5 comments about I'll be Home Soon.

1. This is an excellent book...The author is very straightforward and doesn't waste her time (and the readers) with fluff...Reading this book allowed my husband and I to understand what our dog may be feeling.



2. This is very helpful for anyone who has or is considering getting one of the "velcro" dog breeds, anyone who has a dog and comes home to destruction, anyone who works all day but wants to get a dog...basically anyone who has or wants to get a dog!
   She starts out by telling you that not all behaviors add up to Separation Anxiety but that any dog can benefit from a little preventative training. I am working on teaching my little velcro buddy how to play by himself and that he doesn't need my attention 100% of the time to be okay.
   I would recommend anything written by McConnell because a) her books and pamphlets are clear and easy to read with lots of stories to help you visualize what she means and b) because I really like her approach to training your dog.



3. This book is brief and small but I liked that because it contained a lot of good information and gave me some great pointers to do right away. If you want more than this you'd probably need to hire a dog trainer or behaviorist to help you anyway.



4. I bought this because my little rescued Dog has/had Seperation Anxiety and so was trying to read up on anything that I could. It had some useful information.



5. As with her other "booklet" style guides, Patricia McConnell has managed to cram a vast amount of useful information into a small space. She briefly discusses the causes of separation anxiety, and how to recognize it. The information on what separation anxiety is *not* is invaluable for owners who might be having difficulty distinguishing between true separation anxiety and boredom (a by-product of the dog being understimulated mentally and physically). She then makes a number of suggestions that are straightforward and easy to follow. It is true that some dogs will need more personal assistance in the form of a behavior specialist or veterinary behaviorist, but this guide is a good place to start.
   - Nicole Wilde, author Help for Your Fearful Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide to Helping Your Dog Conquer His Fears and So You Want to be a Dog Trainer (2nd edition)

5 comments about The Culture Clash: A Revolutionary New Way to Understanding the Relationship Between Humans and Domestic Dogs.

1. 
   
   Ms. Donaldson takes a judgemental moralistic view of owners (like me)who like that their dogs do not bolt through doors before them, or like to eat before their dogs, and like to be their dog's leader. She even goes as far as to call us *stupid*. Okay, I draw the line when I spend $15.00 to buy a book then the author calls me stupid in the first chapter.
   
   I train in AKC competition obedience so I am all for reward based training. Dogs do learn faster when rewarded for doing the right behavior as opposed to being corrected for the wrong behavior. However, it is incomplete advice when Ms. Donaldson tells people that dogs should never receive any corrections. Maybe those highly skilled behaviorists and professional dog trainers have the talent, time, experience to only train with rewards but the average pet owner will never be able to accomplish this without years of trial and error. I am sorry, but I do not want to spend 5 years just to train my dog to not bolt out the door or decide to chase a squirrel and possibly get hit by a car.
   
   She is far to extreme in one direction. Like everythig in life, there needs to be a balance. And by the way, I am not in Cesar's camp either with his flooding methods and overly simplistic dominance fix-all solution either. Like I said, you've got to have balance and adjust with each dog.
   
   If you interested in dog training and learning theory I liked Don't Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor much better. The author uses easy to understand human analagies to illustrate learning theory. I am a very literal and visual person so if I could understand it, anyone can.



2. When I read this book the first time, I really enjoyed it and felt that it had changed most of my ideas about dog training. Everything Donaldson says is correct and works for most behaviors, because she uses basic principles that can be applied to any animal. Basically, if you understand positive and negative reinforcement/punishment, there is no need to read this book. Her main point is that you can get dogs to do whatever you wish using positive reinforcement alone, and the use of aversives is unnecessary and a result of expecting our dogs to be smarter than they really are.
   
   She also gives some good insight into the behavior of dogs, such as bite thresholds, and it's very useful for people to know that just because a dog bites doesn't mean it is evil and should be put down - it's NORMAL dog behavior.
   
   Unfortunately, I could only give it one star because her theory is very limited and basic. It is helpful for someone with no knowledge of canine behavior, thought process, or pack mentality, and for the many people who misuse aversives and think it is normal for you to be able to punch a dog in the face and not have him bite you. It is a good starting place, and nothing more.
   
   But for the rest of us who wish to understand the true behavior and potential of dogs, her book is of little value. Clicker training and an endless supply of treats works great for training specific behaviors, but not for achieving harmony and balance in the bigger picture. Not to mention the many breeds who are not food or play motivated, which she never addresses. Also, for those true problem dogs who are aggressive or have other serious behavior issues, she never says how to address these problems, and instead recommends other books!
   
   There are countless better books out there that are much more in depth and educational. This book only detracted from my knowledge of dog behavior and training.



3. I have to begin by saying that when I first started reading the book I was very put off by a writing style that initially came across as a bit choppy, curt, rude and precociously academic... then suddenly, light began to shine and Jean Donaldson began tossing one brilliant idea, suggestion/method after another. - - My guess is that the book probably came about as a result of cutting and pasting previous writings of hers together... writings geared towards various audiences and appropriate to various situations... however, after this was done, the writings were simply never edited so they'd represent a cohesive whole... As a result, I have to agree with other critics that the book really needs to be edited and organized... still, I give it a 5 star rating... Why? Because as I said, it challenges you to think differently... and many of the pages are gushing with ideas and suggestions for problems facing all dogs... Whether or not you agree with everything, the book gets you thinking - - its not just a rehash of old dog training cliches (as many books are.)
   
   As for Jean Donaldson's basic approach- - basically its text book behaviorism, but with a compassionate twist. The central premise is that people expect their dogs to think and behave in the Walt Disney mold... and fail to take into account that dog's brains are the size of lemons... and further, wired different than people... in particular, dogs are masters at reading their environment... but don't have the abstract and logical thinking abilities of humans. In failing to recognize this, we often expect unreasonable things of dogs... and even worse, punish - - even summarily execute them for this. (Jean Donaldson specifically uses the word "execute" as opposed to euthanize in the case of many dogs who are put to sleep for aggressive behavior, when they were simply being dogs and their humans simply failed to socialize them.) -- - She uses this argument to poignantly argue the importance of socialization and repeatedly says, "Dogs are animals and animals bite..." Dogs who are not properly socialized bite not because they're abnormal... but simply because they were never trained to adapt to a human environment where biting, no matter how tempered can be considered a capital offense..... hence the dog remained dogs... ergo biting when seeing strange humans engage in behavior that any canine would have seen threatening. (Donaldson points out that in the wildnerness "fear of the novel" would have been understanding, as no adult dog would be able to live long enough to pass on its genes if it was programmed to simply walk up to explore anything new and novel. Dogs survive by running away from things that spook them... or making the thing that's spooking them run away... either/or...)
   
   The book covers a wide variety of behaviors which most humans find extremely annoying (barking, chewing and urinating) but Donaldson assures us are NORMAL, however, can be dealt with through proper socialization (and if the window is missed) conditioning. - - Methods typically involve exposure to situations, and reward for desired behavior... no alpha rolls, no choke collars, and no alpha wolf lead or be eaten/hang 'em by the choke collar babble... just time and patience... and a clicker and some treats.
   
   All in all, like some other reviewers, I think it needs rewriting... but that said, there's so much in it, I'd say its worth every buck and then some whether or not you agree with each and every one of her theories or suggestions. To sum it up: this book definitely belongs in your library if you're serious about dog training or behavior...



4. I liked the book but it really seems more like a text book. I think it could be simplified to turn it in to an easier read.



5. REQUIRED K9 READING and the FIRST BOOK you should thoroughly review on you canine companions. If you are in contact with, have or plan to get a dog, PLEASE, please read this book. You, your dog, and the world will be a better, happier, and safer place. End of Story.

5 comments about Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff.

1. I've had rotator cuff problems with both shoulders. The problem is increased by bursitis and other issues. So I was grateful to get the useful information in this book.
   
   The book is based on fact, not opinion. The author first gives you a description of the shoulder and the rotator cuff and its relationship to the muscle and tendons and bones.
   
   Then you're given stretches and exercises to do in relationship to how much pain and lack of mobility you have at the time you start the program. It's comforting to know that you are empowered to make yourself better and to rehabilitate yourself. And this book definitely gives you that ability.
   
   I noticed that there was one or two wonderful stretches that were not included in the book. But the ones included work. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever suffered shoulder problems or anyone who lifts weights or works out. It helps prevent as well as heal shoulder pain and mobility problems.
   
   - Susanna K. Hutcheson



2. I was very impressed with this book as soon as I thumbed through it. The first section has diagrams and definitions of the shoulder. The anatomy and physiology are explained in grade school terms. (this is very helpful to people that are in so much pain that they can't think straight)
   
   I have just had rotator cuff surgery and have been through physical therapy several times for rotator cuff problems. The exercises are identical to some of the exercises that the physical therapists teach us.
   
   I highly recommend this book to anyone with rotator cuff problems, however, if your symptoms are not improving you will need to get an MRI to determine if you have tears or bone spurs.



3. After two weeks of following the exercises in this book, I made more progress than six weeks of PT. I like this book because not only does the author explain what to do, he also explains WHY.



4. Just the information needed to help you and not more! That's "Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff." Johnson writes clearly for the non-medical-professional, so you'll understand his message easily and get started right away (today).
   
   About six months ago, I fell. A perfect four-point landing, I thought at the time, but it turned out to be more, much more. Within a month I began having trouble pulling a shirt on over my head. Then shoulder and arm pain settled in full time.
   
   I decided to forego conventional medical treatment (for example, shots and surgery), and the pain continued. In fact, it not only continued, but grew so much worse that I considered revising my decision about the shots. However, finding this book and reading the glowing recommendations for it, I decided giving managing the problem on my own one last try.
   
   Of course, getting the book did not solve the problem by itself. I had to use the information to stretch and exercise. So I did, and, sure enough, after a couple of weeks I saw both improved range of motion and less pain.
   
   The stretches and exercises are not necessarily pleasant, but the results make it worth the effort.
   
   If you have rotator cuff pain, get this book. Regardless of whether you decide on conventional solutions to the problem, you'll need the stretches and exercises to regain full range of motion. Stick with the program. It works!
   
   Highly recommended.



5. I found Jim Johnson's book to contain an amazing amount of information in a relatively short read. There are several very good reviews that detail what he covers in this book so I'll stick to points not covered by the other reviews.
   
   First, yes, it is a small book. This is actually a bonus because he covers the pertinant material thoroughly but keeps the book to a size easily read in one sitting. This is important when you are looking for answers and not a lengthy read. I found illustrations and the text were all useful - there is no filler or fluff in this book.
   
   Second - the stretches and exercises are explained in detail so you can be comfortable with the knowledge you are doing it right. So, as you follow one of the 3 programs laid out, you can refer back to the detailed descriptions and illustration as needed. If you are a picture person and not a verbal person, this is priceless to have on hand.
   
   Third - the information on how to distinguish the different types of injuries and how to approach rehabilitation gave me insight to what was going on with my own injury that no professional I had taken this problem to have ever bothered to explain. Again, illustrations were to the point and provided clarity that words can't always deliver.
   
   Last, I have sought medical advice with my shoulder problems off and on for years yet this book gave me more information in a 30 minute read than I had gotten in any consultation. This book is priced around $30 retail and that is far less than a doctor or physio visit.
   
   Note that I am *NOT* saying to skip seeking medical advice, I am saying that this book gives you a ready reference to supplement your knowledge and to keep on hand while treating your injury. If you are like me, the shoulder problems you have will quite possibly reoccur as time goes by and you either quit doing the exercises and revert to bad habits or if you find a new way to injure yourself. So, having this book handy for reference is far more economical the returning to the doctor over and over again.

5 comments about Dog Man: An Uncommon Life on a Faraway Mountain.

1. This book has touched me. The main character is morally strong, and the result of his strength has affected a breed of dog to a point beyond comprehension. If you own an Akita, this is a must read. If you do not own an Akita, you need to read this as well.



2. Heard about this book when Charlie Rose interviewed the author on his show. Apparently the Akita is a country dog bred in the mountains in Japan. During WWII, the breed was threatened--people ate them because they were starving--and this is the story of how one man formed a network of friends to save the breed and protect them. It is also the story of his family, including stories of the different dogs he saved. For dog lovers and Akita fans especially.



3. Haven't had a dog in years but love great books about dogs and this is a great book about a dog and the man who rescued the breed from extinction.
   
   And what a gentle man he is. Brings the word Zen to life for me. And to think he never accepted money for any of the dogs, and has lived such a simple pure life. Not only is it a story of a man saving a breed of dog, but it also has some priceless lessons about living simple, enjoying stillness and being content.
   
   I wonder if the Japanese exchange students we have had over the years who all owned Akitas know of Morie Sawataishi.



4. I bought this book because I'm very interested in dogs and had visited Japan. While the book really was about a man who saved Akitas after WWII, it was so much more. Interwoven was a very interesting history of what the Japanese endured from close to the end of the war until today. I was in awe of the hardships they faced and the tremendous number of things they achieved. I feel I'd need more than one lifetime to even approach accomplishing what they have.
   The author kept the momentum going and has produced a really wonderful book that was never dull and brought life during these times alive. Effortless reading.
   I have read that the Japanese take one idea and keep refining it, not just always looking for the next best thing. This is how Dog Man approached his life with dogs. Wonderful book.



5. ...he could have been a lot like Morie Sawataishi. Singular of mind, even monomaniacal. Narcissistic. Athletic and daring. And superhuman in his talent--rescuing the Akita "snow dog" breed from annihilation during World War II.
   
   Author Martha Sherrill manages to bring us to a sympathetic understanding of this man in her fine work Dog Man. Dog lovers will find it easier to comprehend Morie's fixation, and how he uses his beloved Akitas as an escape, even a bulwark, from his family and its war-time struggles with hunger and poverty. But Dog Man goes far beyond its esoteric main subject as we travel via Sherrill's fluid prose to Japan's fascinating post-war snow country, and bear witness as it enters the modern age. In the span of her book, the region goes from untouched country largely lacking electric power and prowled by bears and wild mountain men, to populated civilization served by bullet train. And the photos of all those beautiful dogs alone are worth the price of the hardcover. A great read that takes you far away!

5 comments about When Pigs Fly!: Training Success with Impossible Dogs.

1. It is a very good dog training book. It explains things in a way that is very easily understood and gives you different ideas as to what a reward can be, ie that a dog that likes to sniff a lot you can use this behavior when training, as a reward. It breaks the training down into small pieces that is easy to follow. I have recommended this book to a few of my friends and they are also using it to train.



2. I have a pigs fly dog- and most of my training successes have been because of suggestions in this book! I disagree with a previous review that stated it was "old" material and "agility tricks"- it is a book that provides NEW methods to increase the bond with your dog while training; to help get a more focused dog; and most importantly how to have FUN while training your 'difficult' dog. I can't recommend this book enough to EVERYONE who has a dog they want to build a stronger working relationship with- Pigs fly or not!



3. En af de bedste klikkerbøger, jeg har læst !
   well better in english than danish-I guess: One of the best clicker-instruction books i`ve read so far( which is some). especially because it gives hope to all dogowners with "impossible" dogs. it is well written, funny and with a lot aha-experiencies.



4. This book is aces! The author gives her own approach to training, which is solidly based on contemporary techniques. She goes into much detail about how to clicker-train, but even if you choose not to use a clicker, there is good information here.
   
   Though the book is directed toward the author's preference in dogs--not easy ones!--the methods are also solid for easily-trained dogs. The fact is, few dogs are easily trained without a glitch now and then! She does a really good job of giving insights into how some of the "Impossible Dogs" think, and why they were bred to think that way.
   
   She also gives insights into why more easily trained dogs are more easily trained. She says--and I strongly suspect she is right!--that easily trained dogs are not necessarily more intelligent. You just have to learn what motivates the "Impossible Dogs." And this book will tell you how, very clearly.



5. Bought this cuz I loved the title. Has some really good ideas and helped in many ways.

5 comments about Dogs Behaving Badly: An A-Z Guide to Understanding and Curing Behavorial Problems in Dogs.

1. The book was so general that I found it quite unhelpful, at least for what I thought it would be useful for: helping me find a strategy for curbing excessive dog barking.



2. This was an intersting book that covers many common behavior problems in dogs. As a strength, I thought it offered insight into why dogs commonly engage in these types of behaviors.
   
   As a weakeness though, the book wasn't organized very helpfully. A better index would be more useful in times of looking for help. In addition there wasn't clear solutions to each of the behavior problems mentioned. He offers ideas of what one could do, but doesn't explain it well.
   
   The main thing I disliked in this book was Dodman's seemingly high use of medications. Not that the use of medications is bad in certain dogs, but Dodman makes it seem like most dogs should be medicated from the get go. I am sure he does not do so in practice, but it comes across as such in his book.
   
   However, this was an interesting reading and one I will keep in my collection.



3. While I found the stories and chapters very informative and interesting, this book was almost utterly useless as a tool to help those with the problems. The actual appendix in the back was really short and that's where the solutions were. Bad placement. I found the book hard to use, hard to find your problem, and even harder to figure out what Dodman was "sort of, kind of" recommending. The title was very misleading A-Z, more like alphabet soup see if you can find it...

   I found the chapter on prey drive particularly useless. I was so terribly disappointed. This was the one problem for which the author offered absolutely no solutions or recommendations at all. Of course this was my problem.

   I loved THE DOG WHO LOVED TOO MUCH, and found it helpful, but this book was not as useful. And a lot of time was spent expounding on Bull Terriers which while very interesting didn't really fit into the title.

   I'm glad I read the book, but disappointed that I expected help and didn't get it.




4. I recently adopted a 9 year-old dog from a shelter who would chew my front door trim. I couldn't understand why. I read this book and it really helped, not to mention answered the "why" part of my questions. This book has helped enormously. For people who had a hard time with getting answers from this book, all you have to do is go to the index in the back and look up your topic. It's right there.
   If you're having a hard time with a new puppy or a "new" older dog, this book should help you. It helped us.



5. I was quite disappointed in this book. It is full of interesting stories of dogs and their troubles (like Maggie the German short-haired pointer and her false pregnancies), but I was looking for solutions to specific behavior problems. As another reviewer pointed out, some of the topics were quite bizarre and weren't intuitive (X-Files?) so I had to read the entire book to find what I was looking for. Based on the title (A-to-Z Guide), I was expecting quicker look-ups. In fact, the behavior-modification techniques are actually in the appendix, which is less than 20 pages long.

5 comments about Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod.

1. I read this book a few years ago, and it practically had me rolling on the floor laughing at times. Finally got it for myself to own, and it's still every bit as good. Gary Paulsen has a wonderful way with words, and is an excellent storyteller. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone.



2. One of the most entertaining books I have ever read. After reading one of the other reviews where the criticism was the authors lack of writing skills, for-gedda-bout-it. This book wasn't meant for your English Lit class. It's about one crazy dude's journey. It's funny, it's gritty, it's real, and if you're a dog lover, it's both happy and sad. I give it 10 thumbs up (ok, so I'm "all thumbs").



3. Very disappointing book. Boring, lots of padding. Poor and repetative story line. Not well written. Couldn't even read it to the end which I'm sad about as I love books and don't give up easily.



4. This book is outstanding.
   
   Some of it is written in the manner of a tall tale, so I had moments when I doubted the narrator's credibility. But then I thought about it. Who cares! It's funny, heartbreaking, and uplifting. "Fine madness" is the point, after all.
   
   Some people may think this is a stretch, but I see this book as a healthy mixture of Hemingway's prose, Faulkner's yarns, and an enthusiasm for animals
   
   This book is going to stay with me for a long time, and for that reason, I recommend it to a broad range of readers.
   
   You will enjoy this book.



5. Very interesting account of Gary Paulsen's experience preparing for and running the Iditarod. Although it identifies some of the colder sides of nature, it is a warm wonderful book with an excellent sense of humor...one that makes you laugh out loud as you read. This hard to put down book will leave you looking at life in a different way.

5 comments about The Everything Dog Training and Tricks Book.

1. I was disappointed with the content of this book. I expected a step by step how to book based on the title. I subsequently ordered a book by Cesar Milan - dog whisperer, but still no how to tips.



2. This book was just ok. very boring. Uses clicker training throughout the entire book. Does not give any alternative methods. Not the best book.



3. What a fun book! It is what it says "the everything dog training and tricks book"--I wish they'd make a DVD showing how to do it also.
   
   Although, the way the tricks are broken down into steps make them very easy to do, so good book--doggies, it's play time!



4. This is the book to have. Very complete, lots and lots of good information.



5. This is a wonderful book full of great information.
   
   The author begins by giving instruction on basic dog behavior and how to work WITH the dog to train them. Then she teaches you how to train the dog to have basic "good manners".
   
   The next section is on teaching many different kinds of tricks - from easy "kindergarten tricks" to retrieving tricks to advanced tricks to "go put this in the trash!" and everything in between. She gives very clear step by step instructions on how to train the dog to do each of these tricks.
   
   The last 60-70% of the book deals with behavior problems and how to correct them. While this section is lacking in many other "how to train your dog" books, it is actually the most important information contained in the whole volume. Unless an owner can teach their dog not to engage in destructive or aggressive behaviors, it isn't going to matter whether the dog can sit on command or not - the owner is still going to be unhappy. She includes a wealth of tips and ideas for helping with all the common behavior problems.
   
   This lady really knows her dogs. In addition, her writing style is engaging and easy to read - very enjoyable. I've read a ton of dog training books and I think this one is by far the best and most practical. You won't regret buying this book!

5 comments about A Three Dog Life.

1. I'm always looking for a new "dog book" of quality. Well, this wasn't exactly just a dog book. It is, however, one of the best memoirs I have read in some time. Some may be put off by the somewhat jumbled chronology of this book, but I think it works perfectly to project the fragmented state of mind of Thomas as she struggled for more than five years to cope with what her husband's tragic accident had done to their once-comfortable life. Thomas has the extremely rare talent of being able to make you nearly cry and then laugh out loud, sometimes on the same page. This is an extremely well-crafted and utterly human piece of writing. And, by the way, it's a good "dog book" too. - Tim Bazzett, author of Love, War & Polio (RatholeBooks.com), and current practitioner of A Two Dog Life



2. Others here have described in-depth the storyline of this bitter-sweet love story. I'll just note how refreshing it was to read about a marital topic other than infidelity.
   
   One of the few rock concerts I attended in my youth featured the group, Three Dog Night, so the apt title needed no explanation. Among the thousand or so books in my personal library, this memoir, a THREE DOG LIFE, sits on my short shelf for will-read-again-and-again.
   
   Abigal Thomas has painted with lyrical prose an honest portrait of a bruised, yet vibrant, marriage, highlighting the often-hidden joys of long-term true love in a flawed world.



3. An astute friend told me about this book, as an example of an interesting way to write a memoir. I'm so fortunate she did, as this really resonated with me. I like it a lot.



4. The book was as new, the price was A+.This is my favorite book in the past 5 years. A Three Dog Life



5. I couldn't resist the book Stephen King says is the best memoir he's ever read. It was hard to know what to expect, considering what King's written. The title contains the word "dogs." Would it be about three rabid dogs from a small New England town attacking a death row inmate who's escaped and is stepping over dead bodies while escaping a deadly virus via the Holland Tunnel? Not exactly. What I got was a heartbreaking, beautifully written book. The author recounts her life after her husband suffers traumatic brain injuries as a result of being hit by a car. Deceptively simple, this book explores the author's emotional, psychological and spiritual journey while coming to terms with the aftermath of the accident.
   
   I suspect this book hit home with King because of his own difficult recovery after he was hit by a van while walking in his home state of Maine (as sensitively recounted in his book On Writing.) I'm a survivor of a life-changing car accident myself, and I could really relate. But you don't have to have gone through that kind of devastation to appreciate this simply-written yet thought-provoking book. You just have to appreciate fine writing, and be open to learning about someone else's experiences. Highly recommended, both for the writing, and for the lessons offered within.

5 comments about The Dog's Mind: Understanding Your Dog's Behavior (Howell Reference Books).

1. This is without a doubt the best book I have ever read on dog behavior.
   
   Written by a veterinarian, the first part of the book is actually a preface to the explanation of dog behavior - the preface is an anatomical discussion of dogs and the dog's brain, along with evolutionary explanations, all of which qualifies the remainder of the book.
   
   And the remainder of the book is amazing. Every little thing that you can ever think about dogs doing is described in this book, along with an explanation as to why they do it, and how to modify it if you wish.
   
   After reading this book you will be able to better communicate with your dog, help them through problems, deal with problems, and even just work with dogs you meet on the street.
   
   I couldn't possibly recommend this book more. I loved it!!



2. Nice book , not always easy to read and follow.
   I lost interest in the last few pages but over all a good book.



3. What a wonderful insight into the canine mind! This book is full of actual scientific explanations of canine physiology, instinct, and culture. It is explained in a straightforward manner, without using a lot of academia. It's especially useful during early puppyhood, as it explains how the brain develops and what you can do to affect it during this critical time.



4. I agree with much of the theoretical information presented. It is just that too much of the book is only sentimental fill.



5. This is a comprehensive study that blends theory, science and applied behavior techniques--exactly what I needed.