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 And Baby Makes Four: A Trimester-by-Trimester Guide to a Baby-Friendly Dog.

1. As a small animal veterinarian who has a passionate interest in companion animal behavior, I didn't want to assume that I already knew everything I needed to know about preparing my dogs for the arrival of my first baby, but after reading this book, I guess I feel like I'm doing everything the way I should. The information is practical, common-sense, and easy to apply. Also very important!! I think the author covers all the main points well. Might be nice if it included a CD of baby sounds, but I already bought one from Dogwise:
   Sounds Good CD - Babies by Terry Ryan.



2. We have two large dogs that live in the house and we're expecting our first child in a few months. I was a little concerned about how to help our dogs adjust to the new arrival. I bought this book with high hopes. It is not bad, but the suggestions are very basic and I didn't agree with all of the suggestions. The author says you should not let your dogs sleep in the bedroom with you and, if they are accustomed to sleeping there now, you should move them out before the baby arrives. It seems like this would just further upset a dog who has been used to sleeping nearby all its life. Our dogs sleep in their crates in our room at night and I see no need to change that arrangement once the baby arrives. The book also includes a large section on basic obedience commands. This is useful if you have never done obedience training, but we've taken our dogs through advanced obedience training and this part was completely unnecessary. I really wanted more tips on how to handle the inevitable baby-dog dilemmas (dogs taking baby's food, dogs licking baby's face, etc.) but I didn't really find the tips I was looking for.



3. And Baby Makes Four is a great book for expecting parents who have 4 legged children living at their house. It is an easy to follow book with practical recommendations for preparing your dog for baby's presence. Most training can be easily implemented into your daily routine with a few simple changes (changing when you feed your dog or changing expectations of your dog). It also include advice about cats. I feel more confident about the exciting day when my baby meets my dog and cat.



4. Great book to read. Provides very good techniques that anyone can use and are not violent/aggressive. Some tips are obvious, but good to read and refresh your mind on how to read and react to your animals behavior.



5. This book gives excellent, clear instruction on how to prepare your fur-kids for the new baby. I didn't get it until my 3rd trimester, but it's still working tremendously well. I highly recommend it!

4 comments about Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Dog Lover's Companion (Uncle John's Bathroom Reader).

1. Uncle John does have an enjoyable little book here. But it really is little. When you add up the crosswords, puzzles and quizzes in here the amount of actual factual plain old reading material is little. Not that the short sections wern't enjoyable but they were short!
   
   No extended sittings here. Like another reviewer said, It's good, it's just not the standard Uncle John we're used to.



2. This book, like all of the Uncle John's Bathroom Readers, is an excellent book. It give many, many interesting facts about dogs that I did not know but find informative and educational as well as entertaining. It is really enjoyable reading.



3. My wife has been reading this and loves other Uncle John's Bathroom Reader. this is a great one for Doge lovers lots of cool things



4. I absolutely love the "Uncle John's Bathroom Reader" books. However, I was a little disappointed in this one. The information is not as engrossing as the other Uncle John books I have read and the small hardcover size is difficult to handle. Ok, but not great

5 comments about Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog (Howell Reference Books).

1. I bought this book at Barnes & Nobles after sitting down and thoroughly reading the chapter on how to make dog food. Initially, I felt it was going to be very time consuming and was a little put off by the intricacy of the recipe, but after reading some of the stories about sick dogs who had recovered...I thought, "why not?"
   
   I bought the book soley for the purpose of making dog food. I didn't read many of the other chapters (just skimmed). I'm not looking to change my philosophical outlook on dogs and life, or teach my dog yoga or anything like that...I just wanted the homemade dog food recipe.
   
   Anyways, my number one complaint about this book is the lack of explanatory details when it comes to implementing this diet. The recipes are gauged by weight class and my dog happens to fall in between the 10-25 lb range (20 lbs). I thought, "oh well I'll just double the 10 lb recipe" but the numbers don't increase evenly with every 5 lbs, for example. So I just stuck to the 25 lb recipe (uncomfortable feeling #1).
   
   The next issue I had was during the "transition diet". OK, I was willing to "fast" my dog for a solid 1.5 days, but when it came time to feed him yogurt and honey as his first meal on the tranistion diet, he wouldn't eat it. I stuck to my guns and followed the directions for tranisitioning, but I began to lose my steadfastness after 2.5 days and my 13 year old, healthy dog was losing energy (uncomfortable feeling #2).
   
   One last gruesome detail, then I'll stop. He has been eating the 25 lb diet of raw meat and cereal meal for a few days now and it's 4 a.m. CT as I'm writing this review because he's had diarrhea ever since he started the diet. He woke me up at 3:30 this morning whining to go out, which is extremely unusual, and I knew it was because he had diarrhea...my limit has been declared. Now, I'm not expecting a dog to go from 13 years of commercial food diet straight to raw meat and not have some gastrointestinal problems...even for a week. But he's a small dog and can get dehydrated easily. There was little to no explanation in the book of what to expect in this area. I believe the author briefly describes what the stool should look like on the cereal meal (breakfast) portion of the recipe (book mentions nothing about diarrhea), but my dog's stool looked even worse the next morning after eating raw meat (completely covered in mucus).
   
   My point is, there was little help in the way of alternatives in this book. Granted, I did not follow the "transition diet" exactly as scheduled in the book, and I'm willing to admit that these results could be my fault. But I can't be sure of that and I'm not willing to risk my dog's health any more. When I told my vet I wanted to make homemade dog/cat food, the only thing she really stressed was that I cook the meat. I have successfully transitioned my cats onto homemade cat food (much easier) and I do cook the chicken. I figured there is less of a possibility of salmonella in raw red meat, so I decided to give it to my dog raw.
   
   Anyways, some of the other reviews are right. This book has a lot of cool information on the health benefits of each ingredient. For example, I didn't know how nutritious honey really was. But, for me, there weren't enough details. I got a more thorough account of how to make cat food from a website online. The vet was EXTREMELY detailed and everything she said has been true. I'm a detail-oriented person and this book didn't cut it for me.
   
   I would highly recommend consulting with your vet WITH THIS BOOK if you choose to get it. I was lazy and should have reviewed it with my vet. Good luck!



2. An excellent book. Writer has 30 years experience in dog handling. She explains the raw food diet and other health ingredients to help your dog stay healthy or to heal your dog of many health problems. Ingredients and nutritional supplements are explained and why they are necessary. I recommend this book to everyone who loves their dogs.



3. This book is worth its price purely for the information on interpreting blood and urine testing. She also offers some great ideas on supplements for specific health concerns. Thirdly, her recommendations for vaccinations or lack thereof are excellent. That's the good part.
   
   However, by far and large, I couldn't disagree more with Wendy Volhard's dietary recommendations. If she can show me a canine running around the forest looking for oatmeal or any of the other grains she recommends, I might give her recommendations a second look.
   
   Until then, from my experience, BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods a la Ian Billinghurst's recommendations) is the only way to feed dogs. Three dogs, 9 years, no vet bills, says it all. My Keeshond, who died at the age of 16, was diagnosed with terminal pancreatitis at the age of 7 and given 6 months to live. The vet wanted to put her on PID canned food, largely barley based. At that time, we brought our Giant Schnauzer home from Skansen Kennels. The breeder strongly recommended the BARF diet, so I immediately switched the old Keeshond and our 6 month old Rottie to a raw meaty bones/fresh raw veggies and fruits diet, along with the Giant Schnauzer baby. The vet said I'd kill my dog. I told him that she's dead meat in 6 months anyway, so I might as well kill her my way.
   
   Within 3 months, she was a puppy again, and lived to 16. All if this without the silly grain meal Wendy Volhard recommends! The big dogs are closing in on 10. The rottie has already outlived his predicted life span of 7 to 9 years. I love it! Their coats are gorgeous, and their teeth are perfect. No bad breath either. I wouldn't feed any other way.
   
   Please don't get me wrong. I would still buy this book for its reference value, but don't buy into her dietary recommendations!



4. I found the Holistic Guide for Healthy Dog just super and full of useful information and other references. It's also very easy to read and divided quite nicely.



5. This book is the best source for a Raw Diet available. It is very comprehensive. There are lots of sources available with this diet to help you along the way, such as the website (www.volhard.com) and the Volhard Yahoo Group discussions, which provide all the answers to your questions. If you want to provide the best life for your dog, this is definately the way to do it. The research carried out on this diet is extremely comprehensive and a proven success for over 30 years.

1 comments about The Toy & Miniature Poodle (Terra-Nova).

1. Along with my newly adopted mini poodle, I purchased three books on the breed. This one is by far my favorite for several reasons.
   
   Number one, it was obviously written by a person intimately familiar with the poodle breed. Though it did cover some basics that would be great for any dog owner to keep in mind (such as potty and behavior training and a basic vet overview), it also delved into specific poodle concerns that I - as a new poodle owner - had never known. My concerns about grooming, feeding, special health concerns and training were all covered.
   
   Another thing I loved about this book was its readability. I never felt overwhelmed or bored reading this, and I really felt prepared to take on the ownership of a breed of dog I'd never had prior experience with.
   
   As an added bonus, it came with a neat training dvd that showed some basic training techniques in live action.
   
   Probably my absolute favorite part about this book is that it covers how to ADOPT a poodle. I met my little buddy at the humane society, and most people are shocked to hear that when I tell them (he looks like he could be a show dog). You really can find a pure bred best friend at the pound. But don't let them overshadow all those adorable mixed breeds!!

5 comments about Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (Barron's Complete Pet Owner's Manuals).

1. This book has lots of helpful information for Cavaliers specifically and dogs in general. It's a nice length -- not too short or long, has wonderful pictures, and is very easy to read.
   
   I think every first time Cavalier owner should read it before their dog comes home.



2. I love this book you will not need to buy another. Its a must have full of info. Love it!!!



3. I found that this book was very correct in most everything it said. Being a breeder myself I am always looking for a good book to send home with my new puppy owner's. I have found it in this book. Every puppy gets this book in their care package and their owner's just love it. The lineage chart is absolutely wonderful. This book has so much information in it that most books do not. All in all this in an excellent book. I give it five stars, more if I could.
   Sandy Townsend, Breeder of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Kansas



4. I have been searching for a Cavalier Club in the Dallas area and was unable to find one. I'd like to start a club for All the Cavi owners in Dallas. If interested in joining email me at madihabeg@gmail.com. If you know of an existing club in this area, I would appreciate contact info.
   And this is a great book for new owners.



5. Please note that this may have been a great book when it was written in 1999, but how any review in 2005 can recommend this book with four stars is beyond me. A very serious genetic disorder in Cavaliers has become TOO common and is found in all bloodlines. This disease, which did not become widely identified in Cavaliers until 2003, should be thoroughly researched by anyone interested in acquiring a Cavalier. It is not in this book. Go into this with your eyes wide open. We love our Cavalier and would not trade him for anything. But he has had major brain surgery at a prestigious university vet hospital, pre- and post-surgical MRI's, and is on expensive medication 3 times daily. He cannot be walked on a leash because of pain, even with the medication. If you want "cutesy" information, buy a book. If you want real information, go on-line.
   
   Added from Cavalier Health on 9/13/2006: "Researchers conservatively estimate that at least 50% of CKCSs have occipital hypoplasia (or caudal occipital malformation syndrome -- COMS), the skull bone malformation believed to cause syringomyelia."

5 comments about The Allergy Solution for Dogs: Natural and Conventional Therapies to Ease Discomfort and Enhance Your Dog's Quality of Life (The Natural Vet).

1. i very important book to help you figure out what ity is why your dog is chewing her/his opaws food and other things how to fixes



2. I was looking for a book that would help SOLVE my problems with dogs and allergies - this book just gives examples of what to look for (is it or is it not allergies) and suggests seeing the vet. Been there, done that - was looking for more creative ideas than seeing the vet and putting them on steroids (the standard prescription). I will keep looking for something to resolve my dogs' allergies and skin issues



3. I have a dog that has severe allergies and, unfortunately, is one of the 1/3 or less who have not seen significant success with allergy injections (after 2 years...sigh). But, Dr. Messonnier offers many types of therapies/treatments for dog's with skin problems/allergies. His writing is honest and direct--this book made me realize that nothing will completely "cure" the allergies--but can make my dog's life more comfortable. In addition, the author does state that most treatments may not be the "sole" form of treatment--that they have to be used in conjunction with several other treatments. Right now, my pup is trying some homeopathic remedies along with conventional ones. And, I am still trying. This little book is pretty comprehensive. It gives the WHYs along with the HOWs to treat. I disagree with the other reviewet that the author does not talk about treatment. Over half the book is on treatment. Recommended with those who struggle with the irritating and frustrating problem of canine skin allergies.



4. While this book is great if you simply want to learn about what allerges are, it does not give advise on how to treat the problem yourself. It will help you to have an informed discussion about the topic with your vet, but if you are wanting to learn how to treat your animal or what suppliments to use, this is not the book for you.



5. I write MacAnswers, a question/answer column for Great Scots Magazine, a publication for Scottish Terrier owners. The question I wanted to tackle for the September/October issue was about allergies. However, I was tempted to put that subject on the back burner since entire books can be written on allergies in dogs and how to control them. Fortunately, I found Dr. Messonnier's book The Allergy Solution for Dogs. This new book does indeed provide the solution for dog owners who are willing to invest more time and interest in solving their dog's discomfort than a monthly trip to the vet for a steroid injection. Dr. Messonnier's holistic approach to allergies makes sense, and I highly recommend this book to any dog owner who is dealing with the frustrations of a dog that itches and itches. Breeds the book lists which have an especially high incidence of atopic dermatitis, a genetic disease which predisposes dogs to skin allergies are: West Highland White Terriers, Cairn Terriers, Shar-peis, Scottish Terriers, Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus, Wirehaired Fox Terriers, Dalmatians, Pugs, Irish Setters, Boston Terriers, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, English Setters, Labrador Retrievers, Miniature Schnauzers and Belgian Tervurens.

5 comments about Sheltie Talk.

1. I've been a sheltie owner, both of pets, show, and obedience dogs. This book is the best book of any breed book on the market. It covers everything you need to know, and though most sheltie owners aren't going to breed(nor should they), I believe that every sheltie owner should read about the breeding portions, because I've met so many people who think their sheltie should be bred. This book at the very least gives information on that aspect, as some colours shouldn't be bred together due to genetic abnormalities.



2. The books is very detailed and has a lot of information. I was a little disappointed with it though, as it seems to be geared more towards breeders and people who show their dog.
   
   Now one may argue that the average pet owner does not need THAT much information.. but I would beg to differ. Some parts of the book relating to ownership could have been bigger, while other parts of the book are unnecessary to the average pet owner.
   
   For me, there was far too much information about the breed's standards.. and then the information about mating and whelping... All totally unecessary to me. I could have used more information about training, what to expect as the dog grows, and dog/people socialization techniques. Now, there is *some* information on these areas, but you could probably write entire books on these topics alone; this book could have used more material on these topics.
   
   Still, it is not a bad book by any means. I give it 3 stars as a pet owner, and probably 5 stars if you are a breeder or are into competitive dog shows. I'll average that out to 4 stars overall.



3. This is an EXCELLENT book for the new sheltie owner. Very in depth information, and very easy to read. Contains info for everything from bringing the new puppy home, to basics in obedience and agility training. Only reason she didn't get five ***** stars, is because she got a bit "windy" with long explanations, and it is so easy to read, they aren't necessary. You must have this book!:)



4. "Sheltie Talk" is the best Sheltie book out there, in spite of it's age (1985). I keep hearing rumors that there will be an updated edition, but I haven't seen it yet. I keep hoping.
   This book has more information than most people will ever need about the breed, and it's very accessible even to the novice owner. Give this one 'paws up'!



5. It is the Sheltie "bible" for all breeders. I recommend it to all puppy buyers. It is not only for breeders and exhibitors of Shelties but for the companion dog owner as well. I know people with other breeds that just LOVE this book and have it as well!
   Definately a FIVE star rating!!

5 comments about You Bake 'em Dog Biscuits Cookbook.

1. I just got a puppy and have been very concerned about what goes into his food and treats, so I decided that I want to try making my own (not to mention that this makes for great gifts to give). When I went to the store to find books on this type of thing, it is surprising that not many books are just about biscuits. I love my dog, but I find it a little ludacris that many doggie biscuit books actually have real meals for dogs in them (Labradore Lasagnia, Pup's Pizza, meatloaf, even Arroz con Pollo)... I'm truly serious! If you make meals for your dog, I appologize and do not mean to affend, but I barely have time to make my own meals, let alone something for my dog. Baking biscuits is one thing... but actual meals each night is another.
   
   This book was right to the point and had everything I desired in it... buscuits, treats, and even cupcakes for when he does have a special celebration. The recipes are easy to follow and the ingredients seem easy to find. I think this book is a real treat and paired with the right cookie cutters makes a great gift (see also their set that comes with cutters). I got the book as opposed to the set because I also got "Make Your Own Healthy Doggie Biscuits" by Jonna Anne that came with 3 cutters (also an excellent book and set). I may also get the You Bake 'em Dog Biscuit mini set so that I have a smaller bone. I thought this book hit the target and I love it!



2. This book has silly graphics as somebody else had mentioned, but I don't care about that. It's kind of cute actually. The recipes are straight forward and there are tips for storing the treats. The book even has recommendations for throwing a dog party. I'm anxious to make the pumpkin muffins for my guy and his dog buddies.



3. enjoyed this book. Good info,easy to read and use. Has a lovely selection and variety of recipes.Thoroughly recommend it.



4. This book not only gave you the recipes, it had little helpful hints in regards to what ingredients are not good for your pup.



5. I bought this book based on all the good reviews and was a little disappointed....almost every recipe calls for a food processor and not having one at the moment pretty much excluded alot of the recipes. Of the ones I did make my two pugs weren't crazy about them. It is O.K. but there are many more that are better out there...

1 comments about The Everything Labrador Retriever Book: A Complete Guide to Raising, Training, and Caring for Your Lab (Everything Series).

1. When it says the everything, it does tell you everything. It even has mini tips on facts, alerts and even questions that you may have on a lab. People that want to learn and care, I would highly reccomend this book.