5 comments about Wolfdogs A-Z: Behavior, Training & More (Wolf Hybrids).

1. This book is great for anyone who is interested in wolfdogs. It describes their different dispositions, how to deal with each, housing suggestions, what works and doesn't work, feeding, training tips and lots of fun things to do with your wolfdog pets. I have read several other books on this subject and although most of them are helpful this is the best one I have found so far.



2. A MUST HAVE for anyone who owns a wolfdog! After purchasing a puppy (Rocko) not knowing that it was a wolf dog I immediately jumped online and ordered this book through Amazon. I turn to the books often as a resource and have read it cover-to-cover - - twice. I know my family and Rocko owe this author much thanks!



3. The most helpfull book, easy reading and full of information that you cant do without, if you have a wolfdog puppy.



4. I loved Nicole Wilde's book! It is very apparent that she is not only very experience but very knowledgeable in working with wolfdogs and her techniques applies to dogs as well. I especially appreciate the positive and down-to-earth approach she takes in tackling everyday situations sometimes associated with owning wolfdogs. In addition, she has a whole section dedicated to nutrition - whether you have a dog or cat! With the recent discoveries of poison in some dog and cat foods, she provides a crucial alternative to feeding packaged foods!



5. This book is the second by Nicole Wilde on the subject of wolfdogs. I think this one and her first, Living with Wolfdogs, are must-have books for any wolfdog owner. Practical advice from someone with experience, entertaining stories, lots of good photos. This book is an easy and fun way to learn more about your wolfdog and how to be a better wolfdog owner.

No comments about Small Animal Surgical Nursing: Skills and Concepts.

5 comments about Puppy Raising & Training Diary for Dummies.

1. This is a great book for any new pet owner. I am looking forward to reading this in a year and seeing all of the progress we have made!



2. This is a valuable tool for raising a pup. It is concise and written in laymen's terms so it's very easy to understand. It's straight forward and to the point. You don't have to weed through a ton of useless information. I'd highly recommend this book for anyone wanting great meaningful tips and techniques on puppy raising. It's made a world of difference for me.



3. As a first time puppy owner I was at a loss in every area, I reviewed many books and chose this one with my fingers crossed, I was not wrong and I go to this book everytime I have a question that needs an answer. I am thrilled with the all the puppy has learned and much has been in the book. I recommend the book for all new puppy parents.



4. The book for dummies helped with getting started with my new puppy. She is a hyper dog so I was still lost with what to do when she did not react the way she was supposed to according to the book.



5. I loved this book.It helped a lot.It talked about all
   different kinds of things.Like what to do if your dog
   or puppy barks at everything.How to clean a puppy's ears
   and why.How to stop them from biting.How to recognize
   your pup's personality.Ssomething I learned is that
   there are different ways a pup can act like.Some
   pups are eager Beavers.That means that they will
   do anything to make you happy.That can be a good
   thing and a Bad thing. If you like to toss the ball, your
   pup will bring it back 500 times!I don't want to say
   anymore.Buy this book it's great!

5 comments about With a Little Faith, Second Edition.

1. I am very disappointed in the book.The first half is nothing but the woman whining on how everyone picks on her. Exhusband,lawyers,judges and child welfare. Plus she tells us she had a crush on Maurice Gibb from the BeeGees.Who cares.
   Her point in doing this is to show how her life was like before the dog came along.over80 pages . I could tell you the whole 80 pages in a couple sentences. She had a bad divorice and trouble getting her kids back because of bad lawyers.
   I have a 2 legged chihuahua and was hoping to read about how this woman helped her dog. well I didn't. I wish I could get my money back.



2. I was emailed a link to a video clip from the Montel Williams show featuring Ms. Stringfellow and Faith. Being a dog lover, I immediately went to Amazon and ordered a copy. According to the author, there is more than one version in the marketplace, one being the unedited version which she never meant for publication. I apparently got the unedited version. I was appalled at the sentence structure (or lack thereof) and poor word usage, but tried to struggle through the story. There really is a story in there trying to get out, but I was not able to finish the book! Even in a rough draft, I think a college professor who teaches English would know the difference between "bear hand" and "bare hand", or when is the appropriate time to use "affect" rather than "effect". Most dogs, also, do not sit on their "hunches"; the ones I've known sit on their "haunches". The list goes on and on, and I am sure Ms. Stringfellow will take issue with my comments. I'm not trying to be mean. I know what it is to go through bad times in life, and I admire the faith and courage which took her through all of her crises. The kids really are adorable and I felt complete compassion for their situation. I just wish I had gotten hold of the "good" version of the book; maybe the experience would have been better.



3. With a Little Faith is a very easy read. Jude Stringfellow has a lovely way with words and a great sense of humor, which comes thru on every page. Her faith in God is evident on every page! Her written voice reminds me of Sue Grafton's character, Kinsey Millhone, in the alphabet mysteries. Only this time, the story is non-fiction. I will recommend this book to my book club!



4. I have to agree with all the naysayers. I too am disappointed in this book. I was looking forward to reading about the dog, Faith and I'm over one-half finished reading the book and Faith has yet to be mentioned. Way too much about the author's family troubles. Maybe I'll skip ahead to where Faith is mentioned and start reading from that point.



5. This a good book about a family adopting a dog. Not just any dog though. Read the book and see how remarkable Faith is. The way this family and dog teach each other, is very touching.

5 comments about Canine Reproduction: The Breeder's Guide.

1. This is a very informative book for any breeder who needs to be prepared for their upcoming litter. As first time breeders we are anxious to be as prepared as possible to help insure the health of both mother and puppies. I believe this book addresses both concerns. This is a highly recommended resource for anyone, experienced or not, expecting a litter of puppies.



2. A good basic book for beginners, but could use an update to include indepth information on progesterone testing and it's application in the breeding process. It could also use an explanation of current and more advanced artificial insemination procedures including transcervical insemination, and intrauterine surgical implant.



3. I am eagerly waiting my first little of Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppies. This book was highly recommended to me and I wish to pass on the recommendation. Helpful to prepare and so much information gained on dogs generally.



4. This book was referred to me by friends that have been breeding dogs for many years. They both call it their doggie bible. I ordered it to late to help with the actual breeding and whelping of my dog but it has answered several other questions I have had since the birth on everything from puppy development to other topics such as dewclaw removal. I defintely recommend this book!!.



5. This book deals more with the science of breeding rather than practical information. I was looking for specifics on things like How to know my bitch was ready for breeding and What to have on hand when puppies are born and How old are puppies when ready to be weaned. This book was too scientific for what I was wanting.

5 comments about The Only Dog Training Book You Will Ever Need: From Avoiding Accidents to Banishing Barking, the Basics for Raising a Well-Behaved Dog.

1. I was disappointed in this book. The book was mainly about clicker training which is not a method I use in training my dogs. Some of the information in the book was useful but there are other dog training books that I like better.



2. Unfortunately, the book does NOT live up to its title. In fact, I bought three other books, and plan on putting this book in the 25 cent bin at my next yard sale. This trainer's idea of training is to use "Clicker Training" I don't know about you, but I don't carry a clicker around with me 24/7 and my dog's response to the clicker was to walk away from the irritating noise it makes. This book is not helpful in anyway. The book is no fun to read, it makes playing with your dog into work, the author has hard and fast RULES about dogs shouldn't be allowed on couches, beds etc... Too regimented, too harsh, and not for dog "lovers". My two pugs are part of the family, and our family enjoys cuddling with the pugs on the furniture and the beds. Better books I bought were, Dog Tricks for Dummies, Idiots Guide to dog training, the everything dog training book, etc. "The Only Dog Training Book You will ever need" Needs to be retitiled "A not Fun, unenjoyable way to annoy youself and your dog". Sorry, just don't waste your time. Dogs are to be loved and enjoyed. Not turned into soldiers that respond to a CLICK.



3. The book was quite helpful with thorough explanations and insights into the developmental stages of the dog. In addition, the book provided reasons why people and pets act/react to situations. Bravo!



4. We have used this book over and over to fix behavioral problems that have cropped up over the years. From jumping on visitor, to digging up the sprinklers, to jealousy over a new dog or cat. The solutions offered are simple, effective, and easily integrated into our lives.



5. I bought this book to teach our newly-adopted adult dog, Toby, how to behave. I was disappointed as it seems that this book (along with the majority of others) focuses mostly on how to teach puppies, not adult dogs.
   I think it would have been very effective had I been the intended reader.

5 comments about How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves.

1. I'd been hearing good things about Sophia Yin for a while, and since I like to keep up with new trainers who've got innovative ideas, I thought I'd give this book a look-see. Sad to say, I was more than a bit disappointed. Before I go further, I'm an author myself, so I don't want anyone to NOT buy this book based on my review. It's actually a fun, easy to read manual, giving the reader the basic highlights to the methods used by "modern, positive" trainers. I loved the clever, nicely drawn illustrations. The writing is clear and concise. And, as with most "positive" training manuals, if you follow the methods carefully you probably won't screw your dog up too much, at least not like you would by following the advice in books by the Monks of New Skete, or Cesar Millan. I call the kind of approach Yin uses "dog training lite", and give HOW TO BEHAVE SO YOUR DOG BEHAVES a B+ in that arena.
   
   Here's my main criticism: dogs have deep, instinctive needs that Yin and most "positive reinforcement" based trainers don't understand. Their philosophy, and Yin's, is that play is just another way of rewarding good behavior. That's okay, there's nothing wrong with that, but Yin doesn't seem to understand that there's actually a lot more to play than mere positive reinforcement. It's the basis for all learning in dogs, because even though they no longer need to hunt for a living, their instincts still make them need to behave as if they did. That's why most of the games dogs play involve some aspect of their prey drive.
   
   Here's Yin's view: "Both wolves and dogs have a prey drive, but the drive is more dangerous in the wolf. Thus,...tripping and squealing in the presence of a wolf could trigger an attack."
   
   Perhaps it would trigger an attack, but it WOULDN'T trigger the prey drive. What she's describing is more of a fear-based reflex than a predatory motor pattern. And by the way, a dog's prey drive--if not given a proper outlet through play--is actually a lot more dangerous than the wolf's prey drive could ever be. In a later chapter Yin almost says as much, in that she tells us that the prey drive is what causes dogs to chase and bite children, which is partially true. But Yin neglects to mention, or even consider, that the prey drive is also what causes dogs to want to heel, and stay, and come when called. In fact, almost all obedience behaviors have their origins in the predatory motor patterns of wild wolves. Even the very act of obedience is directly related to the way wolves hunt together in a spirit of group harmony and cooperation.
   
   Which brings up another problem: Yin perpetuates the outmoded view that canine social behavior centers around conflicts over who's alpha and who's not. This idea, which has now been disproven, was based on studies done in the 1930s and 40s on wolves living under the stress of captivity. Wild wolves don't form hierarchies. So what we've been taught were "dominant and submissive" behaviors are based on stress, and are not part of a dog's natural social instincts. Yet in HOW TO BEHAVE SO YOUR DOG BEHAVES, Yin frequently refers to dogs wanting to "wear the pants in the family", and has a whole chapter on "Dominance Aggression: A Struggle for Status", making her no different philosophically in this one regard than the Monks & Cesar Millan!
   
   I DO give Dr. Yin points for printing "The Misbehavior of Organisms", a 1961 article from AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGIST, which details some conditioning failures where a group of various species were taught to push a button to get food, but ultimately preferred producing instinctive food-related behaviors even though those behaviors weren't reinforced. In fact, an experiment with a group of pigs had to be stopped or the animals would've starved to death! As a result, the authors of the study, Keller and Marian Breland (now Marian Bailey), wrote, "There are definite weaknesses in the philosophy underlying these techniques." There still are; instincts still trump conditioning, as any dog owner who's tried to lure his dog away from chasing squirrels or the neighbor's cat could tell you.
   
   I don't mean to be too hard on Yin personally. I gave the book 3 stars, and I wish her well. At least her techniques don't usually CREATE behavioral problems like the Monks and Cesar's do (though clicker training has been shown to cause hyper-anxiety, and to increase scavenging and counter-surfing problems in some dogs). And as I said, this is a great version of a "dog training lite" manual. I just think that Yin needs a better understanding of the power of play, and what your dog's prey drive is really all about.



2. This is hands down the best book on training dogs I have read. On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 6. Although I would have preferred actual pictures to the drawings, the drawings are entertaining and effectively illustrate the points being made. Her techniques are kind to the dog, easy to follow and have very effective results. I've begun using the techniques described in this book with a dog I recently adopted who had been badly abused in his prior life. He responds with enthusiasm, and really enjoys his lessons. I would recommend this book to anyone who owns a dog, whether they think their dog needs training or not!



3. I found this book extremely useful in training dogs. The emphasis is on understanding dog behavior so that you can effectively communicate with them. I have seen vast improvements in the dogs I have employed her technique on and I highly recommend this book!



4. Sophia Yin has one of the best approaches I have read to explaining how dog's learn and then applying this to effective, humane training techniques. She not only explains "how to" but "how come." I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has invited a dog to become part of the family.



5. "How to Behave" is packed with useful information on everything from how dogs learn to reading a dog's expression to what you can do if your dog barks too much. The material is presented in a style that is easy to understand and use to successfully train your dog. The exercises were very effective and easy to follow. Illustrations in the book are often funny and aid in conveying the large amount of information. I found the secton on reading and understanding a dog's posture and body signals especially valuable not only for my own dog but also when I meet unfamiliar ones. My only criticism is that if this book had been written a few years ago, my favorite dress shoes may not have become doggie chew toys.

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

1. A wonderful book for people new to the Beagle breed. As a beagle owner, I found this book a must have and I give it a four paws up! ~Timothy Glass, author of the Sleepytown Beagle book series for children



2. I love beagles and this is a terrific book. Beagles are my favorite dogs. They are the reason I'm involved in the animal rights movement. Beagles are a special dog, and David and Hazel know what they're talking about. God bless them both.



3. This book is an excellent manual of beagle care from breeding to health care to show preparation. The photographs are superb and the authors have really done their homework in presenting the information. The book is written in a plain, clear style that will not only sustain the readers' interest, but will also help keep readers informed about the care and temperament of this wonderful breed.

   As the owner of a beagle, I am so glad this book exists. For people who are "prospective beagle owners," I would highly suggest that they do get a beagle and see what wonderful companions and loving pets beagles really are.




4. This is a great book for anyone who has a new beagle or who is thinking about getting a beagle. Everything you need or want to know is right here. I definitely reccommend it.



5. As a prospective Beagle owner with many questions. I found this book the most informative of all I have bought and read. For every question that I had, it had the answer. It covers everything from selecting and houstraining, to training and showing. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to raise a Beagle

5 comments about After You Get Your Puppy.

1. This is the best book I have ever found for the new puppy owner. It is a must have for anyone who wants to "do right" by his/her new addition!



2. I am on the verge of getting a puppy, so all this is in theory as of right now, but the book was very informative. The author delivered the information in a easy to read format The socialization and bite inhibition sections were particularly useful. After reading this book I feel like I am better prepared to be a new dog owner.



3. This is a book I read cover to cover and took many reference notes. It deals with understanding the new puppy and preparing him for socialization with people, vets and other pets. With the skills taught in the book, the puppy can grow into a well-trained adolescent and into a well-mannered adult.



4. I bought this book because it was referenced on the Dog Scouts of America website, which is a site dedicated to developing positive relationships between owner/dog. I was so disappointed when I received the book, from the moment I got a good look at it's cover and read the subtitle ("...The Clock Is Ticking!"), which I had missed when ordering the book, or I would have thought twice about buying it... This book turned having a delightful puppy into a race against time to prevent having an evil, rotten dog. It took all the fun and optimism out of raising my puppy. I'm glad I stopped reading it, and looked to more upbeat sources for advice on raising my puppy. Many of these sources I found on the internet. I looked to Karen Pryor and her clicker training theories, as well as such books as "Boxers for Dummies" and "The Boxer Handbook" and "I Just Got A Puppy What Do I Do." All these emphasize the power of bonding with your dog, the pleasures of socializing your puppy, and while they don't downplay the significance of socialization, etc. they don't turn the cute puppy you have just made a part of your family into some ticking timebomb set to go off and bring nothing but pain and misery if not socialized absolutely correctly. I grew up with dogs, in a time before "socialization," in a time where you just loved your puppy, and took him places, and tried your best with him/her, and those dogs all turned out fine. I am grateful for all the information that we have these days on how to better raise a puppy to be a happy well adjusted pet, and am doing my best to put that information to good use on my own Boxer puppy.



5. This book was very helpful with my new German Shepherd puppy, evn though I already have 3 other dogs, it's nice to read new/different styles and ideas for giving your BIG dog the right start.

5 comments about Your Lab's Life: Your Complete Guide to Raising Your Pet from Puppy to Companion (Your Pet's Life).

1. Gives you a great insight into this wonderful breed and excellent hints at both home, obedience and field training!



2. Here is an attractive entry by author Virginia Parker Guidry, abook that takes a loving look at America's singular and by far most popular wonder dog, the Labrador Retriever. As Berger points out so well, there are few other animals who draw such love from humans as a dog, and surely the Lab is the most loveable of the breeds. Here she presents the Labrador Retriever in all its wonder and does a yeoman service to the rest of us by enumerating all of the superb qualities the dog has to offer potential human enthusiasts. They are by reputation excellent working dogs, both as field dogs and as guide dogs for the disabled. They are also incredibly loyal, and the news services are often filled with wonderful and heartwarming stories of Labs crawling out on the ice to save their masters, often at considerable danger to themselves. Nonetheless, they stand by our sides.

   Therefore, this book, "Your Lab's Life", is the ultimate tribute to the breed, and is chock-full with stories and photos that actively serve to substantiate what might otherwise seem as idle boasts and overethusiastic praise. In fact, for anyone who spends any time around Labs, like me, it is hard nto to use superlatives when describing them. More than one of the stories herein will bring a smile to your face, a tear to your eye, and the idea in your noggin perhaps it is time to consider getting one of these incredible creatures into you rlife, and that of your extended family. they boost the energy level in any room they enter, are incredible chick-magnets, and have been shown to reduce high blood pressure and dissipate depression through their mere presence. This is a wonderful book about what I believe to be the world's most nearly perfect living creature, the Labrador Retriever! Enjoy!




3. My lab is recently acquired and is 4 years old and is a family pet. I found the book to be very informative in caring and for training. The book covers just about anything you would want to know and would work for puppies also.



4. It was a good book to read, but it had NOTHING on training a lab how to retrieve. It gave a few instructions on basic dog commands, but I found similar tips in many other books. If you are looking for a guide to training your lab, this isn't for you.



5. I ordered this book based on all the reviews thinking that this was the one and only Lab book needed.... I have 2 PureBreed Labs and in speaking both with my Vet and other breeders thought I may have a litter. This book does not support the idea of breeding or yet the reproductive aspects of the Lab at all. If someone plans to own a Lab just for a pet and doesn't intend to ever think of it's reproductive health or need that information then yes..... this is a SUPER book! I agree with the author's advice about neutering and spaying to keep the population down, however feel for this to be called the only book you'll ever need... I disagree. Look else where for the reproductive information on your beloved pet! The format and layout of the book as well as the reading material is better than most books I've read. I will now be looking for yet more books on breeding.