5 comments about Feisty Fido.

1. The book is brief and as it clearly states it only will help a dog that has fear-based aggression while on leash. You'll want to have consulted a professional dog trainer/behaviorist to make sure this is the issue you have. We did, and we were taught to counter-condition our leash aggressive beagle using these techniques. After 3 months of work he's greatly improved. After another 6, the conditioning has become even stronger. Neighbors (we live in a condo) have commented that they've noticed that our beagle is much quieter (as opposed to the daily outbursts we'd have as our beagle would flip out at the sight of another dog!) At this price point, McConnell's booklet is no-brainer. Check out her others as well.



2. This book is well written document to help individuals gain direction on dealing with dog aggression. I would recommend it as a background for any dog owner dealing with this issue. It is NOT a replacement for seeking qualified help from a professional behaviorist, which the author is. I have read most of her publications and find them useful tools in learning to manage my dogs.



3. I like the very friendly work with dogs, and Patricia
   always looks that the dogs feel great in what he is doing!
   
   And besides the happy dog learns faster!
   
   very good book!



4. I have a rescued dog that is nuts-aggressive on a leash. I have read sooooo many dog training/behavior books, and this one is one of the best. Why? 1) It gets right to the point. 2) There are only 3 main techniques to remember and practice (plus a few "panic button" tactics). 3) It's fewer than 60 pages.
   
   This book is easy to understand and doesn't muddy the issues with a lot of extra stuff. The techniques are non-violent but work. I've been through several dog trainers that told me that I wasn't correcting my dog hard enough so he wasn't getting the message. Things were only getting worse. The corrections were only making him more agitated, so that he began aggressing earlier and earlier when he saw another dog.
   
   This book helps you train your dog to have a different reaction to whatever sets him off so that his habit is to look at you when another dog (or person) comes around, instead of freaking out.
   
   McConnell anticipates that things always don't go as planned; one heading is titled, "Oops! My Dog Looked Away Before I Said Okay." She also gives suggestions for troubleshooting.
   
   I highly recommend this booklet!



5. The author is overly repetitive and offers only one solution to the problem of dog-dog or dog-human aggression when the subject dog is on-leash. Granted, her solution is an excellent solution that is viable in many cases. Nevertheless, the author does not delve into the origin of the problem. Therefore, she does not eclectically adapt her solution nor provide a more circumspective solution plan when the origin of the behavior is complex. Is the dog aggressive when on leash due to a lack of socialization? A traumatic experience? Fear? Poor handling skills? Anxiety transfered by the handler? Insufficient respect toward the handler/owner? Territoriality? Object guarding? Opposition reflex? Barrier frustration? Excitability? Generalized aggression? Insufficient stimulation and exercise? There is no factfinding to inquire about the preceding issues of causation. In addition, she never asks the reader to contemplate whether the dog's behavior varies depending on which specific human is holding the leash. Whether the dog is social off-leash and exclusively aggressive or excitable when on-leash. Whether the behavior is new or has existed for a prolonged time. Whether the behavior's onset occurred during puppyhood or is a more latent behavior that only manifested itself during adulthood. Whether the behavior is increasing in frequency or severity. Or whether the dog's aggressive, excitable or "feisty" behavior is more generalized than solely manifesting itself when walked on-leash. Thus, the author's solution is overly simplistic and in many cases will be insufficient in it's quest to accomplish goal-level solutions.

5 comments about Clicking With Your Dog: Step-By-Step in Pictures (Karen Pryor Clicker Books).

1. This is the sister of cookie training. Why use a clicker when you can use your voice? You are not mute for crying out loud. You can mark a command, a behavior, or even a trick much better with your voice. Besides, this method is for dog owners with three arms. One, to hold those treats, two to click around, and three to hold on to that leash.
   
   If you truly believe that dogs like to please us, then why rely on a clicker or even a treat? Think about it. Your dog should sit because you said so and not because of a bacon strip. How I know this??? Because I actually train dogs for a living and am one the top in my field. These guys tell you to give your dog treats just for being alive. You will end up with a fat dog that drools and licks it's mouth every time you ask it to sit or lay down. It doesn't take much skill or talent to bribe a dog with treats and then call it dog training.



2. The illustrations and the short, exact written instructions make it a wonderful handbook both for novices and experienced people who want to clicker train pets.



3. This woman really knows dogs. Her training methods really work. This book definitely changed the way I relate to my dogs, and it made training so much easier.



4. I have read a couple of clicker training books and have also gotten advice from a clicker-savvy friend, but read this to see if it had anything more to offer me. For those who don't know, clicker training uses a marker (the clicker) to mark the exact moment your dog is doing something you want her to. It's very powerful because it sends a kind of snapshot straight to your dog of what you want. You then, of course, give some kind of reward after clicking.
   
   I liked that this book had lots of pictures and presented the information in different ways, for people with different styles of learning. Also, the author shows that there is more than one way to teach a behavior, even within the clicker training philosophy. To me, this is where many dog training books fall short. They present one way of approaching a new task, but there are many types of dogs and many types of trainers! To be shown that shaping, luring, and just waiting for behaviors are all possible ways to succeed is very encouraging. Of course, each task must still be broken down into baby steps, and each training session must be positive.
   
   My one and only complaint is that Ms Tillman suggests raisins and grapes in her list of possible treats to use for your dog. There is anecdotal evidence that raisins and grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs. It's not necessarily proven, but why take a chance? Read this book, but skip the fruit of the vine! And have fun!



5. Clicking with Your Dog is a great introduction to clicker training, and training in general. The pictures are clear and obvious. The instructions are also clear and explain the motivations of your actions and the dogs actions.
   
   The book covers the most desired skills to teach a dog - from basic doggy etiquette to more advanced, impressive skills. I had very good results using the book as a guide while training my dogs. I would definitely recommend this book to a friend.

5 comments about Dog Years: A Memoir (P.S.).

1. I was really looking forward to Doty's so-called memoir, Dog Years, but it just didn't deliver. While there are some fine and moving passages here and there about loss and loving an animal, this book doesn't really qualify as a true "memoir," and it's not much of a "dog book" either. If you want to read a good dog book/memoir, try Hal Borland's classic, The Dog Who Came to Stay. It's great. Doty's effort simply strays too far afield from either genre to suit my apparently plebian tastes. There are sections here, littered with quotes from Emily Dickinson and Doty's ruminations on same, or references to Cezanne or Heraclitus, which could have been lifted from his Freshman poetry lectures, which is not what I expected - or wanted. Maybe there is so little about Doty because he's already written two memoirs. Well, okay; but don't call this a memoir, because it's not. I'm tempted to read his first memoir; maybe that would be a real one, but this book is sub-titled under false pretenses. The narrative meanders here and there and sometimes I wondered where the hell he was going with it. It was a struggle just to finish it. Sorry, Mark. Write a memoir or write poetry, but don't try to do both at once. - Tim Bazzett, author of Pinhead: A Love Story



2. Mark Doty has penned an absolute gem of a memoir that touches not only on our umbreakable bonds with our animals, but also with our mates and the many places that we will call "home" throughout our lives - and the grief that we all must embrace and learn from in the loss of all of these. His story of Wally, Arden and Beau is a masterpiece of the heartfelt thoughts and feelings that all dog owners will experience if they are lucky enough to be loved unconditionally by one, or more, beloved human beings and furry angels.
   In Chapter 15, after the recent death of his mate, Wally, and one of his dogs, Beau, Doty tells us of an abandoned dog that he befriends on Calle Canal in San Miquel de Allende, a hill town north of Mexico City.
   He tries to rescue her and is heartbroken to have to leave her behind, writing, "I am grateful to have felt even this sharp sadness. The dog on Calle Canal awakens me; she shows me that I have come through something now. I write to bless her delicate head, the paw raised in hope. How should we know ourselves, except in the clarifying mirror of some other gaze?"
   I finished the book in one day. And if you aren't into full throttle tears by Chapter 16 & 17 (the final chapters), then you have never known the joy and anticipation of there being "someone at home, waiting to go for a walk."



3. The poet shares the relationship he had between his dogs and himself in "Dog Years: A Memoir". Mark Doty (born 1953 in Maryville, Tennessee) is the only American poet to have received the T.S. Eliot Prize in the U.K. He received his Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Goddard College in Vermont. Doty, who is gay, has written about his struggle with coming to terms with his sexual identity, and with the impact on AIDS on the gay community. In 1989, his partner Wally Roberts tested positive for HIV, which drastically changed his writing. Wally died in 1994. Doty is currently the John and Rebecca Moores Professor in the graduate program at the University of Houston.
   Mark Doty relates his experiences of his time with his two dogs, Arden the black retriever, and Beau the gold one. Mark also shares the passing of his long time partner Wally who was diagnosed and died of AIDS. Arden kept Mark alive, uplifted his soul and gave him will to live by its comforting gestures and by giving joy in his little ways. Arden and Beau became his true friends, became part of the household, and played a big part in Mark Doty's life. The dogs were his companions during his lowest moments, shared his grievances, and happiness as well.
   
   Mark starts a happy new life with his dogs and Paul, also a writer. But a time came when his dogs starts to decline because of illness. Beau developed a kidney disease, while Arden is having a high fever and showing unusual signs. Along with this is the devastating 9/11 where Mark continues to differentiate despair and depression. According to Mark: "Depression is always the consequence of despair, a despair one cannot feel one's way through in order to emerge from the other side, a despair will not be moved".
   
   The dogs' everyday struggle reminds Mark of how hard Wally's gradual passing was. In Mark's recollection of the years he spent with the dogs, Arden and Beau gave him unconditional love and companionship throughout their lives.
   Dog Years is one beautiful way of giving tribute to all dogs in the world, who are loyal and ready to accompany their masters until their dying day. The book depicts an unforgettable experience between a man and a pet. At first, I got confused between his dogs and his boyfriend, because he describes his dogs like human beings. I love the poems he puts after every chapter, it makes the book more interesting although I don't really understand some of them. I'll admit some of the chapters in the book were boring and depressing, but I was moved when his dogs became really ill and helpless. They really are like humans. I have a Shih-Tzu named Bruno, and I can't imagine losing him too when the time comes.
   
   On a scale of 1-10, I would give it an eight. The book failed to get my attention in the first few chapters, but the book helped me a lot in understanding my dog's feelings, and the last chapter was very moving that I almost cry. I would definitely read another book by Mark Doty, I'm planning to get the Firebird when I'm not busy. I'm recommending this book not only to dog lovers or owners, but also to anyone who has experienced attachment and loss.



4. This book moved me to write a review here, my first. I can hardly express how touching this book was for me. Sad in nature but told with such exquisite elegance it took me months to finish because though I enjoyed it throughly, reading it was an intense emotional experience, not unlike grieving. There are single lines and sections in this book that when thinking of them later, tears snap to my eyes. I am a true dog lover who can relate to the deep devotion and attachment to our dogs as expressed in this book. Mark has used language beautifully to tell his story.



5. (I read this book and was touched by it enough to write an email to my Dog Loving Friends) Here is what I wrote:
   
   Dear Dog Loving Friends,
   
   Over the past few days I read a book that I checked out of the library called Dog Years written by Mark Doty.
   
   The book moved me so much that I intend to buy a copy for me to keep as my own. (And I never ever buy books to own.)
   
   I recommend it to you (if you will endure the more poetic parts of it and seemingly random diversionary discussions), and I recommend it to Connie's hairdresser given that he owns 14 dogs. Susanne, if you can pass this on to Connie or make mention, I would be grateful.
   
   The book is told in the first person. It is a memoir of sorts - reminds me of a scrapbook in a way - with lots of "photos" (the photos being stories) of dogs, but other "momentoes" stuck in the book such as random musings on poetry and sidebar discussions on such non-dog related topics as Judy Garland, the difference between dispair and depression....and boy does he nail it when he decribes depression. I am not quoting directly but something like: "Depression moves in heavily and sits in the sink as the dirty dishes from yesterday" ....
   
   As strange as all the pieces were, it comes together quite lovely. Like a meal or a recipe in which I would have NEVER thought to combine all those ingredients, but it worked beautifully.
   
   This book all made sense to me (except for some of the poetry..ok, ok, so I admidt I am missing the Emily Dickenson gene along with the cooking gene, but I will go back and carefully re-read some of the poetry.) I especially liked the poem on the wind. See that is the great thing about this book. I just finished it and already I am eager to read it again.
   
   The book starts slowly and gets much better after a few chapters. I was momentarily confused between a dog named Wally and a man named Wally, and I was mildly irritated that the author used the word "fierce" or a very similar word 3 times on the same page. jeeze, picky, picky.
   
   But then on the other hand, I rather LIKED this "flaw" because I felt like he was not a honed pretentious writer following all those rules we learn in English and writing classes, but instead he was really writing from the heart. And I myself, of course, cannot even write one smidgen as well as Doty.
   
   Doty, an artistic insightful angst ridden gay man, recollects his past and how important his dogs were to him. He brilliantly perceptively and precisely captures what I think we see and love in our dogs. I was constantly saying "YES, YES, YES!" outloud to myself while reading. I wept copiously at the end.
   
   The manner in which he desribes his dogs "resonates" with me (I hate to use that overused word, but it really fits here).
   
   Because Doty is a poet, he sees his dogs through poetic artistic eyes.
   
   The book will make you laugh and cry. I hope you take time to read it. See the reader reviews in the link below. (and I copied in the link to Amazon for my friends to click to).
   
   - later -

5 comments about Help for Your Fearful Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide to Helping Your Dog Conquer His Fears.

1. I have 5 dogs and years of dog experience.... and this book still managed to point out a few things I haven't thought of.



2. I work with a local dog rescue organization. Many rescue dogs have had a tough life and are very fearful. Techniques from this book have been very helpful with these dogs and helped them to come a long way towards becoming great adoptable pets.



3. If I had found this book a few months ago, I could have saved a lot of money. This book has ALL of the advice that I received from several sessions with a trainer and from a veterinary behaviorist! I learned a lot more, too.
   
   This book has everything you need to know about a scared dog, whether the dog is aggressive or hiding under the bed. The book has great advice about recognizing a scared dog, training, leadership, toys & treats that motivate, medications, food, complementary therapies, understanding a scared dog's motivation, and exercise.



4. I just recently acquired a somewhat shy mini-dachshund and needed instruction on how to assist him in overcoming his apprehensions. Various sources on line recommended "Help for Your Shy Dog" by Deborah Wood. I bought it, as well as this book by Nicole Wilde. The Deborah Wood book was a complete waste of time - no details were included on how I should proceed with my dog on anything, only just what amounted to a bunch of cheerleading (e.g., "with patience even you can do it!"). This Nicole Wilde Book, however, contains all the protocols you need to follow for virtually any kind of fear a dog might have. I highly recommend it for anyone with a shy dog, or any kind of dog for that matter. After reading this book, I am now making huge progress with my dog's apprehensions, and feel well equipped to deal with any fear that may come up in the future.



5. I purchased this book at a seminar. I couldn't wait to get to my room and dig in to it! I was not disappointed! As a professional dog trainer and behavior consultant, I am always looking for new and better ways to handle behavior problems. This book is full of great suggestions. I think every dog trainer should have this book as part of their reference library.
   
   I have been asked by a local community college to prepare a course on canine behavior problems and how to correct them. This book will be one of my textbooks. The information contained in this book is clear, concise, and to the point. It is presented in a manner that makes the reader feel comfortable enough with the material to put it into practice.
   
   I would recommend this book to anyone that owns a dog. Furthermore, it would make a great gift for that neighbor with a fearful dog. If you are a trainer, make sure this book is on your shelf; make sure the pages are well read!

No comments about From Baghdad to America: Life Lessons from a Dog Named Lava.

5 comments about Divine Canine: The Monks' Way to a Happy, Obedient Dog.

1. This book is the best I have ever read on dog behavior. It is very specific and gently leads you to the place where your dog is absolutely comfortable with you as you are with him/her. A must read for any pet owner.



2. This is a beautiful and inspiring book. It is full of photos and case studies of dogs that are entertaining to read. Just like episodes of The Dog Whisperer we witness dogs and their owners as they find a healthy balance of love, commitment and training that make everyone involved happy.



3. I thought I knew how to raise and enjoy dogs but when I read this book and others by the Monks of New Skete, I realized I was missing so much.
   Now I recommmend it to everyone getting a new puppy and older dog owners as well. Dogs are awesome and having them as a part of our life is a special blessing.



4. divine canine is the third of 3 books written by the monks of new skete and should be read first if at all. if you follow the fantastic advise given in their first two books you should have a very well behaved and happy companion. when this is the case reading divine canine can get a little frustrating. all you read is stories of people who have let their dog run the house and thats just not a dogs place. PLEASE READ THE ART OF RAISING A PUPPY AND HOW TO BE YOUR DOGS BEST FRIEND. the art of raising a puppy will also give you great insight on how to choose a puppy.



5. I was having sushi with a good friend and we were discussing pets and the difference between dogs and cats. Being a cat lover from the time I can remember I was not too interested in hearing about dogs, who I perceived as basically big dirty dumb animals. My friend had a different take; she said, "cats are nature's serial killers, but dogs were put here to teach us how to love."
   
   When my husband and I moved to the Caribbean I brought three cats over with me. One night a local stray dog, a "potcake" as we say, came to visit. "Don't feed it!", I yelled, "or it will keep coming back!" Well, he did feed her and she did come back and now we have no cats but are the proud owner of a 65 pound potcake named Smiley (the best dog in the world). Hmmm....
   
   She came housebroken and relatively social, but liked to run off, was overprotective, and did not play well with other dogs. Luckily I found a great dog trainer and groomer, and Smiley entered doggie day care with training and socialization. Our trainer, as it turned out, used the principles taught by The Monks of New Skete. An Eastern Orthodox order based in Cambridge, New York, the monks train dogs as part of their "monastic witness. For example, since we live on land that is steep and rocky, it is totally unsuitable for farming. This reality led us to begin breeding German Shepherd Dogs early on, and boarding and training dogs of all breeds." The Monks also train dogs and their owners to lead happier, more productive lives together.
   
   Their latest book, Divine Canine: The Monks' Way to a Happy, Obedient Dog, is a clear and easy-to-understand guide to training "difficult" dogs using the examples of actual clients. This is a beautiful book with color photos of the dogs, owners, and Brother Christopher. We see the dogs misbehaving and behaving with clear explanations of how they walked the path. The book is grounded in the monks sense that relationships with dogs help deepen our relationships with God. "God speaks to us through our dogs -- indeed through all life -- and woe to us if we're deaf to that voice."
   
   Divine Canine is organized around the five basic obedience commands: Sit, Stay, Heel, Down, and Come. Each dog story focuses on how teaching the dog these basic commands leads ultimately to a calmer, happier dog and therefore calmer, happier humans. So we watch as Tessie the mini bull terrier with obedience issues learns that she is not the "alpha" of the family and must listen, as Hugo the bulldog learns to not jump up, and as Boomer the rottweiler mix learns that aggression will not be tolerated and is not necessary. But what we also learn is what we as humans must give to the dog -human relationship; what our companion dogs should expect from us.
   
   While all of the Monks' dog books are wonderful, I especially enjoyed The Monks' Way to a Happy, Obedient Dog because of the personal stories. We see the good, bad, and the ugly when it comes to the dogs and their owners and learn about ourselves as much as about our pets.

5 comments about Real Food for Dogs: 50 Vet-Approved Recipes to Please the Canine Gastronome.

1. Ok, a few of these recipes are good and very healthy for dogs.
   But others contain ingredients that will certainly make your dogs sick. Another reviewer already pointed out that some recipes contain rice. While rice isn't something dogs would eat in the wild, most commercial dog foods contain rice and it's not harmful.
   However, dogs are lactose-intolerant once they are adults, so any recipe calling for cheese is a no-no.
   Also, some recipes call for onions or garlic. Alliums are poisonous to dogs. Do not put onions or garlic or anything that is related to onions or garlic into a dog's bowl. The effect might not be immediate, but alliums will damage their red blood cells and make your pets anemic.



2. My dog has ulcerative colitis and even with the most expensive commercial dog foods, she was having trouble. I bought several cook books for dogs and most had a lot of info that I didn't want to buy, I just needed some good recipes. I found a couple in this book that work great. She loves the food and it's obvious she feels better since I began cooking for her. Yeah, it's more expensive than buying canned, but the lesser cost for vet bills override any extra expense.



3. I love this book too! Four months before the commercial dog food scare last year, I had begun to make my two boys' food at home. I read the ingredients in a popular bag of dry and canned dog food and was disgusted with all of the chemical/additives that they contained. I went online to find safe recipes for homemade dog food, making sure that my dogs received the correct portions and nutrients. I decided I needed some cook books for my boys, so I bought two from Amazon. This one has vegetarian style and meat filled recipes. It also has recipes for treats and special meals. 90% of the recipes are grocery items that you already have at home, "real food" as the title suggests. One of the best parts in the book are the nuggets of helpful hints about care, dangerous foods, and nutritional info etc. found scattered throughout. My boys can't wait for me to try these new recipes on them.



4. Simply stated, dogs are carnivores. They would never eat rice or wheat or cheese{!} in the wild. I advocate for home made diets but not anything with grains. You could be making your dog just as sick. Don't feed grains!



5. Finally, a decent book on real food for dogs! It is a good start on the proper way to feed your dog meat and veggies. Within a week, my dogs stopped scratching from the alergies from dog food. I recommend this book to anyone who wants real food for their pets.

5 comments about Whole Pet Diet: Eight Weeks to Great Health for Dogs And Cats.

1. This book is an excellent introduction into home cooked food for your pet. It provides a basic education, some recipes to start with, and a wonderful perspective.
   
   Could you feed your dog forever with onyl this book? Yes. Is it likely to be the only book on canine nutrition you ever want to read? No, not if you're like me and want to balance your sources of information.
   
   Get this book, get started. Track your progress with the journal and see what happens at the end of 8 weeks. If your dog is responding well, keep going! Keep reading, try new recipes from other trusted sources like Pitcairn and Strombeck.
   
   Canine nutrition shouldn't be rocket science. Nor should it be a secret collection of data available only to the folks who make commercial dog food.



2. I bought this book after a recommendation by a pet psychic (yes, I'm one of THOSE people :)) and boy, did it make a difference!
   
   After realising what most of the pet food on the market is really made of, I've been wanting to cook my dogs' food, but was afraid of not giving them enough nutrients.
   This book makes it easy - within 8 weeks, in a simple step-by-step program, you will become an expert petfood cook and learn all about the necessary nutrients, supplements, and health benefits.
   
   I bought this book primarily for my 10-year old rescue dog, who was having problems with her ears and coat, due to allergies, and "popping" joints.
   After week 6 on this program, I noticed that her ears were no longer flaky and inflamed, fur had started to grow on a bald spot, dandruff had cleared up and no more sounds were coming from the joints.
   Also, there's a new spring in her step and she's just overall more active and downright frisky.
   
   It takes some effort and buying supplements to make this healthy food, but it pays off in the long run - I've saved on vet bills and my dog is much happier and healthier.



3. This book could have saved my dog. I sought out this book when my maltipoo's appetite was dim. She would barely eat anything and on top of that she was itchy and had grown a small benign tumor on her head. I knew that something was not right with her and so I looked closely at her diet. She has been on the stew, vitamin supplement and dream coat supplement for about 8 months and she is doing great! No more tumor, no itchy skin and no problems. Not to mention she would give her left paw for a lick of stew. Hippocrates said to let food be your medicine. Well thanks to Andi Brown, my dog is cured and healthy!



4. Our corgi, Zoey, was overweight and we knew it. She suddenly developed back pain and could hardly walk. We couldn't pick her up to go outside to potty because it hurt her more so we built her a ramp to get down from a 3 inch step. We were so scared for her, we'd sleep on the floor with her because she couldn't jump on the bed. The vet x-rayed her and said the best thing was for her to lose weight. We cut back on the amount of kibble we had given her for years, changed to "diet" food from the vet's office. She got better but was not losing weight even with daily walking. I found Andi Brown's Whole Pet Diet: Eight Weeks to Great Health for Dogs And Cats and jumped right in. The book guides you through an eight week transition. I skimmed the book, gave the kibble and treats to the local humane society, started cooking chicken stew right away. Zoey loves the food and had no problem adjusting to such yummy meals. She had no problems with digestive changes or output. Yes, it is time consuming but we cook a double batch that lasts two weeks. It took a little experimenting to get the serving size just right (a bit less than recommended) to lose and maintain the new weight. Our vet agrees with the homemade mixture and Zoey is down to the weight the vet recommends. She is happy and playful again and we never want her to suffer from being overweight again. We've been using the Whole Pet Diet for a year now and find it well worth the time to take care of our furchild. If you chose not to cook the meals, the book has a lot of information on ingredients to look for and avoid, exercise and play dates, and even bath time. This is a great book.



5. If you are a pet owner who is concerned for your pet's health then this is the book for you. Speaking from personal experience, I can guarantee that your pet will be healthier and happier if you feed the recipes that Andi brown provides in this book. The recipes are simple and easy and don't require extensive knowledge about animal nutrition to succeed. Buy this book - you'll benefit from it and your pet will thank you by living a longer and a healthier life. I've been buying this book and giving it away as a present for all my friends who are owned by their feline and canine companions.

5 comments about Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds.

1. As librarian in a Pre-K through 8th grade school library, I am occasionally asked by students to buy certain kinds of books. The number one request this year was a dog breed book, not a book about dogs, but specifically dog breeds. I looked at all the books available on Amazon and discovered that "Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds" best met our needs. From the time the book was processed and checked out to the boy who requested it, the waiting list remained steady. Once checked out, the book was relinquished only because of threats by the Library Dragon.
   
   All of the preceding paragraph is background to say how valuable this book is and how much students love it. If you or your family are ready to obtain a dog, this book certainly will provide you with information in making good choices.
   
   The first chapter begins with the Dog Family and moves to the Family Dog, asks how good the breed is with children , and how to use the Breed Profiles. Then most of the book is taken by the specifics of the various breeds of dogs. Divided into classes, dogs belong to the sporting group, hounds, working dogs, terriers, toys, non-sporting group, and herders.
   
   When a book contains over 150 breeds of dogs, the viewer will see almost infinite varieties of some breeds. For example, American Staffordshire Terrier and the Bull Terrier resemble each other. Do you know the Glen of Imaal Terrier? Or the Kerry Blue Terrier or Irish Terrier, Lakeland Terrier? The Manchester Terrier looks like a small Doberman Pinscher. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is one of those with long hair covering his eyes. He's from Ireland.
   
   The Working Group are "those dogs that put their bravery or brawn into the service of humans." They can be guard dogs, protectors, sled dogs, cart dogs, and rescue dogs. They are known for their intelligence and hardiness (105). Each breed gets a two-page spread.
   
   Here's the Komondor, the large dog that has cord-like tassels for fur. The breed originated in Hungary, where it is still plentiful. It was used as a sheep herder and is being bred for that use in the United States now. However, because of its cords, it must live in a cool climate. Its positive qualities are affection, friendliness, good watchdog, and a great protector. Its negative qualities are its unfriendliness toward other dogs and strangers, and low heat tolerance.
   
   Each two-page spread contains sub-articles on history of the breed, temperament, upkeep, health, form and function, At a Glance chart, an illustration showing the standards of the breed, plus a posed, competition-like photograph and a close-up showing the nature of the dog.
   
   The last section of the book contains a glossary of medical conditions, illustrations of dog anatomy, and an index.
   
   This is a book to sit down with and spend an hour at a time, just browsing the interesting articles, looking at photographs, and picking up useful information for now or later concerning dog breeds. "Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds" is simply a great book to have!



2. I found this to be very helpful as my family was searching for a new puppy. We were able to see and learn about breeds we had never even heard of.



3. IS THE BEST COMPLEMENT FOR PEOPLE LIKE ME, THAT NEED TO REMEMBER SEEING COLOR. IF YOU HAVE THE AKC BOOK AND NEED TO STUDY, THIS ONE IS A MUST TO ADD IN YOUR LIBRARY.



4. We bought this book to help us decide which breed would be best suited to us, and it was very helpful in that regard. It provides a two-page spread on each dog, discussing history, temperament, exercise requirements, health concerns, two photos, and a diagram pointing out aspects of breed physique (conformation). Finally, there is a chart that awards points from 1 to 5 according to how much a dog demonstrates, or lacks, a particular quality. The structure of the book is thus very sound.
   
   However, I do have criticisms of the book. First, the ratings chart, awarding points for sociability, cold tolerance, trainability, and so on, does not always seem to match the written description of temperament or exercise requirements. This sense of disjunction is reinforced for me by my own knowledge (gained since choosing a Boxer last year) of specific breeds, since I often find myself agreeing with the written statement but quibbling with the number rating: I just don't think, based on my experience and other reading, that those numbers are especially reliable. To name one instance that I'm very familiar with, I think that Boxers are actually friendlier to strangers and other dogs than the number rating would suggest: it gives a 3 rating, where I would make it a 4 (and I live in a neighbourhood bursting at the seams with dogs, including several Boxers).
   
   Similarly, the Boxer rating for 'watchdog ability' is a 3, but I wonder why: my dog knows when a delivery has been put by the door, or when anyone approaches, or even when the local cats are across the street. If there is a degree of watchfulness greater than this, such that a 3 is merely average and 5 is extreme, how so? Being more of a barker doesn't seem to me sufficient to up a dog's score, and this could all be misleading to someone trying to make decisions on the basis of the ratings. Most people that want a watchful dog would be well pleased with a Boxer, but the rating suggests instead that they are just OK in that department. But again, whether you agree with the specific ratings or not, they themselves don't seem to agree completely with the text.
   
   Another flaw is that, while each breed has two photos to represent it, some breeds are represented by only one individual. Going back to the Boxer again as my example, only a fawn Boxer is shown--apparently the same dog. It would have been more helpful to have a second photo of a brindle coat (dark streaks) and/or different white markings (flashing). Further, many dog owners these days prefer Boxers and other dogs with uncropped ears, but only cropped ears are shown, even in the diagram. That is just a refusal to show the dog as most non-show people see it! The problem is not just with Boxers; several other breeds I think are not represented with sufficient variety of photographs.
   
   In sum, this is a good book but it is far from being the best, and leaves much scope for competitors in a popular subject.



5. I bought this book for my son's tenth birthday. He is crazy about dogs. This is a fantastic book-very informative, great photos, good quality and basically a nice read. It is easy to pick it up and flick through it.My son spends hours reading and rereading it. We have similar books that are not opened now that he has this one. Well worth the modest price!

5 comments about Family Dog.

1. Folks: I was so happy to find Wolters' _Family Dog_! I had used his _Game Dog_ (though not a hunter) on a previous dog about 20 years ago, but wanted something less for the hunting set.
   
   This book is it! Let me also say, I went to B&N and read Amazon.com and considered all of the other books that simply remind me too much of modern educational pedogogy. Alot of praise at the expense of a well behaved dog. Wolters' book has pictures, is simple enough for a kid to use AND he let's you say, "NO."
   
   This book feels right! And the proof is in the pudding--our 12 week old pup is learning to master the key commands and is already a great family member.
   
   BUY THIS BOOK; leave the other books for new dog owners who a) need excuses for their pups; b) who are scared to be the Alpha dog; or c) who would prefer to never utter the word "no" (really, I bought a book like that insising that you say "Agghhh..." rather than "NO" since "no" had so many negative connotations...)



2. I ordered this book for my son who recently got a house dog. The book was sent to him. But I know, from past experence, hhat richard wolters fooks are great. They are easy to follow and the results are outstanding.



3. I think the book is a good starting point. The video presents a different housebreaking method, and is far easier for the entire family to understand. The video is better for the entire family, but the book should be read by the main decision maker. We rewatch the video frequently to pick up pointers on our current stage.



4. I gave this book along with a lab puppy to my grandsons. It is perfect! The pictures in the book show a seven year old boy training a lab puppy. I have used Wolters' system for training hunting labs for years -- at first read, his system will also work very well for a pet. Don't be disconcerted with a 1963 copyright -- it's still very valid.



5. This book came recommended to me by brother who has a beautifully trained hunting lab (who does double duty as great big family dog in a teeny tiny house!). We are a dog family with many combined years of rescues and pure breeds (depending on who landed on our doorstep at the time). This current generation is the best ever thanks to methods in the Wolters books. Already our 13 week puppy is well beyond our resident geriatrics. I just bumped into the breeder we purchased her from and she stated even they are astounded just how wonderfully well-natured and confident our pup is and still retaining great drive. (The breeder, by the way, is not a fan of Wolters...due the popular criticism that floats around).
   
   
   
   It is naive to assume all children and all dogs should be treated in the exact same manner, regardless of temperament or behavior. Agenda based criticisms of this book are as shallow as this assumption. The author of this book offers a well guided technique for training, time tested for many years now, AND possible solutions to guide owners through problem behavior. Discipline techniques are there to protect the dogs and their owners...my mother with a lame leg could be greatly injured by her 95lb Poodle if he charges past her on the stairs...as well as my 2 year old daughter. A dog that bolts from the front door may have its life ended in moments by a passing car (ask my neighbor). These measures are also only recommended IF there is a problem situation. Overlooked in criticisms are the many warnings to not over train or over discipline (your children as well) and the constant reminders for consistent and logical discipline. (I found this book a great reminder as a parent as well).
   
   
   
   I have discovered that many of Wolters fans are people whose lives depend on their dogs and their dogs lives depend on their training. His book has remained popular for many years for a good reason: it simply and effectively accommodates many people and many breeds and literally leads to a lifetime of happiness.