2 comments about English Cocker Spaniel (Comprehensive Owner's Guide) (Comprehensive Owner's Guide).

1. This book is so much better than many of the other breed books out there that offer nothing but basic knowledge filler. I was skeptical about buying it, but figured what the heck. It's worth the money and has lots of good information in it.



2. This book was a true insight for us into the life of a cocker spaniel, how to train them, live with them, feed them, groom them, walk them and treat them as one of the family. It was invaluable.

No comments about Just Maltese 2009 Calendar (Just).

1 comments about Dogs in the Louvre.

1. Not a big volume, but beautifully produced in solid hardcover with full colour reproductions of the artwork being examined and often detail photos too. This volume looks at a cross section of the art in the famous Louvre to feature dogs. The text is informative and the selection of artwork is interesting and enchanting.
   As a previous author of a historical review of a breed I found the content basically fulfilling, although I just wonder at the rationale in crediting some breeds to some artwork, but that is always a subjective task - I smiled while writing this as it is a bit like judges making the awards in the show ring.
   However, for the breed historian, you could find something of particular interest in the pages of this 197 x 197 mm book, undoubtedly red setter lovers, and European gundog breed enthusiasts will, as will many toy breed devotees.
   As a lover of fine art this book was also a pleasure to investigate.
   It is an excellent gift or seek it out for yourself, the shelf price on this book is also very attractive!

1 comments about Dog Psychology; The Basis of Dog Training,.

1. I like the approach to this book. The author breaks everything down in "laymen" terms and gives you examples with his own experience as well. He also gives you tips on training (ie. conditioning for upland bird hunting, field trials,guarding) and to let the dog do their natural thing and how to enforce this as positive behavior. My pyrenees is pretty stubborn and after reading other books on "positive reinformcement only" i.e. treats I was starting to get discouraged.It was not doing the trick. but this book states that you need to find the "drive" behind the dog in order for positive reinforcement to work. If you feed them before training, obviously getting a treat won't work because there "drive" food, has already been met.
   
   I was also surprised that many dog owners make the mistake of calling "come" to there dog when he runs away and won't listen to you.(Myself included). This is the wrong thing to do because your conditioning the dog to "run away" by associating the word "come" to it. How to solve this problem... You will have to read the book..

3 comments about Whippet (Comprehensive Owners Guide).

1. You can find the same information online for free. I wouldn't repeat this purchase again.



2. Picked up our Whippet puppy yesterday and this is a great guide for most of the things we need to know to take care of him. Excellent read, great photos.



3. "Whippet" by Juliette Cunliffe is a wonderful book. It goes into great detail about history, owning, training, puppies, and care. Very comprehensive. What I love most about it is the visual appeal. It's a hard back, and the photographs within it are gorgeous - all color, with some really stunning Whippets. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about Whippets, and enjoys looking at photos of this amazing breed!

3 comments about Kennel Building and Management (Howell Reference Books).

1. Someone bought me this book on kennel management and as I've read the others on the market, at first glance I thought it would be of no interest and sadly a waste of their money. But I enjoyed it. You don't read over 200 pages written by a man with such experience and not learn something. It's my opinion that this isn't a high profile reference book for the already initiated, wanting factual A-Z information. (Jim Krack writes an amazing book if you want this.) Nor is it for the new-age, big bucks commercial operator-to-be, dealing with dogs as if they are plastic houseplants. It would more likely be of use to the upgrading hobbyist or novice wanting to know the fundamental arts and craft of kennel operating, and most likely will be starting with a very modest one from home. Mario shares his knowledge through his experience, examples and testimonies. His skill is not bombarding the novice with too much information and jargon. Instead he picks on a few key issues that only someone who has served (I quote from the profile page) " an extensive apprenticeship" knows that if you don't get right, or cut corners in the beginning, you'll spend forever putting it right. Some of his examples get multiple concepts over very well to someone who has not experienced them before. I like this book because it is well written and from his personal perspective and experiences. It's a stepping-stone that the novice can build upon. And also, I bet he didn't just blindly list products to use from a mailing list, but because he tried them or knew someone they had worked for. His simple odor control worked perfectly for me, while others have failed. The type of building panels he recommended for the small operator, proved to be just right. This in itself paid for the book. It's my recommendation that the simplicity of this book is not its weakness, but its joy, because only truly experienced people can simplify complicated issues so that beginners may begin to learn.



2. This book might be good as a simple review for children interested in kennels. I found it to be very simplistic and filled with a lot of "common sense" information. If you are really interested in reading it, check your local library, it is just not worth the money.



3. A major disappointment for the serious kennel builder. Its only merit, perhaps, is as a starting point for further research in kennel design and management. It has very, very few useful tips or practical advice a kennel builder needs to make educated decisions when constructing or modifying a kennel. Management suggestions are simplistic at best and leave the reader with more questions than answers. Provides almost no advice in the most practical and crucial areas such as what kinds of paint and construction materials are best suited for kennels, or how to effectively heat and cool, structure a drainage system, etc. Although there are less than a handful of books on this subject, steer clear or consider this book a starting point for more research. I just completed a huge boarding and dog training facility and didn't find one truly helpful tip from this book.

2 comments about Living With a Bichon Frisé: Book with Bonus DVD (Living with a Pet).

1. I bought this book to learn more about the Bichon breed. I have a five year old rescued Bichon male. The book describes his characteristics perfectly. It offers some training methods and things to know before you make a very long committment to these little dogs. They are very long lived.
   
   Pro: Easy to read, good pictures, on target in describing the breed
   Con: None



2. If you are a totally smitten Bichon Frise owner, as I am, you will have to add this book to your collection. I own many many volumes but this portrays the breed in all its glory. The cover is your first clue to the beauty of the publication. I particularly like the personal short tales that are set in pastel color insets. And I find the photo section on grooming exceptionally helpful--you will definitely need these close-ups if you dare to try your hand at this art. Chapter 2 reminds you that this loving breed in NOT FOR EVERYONE; they should not be left alone for long periods of time.
   
   Eight chapters and 128 pages of great information, super binding, heavy shiny paper, with sharp color photos; this book succinctly covers all you need to know.

1 comments about Top Trainers Talk About Starting a Sheepdog: Training a Border Collie on Sheep and Other Livestock.

1. Loved this book. Gave me a bunch of different perspectives on starting a herding dog.

5 comments about The Siberian Husky.

1. Wonderful Book, Great Photography, Quality Presentation and Appearance. Good Information, Unbiased and Covers Many Subjects of Concern or Intrests.



2. A very good general background book for the Siberian Husky owner. This book has beautiful color photos. Shows various markings and colors of Huskies, describes in detail Breed Standard + Show expectations. Tells the history of this breed and explains why a Husky may not be the best dog for everyone. The Siberian Husky is a beautiful, intellegent + spirited dog. Reading this book, you can tell that it's author really loves them.



3. I purchased a siberian husky 1 year ago and wanted to learn as much as I could about the breed. This book says it all. I have bought several other books, and basically they stink. This book is well written, has beautiful pictures and truely says how a husky is. If you are thinking of purchasing a husky or already own one, and want some help in understanding your dog - this book is for you. Cannot say enough about this book. If I could give it more than five stars I would.



4. Describing the Siberian Husky as being too intelligent, clean, charming and clownish, and mentioning their strong need for company, their greatness in digging up your lawn, ignoring your calls, and loving children, dogs and burglars alike, makes me recognise my affectionate friend in every aspect of this great new book. It provides extensive background on the history of "the little Chukchi dogs", from the people that bred these dogs as an integral part of their lives to their appearance in Alaska sledding races. The book describes how a healthy husky should look, how to be groomed, showed and taken care of. The book also warns of treating huskies as "hairy, little people", instead of wolf-like, noble dogs with a sledding heritage that should rather be trained firmly. When you have always wanted to own a husky, or have purchased one already, the book is an enjoying read about wonderful husky moments, making you definitely laugh when you realise they ALL bolt after the squirrel across the road. It also provides a great guide for those considering purchasing a husky, describing all the needs of this beautiful dog breed. This book is all about understanding your (future) companion, and making them and yourself happiest!



5. This book is amazing; there are interesting facts about Siberian Husky history [did you know they were turned loose by the tribe that bred them and hunted freely in packs for part of the year?], anatomy [the 'stop', or angle where their snout joins their face, has to be at a precise degree so air can warm up and lungs will not be frostbitten when working in the snow], and tons of useful information for sibe novices and experts alike. I recommend this book ENTHUSIASTICALLY to anyone who owns or is thinking of owning a Siberian!

5 comments about A New Owner's Guide to Doberman Pinschers.

1. Very good information and a must read for potential owners and new owners of Doberman Pinschers.



2. If I could, I would give this book a 3.5. The book is well written, and if you are new to Dobermans, it is a very nice book to add to you collection. Though to anyone experienced, it does not add any personal insight, and nothing extremely new or exciting. Overall it reads nicely, and has a nice sound to it. I was pleasantly surprised, as this is one of the few good Doberman books I have come across. For anyone who is interested or new to the breed, this is definetly a good choice.



3. Being a Doberman enthousiast, I read every dobe book that I can get my hands on. The author is a well known and successful breeder and judge, but I was dissapointed that this book was not filled with more personal insight into the breed. If you know absolutely nothing about how to raise a dog, this would be a good book. I did enjoy some of the pictures, however.



4. I was surprised to search Doberman Pinscher on Amazon.com and find out Faye had written a book! Faye knows Doberman Pinschers quite well and was co-breeder of one of my males, Sherlucks Pan Am Machu Picchu. I was skeptical but decided to purchase the book. Faye is an excellent author and really gets into grooming and health plus training, what to expect from your Doberman and about every aspect of canine ownership. Having several books already on Dobermans I was pleasantly surprised by Ms. Strauss's book. It reads well and is well written. I'd recommend it to both new and experienced Doberman owners. It's never too late to teach an old dog, or owner for that manner, a new trick or two! I am now going to buy a second book for a friend as well.



5. This book is great for people new to the Doberman. It gives an overview of the breed's history, temperment, care and training requirements. It touches on the different activities you can participate in with your Doberman and lists addresses to contact for more info. The health care chapter briefly explains all the major diseases and parasites that you must have your dog vaccinated against. For more indepth training methods for the novice, however, it is best to consult a specific manual on the subject. Overall the book is one of the better I have read on any breed!