5 comments about Getting a Grip on Aggression Cases: Practical Considerations for Dog Trainers.

1. Nicole has done it again...provided another excellent resource for dog trainers libraries. The book is well laid out and fairly specific. It gives easy to follow advice and gives readers a glimpse into what it's like to work with aggression in a real world setting. Highly recommend it for any trainers library!



2. This book is full of every detail a new trainer needs to know if they are considering working with aggression cases. Actually, "old" trainers could benefit from it as well, as the book covers so many aspects of this subject. Ms. Wolfe discusses, among many, many other things: how to be sure you are ready for varying types of aggression; examples of client questionnaires; what to bring to such a session; what to wear to such a session (and why); definitions of canine behavior; what to discuss with the client to be sure they understand; what to do if you get bitten during a session; and so much more......And at the end of the book is a list of Resources available for even further knowledge. I recommend this book highly.



3. I work in canine behaviour and specialize in Dog Aggression cases, i always find that i am learning new things from day to day. I found this book extremely useful and informitive with some very common sense advice for anyone who works with dogs already, this is a must read. It becomes very obvious that Nicole has 'been there' so to speak and the reader will identify with some of the scenarios she describes. This deserves a five star rating.
   
   teresa@feistyfidos.com



4. Nicole Wilde's new book on aggression is a "must-read" not only for dog trainers who are considering taking on aggression cases, or currently do work with them, but also for trainers who work with other behavior cases. The questionnaires and advice in the book on taking a history are invaluable and any trainer, new or experienced, can gain some valuable tips and advice on working one on one with dog owners. This book covers all aspects of working with aggression cases from start to finish, with everything from what to do before, during and after a session to "what if" scenarios such as getting bitten, dealing with euthanasia, etc. I highly recommend this book!



5. This is a compassionate, poignant and clear presentation of a subject too often misunderstood. Readers will have a hard time putting this book down because of Nicole's unique ability to make difficult concepts clear and "heavy" material light, via her wonderful sense of humor and sometimes quirky, fun delivery. Although written with professional dog trainers in mind, this book and its wealth of material directly addresses the complexities of aggression. It will help anyone who opens the cover grasp and understand these concepts and as a result,all dogs will benefit. Great job.

5 comments about Kennels and Kenneling: A Guide for Hobbyists and Professionals (Howell Reference Books).

1. I purchased this book so I could help a friend in starting his own kennel. The book was very helpful and informative. After reading it you have a much better prospective on everything from designing the building all the way to day to day operations. I would definitely recommend it to anyone starting their own kennel.



2. Ever wanted to do a big kennel design or to run your own kennel. all areas of interest are covered in this book.



3. i found this book to use the "old school" approach to dog kenneling.



4. This book was a delight to read, was easy to follow, and added humor to a topic that can be harrowing to all but the stought-hearted. I would have wished for more detailed pictures, but one can't have everything. This book is highly recommended for anyone who wishes to build habitats for all kind of animals. The processes in this book follow sound, ethical, and humane animal husbandry practices.



5. This book discusses everything from sanitation to grooming to feeding to kennel construction. There are sample kennel construction ideas and sample ideas for boarding contracts etc. Wether you have multiple show dogs in your kennel or just board dogs for others or hobby, this is an essential guide. Mcmanis has several tips on policy and planning to keep your dogs and customers happy and returning. There were also many frequently asked questions that I had grappled with for years but after reading this book I was able to solve them.

5 comments about Living with Kids and Dogs...Without Losing Your Mind.

1. I would highly recommend this book. It is well written, funny and very helpful. The book was recommended to us at a time when we were concerned about one of our dogs and the principles outlined in the book were extremely helpful. A great resource!!



2. This book was very helpful. It is an easy read and lots of little tips.My kids are older, 13,17 and 20, but I still picked up some good information. There are even some fun and easy tricks to teach your dog. I would recommend this to anyone with kids of any age.



3. This is one of the very best resources I've found for families with children and dogs. It has lots of practical kid-friendly and dog-friendly tips and ideas. I've recently read hundreds of books on similar topics while researching a book I'm writing, and this one really stood out. As a child/family psychologist, I was impressed with how solid it was, and as a therapy dog trainer, I thought the advice about dogs was spot-on! It deserves all the stars that everyone has given it!!



4. Colleen writes in a reader friendly manner. Her life experiences as Mom and dog trainer have brought together this wonderful resourceful book families can turn to time and time again! I recommend this book to all families I work with as it describes practical and positive solutions for challenging and hectic lives! :)



5. There are certainly other kids and dogs books out there but, this one is so far the best I've found. Colleen Pelar gives great, practical tips for parents of children at all ages that can be put to use immediately. I don't have children but, am active in rescue and am always looking for more training to help adopters and I learned so much. This book will be required reading for all adopters with children going forward. GREAT read!!!

1 comments about Nutrition for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses.

1. I've read dozens of books tailored for the consumer as references on companion animal nutrition. I find that most of them are written by poorly qualified authors, with minimal emphasis on current science. This book is the exception. It offers an excellent background in biochemistry necessary for an understanding of nutrition fundamentals. The writer uses language that is accessible to the lay-person, as long as they have at least a basic background in biology and chemistry. The first few chapters discuss the six basic nutrient categories, and basic points of their metabolism. The focus of the book is to instruct the reader on basic metabolism and nutritional needs during various lifestages. This book should be in the collection of any pet-nutrition enthusiast.

5 comments about Best Hikes With Dogs in Western Washington: Western Washington (Best Hikes With Dogs).

1. This is a very good book, My dog and I have gone on many hikes after reading this



2. If you like hiking and want places to take your pooch THIS is your book! It has hikes all over the state of Washington from easy to challenging that you can take your dog on. Anything from a couple hours to a couple days! I love this book!!!



3. I agree with both the two positive reviews and (somewhat) the one negative review prior to mine. It is an excellent, inspiring book full of good information. It does not--and I don't see how it possibly could--give you essential up-to-date information on these trails. Dan Nelson even acknowledges as much on page 48: "No guidebook can provide all the details of a trail, nor stay current with constantly changing conditions of trails, stream crossings, access roads, and administrative rules." He goes on to list sources of current information. For that, one useful resource is the web site of the Washington Trails Association, http://www.wta.org . They have trip reports that give you details such as where trees have blown down, which roads are washed out, and where trail crews have recently made improvements. The book's lack of up-to-the-minute information is a legitimate point to raise, but not a reason for a negative review.
   
   Besides the information on specific trails, Mr. Nelson provides valuable tips on caring for your dog while in the backcountry. You will be miles from help, so it is vital that you anticipate your dog's needs in addition to the Ten Essentials for humans. He gives tips on Doggie first aid, trail etiquette, and canine equipment.
   
   If I had to find a flaw with this book, it is that some of the pictures that would have looked spectacular in color end up rather bland in black and white. This is no doubt a compromise on printing costs. Other than that, it is an extremely useful book that will repay you many times the purchase price in avoided headaches. Dogs make excellent hiking companions, with the proper training and preparation, and this book will help you form some of the fondest memories of your life. Further, if you don't know the information in this book, you have no business being on wilderness trails with your dog, for the sake of your dog and for the sake of others. Read this book, or else stay home.



4. I disagree with the first two reviews. If you want a book to give you dog friendly hikes this is a start but the trail information on the hikes I tried was not very accurate. I even got stopped on one hike where the trail had been washed out several years prior to the publishing of this book. Use another source to actually make the hike or you will be disappointed.



5. Dogs belong with us on the trails. I gnash my teeth every time I think that they are prohibited from so many National Park Trails! After all what does more damage, our heavy lug sole boots or their soft, quiet paws? As a woman hiking, I feel so much more comfortable with my friendly canine companion There is something special about being in the wilderness with another species, almost like having a translator along, Dan cathes this feeling. He gives excellent advice on excellent hikes. The directions are clear, the hikes well described and well chosen. I have used and enjoyed the book.

   For all of you contemplating a hike with your furry friend, plseas keep the canine on a leash, pleas pick up any dog droppings, please do not let your animal frighten people or other wildlife. I want to keep hiking with my dog! No one wants to step in dog droppings, no one wants to be lunged at or barked at, no one wants to see a dog chasing wildlife. So please be an exemplary dog companion. If we show dogs and their humans can be responsible on the trails, maybe more trails will open up to us! If we are rude and irresponsible we will loose the trails we can now walk.

   Dan wrote a great hiking guide. I hope he expnads it with some companion books. How about hiking with your dog in Oregon, Idaho, etc.

1 comments about Mush! Revised: A Beginner's Manual of Sled Dog Training.

1. First, let me state that I have not read this book yet. But, I have read positive reviews of it and thought one piece of information could be very helpful. This book is said to contain information on canicross, bikejoring, skijoring, pulking, backpacking and camping, in addition to sledding. Since there aren't many books out there yet which cover these topics, it's good to find one that does.

5 comments about Control of Canine Genetic Diseases (Howell Reference Books).

1. I was advised by a breeder to get this book if I was interesting in breeding in the future.
   
   As there is such a small gene pool here in Australia, I felt that I needed to get as much information as possible about possible genetic diseases and if they can be bred out.
   
   Whilest I have not really started to read this book as yet, will start soon, I have been told that it is fantastic for new people who are looking to enter the breeding ring.



2. This is the kind of book tha every breeder should have! Not only by clear way he puts how to track and understand genetic diseases, but by his proposes about Open Registries.



3. Being a vet student I've always heard about how difficult genetics are and how it bores us to death. This book is written so well that there aren't too many technicalities or hard words to understand. It is extremely clear and well written and its a must for everyone intending to breed dogs.



4. 
   This book should be on every dog breeder's bookshelf!
   In the introduction Dr Padgett candidly writes:
   
   ` My goal is to help prevent serious genetic diseases in dogs, both in breeds and in kennels. If you learn the material presented here, follow the guidelines, and apply this information to your breed or your kennel, you will reduce the frequency of disease, and it will not take you twenty-five years to do it.
   You need three things to accomplish this task: knowledge, information, and honesty. All three are within your control '
   
   A professor of Pathology, one of the world's most celebrated researchers, writers and lecturers on the entire subject of canine genetic diseases, George A Padgett DVM has published numerous papers and has appeared before almost 100 breed clubs speaking on his specialty.
   
   In his book ` Control of Canine Genetic Diseases' Dr Padgett addresses breed clubs and challenges them to encourage and reward members with honest information regarding the diseases within their lines.
   
   He starts off by explaining the background, and then goes on to explain how to trace disease in your own dogs with a chapter that is titled ` The development of pedigrees'. In this chapter Dr Padgett teaches the reader to keep records and gives a number of scenarios of which the readers can test themselves to see if they are on the right track with this lesson.
   
   Other topics he addresses are; modes of inheritance; the interpretation and use of pedigrees to determine the genetic status of given dogs and, the probable mode of inheritance of a trait; test mating; registries and prioritizing genetic disease; tables and probabilities; breed clubs and control of genetic disease; and the last chapter is aptly titled ` For the breeder '.
   
   Dr Padgett is not a geneticist and doesn't claim to be one. He even admits that some of his data finding procedures would have geneticists screaming.
   He is not suggesting breeders' refrain from ever breeding with an affected or carrying dog. He's realistic about breeding from the best dog from an overall perspective, but instead he explains about breeding out or diluting disease in order to lower the chances of producing affected animals, whilst maintaining honesty.
   He clearly states that he acknowledges a breeder shouldn't ever breed their dog to an animal of lesser quality than what they want to represent them, their line and breed, just because they're making a test-mating.
   
   George A. Padgett writes fluidly and convincingly and at times is quite amusing. I found his advice on prioritizing disease very reasonable. He explains the necessity to develop a hierarchy of disagreeability for various diseases by evaluating the severity of the disease, and its impact on the dog itself, and the people that own it.
   I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to every breed club, member and breeder whose goal it is to produce healthy, functional and beautiful dogs.



5. A useful source of information on hereditary diseases of dogs, obviously slanted towards the USA scene. Just waiting for a UK author to produce a similar volume with less sweeping allegations of widespread canine defects amongst pedigree dogs.

5 comments about Surviving Your Dog's Adolescence: A Positive Training Program (Howell Reference Books).

1. This is an excellent book that discourages treat training and encourages understanding and praise. It covers the differences between puppies and adolescents, winning your dog's respect, having an appropriate relationship with your dog, tools you do and don't need, understanding how breed and character affects behavior, trade secrets, how to train basic commands, rules for rehabbing a problem dog, dealing with problems, and how to 'build' the dog of your dreams. Behaviors covered range from aggression to grooming problems to wildness. Although it is geared for the adolescent dog, this book would also be suitable for someone adopting a dog or just needing to retrain his or her own difficult pet.



2. I picked up this book looking to learn more about the adolescent stage of dogs. What I found instead was bad information, some of it downright dangerous.
   
   The first chapter I turned to was on behavior problems, and here I read something that horrified me. Ms. Benjamin says that you should punish a dog if it growls at you to defend its food. This is, unfortunately, the perfect recipe to create a dog that bites without warning. If you do this, you don't punish the dog for being aggressive around its food -- you punish the dog for warning you that it is uncomfortable and will bite if pushed further. You stop the growling, but not the "feeling of threat" that the dog has. If you punish other warning signs, such as snapping, you will also cause those signs to disappear. Without the warnings, you will not know that your dog is not comfortable with what you are doing until it feels threatened enough that it has to bite -- and it will bite without warning.
   
   Ms. Benjamin also perpetuates the terribly outdated notion that you can end a bad behavior by punishing the dog after the behavior has happened as long as there is a "reminder" you can show the dog. Reminder or not, punishment never works unless it is timed correctly -- that means that you have to punish during the behavior itself. If the dog has already stopped, it's too late, and you're punishing something else entirely.
   
   Finally, Ms. Benjamin says that "positive training," that is, training without physical punishment, does not work. That is absolutely false. Considering that this book was written over a decade ago, I don't find this attitude surprising at all, but it is wrong. "Positive" traditional training works when used properly. Modern "positive" training works when used properly. Both sides can point to examples of failures from the other group, but that doesn't mean the methods don't work.
   
   There is a little bit of good information, such as "anger has no place in dog training" and "dogs don't act out of spite." But the average dog owner cannot distinguish between the good information and the bad, and the bad is bad enough that I have to strongly recommend than an owner or novice dog trainer avoid this book altogether.
   
   If you are looking for positive traditional training, find another author, one who understands the proper way to use punishment and understands how dogs learn. If you are looking for modern positive training, I recommend Dr. Ian Dunbar's books. He uses only non-physical punishment, and clearly explains how to be a benevolent leader for your dog. His methods debunk the false-but-popular myth that positive = permissive (as another reviewer mistakenly believes). His methods are strict but fair and without physical punishment. The results are amazing to watch and can be seen in his off-leash work with his malamute in one of his videos -- he has great control of his dog. (As an aside, his book "Before and After Getting Your Puppy" will prevent a lot of the problems dealt with in this book.)



3. I survived my dog's adolescence thanks to this book. Aside from good training tips and practical information on dealing with adolescent dogs, this book also gave me encouragement to keep working with my dog and let me know that I was not alone. Now I know almost every dog owner goes through this...



4. 12 years ago, I remember sitting on my bed in tears. My adorable Golden Retriever puppy had hit a point where she was really hard to handle, and I felt overwhelmed-- like a failure as a dog owner! I knew I needed some good advice, and I ended up finding this book at the library.
   
   It was incredibly helpful, reassuring, and positive. Needless to say, my Golden eventually grew into a lovely, kind, and affectionate dog. This book helped us get through a rocky point in our relationship, and I am really greatful to Carol Lea Benjamin for helping me to handle this stage of my best friend's development effectively/helping me to understand my dog better.
   
   A year after reading this book, I adopted an elderly Irish Setter. Benajamin's book "Secondhand Dog" was helpful to us.
   
   If you like the Monks of New Skete and Brian Kilcommons you will find Carol Lea Banjamin's approach to be slightly different (but similar) and very helpful. You may also want to check out Patricia McConnell's humane, wise dog books (The Other End of the Leash, Beginning Family Dog Training, etc.).



5. I have read about a dozen books on training and caring for dogs, and while some were pretty good none of them alerted me to the fact that dogs go through an adolescence phase just like human teenagers. I read this book when my puppy was 7 months old and not displaying any "bratty" behaviour, but I implemented many of the author's suggestions anyway as a precautionary measure. A couple of months later he was showing just slight signs of adolescence (thinking things over for a couple of seconds before obeying commands) but none of the extreme stubbornness that miniature schnauzers are known for, and I'm sure it is thanks at least in part to the precautionary measures I took after reading this book. I re-read this book and applied the advice, and my puppy is back to making immediate responses to my commands.
   
   I highly recommend this book to any dog owner, preferably before your dog enters adolescence, but definitely as soon as he or she starts displaying problem behaviours.

5 comments about Second-Hand Dog: How to Turn Yours into a First-Rate Pet (Howell Reference Books).

1. This book is fun, easy to read, and has many practical tips and ideas for integrating a rescued dog into your home. I work with rescued dogs and offer this book to new adopters when they pick up their new best friend.
   Carol Lea Benjamin has written several dog training books, which offer dog owners lots of training advice.
   Great book, great ideas!



2. This book was so disappointing! I bought it after we got an adult dog from a shelter who had some serious behavior problems. But this book was completely useless!
   
   It isn't about rescued or adopted dogs or how to help them. It is a VERY basic training guide [and I do mean *very* basic]. It is only 93 pages long and at least 30% of those pages are just hand drawn cartoons or stark black and white photos that are irrelevant to the text. I read the whole thing in less than 1 hour [an hour that I wasted unfortunately :( ].
   
   There was *nothing* specifically about training or working with second hand dogs and the special problems/challenges and rewards you face.
   
   The training advice is pretty bad too. First, it is very basic. Second, it is very negative and punative - most "modern" trainers would not advocate or approve of her methods. Third, some of the advice is just plain dangerous. [For example, her advice on how to deal with a dog who is growling is actually contra-indicated by every other resource I've read - her advice will actually teach the dog to *bite* first instead of giving the warning growl. Many of the techniques she recommends would be especially inappropriate for a rescue/shelter dog who faces special challenges in getting past aggression and/or fear because of their history.
   
   Do yourself a favor and skip this book - there are many better books on both dog behavior and dog training. This book is a waste of your time.



3. This book is dangerous and filled very bad, dangerous advice. It was written in 1998, so giving the benefit of the doubt, perhaps our thinking about homing a rescue dog has evolved, but this book is extremely outdated. It recommends using the dog's crate as a place for punishment -which we all know is wrong. It further recommends "pops" with the leash to jerk your dog into obedience and "staring down" a dog into submission -again, outdated, inappropriate concepts. It is a very high level, superficial, quick read riddled with inappropriate advice that certainly does not speak to how one goes about brining a new, most likely scared, rescue dog into your home.



4. I was recommended this book as I adopted a dog. I've had dogs, but never an adult rescue dog. I thought it would give me advice on dealing with issues specific to an adult rescue dog, solutions to problems I may encounter, what to expect, etc. What I got was a sappy "be patient and love your dog" summary. Any advice in the book was extremely basic and common sense, especially if you've owned any dog before. Yes, we need to understand and train our second hand dog, but this book provides NONE of the "how". I thought it was a complete waste of money.



5. I read this book before adopting my first Weimaraner; 4 years later I volunteer as a foster for Weimaraner Rescue and I've re-read it several times. After reading many other training books over the years, I've found Carol Lea Benjamin's dog-training books to be the best in their class.
   
   Our rescue gives Second Hand Dog to each new adopter. I also highly recommend Dog Training in 10 Minutes. Both books provide invaluable information--in an entertaining and informative format--as an easy to read, easy to implement way to acclimate & train a new dog in the household.
   
   All of Ms. Benjamin's books give newbie & experienced dog owners insight to canine behavior as well as provide the vehicle to make your dog "the dog you've always wanted." She emphasizes consistency and humane training that's enjoyable to both owner & dog.
   
   Carol Lea Benjamin's dog-training books should be a must-read for every new dog owner!

5 comments about Breeding Dogs for Dummies.

1. This was the least informative book I read in preparing myself for breeding my bitch for the first time. It talks in generalities giving little specific information as to what to look for in breeding readiness, actual breeding behavior and whelping. Don't waste your money on this one!



2. This book is concise, quick to read, and easy to understand. Although some was common sense, there was much more that was important and unknown for the novice breeders. I would highly recommend this book for anyone entertaining thoughts of breeding any kind of animals for fun or profit.



3. I have been a dog owner my entire life, have worked with dogs, and owned or fostered/rescued many myself. When I aquired my first AKC Pug, I began toying with the idea of breeding and raising Pugs myself. Aware that many Pugs suffer health problems due to negligant breeding, and that many dogs end up in shelters due to overpopulation, I knew that I needed to do a lot of research and preparation before making a decision to breed my dog.
   
   I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the breeding of purebred dogs, whether for pet or for show. It touches on all the topics of genetics, selection, whelping, and so much more. And its written so that anyone can understand it with ease.
   In addition to this, reading this information would help puppy buyers to discern what REALLY is a good breeder when they are looking to purchase a quality puppy, the things to look for.
   
   reading this book by itself will not automatically make you a "good breeder" its just a start, but a good start. You also need to make sure you are always under the supervision of your veterinarian as well.



4. Great starter book. Picked up a few pointers that helped me understand the next book which was definitely NOT a primer. Plus this book was easy to bookmark for future reference. Would recommend this title to anyone who is just getting started and also has a mentor to refer to.



5. What do you have to do? Hire a shadkhan? It should be a major project, like a dynastic marriage, you should have allies in the next war?
   Don't they breed anyway? Everybody I ever met, people or dogs, they had it on their own agenda, nobody had to tell them.