5 comments about The Joyous Havanese.

1. Kathryn Braund writes "The Joyous Havanes" in a colloquial style which makes for an interesting read. The book is a thorough reference book for owners and/or lovers of the Havanese breed.
   
   If, however, you want the facts maam, just the facts, another book might suit you better. There were more pictures than I wanted to see and the breeder information was of little interest to me.



2. Very informative through out the whole book. Author knowledgable about breed.



3. This is an excellent book for the new Havanese owner or those of us who have been breeding and showing for many years. Has information on all phases of your Havanese's life. This lady really knows her stuff. Written in terms anyone can understand and the prictures alone are worth the price. I recommend this book to anyone who owns or wants to own a Havanese



4. This book is more for breeders than Havanese owners. It also seems very dogmatic.



5. There are few insights from this book that you can't get from the web, with a lot less reading and for free at that. There are many "cute" pictures and lots of breathless admiration for the breed but few germaine details. The details that are included are often times silly, the description of shampoos with an obcession about pH., for example is over the top.
   I gave the book to my mother-in-law.

5 comments about Running With Champions: A Midlife Journey on the Iditarod Trail.

1. What a wonderful, wonderful book !
   
   This book tells the story of Lisa Frederic who comes to racing relatively late in her life. She volunteers for the Iditarod and gets hooked on the sport. Within 5 years, she is running in the Iditarod herself at the age of 42. Not only is the story inspiring, it is well written and interesting. She spends the first half of the book describing the process she went through to be able to run in the Iditarod (cleaning the dog yard, trainig the dogs, etc.) and the second half of the book talks about the race itself.
   
   Lisa conveys both the thrill and heartbreak of running dogs and you come away understanding just how tough this really is to do. For a 46-year-old mom from Indiana, all I can say is "WOW!". While running in the Iditarod is not something I want to do, I love reading about people who have done it. This book is an absolute must read for anyone who is interested in dogs, the Iditarod or taking chances and doing somethind different with your life.
   
   Other good books on this subject: "Winterdance" by Gary Paulson and "Race Across Alaska" by Libby Riddles.



2. After a tour through Danali National Park in June, 2008, one of the people told us that our driver, Lisa Frederic, had written a book. As we had been totally captivated by her as our tour driver, we bought the book when we returned home. Having met this charming, lovely woman in person it is totally fascinating to read about this amazing phase of her life. This is a book that totally pulls you in right from the beginning and never lets go. You feel the the love, pain, struggle, and the joy that permeates this book. After reading what Lisa went through to achieve her dream, and feeling as if you were in some way experiencing it with her, you truly have a sense of what it means to not give up and to do whatever is necessary to reach your goal. I hope there are more books in her future and that life is very good to her and her husband, David, who must also be a very special person.



3. I really enjoyed reading Lisa's book, "Running With Champions". I thought it gave a great "insiders look" at what it really takes to run the Iditarod. As a reader, it was overwhelming to read about the physical preparations it takes just to get your gear and dogs ready... the endless hours of running the dogs, and of course, learning how "NOT" to do things. That is ALL before you get to the Ceremonial Start in Anchorage!
   
   I thought that her writing style was engaging, and she was more than willing to share the ups and downs of her adventures. I enjoyed her sense of humor about the goof ups, and accidents she had during training. I thought her insights into living with and training with one of the "Big Dogs" of mushing, Jeff King, was fascinating. I have often wondered what makes these mushers tick.
   
   I have read other books by other female mushers, and by far, Lisa's book was the most engaged, and engaging. Very thoughtful, warm and fun... Thanks for writing this book for us middle-aged gals!



4. Lisa was the tour guide on our 9 hour Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali NP in September and did a great job. Great on stories, history, and of course her dogs. The book is just like talking to Lisa. She has a very outgoing personality and a true love of Alaska - this comes through clearly in her book as well. This book also makes a great gift.



5. As others who reviewed this book, I too met the author and her husband, but not in Alaska, but in Belize, Central America of all places! After a sailing trip in a group, my friend and I had breakfast with them one morning. Off-handedly, she mentioned the experience and book. 7 months later after looking at some photos, I was reminded of it, and sent for it.
   What a nice surprise! I Loved it! Not only was it interesting and inspiring, but the girl can write too! I cried several times and cheered her on. I'm passing it on to my neighbor for her trip this weekend. My only regret is that I hadn't known about her or her book before we met briefly. I would have talked her ear off with questions. So, when's the movie coming out!

1 comments about Excelling at Dog Agility - Book 2: Sequence Training (Updated Second Edition) (Excelling at Dog Agility).

1. 4-Paws up for book 2 in the Excelling at Dog Agility "series" by Jane Simmons-Moake!

   This extraordinary guide takes you from beginner to intermediate using easy-to-follow text loaded with pictures, diagrams, and tons of sample exercises. Get started with straight line and simple turn sequences then move at your own pace to distance control and "side-switches." Simmons-Moake is extremely thorough in her method and emphasizes not striving for "good" but for excellence! Her method makes it practically impossible to fail. Some of the important topics in this book are the introduction of distance and control commands, gaining distance with her "distance circles" technique, and how to give correct body cues for accurate performance every time. She also touches on the controversial concept of "correction-free training." To top off a wonderful "curriculum" of doggy schooling, she includes several pages of exercises you can do with just a few obstacles to drill key elements or your dog's weaknesses.

   A few other features I really enjoyed:
   · LOTS of diagrams!
   · Tips for solving problems like broken start-line stays
   · Proofing ideas and exercises
   · An entire chapter on every type of side-switch imaginable! (including rear-cross, front-cross, counter rotations, zig-zags, and more!)

   ...and for those who are agility instructors or thinking of teaching agility, there are sample lesson plans for a 6-week Beginners class, 8-week Intermediate class, and 6-week Intermediate II class.

   I cannot stop praising this book! It has certainly improved the performance of my own dogs and allowed me to progress more quickly with proven techniques. It is the perfect addition to any agility lover's bookshelf!

3 comments about A New Owner's Guide To Pembroke Welsh Corgis (New Owner's Guide To...).

1. This is a great book to find out all about the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. It gives good detail has how to take care of your Corgi, what kinds of activities they like; such as agility and where to go to find more information on it. For a first time Corgi I think it's a pretty good book.



2. This is probably a good book for someone who has never owned any kind of dog; however, I was looking for a book with breed-specific information. I found more information searching the Internet about the idiosyncrasies of the corgi breed than I did from this book.



3. Very informative and useful book! Author presents information in an easy to understand and enjoyable manner.

3 comments about The German Shepherd Dog (Terra Nova Series).

1. As a first time dog owner, I found this book very helpful, it is packed with history of the German Shepherd dog, and I was impressed with the additional information on the White Shepherd Dog (which is what I have). There is a lot of breed-specific information throughout, and good beginning tips on training (though I purchased another book specifically for training also).
   
   The DVD that comes with the book is not really that great, it's got no specific German Shepherd Dog content, and the training guide in it encourages you to train with constant treat motivation.
   
   Also, not content-related, I really liked the feel of this book, it's a hard cover but opens flat, and the pages have a nice feel as you read through it.



2. Although I'm not totally unfamilar with the GSD, this book is very useful and infomative, starting with the history of the GSD, which is pretty interesing, alot of facts I never knew. I owned a GSD 10 years ago, and in 2 weeks, will be the proud owner of a new puppy. I believe reading this book beforehand, I am better prepared in bringing a GSD into our home. I HIGHLY recommed this book to anyone who may be interested in owning a GSD!!



3. It has detailed information on every subject of the breed, including history and its differences in other countries. Some of it is generalized information in the training parts and a few other parts but most of all it is all GSD info. It explains many common health concerns and common parasites and how to treat common problems and injuries or what to do if something happens. It has some basic information on more advanced training options like tracking and search and rescue and my copy came with DVD on dog training, though I have yet to watch it, if it was anything thing like the book, it should be good. I would recommend to anyone wanting to know more about the breed and to lovers of the breed that couldn't get enough of GSD.

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

1. This book is invaluable for the new Yorkie owner as well as a great reference for old timers. It is well organized and includes many wonderful photos.



2. Back in February of this year we lost Binki,a Lhasa Apso cross Poodle after 17 wonderful years.Prior to that we had a Dachshund,Max, who spent 14 years with us as our 3 children grew up.So,as we are now seniors,our children are all married,and now that we have 8 Grandchildren;we faced the facts and felt our dog owning days were probably behind us.
   That is what we thought,we found Bailey,she has now joined the two of us and getting a new puppy was one of the best decisions we've ever made.She is a Yorkshire Terrier cross Teacup Poodle.She will be small,about 7 pounds,doesn't shed and has all the features of what we could want in a dog.She is 12 weeks old,we've had her over a month,and I believe she finds us acceptable.By this point, you can see Bailey is a pet,a member of the family is more like it,and we have no intrest in breeding or showing.Maybe I should qualify that bit about showing.We do a great amount of showing as a matter of fact,everyone in the neighbourhood has fallen in love with her and we can't complete a 10 minute walk in less than a half hour while showing her off and making friends with every person and dog we meet.
   We,as the case of a lot of people who have dogs,tended to operate by trial and error in raising them,heck,didn't it work with the kids? Anyway ,I saw this book and thought maybe I could learn something.You've heard the old saying "You can't teach old dogs new tricks"There is simply no truth to that.I am learning lots and there is much more to be gleaned fom this book.
   The book is only 160 pages and covers everything you could or should want to know about Yorkies.It will also be kept nearby for reference in the years ahead.
   The book discusses how intelligent this breed is,and we have already seen signs of that.If there is anything that I might fault the book for,it is this.I am a very avid reader,but very disappointed that Janet has given absolutely no attention at all on helping me with teaching Bailey to read.I have already been reading to her,she obviously comprehends,nods at the right time,and even dozes off if the story gets too dull.I am convinced she could easily be taught to read,but for that,I guess I'm on my own.
   Like I've already mentioned,and so have a couple of the other reiewers,the book covers a lot about breeding and showing in competitions,but that should not deter you from getting it.All the same principles apply,and your little friend is just as important to you and those around you as a Best of Show is to its owner and the show Judges.
   Bailey is a great addition to our family and we intend to give her a lot of happiness and I know she will return any love many times over and that doesn't even take into account the companionship we'll all enjoy.
   Oh yeah, one other thing,Carol touches on the cost one takes on with getting a dog;but remember this;
   "All it takes is money to buy a fine dog,but it takes love
   to make it wag it's tail."



3. Being a new owner, I wanted a more practical book on the breed.
   I found the author to be focused on the competitive aspect and
   "quality" breeding lines. For someone who was looking at entering dog shows, this would be a useful book. For me, who
   was looking for some insight at the pet level, it lacked practical applications.



4. This is a good book for anyone who love littles cuty monster,YorkShire Terrier. U will gain more understanding about this cute little one and it will help u to make a decision if u r fit with this little one or not. This book has many useful things u need to know about yorky. I LOVE THIS BOOK :)



5. I wish this book had been available when I got my first Yorkie! Very well written; she approaches the subject with common sense --plus it is great fun to read. Super book--super breed!

5 comments about Dogue De Bordeaux: A Comprehensive Owner's Guide (Kennel Club Dog Breed Series).

1. This is a dog that seems interesting, but I knew nothing (and I mean nothing) about. This book filled me in on all about this amazing breed of dog. Very good for the dog lover who is unfamiliar with the breed.



2. This book is great ! A must for a Dogue De Bordeaux owner or those who are thinking of getting a pup. Well written with beautiful pics.



3. This is an excellent book with plenty of information on the breed of dog. Also lots of tips on training the cute puppies who grow in to large dogs. It informs you on how to encourage good and obedient behavour from these dogs at an early age.
   
   I would recommend this book



4. Absolutely fantastic book with enough infomation to help anyone from the novise to the very experience Dogue de Bordeaux breeder I loved it .



5. This book is a good beginner book for new Dogue de Bordeaux owners. The book covers a little history on the Bordeaux breed as well as information about how to care for the breed. This book was a little too "beginner" for me for it covered a lot about how to care for dogs in general such as house breaking, create training, etc.

3 comments about Bonnie Bergin's Guide to Bringing Out the Best in Your Dog: The Bonnie Bergin Method.

1. speaking as long time dog owner and dog lover and avid reader of all literature/canine 'bergin's book is,absolutley,the best thing out there.'



2. This book is a welcome change from books that try to make a dog a good pet by training the AKC obedience exercises. Instead, this book helps you to understand yourself and your dog and then uses that understanding to train your dog to become the companion you always wanted. I find myself looking back into this book as I work with my own dogs and with my dog training students. It is a gold mine of information, tips and ideas. I have surprised myself by carrying it with me to read whenever I have a spare minute.



3. Most dog training books tend to be written for a standard person with a standard dog. If you and your pet are both standard then fine. Bonnie Bergin has written a book for the rest of us. Bonnie trains service dogs and unlike a 'how to guide for assembling your Bar B Q', Bonnie assumes that dogs are different and people are different. She has a structure for identifying personality types (both people and dogs). She then goes on to describes how these types interact and how to manage the relationship(still your responsibility) to get the most out of it. There is a lot of personality theory here but for someone trying to understand themselves and their dog, this is the best book I've found so far. It takes you beyond the fact that dogs are pack animals and gives you a richer relationship model than the one that says you should be the the pack leader and your dog should be a member of the pack.

3 comments about Breaking Bad Habits in Dogs.

1. I purchased this book to help with socialization and separation problems of my beloved Morkie. Mr. Tenant's ideas helped with both these problems AND I ended up using many of the tips on other dog behavior topics as well. Since reading this book, I have a better understanding of how dogs think, which means that I now have a better behaved dog. The book is well organized, so it is easy to find information on particular dog behavior problems. The pictures complement the text extremely well. This book is by far my FAVORITE "dog behavior" book out of the many dog "how to" books that I own. I would highly recommend this book as a "must have dog book" for any dog owner.



2. This book cured my dog of moderate Separation Anxiety. I would highly recommend it. The chapters are organized according to the kind of problem, so you can find what you're looking for fast. The directions given are concise and easy to follow. Finally there are tons of pictures to help you along.



3. After adopting an out of control dog a couple of months ago, I have purchased many books on training. Most books say the same things, how to train basic commands. That would be easy if the dog would listen to you in the first place, but many dogs have behavior problems that make training impossible. Every chapter in this book was VERY helpful and informative. I would HIGHLY reccommend this book to anyone who is at their wits end with their dog. My dog behaves much better now and I am able to have guests come to my home again.

3 comments about Chihuahuas (Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

1. Awesome book. Full of information that is presented in a fun and easy to read format. If you have a Chihuahua, this is a bargain. Less than $5 on Amazon.



2. Cute pictures. But that's about it. I found nothing usefull for me in the book. The best thing I ever learned about Chihuahua's is they are dramatic. My other dog snapped at her and made a bump on her head from doing that, I thought I was going to loose her for sure. She's fine, happy and healthy as ever and I don't over react when she squeeks out when she's hurt.



3. I purchased this book prior to receiving my new baby girl. It really made me look at rasing a puppy in a different way than I thought. Get on training and behavior. A must for to-be, new or current owners of chi's.
   Thank you for such a helpful book.
   -Mike
   Regina, SK. CANADA