5 comments about How to Housebreak Your Dog in 7 Days (Revised).

1. I will advise the reader to buy the book before getting the puppy. READ IT!!! and think if you are ready to do what its needed... if you are still COOL with the idea.
   This is the BEST 7.99 you have spent in a long time. Adopt the schedule that best suits your style and star doing in it from day one. The schedule will help you and the puppy to get ready for the paper training, out door o whatever you decide.
   I have trained TWO shelties using this book, and on the first day. I GOT POSITIVE RESULTS, becuase I adopted a schedule from day one.
   Shelties are very easy to train, but getting them on the schedule from the start help to make it easier on you and them.
   The book gives you different choices depending on your life style, and it makes you feel good if you work all day (YES!!! THERE IS A SCHEDULE FOR YOU TOO)
   It is a quick read, no more than 30 minutes to a fast reader, around an hour for a slow.. it is easy to follow and you can skip a chapter depending on what you need.
   STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!!!



2. This is a most confusing and contradictory book. In the first few chapters, it states never paper train if your intention is to have the dog "go" outdoors. Then if you dog is very young put plenty of layers of newspapers on the floor. It says not to confine the puppy in the crate, let him come and go. Then it says to confine the puppy in the crate.
   
   I think it would have been beneficial to chapter each method and be consistant within each chapter. Our new puppy is primarily my 10 year old son's dog. However I am reading the material too. He has informed me that this book isn't vey good, and has found another that is better. I hope Amazon prints all of the reviews.



3. This approach really works. Our pup is only 11 weeks old and is already well on his way to being fully house trained.



4. This has been the most useful book I've seen so far, and I have 3 other books on this topic. Unlike a lot of reviewers here who talk about "common sense," this is my first dog ever, so I have no prior experience to apply.
   
   I found the information very specific and helpful. In the book, the suggested schedules begin with puppies as young as 4 months (16 weeks). But it worked just as well with my 13-week-old puppy. He's 19 weeks now and I can say with confidence "No 'accidents.'" I've even been able to take him over to friends' homes for an evening and he only goes outside. When he's in his crate at night, he's good until morning.
   
   The key to getting the best results from this book, I think, is that you really have to be consistent and follow the directions as written. I took a week off from work to apply the techniques in this book, and it's been great ever since.



5. Shirlee Kalstone's book LITERALLY changed my life. I had skimmed over this book at the pet supply store but thought, "Very interesting...but surely I'LL never need it because teaching MY puppy to 'go' outside will be a snap." Two weeks, one wet, yellow floor, and two peed-on couch cushions later, I was at wit's end, finally admitting to myself I needed help (BADLY), as it seemed that my 18-week-old miniature dachshund boy would never have ANY interest in outdoor urination.
   
   This book was truly the answer to my prayers - I was AMAZED by it and the great results it produced! It really did change my entire life, as well as my dogs'. The book emphasizes sticking to a schedule, which created a challenge for me initially since I am the "creative sort" (read: TERRIBLE at time management, being on time, sticking to schedules, etc.) but I really made a point of sticking to it as closely as possible (for me) and once he became reliable, I was able to relax it some. Another thing I liked about this book is that there are two different time schedules, depending on whether or not you work outside the home. Most housebreaking books assume that there is at least one person at home at all times to help with the housebreaking but, for those of us who actually have to work for a living (quelle horreur!), this offers an excellent alternative schedule that is very easy to comply with.
   
   Summarily, this is an INCREDIBLY worthwhile read and one of the few books that I would recommend - and give as a gift!- to ANYONE getting a new puppy. I devoured everything I could on puppy housebreaking when my dog was learning, both in print and on the Internet, and "How To Housebreak Your Dog in Seven Days" was by FAR the best, fastest, and most effective. In only two weeks' time, my dog went from seemingly SMILING at me while copping a squat on my bath rug to peeing outside on command whenever he hears the phrase "HURRY UP" (in fact, he's so reliable about it, I'm almost afraid to say those words indoors, even in other contexts!). This book is destined to become a classic and one I would recommend over and over to ANYONE who would prefer their dogs pee on their front lawn and not their carpet.

5 comments about On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals.

1. I cannot believe how much this book helps me communicate with my reactive dog. I have a small library of dog books and by far this little book outshines them all.
   I also foster dogs and this helps me get acquainted with all the different breeds and the author is right they (dogs) all speak the same language.
   You have to be smart enough to apply the techniques. I've read some real stupid reviews.



2. Short book, easy read, good ideas... I enjoy learning about dogs and have been using the ideas daily.



3. I have been a dog owner for years. After reading this book, it has been interesting to observe my own and other dogs with a new depth of understanding, and to be able to communicate with them more easily. It's easy to forget that dogs have no verbal language as we do and can easily misunderstand our words and actions, as we can misunderstand theirs.



4. I found the information of body language to be interesting, but limited. I was really expecting more information to make a difference with training and understanding dogs.



5. Not worth the money - unless you fine it for about 2 bucks. If you have dogs it is things you will already know. There was maybe one thing I didn't know. It is very basic. Go to the library and read it for free. If they don't have it - don't bother.

5 comments about It's Me or the Dog: How to Have the Perfect Pet.

1. Best dog training guide ever! I used this book to help me solve my problems I had with my 65lb Labrador Retriever pulling on the lead,being unfriendly toward strange dogs,barking,and his mild separation anxiety. I highly recommend getting this book for your dog training needs.



2. I used to watch the show and thought that things happened too fast on screen, so I needed something handy that I could check any time I had doubts. For me it was a good surprise to find this book. It gives a lot of tips, explains many behaviors, and everything looks reasonable and obvious somehow! It's my bedside book right now, when I have to deal closely with my family "crazy" labrador. I didn't give it 5 stars because I couldn't find all the answers to my questions. But it sure was a very good start!



3. The only comment I have to say is I'm sorry that I can't seem to find the seasons of the show this book is based from on DVD anywhere. I love Victoria Stilwell's methods. She is experienced and very well-educated and aware of what she is talking about. This book also contains alot of helpful tips that even an experienced dog owner will find very enlightening...I was very happy with this purchase and I know I will definitely be referring to it when we get our next puppy!



4. I got this book based on the good reviews. I was not disappointed at all. The book provided clear, easy to read information. While much of the information was stuff I already knew, it is always helpful to have it reinforced. The section on animal body language and behaviour was very helpful.
   
   The pictures were also very good.
   
   I would recommend this book for anyone looking at getting a dog or puppy, or owners who want a little bit of a refresher.



5. She begins by telling you to understand being a dog. That is what training means...not to just make your dog do something. It's an excellent book and show.

5 comments about How to be the Leader of the Pack...And have Your Dog Love You For It. ("How to" booklets from Dog's Best Friend).

1. Excellent and extremely helpful book in understanding humane, positive dog training. Couldn't recommend this enough. In fact, I recommend ALL her books, especially For The Love of A Dog, and The Other End of The Leash.



2. I sometimes worry that I'm not succeeding at being a strong, benevolent pack leader. This worry led me to Patricia McConnell's book, How to Be the Leader of the Pack . . . and Have Your Dog Love You For It. After reading the synopsis and reader reviews, I felt like this book could help me with my desire to be a better pack leader.
   
   This 16-page book covers 12 must-read topics:
   
   1. Petting
   2. Body Blocks
   3. Look Aways
   4. Lie Down and Stay
   5. Wait at the Door
   6. Four on the Floor
   7. Teach Off
   8. Integrate Obedience Into Your Day
   9. Leaders Are In the Lead
   10. Play
   11. A Word About Food
   12. Alpha Roll-Over ... Don't Do It
   
   I found McConnell's advice to be practical and realistic,and took away helpful tips from each of these sections. Tonight, I've successfully "body blocked" my dog's attempts to use her front paws to lean on the couch as she stands on her hind legs. I've also started making my dog sit (the only command she knows right now) prior to petting her.
   
   This book is concise, interesting, and at 16 pages, I read it in less than 30 minutes. I highly recommend How to Be the Leader of the Pack . . . and Have Your Dog Love You For It to puppy owners and anyone interested in polishing their dog's manners.



3. Okay, it was fine...but even at $3.50 there's not much here. Buy her books instead.



4. This little pamphlet should be given out with every adopted dog! While only 16 pages it's a great intro into beginning training and how to care for your dog. It's especially useful for people who can't or won't read a longer book like my husband.



5. My customers love this book in their doggy gift baskets. Great purchase even at retail price.

5 comments about For the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend.

1. Patricia McConnell is now my favorite writer. This book helps us to understand your dog more. Isn't that what we all want?



2. Forget Caesar...Patricia McConnell has written some of the best, most informative books about dogs, language, and behavior you will ever read...hands down. Every dog owner should read this book, and even those who don't have dogs...a lot can be learned.



3. As a trainer, I work with many fearful and reactive dogs. I found the Fear chapter in For the Love of a Dog very useful for helping my clients to understand WHY their dogs behave the way they do. The explanations of how dogs experience fear were excellent.
   
   I think the whole book is terrific for a readers with an intense interest in dog behavior.



4. I was impressed with the information included in this book. Patricia McConnell knows how to tell a story and has a wealth of information to share. Since reading this book, I have purchased several other books by her, all very good.



5. This book not only helped me to understand, relate, and communicate with my dogs, but myself as well.
   Buy this book if you want to become closer to your furbaby. I've read many books on animal behavior and communication and this one is at the top.
   Spend a few bucks on this book. You won't be disappointed.

5 comments about Dr. Pitcairn's New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats.

1. I know that this book is very popular, and that is troubling considering that the author suggests feeding raisins to your dog. Raisins are, along with chocolate, grapes, avocadoes, gum with xylitol, cooked chicken bones, etc., BAD to feed to your canine. Just because your dog might not die right away from raisins, does not mean that his kidneys are not being ruined.
   
   This book is so popular, and now many people think that it is beneficial to feed their dogs raisins because this book says so. Cross referencing is always indispensible to any research. The raisin suggestion makes me question the validity of everything else in the book. I consider this a "soft" health and medical book...like a mainstream health magazine in comparison to a conservative medical journal.
   
   People need a more no nonsense approach to natural dog health, along with exact information, especially considering the onslaught of vaccinations that are slowly killing our canine companions through the cancer and allergies that natural authors are trying to address with these natural practices. They should go straight to the reasons why most dogs are suffering and start suggestions from there, as in don't start off by destoying your canine's health potential in the first place, don't vaccinate your dogs...
   
   Only rabies is required by law. And your dog should be at least one year old and in good health without any stress when he receives it..and boosters are not scientifically supported. Don't believe me though, go research with some REAL books and articles.:)



2. Given the number of positive reviews on this book, I was expecting alot. unfortunately, this book didn't fulfill my most basic expectations.
   
   Compared to what most people know and the way most people raise their dogs, the method explained in this book is orders of magnitude better in terms of healthfulness. The author is clearly trying to create an optimal nutrition profile for animals, and he hits on alot of very important points, but unfortunately falls short in the most important dimension of all: credibility.
   
   Even though I was ready to trust the author (vetenarian, PhD), I was expecting at least a nominal level of backup for his arguments, but it really seems almost everything in his book is based on his subjective feeling about it. Not only is here clearly hypothesizing theories out of thin air at times, he comes up with the most detailed nutrition, supplement, and feeding "recipes" based on the most vague and unsupported justifications. This is important to me, as a person pursuing a graduate degree in biology I came ready to critically analyze every word of this book, but there really is not much substance behind the verbal "fluff."
   
   Some of Dr. Pitcairn's suggestions are not in line with nutritional advice i've heard from in my mind more respected sources (famous breeders of show quality dogs): to feed a diet of raw meaty bones (RMBs) while minimizing or eliminating grain. Pitcairn asserts that in his opinion, dogs need grain, but doesnt really back it up. Other sources also say dogs dont need that much in the way of supplementation, but Pitcairn would have me spend more on my dogs vitamins than my own. No real evidence, no biological mechanism proposed, rather simplistic.
   
   For most, an excellent introduction to many aspects of dog training. For those looking for a quality, authoritative work on canine nutrition, look elsewhere.



3. I live in a small town where there is no homeopathic care, and I have three cats that have had the occasional health issue. I went the traditional veterinary route for many years, but the problems never really went away, and in some cases even got worse. I have always had better luck when I used natural remedies myself, so I bought all kinds of books and did a lot of research online to try to find ways to help my ten year old cats get over their skin allergies and bladder infections. I wanted to know more about the food they should be eating too after our big pet-food scare. Luckily there is a lot of good information out there from credible sources and I have totally changed my approach to what my kitties eat, what supplements they get, and I have noticed a big change. This is the best book I've found to date. Dr. Pitcairn shares very specific information about a wide variety of things, and this will remain my go-to guide for many years to come.



4. My vet, who specializes in alternative veterinary medicine, recommended this book. I have a 13-year-old dachshund that has had ear infections and severe skin allergies since she was 9-months-old. Over the years, the vet bills have been staggering. I began home cooking for her using this book, and her skin is completely clear after a couple months and her ear infections are much improved. I also have a yorkie puppy (7 months) and I'm following this book to give her a good start and, hopefully, she'll avoid developing allergies. I've been especially interested in what this book says about vaccines. We've been over vaccinating our dogs and many suffer serious side effects. The book is well written and organized. It's the most helpful book I've read on the subject of caring for a dog. I recommend it to all dog owners.



5. This book is extremely helpful if you are looking for alternative foods for your cat or dog.

5 comments about Don't Shoot the Dog!: The New Art of Teaching and Training.

1. As a dog trainer this was one of the required reading materials when I first started at Guide Dogs for the Blind. I think it is a good idea to read many different kinds of training guides as I find myself using positive only training methods.
   
   -Julie the online dog trainer from www.webDogTrainer.com



2. Fantastic. Reading this has helped me gain a bit of insight into relating better with our dog (and people too). For five years I have tried many things to aid in getting our dog to stop pulling while on leash. A Gentle Leader didn't work. A choke collar didn't work. I even resorted to using a Herm Sprenger prong collar, to no avail. After reading this, I realized I needed to "speak" a language my dog could understand. He pulls, I stop. He wants to walk, so he stops pulling. Our walks are quite lovely now, and I didn't need to buy an expensive training aid to accomplish that.



3. Works wonders for my dog, and I've noticed my boss uses these methods to get the best from me also (and I don't mind!).



4. Good book for dog training and behavior, however there are lessons that can apply to other aspects of life, including human interactions.



5. The author, Karen Pryor uses a psychological approach for shaping the behavior or dogs. The title of the book invokes humor in teaching and training behavior. Behavior modification techniques have been around for many years and still affect animal behavior when used appropriately.
   It could be easier to find a particular behavior like "biting" if it were listed in the index, so there is room for improvement there. Otherwise, learning about behavior modification techniques is very valuable, not only with animals but also with humans.

5 comments about How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend: The Classic Training Manual for Dog Owners (Revised & Updated Edition).

1. This is a revised addition of a wonderful book that has been around for a long time. The Monks are very impressive with their knowledge of dogs, their behavior and body language. The book teaches how to recognize the body language and how to correct unwanted behaviors. Their corrections are very quick and non abusive. They stress the necessity of being the pack leader but not in an overly demanding and strident manner. I have raised and trained many dogs using their methods and found them to be very successful. My dogs have always been good friends and a pleasure to have in our home. I highly recommend this book as well the other books by the Monks on training dogs.



2. if you are looking for a deeper relationship or just have a few problems with your dog and need some advise this book is fantastic. also read the art of raising a puppy even if you have an adult dog.



3. I got this book from a friend and have absolutely loved it. This book should be owned by all dog owners and breeders. This is the best book I have ever read on dog training, and I have read many. By the time you are half-way through this book you feel as if you and your dog actually understand each other. That's a result that speak for itself!
   
   Also check these books:
   Why Do Dogs Drink Out of the Toilet?: 101 of the Most Perplexing Questions Answered About Canine Conundrums, Medical Mysteries and Befuddling Behaviors
   The Dog Who Rescues Cats: True Story of Ginny, The



4. I don't raise Jack Russell terriers but I do replenish my own supply as I have a good line...when I breed the rare litter I carefully select who may take one of my pups.
   I always give the new owner of one of my pups a copy of this book. It is unbelieveably straight-foreward and no-nonsense and, above all, the monks' theory works. I have used it with great success on every one of my hard-headed little Jacks and, if you know Jack Russells, that's a feat!
   I will also admit that I used the "take 'em down" technique on my own teenagers a few times! Anaother example of how you don't need to beat them....just show them who's alpha!



5. Do not waste your money on this book. The monks apparently like to hear themselves talk and talk and talk. The big problem with this is that there is very little information in all the stories they tell that can help you directly with your new dog.

5 comments about Rescuing Sprite: A Dog Lover's Story of Joy and Anguish.

1. I just didn't care for this book. I received this book as a christmas gift. I work at a dog daycare, so it is safe to say that I really love dogs. However, I did not feel connected to the dog in this book at all. The author wrote about his dogs as though they were saints. Come on, we love our animals, but they are not perfect. It's all those little quirks that make them memorable and special. In addition to the lack of character description, I felt like Levin's writing was poor. The sentences were constantly short and unnecessary. So much of his diction and descriptions added nothing to the story. This novel was not worth sharing or reading. Now don't get me wrong, any time an animal dies it is heartbreaking. To this day I can not think of my sweet Norman and not shed a tear, but this book was just not a proper tribute to a dog that supposedly touched this man's life.



2. I was very touched with this story. For anyone who has ever loved and lost a pet it will touch your heart.



3. This book should be read by everyone who has loved a pet. The book takes thru the circle of life, embracing the journey and making us feel we are there. Every feeling the author shares becomes ours. The book reminds us it is okay to have loved and lost, if not we would, as Garth Brooks says "would have missed the dance" - as we enter into a pet relationship we are glad we are not thinking of how it might end, if we were we would probably pass, and oh, how much we and that pet would have missed.
   Thank you Mr. Levin for sharing your journey.



4. I bought this for a friend who has a very sick dog they have owned for 8 years. We both read it, it is wonderfully written, sad and yet encouraging when you realize other people have lost pets and cared as much as you do.



5. Great story about a lucky dog and dog lovers whoe rescued him.
   It made me feel great about the love and dedication in rescuing a great dog.
   Friendly warning: If you start reading in late evening, you may not get enough sleep because it is hard to put down this book.

5 comments about Dog Man: An Uncommon Life on a Faraway Mountain.

1. This book has touched me. The main character is morally strong, and the result of his strength has affected a breed of dog to a point beyond comprehension. If you own an Akita, this is a must read. If you do not own an Akita, you need to read this as well.



2. Heard about this book when Charlie Rose interviewed the author on his show. Apparently the Akita is a country dog bred in the mountains in Japan. During WWII, the breed was threatened--people ate them because they were starving--and this is the story of how one man formed a network of friends to save the breed and protect them. It is also the story of his family, including stories of the different dogs he saved. For dog lovers and Akita fans especially.



3. Haven't had a dog in years but love great books about dogs and this is a great book about a dog and the man who rescued the breed from extinction.
   
   And what a gentle man he is. Brings the word Zen to life for me. And to think he never accepted money for any of the dogs, and has lived such a simple pure life. Not only is it a story of a man saving a breed of dog, but it also has some priceless lessons about living simple, enjoying stillness and being content.
   
   I wonder if the Japanese exchange students we have had over the years who all owned Akitas know of Morie Sawataishi.



4. I bought this book because I'm very interested in dogs and had visited Japan. While the book really was about a man who saved Akitas after WWII, it was so much more. Interwoven was a very interesting history of what the Japanese endured from close to the end of the war until today. I was in awe of the hardships they faced and the tremendous number of things they achieved. I feel I'd need more than one lifetime to even approach accomplishing what they have.
   The author kept the momentum going and has produced a really wonderful book that was never dull and brought life during these times alive. Effortless reading.
   I have read that the Japanese take one idea and keep refining it, not just always looking for the next best thing. This is how Dog Man approached his life with dogs. Wonderful book.



5. ...he could have been a lot like Morie Sawataishi. Singular of mind, even monomaniacal. Narcissistic. Athletic and daring. And superhuman in his talent--rescuing the Akita "snow dog" breed from annihilation during World War II.
   
   Author Martha Sherrill manages to bring us to a sympathetic understanding of this man in her fine work Dog Man. Dog lovers will find it easier to comprehend Morie's fixation, and how he uses his beloved Akitas as an escape, even a bulwark, from his family and its war-time struggles with hunger and poverty. But Dog Man goes far beyond its esoteric main subject as we travel via Sherrill's fluid prose to Japan's fascinating post-war snow country, and bear witness as it enters the modern age. In the span of her book, the region goes from untouched country largely lacking electric power and prowled by bears and wild mountain men, to populated civilization served by bullet train. And the photos of all those beautiful dogs alone are worth the price of the hardcover. A great read that takes you far away!