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.

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

5 comments about Feeling Outnumbered? How to Manage and Enjoy Your Multi-Dog Household..

1. I have a multi dog household and most of the books out there don't cover the things you have happen when you have a "pack" of dogs...this book is wonderful !!!!!!!!! I now have a bit of peace with my 4 dogs !!!! (2 - 4 month old plott hound pups , the momma plott hound and a great pyrenees)Training them is much easier after reading this book!!!!!It's a small easy to read pamphlet type book - so no excuse not read it!!!



2. This is a very small booklet but full of good advice for those of us in multi-dog households.



3. This book was very informational. I learned alot about the multiple dog household. It also confirmed things I had thought but didn't really know, such as; having a group name for your animals to respond to, training the dogs individually to get basic commands first before expecting them to respond in a group.... And just getting over your guilt of trying to always make things fair and equal for all of them. Its a great book that I will read and reread.



4. I found this very usefull in understanding why my dogs inter-related the way they did. It also gives useful information on how to correct problems within your pack.



5. I found the book to have many common sense points. but not enough direction for unique group situations. I wanted more information, not just a booklet. The overall impression was that it was a good review of common sense points, which many people don't have with their pets. If you have not information about dogs, dog packs or dog behavior this will work for you. if you do have that basic information you may be disapointed with this book.

5 comments about The Dog Listener: Learn How to Communicate with Your Dog for Willing Cooperation.

1. I've read many books on this subject and this is by far my favorite!Although I like Cesar Millan very much-I didn't quite "get it" with his book "Cesar's Way." Jan Fennell's "The Dog Listener" is fabulous!Though I haven't had a dog for years[due to living in an apartment and long work days]I just bought a home and am looking into Greman Shepherd rescue.As I've had many dogs during my life-I always seemed to have trouble with the simple commands....after reading Jan's book now I UNDERSTAND why!Amichien Bonding makes perfect since to me!!Jan's instructions are clear and easy to understand.She has also put in lots of good information about the special needs of rescue dogs.Now,thanks to Ms Fennell's wonderful book, I feel confident that when I bring my rescue baby home,I'll have the tools to make it's life as comfortable and happy as possible!!



2. This book fills in what others have left out. Jan really understands how dogs think and act. I have read all of Cesar Millan's books. While they are great books, I needed more. This book gives specific things you should do to show your dog that you are the Alpha. I learned from Cesar that I, as the Alpha, must be calm. My dogs will react to that. But, Jan, goes on to tell you the things that signal to your dog that you are indeed the Alpha. The "gesture eating" works wonders! Speaks louder than any words you could ever use. And, her five minute rule, is very effective. Cesar tells you to ignore the dog when you arrive home after an absence. Jan, tells you step by step how to do this. Again, she takes it one step farther than other books. Read Cesar's books first, then Jan's for all the details. You'll be on your way to a calm and obedient dog. You won't be sorry if you buy this book!!!



3. I like a lot of the things Jan says in this book. She uses the dog psychology/wolf pack mentality to come up with ways to show your dog you are the boss. The principles are basically the same as with Cesar Millan, but she advocates totally hands-off approach. I've tried some of the things, but it is hard to implement the whole program when you work most of the day and don't have a whole week to do intensive conditioning. Overall- a good book I'd recommend to friends with dogs.



4. This book was reccomended to me by a friend when I bought my two puppies and I had them trained before they were 3 months old. You have to remember that the tecniques in this book are a way of life and you must continue to do them at all times. You get used to it and it becomes second nature and the outcome is very rewarding. Puppies can be very frustrating to train but by using this book, I am actually enjoying the energy of my pups and they are respecting me.



5. Jan Fennell deserves high accolades for this book and 30-day training manual! I have 7 dogs and after 4 weeks, the change is very noticeable. I have largely achieved the behavior I want with 7 dogs inside the home and they are much improved in the back yard. Soon I will move on to the car and the world outside. Traditional dog training classes just didn't cut the mustard - there was little if no discussion on how to have your dog look to you as its leader. I so enjoyed Jan's informative, fast-reading, couldn't-put-it-down book that I am reading it a second time. It's almost as if she could read your mind as to problems and questions we owners have with our dogs and the frustration we are faced with not knowing how to solve them. I only wish more people in the U.S. knew about Jan like they do about Cesar Millan. Maybe her time is coming!

5 comments about Raw Dog Food: Make It Easy for You and Your Dog.

1. Relaxed and funny, this book is a great guide for dog owners new to raw feeding.



2. I love this little book. It's a great "how-to" overview that's great for people starting out, and an interesting addition for people who have been raw feeding for a while. The author touches on the major issues with feeding a raw diet and then gives a simple breakdown of the diet. The author - in plain language - discusses meats, veggies, bones, supplements, food prep, and "troubleshooting."
   
   This book is not very in-depth, but it's not full of "fluff" either. There aren't a bunch of anecdotes/testimonials filling the pages. The book delves straight into the basics of how to feed raw and how to spend a minimal amount of time preparing food.
   
   I read the reviews of this book before buying it, and I don't see a basis for the few reviews that were critical. It does follow the Billinghurst-style raw diet, but it's not unrealistically rigid. The author is clear that she is not a vet or a nutritionist. This is a how-to book, and it does a great job of covering the basics of the diet in layman's terms.
   
   I would highly recommend this book to anyone considering a raw diet who is feeling overwhelmed, as well as to anyone who hasn't gotten the kinks out of feeding raw yet.



3. This book provides some great tips for switching feeding the dogs from packaged food to a Raw Dog Food Diet.



4. I liked this book because it provided more of the logistical aspects to raw feeding. It includes how to get started, how to shop for foods, how to store foods, etc. It definitely a good book if you've decided to feed raw. If you're not yet convinced to feed raw yet and want to read more about the science behind it, try Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats by Kymythy Schultze. I think it's a more comprehensive guide on why to feed raw, where as this one is more focused on how to feed raw.



5. This book is a great starting point for first time Raw feeding. Its light easy to read. It starts with the basics. No fuss or lectures! There is plenty of other books out there more indepth to read after you have mastered the basics.

5 comments about The Dogs Who Found Me: What I've Learned from Pets Who Were Left Behind.

1. As we all know working in rescue, no one sets out to do this. This book is full of just those stories, the dogs who found the author when he wasn't ready and how he made do with each situation. He talks about the experience being in New York for 9/11 and evacuating New Orleans for Katrina. I have had this book sitting on a shelf for the last year and finally got to read it while I was recently on vacation and just couldn't put it down. It read just as if I were talking with any of my rescue volunteers about their rescued pets. Ken Foster does a great job of articulating the emotions and struggles involved in animal rescue. I think it is a great read for any of us as a reminder of why we do what we do.



2. Got the audio book. I was not thrilled with the individual who did the reading, but Ken's stories in the book were easy for me to relate to. He succinctly put into words some of the emotions involved when one is performing animal rescue, including the initial denial that an animal is meant to stay with you. Also, I think he does quite well at capturing the essence of just being one of those people who can't look away when you see an animal in need. It's a state of mind that only a certain type of person really seems to understand.
   
   - C.A.Wulff author of Born Without a Tail



3. I enjoyed this book for the most part. It makes you think about all those dogs out there that need a home or ones who are out there that are being mistreated. I think it is great what Mr. Foster is doing for all those poor dogs out there. Especially Pit Bulls. I also liked all the informative information on shelters, rescues, etc in the back of the book.
   The only problem that I had with the book was the writing style. It wasn't written very evenly and took me longer to get done than usual. All in all it would be a book I recommend.



4. I took this book with me on a recent vacation and started reading it on the plane. I am a true dog lover, I have 5 of my own, but this book did not hold my interest at all. And in fact, it really bothered me. It seems to me that he assumes that if he finds a dog, especially if the dog is in need of a combing or such, that there isn't an owner that is frantically looking for that dog. He just seems to assume the dog was "abandoned" and doesn't make any real effort to find the owner, who may be heartbroken. He is very quick to judge, i.e. when he found the 23 year old woman's dog and made judgements as to her worthiness as an owner, without having all the facts.
   He also seems very reluctant to take a dog in/rescue it, because it may inconvenience his life or he doesn't have room.
   In one case, he took the dog he found, clear into ANOTHER state to turn it into a shelter. As someone whose petsitter lost my dog while I was on vacation, this kind of thing infuriates me! Unbelieveable. I will not be finishing this book.



5. Not bad, as far as dog books go, just didn't make me want to keep reading. Foster did not hold my interest so he's 1 author I can scratch off my list.
   
   It's OK, just not as good as others I have read. This book took me a while to read through because I kept putting it down and getting back to it later. Oh well.

5 comments about The First Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats (Prevention Pets).

1. This book is extremely helpful when you have pets. I have used it many times now.



2. I definitely reccomend this for anyone who loves their cats and dogs like family members! There are many life saving tips in this great book. I bought this book because I have a cat who like to chew on things, including electrical wires. I learned a lot about this scary issue, as well as, many other life saving bits of information that I had never known before. There is even a section on human medicine that is safe for cats and dogs. I think this book would come in handy in the event of an emergency after vet hours!!



3. The book is in great shape and is new, however, it took too long to receive it & I wouldn't purchase another book from a1 because of the length of time it took to recieve it.



4. I've been looking for a book like this. I'm a nurse and was taught many interventions to assist a patient in crisis in addition to contacting a physician. That's nursing for humans. Now I have the information to assist my pets. This book covers every thing from minor first aid to life saving interventions. It's organized so that you can find what you need quickly. Its written in such a down-to-earth style that I know what to do within a paragraph or two.



5. This is a wonderful movie. Exquisitely executed in period costume, with a world class orchestra. It was delightfully free of uneccessary verbage and saturated with eroticism. Sandra

5 comments about The Loved Dog: The Playful, Nonaggressive Way to Teach Your Dog Good Behavior.

1. I enjoyed this book, since I'm at the beginning of learning about dog training, in advance of getting a dog. But dear god, that woman likes to name drop! Did I mention Oprah's dogs? What about Olivia Newton-John? And my favorite, her best friend in the world is married to some moderately successful somebody, and she barely mentions her best friend to describe what her best friend's husband does... and then she gets to their dogs. Yikes.
   
   That being said, she has a nice message, I like the nonviolent approach, and the fact that she does incorporate some pack behaviorism (alpha dog without the alpha roll or forced submission).
   
   Next, I'm reading "The Other End of the Leash", "Culture Clash", and "How Your Dog Thinks" for a little meatier training. Tamar Geller is light and has a nice kind philosophy, and some good ideas about how to handle your dog(s).



2. I've read several negative reviews of this book and of other dog-training books on Amazon and honestly it seems like people just want an Easy Button. The more books your read and the better you know your animal will help you develop your own style of training. Each person is unique, so where I don't allow my dogs on the furniture, many people reading this may love the cuddle time with their pup. No one book is giong to 100% resonate with you, so it's really about learning as much as you can and setting your dog up to succeed.
   
   Climbing off my soap box, I think this is a great book for almost any dog owner. Let's face it, the majority of pet owners would hardly call themselves experts so it's frustrating when reviewers say books like this are recycled material. I commend anyone who's taking an active interest in learning how to train their dog. For those who want something clear and simple Tamar delivers. This is a How-To book that helps with the basics.
   
   One of my favorite suggestions she gives is to have the dog sit for everythjing, just as if you were teaching a child to say please. The dog is in a calm state of mind and getting whatever reward he's sitting for in only that position. My dog now sits whenever he wants anything. Doesn't mean he always gets it, but it's his way of asking nicely instead of jumping in my lap.
   
   When she talks about teaching tricks and behaviors, it was like a lightbulb went off in my head. I had never thought not to repeat myself over and over. The more I tried it (and it took patience on my part) I found that it actually worked quite well. Tamar instructs us to wait and let the dog "think" about it. I swear I could see the wheels turning in my dog's head. It's all logical though. If you asked me sit down and knit a blanket I couldn't do it. Saying it over and over and louder and louder would not overcome the fact that I don't know how to knit. With practice and incentive though, I could learn. So can your dog.
   
   My last commetn for the book is training to "Back Off" I didn't understand its value at first, however I'm already teaching my 7 month old puppy the behavior b/c I use it so much. Instead of jumping and getting excited for what he wants, my dog almost does the opposite by walking away from me and then sitting. The best part is that he does it on his own. When I do tell him "off" it's either b/c he's in harm's way (like when I open a hot oven) or I just need space (tying shoes, putting food bowl down, or opening a door) it's nice for him to take a step or two backwards without it being a struggle. Overall this book taught me how to teach functional behaviors. The biographical part is maybe not necessary, but it does show why she's trying to take a loving approach to dog training. I recommend this book for anyone who looses patience with their dog and wants to react some way other than yelling. It's much less stressful =)



3. As a mother of five dogs, I found this book to be very helpful, Tamar's techniques are quite different.
   
   It does seem that you can teach an old dog new tricks.
   
   I would recommend this book , not only for her advice , but as a "good read" , as well.



4. This book by far is the most enjoyable read I've had in a very long time. Not only is the author fascinating, she's intelligent and extremely entertaining. Her methods for training a dog are superior to anything I've tried in my 40 years of dog training, our labradoodle pup was literally house broken after 1-1/2 weeks of arriving home with us.



5. There is a rapidly growing religion of dog training which is "Positive Reinforced"...treats,etc . The origination appears to be from the humane society and ASPCA. These numerous books, seminars, DVD's, training schools are primarily written, produced and operated by women whom are of the extremist personality type. This book is a part of this whole movement. This book does have good things to say about training and you can learn some things from it. The problem with this whole touchy feely "Treat Movement" it is primarily geared towards Suburban type dogs (Goldens, Labs, Etc Etc) which as a whole are easily trainable and the owners usually only require only basic-intermediate training. Suburbia is the framework of this "gentle Training", which is fine...everyone should start at that point. The method begins to rapidly lose steam when it comes to more difficult training. Example: Recalls under ALL circumstances (Such as Chasing Deer) and extreme aggression and other behavior issues. Beware of this whole left wing touchy feely Dog training movement. If you don't think they are extremist, make an easy going statement reference training to any one of these numerous authors...let's say, bring up a Prong Collar or E-Collar (Neither of which if used correctly are abusive towards a dog), you will find out real quick where these women are on the extremist scale.

5 comments about The Dangerous Book for Dogs: A Parody by Rex and Sparky.

1. This book is an endless source of levity and promotes enough loud laughter to scare your dog out of the room! It's so great I've already gotten 3 other folks hooked on it.
   
   My husband and I were reading one of these stories aloud the other day - the one about "How to Make Your Owner Look Like an Idiot" while Scottie slept at our feet. Or so we thought he was sleeping. The next day on his walk, Scottie executed the instructions from the book to a 'T', thus turning both of us into - well, startled and laughing - but idiots nonetheless! Read page 119 for the full story, but read it silently. They listen to this book and you might be the next victim!!!
   
   Priceless. Don't think twice -- I recommend to buy it now!



2. This dog is great for the canine looking to break free of the urban lifestyle and reconnect with his or her roots. Few dogs know of the rich oral traditions and ancient culture of mans best friend. Get this book if you need reassurance that you are a good dog and those feelings you have about the cat are completely natural.



3. The first dangerous thing about this book is that it WILL make you laugh out loud, which will cause other "humans" to think you might indeed be crazy. But what difference does that really make? Your dog already knows you're crazy. Probably the most dangerous thing about this book is that it's true. Any dog owner will adore this read as they see hints of themselves in the vivid descriptions within its pages. But don't say you haven't been warned. After reading this book you may find yourself watching your best friend just a little bit closer.



4. We love it, can't find enough copies to send to everyone in the family! I'd heard of the books for girls and boys, but this one is too funny. We have 11 month old pups, and believe me, they've already read it. I especially love the question and answer chapter, "who's a good boy"? Yes, if you want to understand your best friend, check out this quick read. No kids required, just the love of a good canine.



5. I gave this to my son for Christmas, who is an animal lover, and he really enojyed it very much.