5 comments about Dog Heroes of September 11th: A Tribute to America's Search and Rescue Dogs.

1. Each story touches the heart of the reader. The true dedication between man and man best friends shines a bright light in the darkest day in US history.



2. I bought this book for my boyfriend to accompy his birthday gift and he loved it. The stories are heartwarming and really remind you of the other heroes of 9/11.



3. I purchased this book as a Christmas present for my Sister. She absolutely loves it. I visited the Ground Zero Museum in NYC in October 2007 and was first introducted to this book. I highly recommend it!



4. A beautiful book about some unknown hero's of Setpember 11.
   
   A must read for all.



5. Received the book on the same day that Jake (page 58) crossed the rainbow bridge. He will be missed...

No comments about Izzy & Lenore: Two Dogs, an Unexpected Journey, and Me.

5 comments about Puppy's First Steps: The Whole-Dog Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, Well-Behaved Puppy.

1. On the subject of raising dogs there are as many opinions as there are, well, dogs. Internet's full of 'em. Several of the negative reviews of this book have one thing in common: The reviewers differ *in opinion* with the scientifically based positions taken by the authors. Example: One reviewer scoffed that the book does not support alternative dog/puppy food alternatives, e.g. raw, or "home cooked". First of all, the book clearly supports their position on that with numerous, significant, fact-based rationale. The critic offers no evidence to support her counter-claims. Advice on socialization requirements and methods are also supported. And so on throughout the book. Perhaps those who rate the book poorly because they have a different opinion should offer a link to some scientific evidence and/or alternative book to back up their claims?
   
   Regarding the narrator of the book on tape, yes his voice and reading method are somewhat unusual, however I would not classify him as sounding like "sociopathic killer". That's a little unfair. I don't know if I could necessarily sit down with the intent of just listening to the book from beginning to end, but I have been listening to the book on CD on my commute to and from work and while driving around town and find it's quite pleasant in that venue. After all, this is a textbook, not a novel. The narrator is trying to convey information clearly. The concerns regarding being able to locate content on the CD's are valid. Many times I've wanted to re-hear a part, and had to listen to the entire track again, but my current CD player does not have a fast-forward or reverse option. My previous car did have that and it made short work of those issues.
   
   My wife and I just got a bullmastiff puppy and have found this book to be extremely helpful. It starts out as many such books do, advising you on the commitment required in having a puppy: According to the book 1/2 of all puppies don't make it to their second birthday in the home they started out in. The authors lament this fact and clearly are trying to give you sound advice that will benefit both you and the dog. They move on to describing health care, food requirements (they very clearly spell out what to look for on the dog food packages), socialization, how your dog sees the world (how their senses differ from ours), etc., etc.
   
   Sure, there are some parts on the CD's that you'd skip over if you were reading. Perhaps not. We found it all interesting. If that doesn't appeal to you, get the book not the CD. Better yet, check it out at the library first, and if you like it, then get it here.



2. This book does not translate at all into audiobook form. If you are interested in the content, purchase the print book. As a very long and thorough reference manual covering many topics, it is near impossible to reference needed information on CD's. Some information is in list format which is tedious to listen to. For example, the book gives detailed information on every single dog breed. This is information you want to look up based on your dog's breed, but you do not want to listen to hundreds of other breed information. The CD's do not have track titles so it is even harder to navigate the information. The narrator also has a monotonous and actually sort of creepy voice. His voice reminded me of what a sociopathic kidnapper might sound like if he was trying to lure a child into his car.



3. As a longtime breeder of purebred dogs I wanted to like this book but it has too many flaws to recommend it to a new puppy owner. The book is written by a committee of veterinary specialists from Tufts and it clearly suffers from that multiple author approach. Several chapters are well worth reading such as socialization, pet insurance the first aid kit are some that I would recommend but others such as the discussion of puppy nutrition, the Tufts temperament test, young children are not complete or contain incorrect information. It would be nice to have a single book to recommend to puppy owners that would cover all aspects of puppy ownership including veterinary care, training, development, health problems, etc. This is NOT THAT BOOK.



4. I heard the author speak on NPR and thought it was worth reading his book, since I am buying a new puppy. Being a first time owner, I really wanted to know what I was getting into. The book is quite comprehensive starting from the very first day and extending far beyond. I have been able to fly through it and it is not boring like you might think a manual might be. Chapters are well organized so you can skip over non applicable items and move forward... Really gives you a good idea of all the work, time, and effort that goes into good pet ownership.



5. This is a comprehensive source of information for anyone who loves a dog. The information is current and HUMANE!! Worth every cent!

5 comments about A New Owner's Guide to Papillons.

1. THIS BOOK WAS FULL OF USEFUL INFORMATION. I WAS VERY PLEASED WITH IT. IT ALSO, CAME COMPLETE WITH PHOTOS AND VALUABLE TRAINING INFORMATION.



2. This ia a small yet very informative book for anyone who wants to learn about the breed. I am the first time owner of Papillon and this book was a lot of help. Along with other valuable information I learned from it that Papillon is a very fragile dog that gets along well with cats and most small dogs, but should never be around large dogs, also is not a very good pet for small kids. I also enjoyed the friendly manner in which the book is written and very nice color pictures.



3. I selected this book in order to gain an understanding of the Papillon and am very pleased with Deborah Wood's style and presentation. The color photographs are excellent in conjunction with explanations of the nature and qualities of Papillons and the care and cautions required in being responsible for this small, lovely dog.



4. There was alot of interesting facts and tidbits in this book. It was informative but not opinionated.
   
   It was an indepth reference like that of an encyclopedia.
   I recommend for any new Papillon owner. Veteran owners should and will already have this basic knowledge.



5. Was very dissapointed. Did not think this book was as breed specific as other reviews claimed. Most advice seemed very generic. Housebreaking section was very limited and did not offer advice for difficult dogs. Also, another problem I was experiencing; teething, biting and chewing, was not even addressed in the book. Good for history of breed, but advice section was extremely limited. Would not recommend if you are looking for advice with various problems.

3 comments about Training Your Pit Bull (Training Your Dog Series).

1. Excellent item... however it does not state what is the best age to start your training. So far i think i have a good buy



2. I bought this book AFTER I got a pitbull. The book even teaches you how to choose a pitbull, so a small part of it was not useful for me. I didn't finish it yet, I bought it recently, but I must say I already learned a lot from it. Stuff normal people told me to do, were not allowed. Like putting my dog with its nose in its "dirt" if he does it on the carpet, or playing tug of war with it. Well, A LOT! I truly recommend it.



3. I was able to follow the instructions for the training in this book step by step. I have been training my dogs in a more old fashion way. But my dogs and I seem to enjoy the fun and results. I have 5 Pit bulls they learn quickly already had the Basics down, but now im getting into the cool tricks and the dogs get a treat now I didn't give one before. I rate this book 4 out of 5 its a must read.

5 comments about Draw 50 Dogs (Draw 50).

1. I bought this book hoping there would be a picture of a weim or a similar breed. I got lucky, there is a weim! It does look incredibly easy to follow, but I know what dog lovers want to know: is MY breed in there? so here's a list:
   
   The book is divided into "groups". The Hound group has Afghan, Basenji (sitting), Basset, Beagle, Black & Tan, Bloodhound (sitting), Borzoi, Dachshund (smooth), Greyhound (running), Irish Wolfhound (running). The Terrier group has Airedale, Bedlington, Bull Terrier, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, Wire Fox, Kerry Blue, Scottish, Sealyham & a Westie (sitting). The Working group is actually the CKC working & herding combined, and has Malamute, Boxer (running), Rough Collie (running), Doberman (play bow), GSD (head shot), Great Dane, Mastiff, OES, Corgi (Pembroke), St. Bernard (lying down), Samoyed, Sheltie, Standard Schnauzer. The Sporting has Cocker (looks like American, is "sitting pretty"), English Setter (head shot), Golden Retriever, Irish Setter, Pointer, Weim. The Irish, Pointer & Weim are on point. The Non-sporting includes the Toy breeds: Bichon, Boster Terrier, Bulldog, Chow, Dalmatian (sitting), Lhasa Apso, Standard Poodle (continental cut I think), Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Pug, Yorkie. All the breeds which can have cropped or natural ears have cropped ears in these drawings.



2. This was the ideal book for me! Thanks to this book, I can draw better than I ever imagined possible!
   
   Ames' provides good, clear instructions. Beagles, basenjis, bulldogs and Germans shepherds are fun to draw. Any dog with a curly tail is fun to draw. Readers are also treated to a brief history of each breed on the bottom of each page.
   
   Now, I wish there was a book (or maybe there is and I just don't know about them) of drawing classic cars. How to draw a 1964 Ford Falcon - how cool is that!



3. I must admit that for me it takes a bit of work to draw realistic and 3 dimensional pictures. But using the 'Draw 50' books are so very, very easy to use! Lee J. Ames's drawing method is simple with the step-by-step instructions which are easy to follow. For kids 9 and older, "Draw 50 Dogs" by Lee J. Ames is great for drawing in your scrapbook, onto your notebooks, on cards, etc.

   As the title says, this book includes instructions to draw 50 dogs; all of the 50 are different breeds and types. For me I love the portraits though I also love to draw dogs running or posing. My favorite pictures to draw are most probably the 'Irish Wolfhound', 'Cairn Terrier', 'German Shepherd Dog', 'Cocker Spaniel', and 'English Setter'. The book has another nice touch which is at the bottom of each drawing, there is some information on that dog including a brief history of the breed, average weight and height of the dog, and coat and color of the dog. Extremely helpful especially if you are thinking of coloring your drawing afterwards or would like to know how big to draw the dog when putting it in a background. My only complaint that there isn't a picture of a papillon to draw which I would like to (the reason? I have a papillon for a pet!).

   Of course all of the "Draw 50" series are great, be sure to check them all out! The books I want are "Draw 50 Athletes", "Draw 50 Cats", "Draw 50 Cars, Trucks, and Motorcycles", and "Draw 50 Famous Faces".




4. I agree with the other reviews,this is a great book in the series. If you have an interest in drawing or know someone who does,you'll find these books to be very useful. My daughter had brought some home from the library & asked for me to buy them.They go step by step with you,in no time you'll have a wonderful picture!



5. This wonderful step-by-step drawing book has great illustrations like the Yorkshire terrier(My favourite). Lee J. Ames, author, is very kind as I had e-mailed him many times. Hope you like this book too...

5 comments about The Koehler Method of Dog Training.

1. I've trained 3 labs with this book, and am working on the fourth! Of course Labs are happy to please, but they also can remain perpetual two-year olds without training! I started my labs very young (even younger than Koehler recommends) because I was afraid they'd get too big to correct correctly. However, I'm now working on a hyper, all-legs 1.5 yr old dog and am so pleasantly surprised that the method works just as well as before!
   
   I've received numerous compliments when out walking with my dogs and they are heeling well, not darting off, and returning on command when off-leash. I even had a two-year old in diapers neighbor girl "walk" my dog around the block on many occasions....she (the dog) was that well-behaved! (Well, the girl is a sweetie too).
   
   If you really read the book, do what it says, CONSISTENTLY, you will find you have an animal that is happy, trustworthy, and who you can be truly proud to show off. There is nothing in this book that harms your dog....it is just teaching him/her who is really the boss. And there is an added bonus that your pockets won't smell like dog treats!



2. My husband and I got this book several years ago when we moved from the country, where our four BIG dogs ran loose, to the city where they had to be on a leash. I often had to walk all four of them myself and was used to being dragged down the street. It was a dangerous situation for them, me, and our neighbors.
   
   We followed the instructions in the first Chapter. After a couple of weeks of preparing them (the preparation is key), they had their first real training session. After ONE correction they were like new dogs - NEVER pulling on the leash again. Our daily walks became so enjoyable for them and me. We did not use any further Chapters since we really just wanted to leash train them.
   
   I'll admit I was initially squeamish about using this approach. I now believe it is more humane to use an approach like this properly, rather than spending weeks or months on techniques that frustrate the owner and dog. The results really were amazing and I highly recommend this book.



3. This is one of the best ways to train your dog. I used this method in a class taught many years ago and that dog was the best trained dog I have ever had. Unfortunately, the place closed. I tried another method of training on my new dog but got this book because nothing compares to this type of training.



4. I've owned and used this book's approach to training my dogs for decades. The benefits of owning an OBEDIENT and well-trained dog cannot be fully explained - but I think it's the only way to live. The problems most of us have with dogs are due to the owners who refuse to do what it takes to get control of their animals and allow the animal to dominate everyone's attention due to the pathetic lack of discipline and respect.
   
   This book teaches the essentials of good behavior, something that's missing in today's society. A little discipline and mutual respect is the foundation for this method of dog training, I've owned some of the most well-trained and respected Labrador retrievers that serve as the finest family pets AND guard dogs anyone could wish for. Well-disciplined animals only bark when there's a very good reason to bark...unlike some people's nuisance animals that bark at every person who walks down the street, or even going into spastic barking fits at the sound of an acorn falling off a tree.
   
   This book builds a foundation that lasts a lifetime, use it and you'll never have a "bad dog" ruin your sleep again!



5. I don't like the idea of using pain to train pet dogs. It seems that by using some of Koehler's methods you could win the battle, but lose the war;
   that is, you stop the behavior, but the dog doesn't like you anymore.
   What point is it to have a pet that doesn't like you or is afraid of you?
   Does submissive urination make for a better dog? Also, many professional trainers don't recommend painful punishment techniques for beginner dog trainers.
   
   Incredibly, this book lacks any discussion of socialization - essential for preventing fear aggression.
   
   I also question Koehler's assumption that dogs have evil, vindictive motives.
   
   I would recommend "The Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson. She relies on research that studies how animals learn. She also exposes many of the common myths - some of which I used to believe myself.

5 comments about Training Your Boxer (Training Your Dog Series).

1. Highly recommended for the prospective boxer owner. Offers a unique perspective to training the boxer and covers most facets of ownership. Lots of good practical information in terms anyone can understand. Have read the book repeatedly and glean more information each time. Will be a continuing source of reference as my boxer matures. Thanks to Joan Walker for this outstanding practical guide.



2. very useful book. packed full of common sense advice that is easily adapatable to your personal situation with your dog - whether he/she is a puppy or older dog. I'm glad I read this book and would reccommend it to anyone who is considering or has gotten a boxer - they are a special breed with their own unique personality traits and it is very helpful to understand how they think when training them.



3. This book tells of numerous ways to train your boxer so you can pick which method works best for your dog. Easy to follow instructions makes training fun and alot less daunting.



4. I found this to be well written and informative. A good buy.



5. It's great to see the author writing customer reviews of their own book? Turned me off from buying the book. How stupid does she think people are?

4 comments about The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs (Natural Vets Guide).

1. This book will help you to understand why cancer is so rampant in our pets, and give you alternatives to conventional food and medicine while raising them to be healthy and happy.



2. I know I submitted a review before but for some reason it isn't here. I so want to encourage people to buy this book. Dr. Messonnier is a thorough researcher and a holistic vet with years of experience.
   He explains different treatments and also preventative steps we all can take to try and keep our pets healthy.
   Diane



3. Dr. Shawn's book is filled with great wisdom and compassion. Information is a powerful weapon against cancer and Dr. Shawn proves this time and time again. Dr. Shawn's "The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs" is filled with invaluable and easy to comprehend information. This book will truly empower you as you wage battle against cancer in your beloved animal friend.



4. Well it's taken me over 4 years but in response to your requests I've finally finished and released this timely book. In The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs, you'll learn the pros and cons of both conventional and alernative therapies. I also discuss using diet to prevent and treat cancer, outline a plan using supplements to reduce the incidence of cancer in your pets, and share with you how to control pain in the cancer patient. Here are some of the wonderful reviews of the book I've received:
   
   *"It's becoming more and more evident that natural cancer treatments for both animals and humans have had significant success. With his book, Dr. Messonnier provides a desperately needed bridge between the traditional and more natural cancer therapies. As a health intuitive this book rates a 10+++, a win-win situation!"
   
   Carol Keppler
   Intuitive Health
   
   *"This is a truly important book, vital to all dog owners. Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs, and unfortunately, veterinarians are seeing cancer in younger and younger animals as well. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, but with this book, you get a ton of each!
   
   This is, without question, the most comprehensive book available on this topic. Dr. Messonnier covers all aspects in detail. While some of the language is technical, each medical term is thoroughly explained to allow dog guardians to communicate effectively with their veterinarians. The even-handed coverage of both conventional and alternative treatments provides a rational overview of the most useful therapies from both sides of the fence.
   
   This book is easy to read and well organized. The appendices provide much useful additional information. It's an extremely valuable resource, not just about dogs with cancer, but for dogs of all ages whose guardians are aiming for optimal health and cancer prevention, rather than reacting to a cancer diagnosis."
   
   Jean Hofve, DVM
   
   *"Dr. Messonnier's landmark work is a comprehensive, practical guide to a subject that every pet owner should be concerned about."
   
   Michael T. Murray, N.D., coauthor How to Prevent and Treat Cancer with Natural Medicine
   
   *"This book should be recommended reading for everyone who
   brings a dog into their lives. Dr. Shawn Messonnier's advice on
   holistic preventative care removes the mystery and fear about
   cancer and replaces it with a solid understanding of what we
   should do-and not do-when raising our dogs. Armed with the
   information in this book, we can take precautions to help
   prevent cancer in our pets, then work with our veterinarian to
   plot a course of action if cancer is diagnosed. A user-friendly
   book that steers clear of false hope and tells it like it is."
   
   
   Joan Stewart
   The Publicity Hound
   
   
   I hope you agree and will use this book to both prevent and treat cancer in your dog (and yes, cat owners can use the information in here as well to help their beloved feline family members!)
   
   Shawn Messonnier, DVM
   Host of Dr. Shawn-The Natural Vet, on Martha Stewart Living Radio Sirius Channel 112.
   www.petcarenaturally.com

5 comments about How to Right a Dog Gone Wrong: A Road Map for Rehabilitating Aggressive Dogs.

1. It took the author 4 YEARS to rehabilitate her dog using her method, and its easy to understand why. Nowhere in this book are you taught how to nurture trust and respect from your dog. The advice on training specific commands is worth reading, but probably not what most people that buy this book are looking for. The books I bought after reading this one were so much better. I would highly recommend the books by Patricia McConnell instead. Her 'How to be a Pack Leader' booklet is awesome and sets the stage for success with her other books, Feisty Fido and the Cautious Canine.



2. This is a no nonsense concise guide for training and rehabilitating an agressive dog and also their owner. Pam Dennison gives precise step by step positive training techniques that will create a lasting bond between human and dog. It is a must read for the agressive dog owner, but is also common sense training for any dog owner. Her use of positive reinforcement of good behavior rather than punishment for bad will make many dogs' lives happier. Her suggestion to keep a daily log of training is a great tool and she supplies a template. I've already seen great results using her techniques with both my dogs. This is a must read for all dog lovers, easy to read, and full of valuable information and insight.



3. A useful book with straight forward explanations about "aggressive" emotions in dogs. A humane approach to management of these dogs and also helpful ideas to prevent people from making the situation worse and aggravating the anxious animal. A good book for new pet owners who find
   dog handling to be more hazardous than anticipated.



4. I liked this book and feel it will help. Some other resources for some specific types of aggression not mentioned in the other reviews are "Fight!" by Jean Donaldson, for dogs that aggress toward other dogs, "Mine!" by Jean Donaldson, for dogs that guard their food bowl or other items of value (to the dog), and "Feisty Fido! Help for the Leash Aggressive Dog" by Patricia B. McConnell and Karen B. London. The techniques in these practical, reasonably-priced pamphlets would mesh well with the other resources mentioned.



5. Although its been suggested in a review here, Aggression in Dogs: Practical Management, Prevention & Behaviour Modification (Paperback) by Brenda Aloff is rather expensive. I like Karen Pryor's books because they emphasize positive, reward driven training and behavior modification.