5 comments about Show Me!.

1. This is an excellent book for newcomers to the sport of pure bred dogs. I often give it to puppy owners so they can learn more about showing dogs since it does an excellent job of describing everything you need to know to get started showing. It is well written and has nice photographs. This is even a good start for youth who are interested in showing their dogs. I highly recommend it.



2. I am brand new to showing. I just got my first golden retriever. This book was beyond helpful. I am attending conformation classes and this book helped me to understand what was taking place and keep up.
   I highly recommend this book for anyone starting out.



3. If you have never shown a dog before and don't know what you are getting yourself into this is the book to buy! It even provides a supply list so you know what to bring! If you want to start showing your dog(s) and need to know what to do and how to do it this is one book you MUST buy!



4. This is probably not the best showing how to book out there but it certainally teaches you a lot without encouraging you to be a snob that cares about nothing but winning at any cost. It covers a lot of material and though it doesn't teach you EVERYTHING you need to know this book combined to going with some other people to a show made me feel confident enough to start showing my own dogs. I have never forgotten some of the things she said in this book. As I go through the dog showing life events can cause her words to ring in my head and bring me peace such as when I meet the occasional meanie "...but keep in mind the meanest people are often the ones with the least going for them." Ain't that the truth!
   
   D. Caroline Coile is a good author. She writes good breeding articles for Dog World all the time and her book Pit Bulls for Dumies, I think, is the most breed-informative of all the "for Dummies" books on dog breeds. I have or have had Labrador Retrievers for Dummies, Golden Retrievers for Dummies, Rottweilers for Dummies, Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies, and Boxers for Dummies, all by other authors, and, blah, I felt like I was reading a general dog care book with just a tiny amount of breed-specific information you could find ANYWHERE in ANY BOOK. I feel like Coile gets more into explaining the essence of the breed in her book.



5. This book is an excellent start for beginners. It answered almost every question I had and is very easy to read. I would highly recommend this book.

5 comments about Advanced Schutzhund (Howell Reference Books).

1. Great book on working a dog using drives (mainly play, prey) and positive techniques. Much better than adversive schutzhund techniques. Lots here for the competative obedience person or anyone working a high-drive dog. Highly recommended.



2. This book is best read by someone who has watched Ivan Balabanov's two DVD's in the "Obedience Without Conflict" series. After watching the DVD's and reading this book, be sure to join The_Balabanov_Method on Yahoo! Groups:
   
   http://groups.yahoo.com/group/the_balabanov_method/
   
   This is a Yahoo! Groups message forum in place for discussion and assistance pertaining to The Balabanov Method of dog training. It does expect members to have at least a fundamental knowledge of the method and how it is applied.



3. Descriptive and very helpful, a little dry reading but still very helpful.



4. The book was very informative, but I wouldn't suggest that a person without a strong working knowledge of training dogs reads this book untill they become more familar with dog training and the sport of Schutzhund.



5. Ivan's and Karen's book was extremely helpful and is a must have. It gives you some problem solving techniques and advices you how to approach most common problems. I especially liked the suggestions on overcoming distraction issues. The different methods described really teach you how to think like the animal, and use it's innate abilities to your advantage. In the end you get a wonderful, obedient world competitor that is happy to do everything you ask.

5 comments about How Dogs Learn (Howell Reference Books).

1. This is truly an academic, detailed, instructional book on the scholarly aspects of dog training. Unfortunately, that is not what I was looking for. I wanted a book that would help me to train my dog. There was a little useful information, but mostly it seemed written as an academic study of training psychology with an emphasis on the details of buzz-words and phrases.



2. Excellent book based on science not opinion. Not really for the pet dog owner because it's too technical. Great book for anyone that professionally trains, shows in obedience or has working dogs.



3. This book was a little simple for me, since I have and experimental psychology background. However, I did discuss it with a few friends with dogs, and found that they had no idea that they were actually reinforcing bad behaviors in their dogs. There are very good suggestions for gradually encouraging wanted behaviors and discouraging the unwanted behaviors. I highly recommend this to anyone who has not previously trained a dog. It is also a good checkup for experienced dog people, like me, to make sure we remember all the mistakes we could make.



4. This book is great!! Well written, easy to understand, hard to put down!



5. This is one of many books I have purchased in search of a solution to an aggression problem between my two dogs. How Dogs Learn reads very much like a text book or technical manual. If I worked with dogs in a professional capacity, I think this would be a very useful book, as it would help me learn the jargon. In my case, trying to learn a new vocabulary got in the way of learning the concepts behind them. I had to read some sections several times, but I did learn some interesting things about dog training. I feel I have a better understanding of my dogs, but I still have no idea how to keep them from fighting.

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 Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Vol. 3: Procedures and Protocols.

1. First lets say loud and clear: This is a great book to understand dog's behavior. It has absolute credibility since it is backed up by years of research and experience.
   
   I bought it in part influenced by other reviews stating this was a "COMPREHENSIVE" book on dog training and behavior. Not so. You see I looked up the meaning of the word comprehensive. Basically, saying this book is comprehensive is equal as saying it covers everything you would need to know about dog training and dog behavior. Again, it is not the case.
   
   Does it cover a lot more than most books? Well, it covers a lot of information... probably more than most books. But it does not cover ALL kind of training. This is important because you might be looking for specific advanced training methods that are just not covered in here. Don't believe me? Just look in the "Index" and you'll see that many advanced training (sport, protection, guide dog) are not covered.
   
   This is the main approach of the author (as I understood and in my very simple own words): Dogs can show very different behavior problems (fearful dog, aggressive dog, etc.). To overcome such problems the dog should receive basic training so that he develops further attention and control of impulses.
   
   Of course, it covers much more than just basic training. Basically it addresses a vast amount of dog behavior problems and then show you how to proceed to change the situation.
   
   So, the author tells you about basic dog training principles to help dogs overcome behavior issues -which is great! It is just that I expected to find an explanation of advanced training techniques. Still, this book is fabulous and it will certainly be of great help to understand dogs and their behavior.
   
   I wish someone could tell me about a book that does cover advanced training techniques.
   
   There are a lot of illustrations in the book but most are conceptual maps (or mindmaps if you wish) that try to represent behavior processes. But if you want to learn more about training 101 you might very well feel the illustrations could be way better.
   
   The book is certainly a must to become a better trainer or owner and to really begin understanding dog behaviour. So, it sure is a 5 stars book. Probably it is above any thing else written about dogs. I don't know if the others two first volumes cover advanced training techniques or if you should look elsewhere for that. I guess I'll find out latter when I read more books on dog behavior and training.
   
   Finally, here is a quote from the author (steven R. Lindsay) that pretty much sums up what this book is about and what are its limits:
   
   "No compendium of instructions can take the place of competent professional help for properly assesing canine behavior problems and prescribing behavior-therapy and training recommendations. The assessment procedures, instructions, guidelines, recommended devices and uses, behavior-therapy protocols, and training techniques described in Volume 3 assume that the user is appropriately experienced, knowledgeable, skilled, and qualified to apply them in a selective, competent, and safe manner".
   
   So, don't you dare think this is the only source of information you need. Read everything you can, but the real fact is that you will need to find proper training in a good school and study under the guidance of experienced people. I know that's just what I'll have to do.
   
   One last thing, don't fool yourself. This is a book writen with scientific language. I'm sure the publisher must be very aware how scientific language highly reduces the market for the book. I don't have a problem with that because I've read several scientific books. But if you don't like heavy reads... this might be one of them. So, be prepared for that.
   
   Ah, did I say I absolutely love this book? It is entertaining, insightful, full of interesting facts about dog behaviour. I just love it! If you love dogs or work with them, this is probably one of the most valuable source of information you can get your hands on!



2. Steven Lindsay's three books are the ultimate reference guide for any dog trainer, breeder, veterinarian or serious dogsports competitor. Unlike most dog training books, these volumes are unique in that they do not describe the author's pet method for training a dog. Rather, Lindsay has collated information from scientific studies in order to give the reader an unbiased, scholarly reference guide to dog behaviour and training methods.
   
   The information contained here is exhaustive, unbiased, up-to-date and very well researched. Although the books are an intensive read (to say the least!), Lindsay's style is very readable, and the books contain many diagrams and photographs to elucidate his points.
   
   Although most useful as a complete set, since the later books reference material and methods covered in the earlier volumes, it is not necessary to read the first books before using the last. The material is well separated into topics and each chapter can stand alone.



3. The weighty price tag might limit this title to all but the most serious pet library holding, while its nearly 800 pages of information will appeal to professionals rather than casual owners - but any serious dog trainer will find Handbook Of Applied Dog Behavior And Training V. 3: Procedures And Protocols essential. It's all here: from reducing compulsive licking and canine aggression to different types of dominance issues and impulsive aggression behavior.



4. WOW!
   
   I have been waiting for years for such a masterpiece. For anyone in, or thinking of entering, the field of dog training and behavior this book must occupy your shelf, along with volumes one and two. I can see why it took Steve so long to get this published. I second Mary's comment...
   
   BRAVO!
   
   Kris Kates
   ANIMAL MANNERS



5. Classic, monumental and destined to be a historic work, Steve Lindsay's 3 volume Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training should be on every dog owner and instructor's bookshelf.
   
   Lindsay hits another home run with Volume 3, "Procedures and Protocols." This book provides comprehensive coverage of how to teach dogs new skills and how to handle canine behavior problems. Behavior problems such as housetraining (lack of it), destructive behavior, fears & phobias are addressed. The book provides detailed, science-based information about aggression. Additional topics include electronic
   training, clicker training, and puppy temperament testing. In Vol. 3 Lindsay has done a magnificent job combining science with a practical approach that can be easily used by practitioners.
   
   This 3 volume series, the writing of which was a 25 year labor of love, sets Lindsay apart as perhaps the leading scholar in the field today. If I could only have 3 books, I'd choose this whole set. If I could only own one book, I'd choose Steve Lindsay's Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Vol 3, Procedures and Protocols.
   
   BRAVO.
   
   Dr. Mary Burch
   Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist

5 comments about Walking Ollie: Or, Winning the Love of a Difficult Dog.

1. This was yet another clueless person gets out of control dog book. None of it was new, and other than the dog being a rarer mix it wasn't even that interesting. It was slightly more interesting that it was in the UK, but that just led to the author relating useless dog superstitions not based on fact from a different country than the norm.
   
   Anyone who habitually lets a saluki mix off the leash near roads without fences has a screw loose. Especially after the dog has shown that catching it is near impossible. Why would you keep letting it loose outside a fenced area? I had trouble believing anyone sensible would keep letting it loose.



2. This is a difficult read, although very interesting, as the author (Ollie's owner) kept demonstrating that he was not qualified to own a dog, let alone a very difficult dog. There were some very good insights (not usually intended as such!) into Ollie's behavior system.



3. I felt a little frustrated with this book. The author never found a way to help this poor creature. I kept waiting for Ollie to be happy... The end of the book was not really an end.



4. This is another dog rescue biography (I suppose the dog equivalent is caninography?) that has the novelty of being set in the UK and involving a particularly British combination - a saluki lurcher cross that one doesn't come across much in the U.S. Part of the book's interest, then, is that it discusses the whole getting a dog from a shelter and rehabilitating it in a Brit setting.
   
   Truthfully, there's not a great deal to interest one other than that in the content, because, plotwise, not much happens. The author principally relates his trials and troubles acquiring and then walking his dog. Though the author claims to be a pro writer, the book rambles. It doesn't have much structure. As for the characterization, the dog remains something of an enigma even to the book's relatively uneventful conclusion.
   
   The book has a few moments of entertainment and humor, but not many. A lot of it is taken up by this first time dog owner relating in a partially astounded, partially complaining tone about how his schedule has been disrupted by all this dog walking and pooper scooping. I suppose it's not a bad idea for a newbie owner to relate to the equally clueless the work involved in dog ownership.
   
   There's somewhat proportionally less of the book relating various fitful attempts to turn around this fearful dog. Ollie the dog fears most men, including his new owner. So the story is supposed to be how the dog slowly - very slowly - moves past that and what the author did or didn't do to make it happen.
   
   Part of my issue with the book was that the writing style mirrored the dogs equally unimpressive and fitful progress. And no particular sense went into getting the dog past his issues. It's pretty common in shelters to "office foster" a particularly shy dog, to get him used to people. But though the author works at home (a perfect setting for letting the dog learn to relax in your presence and look forward to frequently thrown treats) the dog stays on one floor, and the author on another, to which the owner periodically decends and invades into the dog's room to throw treats, with the result that the dog, instead of relaxing from a constant presence, gets even more nervy by the author popping in on him. And even in the 80s the Monks of New Skete talked about the advantages of having your dog sleep in your presense to get used to you and relax, and the benefits of binding or later, crate training. But none of this was done with Ollie. So he seems to make much slower progress than he might have. Keeping the dog with him, crating him at night (because the author relates his frustration that Ollie is not housetrained to last the night) would have perhaps brought Ollie around a lot quicker and eliminated at least half of the author's complaints about nighttime incontinence and that the dog grew no better or even more fearful of him during his pop in and throw treats schedule.
   
   The rest of the complaints deal with his frustrations in "walking Ollie". I couldn't help but wince every time the dog (running off leash close to traffic) comes in near contact with a car, or the repetitive tales of how the owner just lets the dog run wild to rough house with other dogs (whether the canine targets appreciate it or not). The author's disparaging comments re those owners that responsibly keep their dogs on leashes contrast with his frustration and despair over his attempts to recollar his dog at the end of these walks or just when he's attempting to prevent it from harassing humans (such as when it disrupts a riverbank full of men attempting to hold a fishing competition) or pull it off some other dog that may not appreciate its rough play. The reader quickly gets that the dog is impossible to control off leash. That the author hasn't attempted to gain control prior to taking him off leash. We come to understand that the author (as well as the dogs victims) find Ollie's off leash behavior very frustrating. But what is difficult to understand is why the author keeps letting him loose. The author claims he wants the dog to run free and play with his kind. I have to admit I'm not one to much appreciate the idea of the impotent owner and the out of control dog repeatedly (daily or more often) being inflicted upon the neighborhood. How about exhausting the dog jogging with it for an hour, and then keeping it on a flexilead until it you meet up with a fellow dog owner whose dog appreciates being slammed? It just seems like a little control or attempt at trying such would have gone some toward relieving the idea that the owner was pretty pretty irresonsible and somewhat of a neighborhood nuisance to boot.
   
   The author and his dog do find their way to eachother after predictable events unwind, and you are glad for them. They've been through enough to get there. And you're glad the author hung in there since he did find it all so frustrating. But both author and dog stumble around in such a clueless, anxious (both dog and human) and frustrating way to get to that reconcilation, that while you're glad of it, it seems like there would have been numerous ways to make it far more easier and far less stressful and dangerous for all involved. Of course, that would have eliminated half the content of the book.
   
   It's not a bad book. It's just not a great one. I didn't find it very heart warming nor inspiring. It's not amusing. Nor does it have any good advice or tips for the novice with a similarly troubled dog. You finish it with a sort of a nod - another rescue story: clueless owner, difficult dog made more difficult by clueless owner. It was more interesting for me due to the Brit background and the fact that it was a lurcher dog. We also had a rescue lurcher, another very difficult dog, whom we picked up off the I-95 with a dislocated hip after it was thrown out of a car. Like ollie, it had also been abused based on it's temperament -- a fear biter. He lived to the ripe age of 17, but like Ollie's owner, the journey wasn't all peaches and cream. One good thing about all these dogographies is the truism that misery loves company, and drives book sales. People who work with difficult dogs like to read they're not in it alone. And we're already interested in reading out how someone else did it, to pick up any tips, or laugh, or commiserate. This book was a little thin in some departments.
   
   In conclusion, rehabbing any difficult dog is no picnic. And while all such tales are essentially the same, they're also interesting to read for those who have interest in that activity, both for the circumstances and the dog portraints. For the general population, I'd gues there's not enough of a story here to make this worth the purchase.
   
   This book's main flaw to me was that the author's complaints through 3/4 of the book tend to be wearing even though you acknowledge he is doing pretty well to hang in there with Ollie. The ending is a happy one, though. With that, and points for the novelty of the setting and dog, and seeing how these things may be handled across the pond, I'll give it a (generous) three stars.



5. Yet another "My dog was unruly so I had to write a book about him" tome. The fad of writing books about unremarkable dogs acting like dogs is getting really old. This is standard stuff and not book-worthy.

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.

2 comments about Eco Dog: Healthy Living for Your Pet.

1. Lots of photographs,recipes and projects in Eco Dog.
   
   The book begins with the advice that, unlike wolves, dogs need to be groomed and washed regularily. Homemade recipes, like dog tonics and an herbal flea powder, are included. The pet owner is also advised to avoid commercial dog shampoos, as they may be harmful.
   
   The chapter on dog food advises to feed the dog high quality food or homemade food and a meatloaf recipe is included. I would have liked to have seen more recipes and more information on feeding good quality food.
   
   I really liked that natural cleaners for the house were advised, with good recommendations. The authors point out that dogs lick stuff--like the floor--and that safe cleaners are imperative to their health.
   
   Some cool projects include green toys to make for your dogs out of recycled objects like socks. Brilliant! Most toys for dogs are made out of synthetic materials derived from petrochemicals, so I really thought the idea of natural toys was great.
   
   Overall, a smart, green book for raising healthy dogs.
   
   From the author of the award winning book, Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify and Energize Your Life, Your Home and Your Planet



2. Great book for any pet-parent. The recipes are quick and easy and the pictures are adorable! Lots of great craft ideas and green-cleaning tips too.

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 Why Goldens Do That: A Collection Of Curious Golden Retriever Behaviors.

1. The book is cute but not very informative. It did not give me any new answers about Goldens quirks like why they make sneezing sounds every morning. I have 2 goldens and they both do the same thing. It is not a worthwhile book.



2. I had really hoped to get some serious answers to some Golden 'quirks', instead I found this book to be cute and slightly entertaining, but not in the least informative. If you're seeking concrete information, this book is probably not for you. If all you want is a cute book about Goldens, then go for it and enjoy!



3. I gave this as a gift to a friend who owns a Golden. He loved it. He's already passing it around to others to read.



4. This book is very well written. I gave this book to my husband for Christmas. He is enjoying sharing wtih me and with others about things that goldens do! We both have learned some things as to why goldens do what they do? For example,why do goldens rebel when they are between one and two years old ? The answer is because they are essentially teenagers.
   I would recommend this book to anyone that has a golden. There is never a dull moment with a golden in your household.
   
   



5. This is a very good book--the pictures are great and worth the price of the book themselves. The "curious Golden Retriever behaviours" are basically curious behaviours of ANY breed of dog, with one or two exceptions, but still it was a very interesting book and it helps you to understand why your dog does some of the (somewhat disgusting ) things it does.