1 comments about Wally's World: Life with Wally the Wonder Dog.

1. No, this is not a dog story book. It is about principals and principles. The principals are Marsha Boulton, the engaging author/narrator; Stephen Williams, her partner and award winning author; and the titular Wally, a wonderful bull terrier. The principles include courage in meeting the challenges of life, devotion twixt man and dog and values worth fighting for. It is filled with love, wonderful commentaries on life, suspense, outrage and, in the end, a confirmation of those, both man and dog, who employ a zest for living.

4 comments about Canine and Feline Theriogenology.

1. This text is used in both veterinary and veterinary tech courses so one should have some background in medical terminology to get the most benefit from it. It is a terrific source of information on the details of reproduction for the experienced breeder who is also a scientist at heart. As member of a breed club Breeder Education Committee, i found it very useful in putting together scientifically accurate educational materials for new breeders. I loved the book, but I probably would not recommend this book to a first time breeder. You have to be serious and "hard core" to want this much detail. For the first time breeder, I would recommend a book written by one of these authors specifically targeting the educated lay person. The book is by Margaret V. Root Kustritz The Dog Breeder's Guide to Successful Breeding and Health Management. I like this book because it is reasonably priced, scientifically accurate and accessible to the average breeder. Many popular breeder books aimed at the lay person are not scientifically accurate and perpetuate dangerous (for the bitch and puppies) folklore. This book gets it right.



2. OK yes this is a professional text, written for the professional, not the layman. I do not know why anyone would expect otherwise. Dr. Johnson is the acknowledged dean of Canine Theriogenology, and this is her classic tome on the subject. Written in 2001, it is becoming a tiny bit dated, but is still without doubt the definitive book on the subject, and any reproductive practicioner would find their library lacking without this reference. For the GP or ordinary Vet student, maybe not of interest, this is a specialist's book. Probably the most utilized book in my collection, along with Small Animal Surgery.



3. This book is for doctors and veterinarians. It is hard to read as a student. It's contained with a ton of information, but I personally find it hard to read.



4. This book has tons of information on most topics related to canine and feline reproduction. I haven't been able to find a lot of this information from other sources. It's more of a veterinary text than what an ordinary dog or cat breeder would need.

2 comments about Doberman Pinschers (Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

1. If you have or are planning on getting a Doberman puppy, this book should be required reading. It does not go too into depth on the subject of raising a Doberman as it is a subject that requires thousands of pages, but it does give you a great "first look" at raising a Doberman. If you have researched Dobermans excessively, this is not the book for you as it will not tell you anything new, but if you need a good introduction to caring for this noble breed it is a great read.



2. Great guide for anyone thinking about sharing their life with this noble breed. Helped me to decide this dog is a breed I hope to live with soon.

5 comments about Welsh Corgis: Pembroke and Cardigan (Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

1. The book was filled with good information regarding the breed and temperment of the Corgi's. Although lacking some more specific details on training, it served to provide background material to help with training of the corgi puppy. I would recommend the book to any corgi owner wishing to know more about corgis in general, but there are better books for training.



2. I bought this book while I was still puppy-hunting, and it was great. It has lots of tips and breed-specific info about both Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgis, and was invaluable in helping me locate a good breeder and find the best puppy for us. It also has great tips for when you first bring your puppy home, and is full of gorgeous color pictures. A+.



3. If you already are familiar with the corgi breed, you'll love this book because it's filled with marvelously appealing photos of corgi puppies! There's an unusual number of great photos, unusual even for a book about the breed.

   The book also is right on the money with advice on how to raise your corgi to avoid behavior problems. These are working dogs, and if they are trained properly (and it's easy) they are a delight, but without that training they can dominate the household and be a real nuisanced. It's clear that the author knows a lot about the breed.

   Most dog books are about dogs in general, with little about the particular breed. You get the impression that there's a general dog book on the word processor that's customized slightly for each breed. This is a book about corgis, written to be just about corgis, and full of great information that's useful for every corgi owner.




4. The problem with many dog-related books is that they contain a few dozen pages related to the breed & the rest is filled with generic information that pertains to all breeds. This book in particular deals with corgis the whole way through. A great deal of helpful information concerning corgis appears within.



5. We purchased this book to help us learn more about Corgis, as we were pretty sure we wanted to add a Corgi to our family. This is a concise book, with much Corgi-specific info (though the requisite all-dog info sneaks in, too). Great photos. Showed it to a breeder, and she liked it a lot, too.

5 comments about Living with Dogs: Collections and Traditions, At Home and Afield.

1. I am the devoted owner of a gorgeous white sheepdog with blue blue eyes (with eyelashes no less..) and I just had to have this book. I adore Carolyne Roehm and the chapter on her homes and dogs were an added reason for me to own this one. I highly recommend this one for a gift.



2. I loved this book. The beautiful photos were a delight and the stories heart-warming. Every dog lover would love to have this book on their cocktail table!



3. I have read several other books with the same theme, however this book surpasses them all. Our copy is well loved and our guests tend to migrate toward it at our home. The book contains the stories of several people and how dogs have touched their lives. It is a glimpse into personal collections of avid dog lovers and collectors.



4. I am an avid collector of dog memorabilia and motif items and this book was an inspiration! My husband just thought I was obsessive about dog objects! Your book gave me new ideas for old dog items that I never would have thought of. The photography is beautiful and the subjects are warm and true. I know that I am not alone in my endeavor to collect and display what I love!



5. I've always had an affinity for dogs and the people who love them, which is probably why this book now occupies the premier spot on my coffee table. After reading the introduction by Larry Sheehan, in which he shares hilarious and endearing tales about his dog, Buster, I knew I'd found someone who truly understood what it means to live with and love dogs. Even bad ones. The book is a celebration of hardcore dog enthusiasm. It's fun to learn about other people's passion for various breeds. What's more, the pages are filled with pictures of beautiful dogs, beautiful homes, and beautiful places. I got tons of inspiration for decorating my home and incorporating my love of dogs into my life. This book would make a wonderful gift.

5 comments about A New Owner's Guide to West Highland White Terriers (JG Dog).

1. For someone who know little or nothing about West Highland White Terrier but is considering one, I recommend this book. It's easy reading and the pictures are very good. The author is obviously very positive about the breed, maybe a little too much, but overall it give you a strong start at what to expect when you go looking for one.



2. This is a very informative book. Lots of pictures.



3. As a breeder and exhibitor of this fine breed. I recomend this book to all perspective westie owners. What a better way to explain what a versital dog this little breed can be. From therapy dogs right on to working in the feild, Ms. Martin does a great job letting the informed buyer be aware of all the attributes this breed can bring to any home.



4. First time and old time owners alike will love this book. It gives a wonderful overview of the West Highland White Terrier. It includes good puppy selection and training tips as well as breed health care, grooming, and temperment information. We particularly like her coverage of the breed's versatile involvement in canine activities such as agility and tracking. It is also a good book for people who are trying to decide if a Westie is right for them. We recommend Ms. Martin's book to everyone who obtains a Westie from us.



5. Good tips for training and knowing what to expect. Good pictures. Not always written well, and some parts are a bit hard to follow.

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 The Chihuahua Handbook (Barron's Pet Handbooks).

1. Nice book, very detailed, well written...If you just got a puppy, this is the book for you.



2. Great book in teaching us about our pup. Answers lots of questions people ask us about the Chi breed, and helps us understand why she does what she does!



3. Even as a new owner of a Chihuahua, I know there has to be better books out there than this one. The information in this book isn't anything more than information you can find for yourself simply by doing a little online research. The pictures are not impressive and feature less than average dogs. After reading the reviews on Amazon, I decided to purchase this book (instead of the other titles) but I wish I had taken the time to check it out at a bookstore in town before going through the trouble of purchasing, waiting and then returning. If you are a new owner of a Chihuahua (or even a "veteran") simply search online. You'll find the same information.



4. As an owner of many chis I have found this book to be of great value to me. There are 154 pages of chihuahua information and lots of pics depicting all sizes and colors of chis(except the merle pattern!) Granted, not all pics follow the breed standard, but not all puppies are perfect either.
   
   Has a good chapter on health problems common to chis, however it did not mention cryptorchidism which is common in the male, especially if they are line bred, and did not have much info on pyometra which can quickly become fatal in an unspayed female.
   
   The chapter on breeding is pretty extensive for a book not devoted to the subject of only breeding and the genetics sections is simple to understand, but very informative and worth learning if you intend to bred.
   
   Highly recommended for a first time owner, any one wanting to know about the chi or for an owner that would just like a good read about their faithful little friend.



5. I did enjoy the content of this book, but the pictures dipict chihuahuas that are not to standard...

5 comments about Snog: A Puppy's Guide to Love.

1. As a professional photographer I am always looking at books in the "photographic section". I came across this book and immediately fell in love with the images. I gave the book to me 12 year daughter who loves the images for different reasons than I do. Just a fantastic book and a great gift.



2. I have a Snog book and so does my friend, Bernie Calaway. We both like it. Thanks!



3. After reading "Snog" a few times, I set it on my coffee table. So far, there hasn't been a visitor in my home who hasn't picked it up.
   
   The photography and phrases are first rate.
   
   Next time your puppy has an "accident" on the floor, and you wonder why you love him/her so much, just glance over at "Snog" on the coffee table. You'll remember why.



4. It would be hard to beat the cover photo but I think there were many just a good. I've seen a lot of calenders and books with dog photos but this may be the best yet.



5. This book is absolutely darling! The photography of these pups is outstanding. It is a beautiful book.

1 comments about Best Hikes With Dogs: New Hampshire & Vermont (Best Hikes with Dogs).

1. I had been looking forward to this book's publication since a New Hampshire bookseller told me this summer it was coming soon. I live in Vermont 7 months of the year, and New Hampshire the remaining 5. I own a 4-year-old shepherd/black lab mix, Diamond, who loves to go hiking with me. So this book is perfect for us to plan new adventures.
   
   The author has selected hikes which are safe and suitable for dogs, as well as delightful hikes for their human companions. I was glad to see some of my favorite hikes are included in the book, and there are many others I look forward to doing with Diamond.
   
   The hikes are rated from one to four paws for difficulty, and dog regulations specific to each hike (proof of rabies, leash laws) are given. I am impressed with the detailed topographic maps, especially since the maps in my two "Best Hikes with Children" books, by the same publisher, are a bit disappointing.
   
   I was glad to see that the author details many safety-related and ethical issues pertaining to hiking with dogs. The ten essentials include gear one should carry for dogs (leash, water, portable bowl) as well as obedience training (to be done before the dog goes hiking). The ten canons of trail etiquette are guidelines to ensure that your dog won't offend other hikers, and that you won't lose the privilege of hiking with your dog on the trails.