keep a copy for a reference guide.



4. The diva of diminutive dogs does it again. This new edition is even better than the first, with more information on socialization and training, and wonderful color photos. Kudos for including small mixes among the purebreds, and for telling everyone that small dogs are real dogs, too. Anyone considering adding a small dog to their household should read this book.



5. This updated version of Ms. Arden's book is a must read for all people who are owned by a small dog. This edition includes several pages of delightful color photos and a a great list of resources for pampering your little dog!

5 comments about Training Your Labrador Retriever (Training Your Dog).

1. I liked the way this book communicates. well written.
   It actually explains how to train the dog by giving examples and steps.
   
   I tried some items and have seen them to work.
   A good amount of the tips I already knew about and follow out of instinct.
   So it is not totally impressive but surely it puts thoughts in a structured context and refreshes old concepts.
   
   Training is not only about when to sit and when to fetch, it is about being able to communicate with your poochie friend. If you cannot communicate, then, you cant train (not predictable results for sure) the poochie.
   
   This book gets to the basics of what actually is being communicated by each (a lot if not all) of general behaviours we go through with our Labs.
   
   All in All, a really good Beginer's book to training.
   
   cheers
   Ranjith



2. I wish I had bought this book first!! My lab is 3 months old - and I wish I had this book when I brough her home! It is excellent - great information for a first-time puppy owner! My husband has even learned a few things - and he has had dogs all his life! I highly recommend this book!!



3. Great book! Excellent condition. Was pleased with the overall timeliness of receiving the merchandise.



4. It is a good book but I think it should offer more alternatives, specialy on pups training



5. This book covers all the basics of Labrador care and more! I have had two Labs before and I though I knew everything, but this book helped me in many areas, especially training and obedience!

5 comments about Mine! A Practical Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs.

1. Our puppy was a serious resource guarder from day 1. Initially we couldn't get near her when she had anything, but now we easily "trade," even when she has something she loves. This book describes a nonconfrontational protocol for your dog to respect you and see you as the giver of good things, not as a threat.



2. The book arrived faster than expected and in perfect shape. The information in the book has been just what we needed for the puppy we adopted. She had some of the worst resource guarding ever. In days you could a big improvement. She went from snapping and snarling at everyone over her food to being able to chew on a kong next to my other dog.



3. Resource guarding, dogs growling or biting when food, toys, specific locations, etc. are approached is an extremely common problem. Jean explains in easy to understand terms how to modify this problem behavior. A must have for any professional trainer or any owner of a dog that resource guards.



4. It arrived very quickly and was brand new. I would order from this seller again.



5. I am so glad I finally found this book! It's a bit smaller than I would like but worth getting.

5 comments about EVERY RESCUED DOG HAS A TALE: Stories from the Dog Rescue Railroad.

1. Every Rescued Dog Has a Tale - you'll laugh, you'll cry, but you won't be able to put this wonderful little book down.
   
   If you've done transports you will find yourself saying "Been there, Done that!!!"
   
   Deborah has captured the essence of pet transport - thru bad weather (try carrying 9 dogs in 2 cars thru torrential rain on I-40 in TN) and good. This book will help you remember nearly every transport vividly (yes, I still remember carrying two labs, who we discovered didn't like water, thru 6 inches of water in a driving rain in a MacDonalds parking lot to their next ride). This book will bring those memories back vividly.
   
   And if you aren't a transporter - follow the directions in the book and join the fun - and the sadness, for there will be times of sadness in a transport. A recent cocker transport I was involved with included a very sick 10 year old senior. But there was a silver lining. Tho she didn't make it, crossing over the bridge 3 days after the transport, she at least was in a loving home when she left us.
   
   This little book will bring all of these memories flooding back. Enjoy - I did.
   
   
   AB



2. This is a beautifully written book that will certainly touch your heart! It did mine! The pictures are truly heartwarming as well! This is a must read for dog lovers everywhere! Debbie has a heart of gold, and I am so proud to call her a friend!
   Well worth every penny!



3. This book is fantanstic. Everybody needs to be educated about the plight of dogs that are abused and neglected. These stories will touch your heart !



4. Anohter great read ... highly recommended for kids. Tells of the actions being taken by such dedicated animals lovers to getdogs/cats/etc. into their forever loving homes that they all deserve. Great read for kids!



5. I entered another world when I read Deborah Eades heart warming book.
   I had no idea that so many dogs were not wanted. I didn't realize how much dogs were suffering because of cruelty and neglect.
   
   And I didn't know that there are networks of dog lovers across the country who save and transport dogs to a new lives where they will be loved and cared for.
   
   With words and pictures, I was transported into the personal experiences of this dog loving author -- and her family -- on the Dog Rescue "Railroad." The dogs breeds vary,as do the personal stories of their rescue. What is constant is the loving satisfaction that Deborah Eades shares with all readers in her touching, heart warming book.

5 comments about Veterinarians Guide to Natural Remedies for Dogs : Safe and Effective Alternative Treatments and Healing Techniques from the Nations Top Holistic Veterinarians.

1. I like this book because it gives your different insights from different vets. For me, every bit of extra information is important as my 4-year Siberian cross just developed sizures of which I was totally unaware. very helpful.



2. On the heels of the pet food tragedies, this book reinforces my conviction that dogs are meat eaters!
   We have lost two "middle age" dogs to cancer. I want to do everything in my power to prevent this from happening to my new pup.



3. I learned alot of valuable information in this book. This is a great book to have for anyone who wants the best for their dog. I ordered several books on dogs recently and two of the books were the best of the bunch. This was one of them.
   
   It is a great book for anyone who loves dogs and wants more information on the best ways to care for them. I would definitely recommend this book to dog lovers.



4. This is a great resource for an animal lover looking for alternative therapies. It is easy to understand and offers options by highly respected holistic veterinarians.



5. This book covers nutrition, supplements, herbs, homeopathy, flower essences, acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, vaccines, and a list of health problems and how to treat them. I'm not as thrilled with this book as some other readers were. It is potentially useful, but not essential. Instead, I would recommend "New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs & Cats" and "The Nature of Animal Healing". They cover the same information but more in depth.
   
   What I did find interesting was seeing how each veterinarian had a different treatment plan for a particular disease. While one would treat arthritis with goat's whey, another suggested Chinese herbs. Each vet found success in his or her method, and you can combine methods to suit the needs of your pet.

5 comments about Herding Dogs: Progressive Training.

1. I first read this book when my first Aussie was about three months old. Frankly, I did not get it. I think it is difficult for the average person to learn how to work with a herding dog. Vergil Holland has not only put down all of the steps one might need to become successful at this activity, he has a lot of great advice in the book including very useful exercises and as the subtitle suggests, a progressive training method.
   
   However, the reason I did not get it when I first read the book was that the meaning of much of what he says is dependent on having the actual experience of herding. After many years of training stock dogs, I went back and re-read this book. It was very revealing in that I found myself agreeing with almost everything he said about training. I also found it helpful to get a clear picture of exactly what I wanted to do in a training session to read the portion of the book-- usually fewer than two pages at a time-- that was relevant to what I wanted to acheive in the session. So for me, this has become a valuable hands on training tool.
   
   I still recommend it to beginners and I think it would really help anyone getting ready for their first exposure to stock to have read the preliminary sections on getting started and basic commands. It would help the beginner become familiar with common training techniques and concepts so that a clinic experience would be more valuable than going in without the insights that are offered in this book.
   
   But this is not just a book for beginners. It can be useful at several levels. For the more experienced trainer/handler, the troubleshooting section provides very useful exercises for solving common problems that are likely to be encountered.
   
   I do think the section on herding breeds is a bit simplistic and in the case of Aussies not really accurate. But I think it is only there as a summary of what one might expect from herding breeds and therefore does not take into account the variance of different lines within a breed. I would not recommend the traits listed in this chapter to select your dog. However it does contain some very good advice such as basing your decision in part on the parents' abilities and characteristics.
   
   The diagrams could be improved as was mentioned elsewhere, but they are accurate. The pictures are not very clear and they could be improved to actually demonstrate better the points they are intended to make.
   
   Overall I give this book high marks and recommend it to anyone who is building up a stockdog library. But remember that there is a lot more information in this book than there appears to be at first reading. Go back to it often as your skills develop to really get the full potential of the book which really does offer a progressive training method.



2. I have always had an interest in herding dogs and have owned them and been around them most of my life; however I have never known anyone that had any real knowledge of training for herding, or had a dog that was trained for that matter. This book is fantastic for a total novice. It takes you carefully and "progressively" into the world of herding and explains everything from the very beginning, including the somewhat confusing language that is used to communicate with the dog while the two of you are at work. Thank you Mr. Holland!



3. Brand new book received in good shipping time.
   This book is very informative, easy to understand and clear as to how to apply what is presented.
   I believe it will help any level of sheepdog handler.



4. This book contains some really great information. The author gives details about all of the herding breeds, including many that I didn't expect. He gives insights about what each breed has been specifically bred for, i.e. driving, gathering, etc., that is very helpful in understanding your dog. A careful study of the personality types of dogs as it affects their approach to stock is also extremely helpful. He also gives several progressive excercizes that that seem very useful. Also, I appreciated the calm, quiet, but firm training style emphasized in this book.
   
   Despite that, I was disappointed with the lack of explanation and clarity. If you are just getting started in herding, as I am, this might not be the book for you. I was often confused and feel that this book lacks enough details about the training process to be useful for beginners. Also, the author's clear preference for Border Collies as the ultimate herding dog was emphasized at points in such a way that made me a bit defensive about my "inferior" non-border collie.



5. I suppose a person can learn to remove an appendix, fly a plane, or conduct a defense by reading a book; but I know I would prefer my surgeon, pilot, and attorney to have had some hands-on experience before practicing on me. Same thing goes for herding livestock - there just is no substitute for a good trainer who knows what they are doing. Having a background in obedience, tracking, and agility gave me no headstart in herding - and no amount of bookreading changed that. When I found a trainer who was able to read me and my dogs, communicate with us, and be fair but firm, we made great progress.
   
   With that said, I think this book is very helpful as a supplement to practice sessions. Learning to read stock and dogs, understanding pressure and release, draws, balance points - all those concepts have to be learned by the human and there is no substitute for learning in the field, in actual practice. If a friend wanted a basic herding book to look at to see if it is something they might want to do, this would be the one book I would probably recommend. Better yet, though, would be to have this person actually come out and watch dogs working stock.
   
   If you are doomed to be an armchair shepherd, then this book is fine. Otherwise, your money is better invested in a herding instinct test, a stock handling class, or a day spent observing at a herding training facility. Books are an adjunct, at best, to learning to work with your dog in herding.

5 comments about My Dog Pulls. What Do I Do?.

1. Essentially, this book explains how to teach a dog to walk on a leash without excessive pulling. Though it implies that there is no pulling whatsoever, the methods used would not allow a dog to walk free of a leash all together--which is my idea of a well trained "Heel" command.
   
   To be fair, the author doesn't really suggest that a dog walk at "Heel." Although I can see her side of that argument, I had the (mistaken) impression that I would be able to better teach my dog(s) to "Heel" without any pulling on the lead and without any harsh devices. That is not the purpose of this book.
   
   This author contends that a dog should be free to walk anywhere it wants, so long as it isn't "pulling." However, if a dog isn't pulling ever so slightly while on a leash, why have the leash at all? In truth, I believe that this book teaches a dog how to be leash trained--meaning that when they have the leash off, they are free to go wild.
   
   At one point she brags about a time when her dog was agitated and jumping toward another dog but (supposedly) not pulling on the leash at all. My question would still be: Why have a leash if the dog knows that it can only get six feet away from you? The truth is, the dog obviously knew it had a leash on.
   
   My goal was to teach my dog(s) to heel better and ultimately remove the leash. I work with rescue Doberman Pinschers and many of them are quite strong yet have absolutely no training. There are people--such as this author--who contend that dogs do not need devices such as choke chains or pinch collars. Being the sucker that I was, I thought perhaps the author was right and that you could somehow use positive reinforcement in all cases in order to teach a dog--one who often weighs 80-90 pounds--to heel without pulling at all.
   
   That was not the case.
   
   Please don't misunderstand...I'm sure the author has lots of success teaching what she teaches--with the kind of dogs she trains. However, I do not believe that a dog--especially a large dog--should be able to walk wherever it desires. And I have found that some dogs respond very well to positive reinforcement (i.e., treats) while teaching them to walk on my left side. However, I have also found that some dogs don't care what you are offering them, they want to drag you down the road after that cat that they see as prey!
   
   Since I would rather, in those cases, use a little negative consequence (i.e., correction device such as a choke chain or even a pinch collar) to help them become adoptable, than have an uncontrollable (and unadoptable) dog, that's what I'll continue to use...because I prefer a dog that behaves even when the leash is off.
   
   In summary, if you want your dog to behave when it's on a leash, and be able to walk in front, behind, wherever it wants--only while on a leash--than this book is for you. However, if you want your dog to obey the Heel command without any pulling, there are better methods.
   
   All in all, it's a fair book; it's just not what I was looking for.



2. A third great book by Turid Rugaas. When I see a toy poodle or silky terrier pulling a 6 foot person down the street, it is a riot to behold. An easy read, plenty of photos which show the "How TO" in attaining a pleasant walking partner. The written portion explaining the photos is very easy to understand. I suggest every one contemplating buying a dog to purchase this book first. Information is a wonderful thing.



3. This short, readable, incredibly helpful book shows humans how to teach their dogs to walk nicely on the leash. Her method is scientifically proven to work, if you stick with the program.
   
   Turid Rugaas is humane, kind, and a real friend to dogs. Unlike so many other authors, Rugaas doesn't believe in "leash pops" or similar methods which hurt and frighten dogs. You will feel really good about this gentle, patient, and effective method for training your dog.
   
   Rugaas also has a WONDERFUL book and DVD called "Calming Signals", which teaches you to understand dog language. It really helped me understand my shy, traumatized rescue dog.



4. The author here lays out a simple, highly effective and *kind* method for teaching your dog to walk poilitely on a leash. No special collars, no beating up on your dog, no gimmicks.
   
   It's behaviorally sound and will have you enjoying loose lead walks with your dog in a short time.



5. Turid Rugaas' books should be issued with all puppy packets & adoption info. Her excellent insights into dog behavior bring fresh perspectives to owners/trainers of all levels. In this book, she reveals how so many handlers accidentally reinforce their dogs' tendencies to pull.
   If followed, her advice really works.

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

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



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



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