5 comments about My Dog Skip.

1. This book is the story of Willie Morris' childhood companion, a dog named Skip. Willie recounts his adolescent years and all the fond memories of his dog and friends as they grew up together in small town Mississippi. The story is heartwarming and the author paints a very clear picture of all the shenanigans, good times and bad that he and his dog had together over the years. I liked this book; but I think a male reader would appreciate the bond between a boy and his dog more than I can.



2. This is a wonderful and touching story. It is a good read, and I recommend it to anyone who has ever had a pet. I especially like that it has a jack russell in the story.



3. This was a great book! It was so touching and heartfelt. I love dogs and this book is an example of someone who loves dogs like me so I can connect! Greatly recomended!



4. Willie Morris was a truly great author! This story of his childhood with his dog was really heartwarming. It is so simple and warm and humorous, you will just love it. Warning: you will cry your eyes out at the end, but it's worth the pain. One of the best animal stories ever, I hope many kids read this in school. If you loved the movie "A Christmas Story" you will love this book. The movie version of "My Dog Skip" is also quite good, though it is kind of upsetting that in order to create drama the wonderful father of the book is kind of nasty in the movie. Willie Morris was a great author who also wrote a cat book entitled "My Cat Spit McGee" and several books about his life that remind me a little of Russel Baker's memoirs. One is entitled "North Toward Home", another "Good Old Boy" and one is about life in New York City.



5. Willie Morris has recounted the life of not just a boyhood pet, but a dear and close friend.
   The Story of Skip's life as told by his owner is full of mythic adventures of childhood. Where every new day was full of joy and wonder. Morris' storytelling brings the dog, his family and the lush southern landscape into full and brilliant view.
   When you read My Dog Skip you can just feel how much this young man loved and revered his dog.
   Any of us who have had a much loved pet know that the bond between animal and human can reach so much further than just "pet and owner". Willie Morris makes the statement that Skip wasn't just his dog, but his brother... that is a beautiful thing. Morris grew up an only child but did not feel alone by any stretch of the imagination. He was loved deeply by and deeply loved his dog Skip.
   Another great point made in this book is how Willie Morris learned so much from his dog Skip. He clearly states that the most lasting lessons he has learned about love and loyalty came from knowing his dog.
   This book captures so well the love a boy or any human being can have for a pet... I loved the story and highly recommend it!

5 comments about The Ultimate Guide to Bird Dog Training: A Realistic Approach to Training Close-Working Gun Dogs for Tight Cover Conditions.

1. The basics of this book are exellent although sections of book such as callback pens are not applicable to new zealand



2. This book is good. It provides some basic technics on methods of training. I personally prefered "how to help gun dogs train themselves". But, this was a good book with good training ideas.



3. This book is GREAT! My husband got me interested in training bird dogs after going on a quail hunt recently. I reviewed the books on Amazon that were available on the subject and chose this one to get an idea of what bird dog training would entail. I was skeptical that I could actually do this. I am hooked. This book made so much since to me! I am ready to get started with a puppy today. It is a lot of work I know but this book is an excellent way to get started. I know it will be an excellent resource after I get my pup. I have talked with a few folks that actually raise and train pointing dogs and they say I'm on the right track. I highly recommend this book.



4. I ordered this book in hopes of receiving an up to date training book. I was somewhat disappointed. The book looks like it is a new updated training book; and even states inside that it contains the authors older material with new updated training methods, but I found it to be only dated marerial. The pictures are from the 70's, and not good ones at that. I do feel like the methods would work for a person training a pointer; I was trying to obtain information in the training of a lab for upland game, and this book was lacking in that reguards. If you are looking for a newer material, you may want to check other sources. I am trying The Labrador Shooting Dog next.



5. An excellent oveview for starting a pointing dog puppy. Uses techniques from various trainers. Highly recommend.. It works too!

2 comments about Bulldog (Kennel Club Dog Breed Series).

1. Bulldog (Kennel Club Dog Breed Series)
   This is an excellent buy. Definitely to be HIGHLY recommended



2. The cover picture alone would be reason enough to buy this book. The book itself, though, is a very good manual for bulldog owners and has lots of other pictures scattered throughout. A very good purchase.

4 comments about Tales from the Dog Listener: 28 Secrets to Being Your Dog's Best Friend.

1. I really like this book.Jan has an easy style of writing.I first ordered The Dog Listener- was hooked - ordered this one and was not disappointed.When Ms. Fennell explaines how to connect with your canine,she makes it so easy to understand.I will never use any other method to teach my dogs.The stories in this book are fun and interesting.For any of you who truly love your dog/dogs and want to know how to build a strong loving relationship, plus get your pooch to do exactly what you want-- buy Jan Fennell's books-- I promise,you'll be glad you did!



2. I enjoyed The Dog Whisperer though I'm not willing to be as rigidly authoritarian as Fennell recommends, and I can attest that her ideas (modified) worked well for my smart little Aussie. But this book is just pointless and I finally gave up on it half way through.



3. Jan Fennel is one of the most intelligent when it comes to dog training. Her books have been an inspiration for us and our pets.



4. I am a fan of Jan Fennell. I enjoyed the book, as well as her first one, The Dog Listener. I find her approach very similar in attitude to my own with my own dog and the dogs with which I work. Her work, while different from Cesar Millan, complements his. Americans don't pay enough attention to the real psychology of the dog-human relationship, and the dogs pay the price.

5 comments about So You Want to be a Dog Trainer (2nd edition).

1. Love this book! I wasnt sure if I was taking the right path to becoming a dog trainer, but utilizing the resources in this book, I feel confident in my decisions. Very informative and realistic.



2. Excellent resource for trainers or those considering the field. Chock full of tips, guidelines and ethics. Extremely helpful in devising your business plan. You don't realize how many things you didn't think of until you read this book!



3. I was really excited to read this book. I kept a note pad by me to jot down all the great ideas that the book gives! Great info on starting your own business



4. This is an excellent source, full of useful advice on the ins and outs of putting together a dog training business. It does not go into training techniques, so you'll definitely need other books on methodology along with this one, which is strictly business. I think she's a bit conservative in her advice, which is probably necessary to publish and avoid liability. However, it can be a little discouraging to think that ALL OF THAT is necessary - just realize, it may not be. But it certainly has EVERYTHING you need!



5. Way to go, Nicole! She explains the business of dog training in a useful way! It explains some of the nuts and bolts of building a dog-training business as well as some useful manners and practical ethics.

5 comments about Illustrated Guide to 140 Dog Breeds.

1. This is the best dog breed book I have ever read in that it gives specific information about each breed. Most breed books on Weimaraners say they need a lot of exercise. What does this mean? This book is very specific and says that a Weimaraner needs a 2 1/2 hr walk per day. This is so true. Also, even though Weimaraners are wonderful, wonderful dogs, I have had to pay a trainer to help me tone down my dog's aggression. This book says that hiring a trainer may be necessary. I have never seen this information in any other sourcebook, even though I have searched for it raising my Weimey dog. If you've got an acre of land, and want a brilliant, beautiful, elegant, athletic, nonshedding, protective dog, you can't beat a Weimaraner. Or if you get up at dawn in the city and run for an hour, you couldn't find a better dog. Otherwise, think twice.



2. Pretty book, but sadly coloured by personal beliefs which are out of place here, and badly researched in at least one area - the one I always turn to first: my favourite breed.

   There is gross misrepresentation in the Greyhound section, which would put many people off owning one of these lovely dogs. Having kept greyhounds for ten years, I can tell you these dogs are NOT long distance runners - they're bred for sprinting. Running beside a bike/horse would be quite inappropriate for most greyhounds, particularly ex-racers who may have old racing injuries. They are sensitive to both heat and cold, too, which may cause further distress on long runs. My dogs get a long walk of between one and one-and-a-half miles a day plus a short 15 minute lead walk and they are pretty tired after that. Most greyhound rescues/adoption agencies recommend two twenty minute walks a day.

   Also, it is misleading to say their coat requires no attention. All dog coats require attention and the greyhound is no exception. And far from being unsuitable for city living, the greyhound is one large breed that can be a good apartment dog because of its 'couch potato' character.

   To find such inaccuracy in one section rather puts me off using this book as a reliable guide in other areas.




3. I have worked for many years in greyhound rescue so I naturally turned to the greyhound entry of this book first. I was absolutely struck dumb to find the book claiming that retired racers need frequent 13 MILE runs next to a horse or bike! This is total insanity. In truth, there is not a racer alive who is able or who desires to walk more than 1 or 2 miles a couple of times a week at most. These guys are SPRINTERS NOT MARATHONERS. Where on earth did the authors get this information? A quick check into any greyhound book or a call to any adoption agency would have set them straight instantly regarding greyhounds' very low exercise requirements-- they are truly couch potatoes. What is most upsetting is that these "facts" could scare off potential adopters. If the rest of the entires are as accurate as this one then this entire book is worse than useless.



4. The pictures are nice, and the quality of the dogs presented there is great, AND THERE IS MY FAVORITE BREED IN IT!!! If you read my other reviews, you know what my favorite breed is... COCKER SPANIEL!!! Cockers are great, and it's true a million times the stuff written about them there. And I also find other breeds interesting. But there are some important breeds missing, like, the Sussex Spaniel, Brittany, Welsh Springer Spaniel, American Water Spaniel, and Tibetan Mastiff. But it's still great.



5. Very useful book for learning about the personality traits of different dogs. Includes easy to use tables showing grooming needs, exercise requirements, and suitability for apartment life. Also notes whether the breed is suitable for first time owners or is better for experienced owners.
   Prospective buyers should be aware that the book is a translation of a text originally published in Germany. Many of the breeds profiled are German breeds, presumably popular in their country of origin, but little known in the U.S. (And because so many German breeds are covered, many AKC breeds are omitted.)

5 comments about The Last Will & Testament of a Very Distinguished Dog.

1. My husband found this book and bought it for the time when our beloved dog passes on. A friend's dog passed on a month ago and I gave her our book. We read sections of it when 8 of us gathered to comfort our friend. The words brought tears to our eyes and helped us honor the memory of her small companion. We repurchased the book to help us get through our grief when the time comes. Definitely recommended to anyone with a beloved dog.



2. I, unfortunately, have bought this book about 12 times. I buy this as a gift whenever someone close loses a dog from their family. Anyone who has lost a canine member of the family can use this book, it becomes personal to anyone.



3. i think this is an excelint gift for someone who has lost a loved dog.



4. ...as only a master of literature can do. This is a beautifully told tale, one which I have shared with friends who have lost their best four-legged friends. O'Neill captures the depth of feeling these creatures share with us for too short a time...
   A wonderfully positive, uplifting book for anyone dealing with the loss of a beloved pet.
   A treasure.



5. I have sent this little book to dear friends who have recently suffered the loss of a canine family member. They have told me that this little book has brought them tremendous comfort at a very difficult time.

5 comments about Best Way to Train Your Gun Dog: The Delmar Smith Method.

1. Being new to bird dog training I must say that this book is a MUST READ.
   If you follow Delmar's methods to the tee or not, it gives a great insight into a dogs mind. Delmar also gives a little insight into the human mind as well. If you want to train a bird dog, Buy this book!!!



2. The Delmar smith methed is a great way to train a hunting bird dog. One of the best things about this book is knowing what is important to your bird dog. Nine out of ten people now days will tell you to start training on birds before pups learn to run. Not Delmar. If you let them be a pup for the first year you will have twice the dog you would have had!! Very informational. Think like a dog to train a dog...



3. I used this book 20 years ago to train a Brittany and have now purchased it again for a new dog. The methods and advice are not only unique to Delmar but also highly effective. Not to mention a humorous read.



4. This is my first time owning and training a gun dog. I purchased and read this book before I bought my puppy. I was skeptical but Delmar's methods DO work. This book set the basis for what others would try to teach me later-- and I was able to share information with them as well. My dog performed at an early age as a result of Delmar's advice. You have to be able to go along with the writing style -- which I found quite humorous and much more fun to read than a text book. A great addition to any library!

   _little girl with big dog




5. The real strength of this book is that it gets you in the right mindset for gun dog training. The techniques are simple yet ingenious. I've used most of them and built my training foundation around Delmar Smith's principles.

   Buy this book and several others. See a professional trainer. There's no harm in educating yourself.

5 comments about Crate Training Your Dog (Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin, a-267).

1. The information in this book gives me very good guidelines for training Jamie, which I appreciated since I did not know how to go about it with my first dog, Beau. It is knowing how to start & to carry through with the training that I needed to know. It is slow but it is working.



2. Shipping etc was super fast - super easy purchase.. I didn't read close enough - thought I was getting a book - got a pamphlet type of thing! AND...If you read the title right up top... it says..."wisdom bulletin" DUH me! so I don't really have any complaints - still a good source of information - I just paid more for this lil pamphlet than I did for some hardcover books!! LOL Thanks!



3. great book, very useful info and arrived in a timely manner!



4. If you want to learn about crate training your puppy, buy a book about raising your specific breed of dog or get a copy of How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With. This 'book' (I would call it a pamphlet!) does not have any information that any decent book on raising puppies does not.



5. This book didn't teach me anything I didn't already know. I would not recommend this book to anyone.

5 comments about Working Like Dogs: The Service Dog Guidebook.

1. I am disabled, wanting to train my own dog before the disability gets worse. This is so well-written and yet concise. The photos are helpful, as well as personal examples of things which might happen. Thanks!!



2. This book is a useful "owner's manual" for handicapped people who have worked with one of the established training and placement agencies to acquire a trained service dog. It is full of information about the training received by the handicapped person at the training facility, on how to use and care for the the new dog, commands the dog may have been trained to obey, and even how to deal with the loss of the companion and helper of possibly many years.
   This book will not be of as much use to those handicapped persons who are training their own service dogs.



3. I was truly disappointed with this book
   The authors address and dismiss owner-trained dogs in one sentence.
   With over half the assistance dogs in America owner trained, I think it deserves at the very least a chapter.
   It would behoove them to include the TEAMWORK books by Stewart Nordensson and Lydia Kelly as a reference.
   There are so many people who can use a service dog and so few programs available that any book on the subject ought to include the possibility of independently training such a dog.
   However this book would be a good gift for anyone with an aging service dog. It handles the loss of a dog with compassion.



4. I think this book was interesting but it was not really what I was looking for. I was looking for more indepth training info.



5. As a SD user I did not find this book particularly helpful. I think it would have been helpful to read before I got my SD, but after 18 months together we are a solid working team. The part on the death of the SD was the only thing that really meant anything to me, as I am yet to confront this. I found much of it to be brief and not offering anything new to me. It is certainly the best overall book I have read on SD, but it is really only geared to those who are obtaining a dog for the first time from a program.