2 comments about Understanding Your Dog For Dummies (For Dummies (Pets)).

1. This book is a very useful tool for owners in terms of helping them understand a dog's mind. The book is incredibly detailed and extensively describes the stages in a dog's psychological development. It also has sections on handling problems as well as training. The best thing about this book is it gives concrete step by step instructions on training and commands that are easy to understand and follow. It also has an extensive section on interpreting body language and barks. I've read Cesar Milan's books and I find them useless because they're too abstract. They're more a testimonial to his skills than useful information for the average owner. This book is much more informative and helpful.



2. Having much appreciated other dog books by Stanley Coren, PhD--and having a new dog myself now--I had hopes this book would be worthwhile when I ordered it. I just finished reading it last night, and it is very, very good.
   
   One thing that impresses me in the book is that the reader isn't just told what to do to handle the dog, but is also told why that is what to do. Another thing I like is the authors recognized that all dog owners do not want the same details in lifestyle with their dogs, and presented various options on safe ways to handle things.
   
   The "for Dummies" series includes some duds and some amazing books that are full of extremely valuable details. This is one of the most valuable. Whether you are a new dog owner or an experienced one, you are sure to encounter something new to you and helpful in this book.
   
   The book also does a good job of telling owners when to get in-person, professional help with their dogs. This is vital. There are times when help simply cannot be communicated for the specific problem via the Internet or the telephone. And dogs are here and now beings. Sometimes the expert has to see the situation in person to diagnose the problem.
   
   My young Standard Poodle named Worthy will surely benefit from this book. And so will I.

5 comments about Angel By My Side.

1. The author rescues a beautiful golden retriever on advice from his doctor to get a dog. The dog however has the ability to alert the author to impending cardiac episodes and in doing so, gives the author the freedom to work and go about his daily life. This book touches the readers soul and lets us know that maybe there is more to the human-animal bond than we know. The book also dicusses the "Americans with Disabilities Act" as it relates to service dogs. Anybody who has loved a dog will love this book.



2. I could not put this book down. Mike and Dakota's story as a team was inspiring and transcended this world. Their devotion to each other was amazing. You do not have to be an animal lover to learn from this book. My hope would be that after you read this book you will see how special animals are in our lives.



3. I recently lost my Golden Angel too, and while I was looking for a book to help
   Me cope with my pain, I found this book. I am a very busy person and don't
   Have much time to read, but this book took me 2 days. It is full of feelings and even humor. No matter what the situation is, our Golden's will manage to put a smile on our face. When you start reading this book, make sure you have a box of Kleenex
   Near by. This book goes into my favorite book list, and I purchased a few more as
   Christmas presents.



4. I Absolutely LOVED this book! MY sister in law bought for my husband --animal lover...Anyway she bought it for him but I read it first because the cover called my attention. I like dogs but was reluctant to get one because I though of all the work there is involved with taking care of animals..besides with a little one, school, and work a dog would be more work for me....But after reading this book, I know I want a dog..The magic between Mike and Dakota is so overwhelming --that it made me think that that is what we need in our lives..Yea it will be work to potty train and take care of ..but then again things in life that are worth anything sometimes require alot of work--..God Bless you Mike and Dakota and thanks!!!!



5. I enjoyed the book so much. Felt like I was right there with them and every time the author had an attack could visualize how much his Angel/dog helped him through it. They had a bond that is so hard to explain unless you have had an animal and then know what it means, they are not dogs, they are your family and in this case especially he was not only family but his life support and friend. I definitely would recommend this book to anyone, have since bought additional copies to give to my animal lover friends for gifts.

5 comments about Before Your Dog Can Eat Your Homework, First You Have to Do It: Life Lessons from a Wise Old Dog to a Young Boy.

1. I bought this book just because I like dogs - however, what a pleasant surprise! O'Hurley (or Scoshi...) says things that make you stop and think about, things that you agree with because you also have lived them, felt them; you just had never stopped to think about. Totally worth reading.



2. As both a parent and dog lover, I enjoyed this book. Had some very realistic advice in it. Hope his son enjoys it when he gets older.
   
   Quick read..took about an hour to finish.



3. Before Your Dog can Eat Your Homework, First You Have to Do It: Life Lessons From a Wise Old Dog to a Young Boy discusses many lessons the author's learned from dogs, which carried him from the New England woods of childhood to his successful life in Hollywood. It was his dog who pointed the way to wisdom - and who, he says, wrote on small scraps of paper some words of wisdom - Scoshi's life lessons for father and son, from a wise old dog. This parent's insights and advice is purposeful, directed and easy to absorb.



4. John O'Hurley's sophomore novel is a breath of fresh air! Okay, he claims it was written by his dog, Scoshi, with only a bit of commentary added by him for clarification. Regardless, this is a wonderful book filled with laughter, tears, and solid advice to a little man from a little dog and his loving father.



5. The visual image of Mr. O'Hurley's sweet little dog writing notes and placing them under the foot of the Big Blue Elephant is priceless. The notes themselves are clear and direct, as dogs are wont to be. They form the basis for the chapters which are filled with wisdom, laughter and tears. This is a beautiful love letter from a devoted father to his beloved son. Whether you love a dog or another person, I feel certain you'll be deeply touched by this delightful book.

4 comments about Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats.

1. This is a great book and I love all of Diane Stein's material but this is a lot of the same stuff that Dr. Wendell Belfield was teaching in the late 70's when I first started breeding German Shepherds. It is a well kept secret among breeders all over the world.
   
   I have used the Mega C Plus and the Mega C drops from his company for my breeding dogs and have never had one bit of hip trouble. His link is http://www.belfield.com/about.php to get the best nutritional suppliments possible for your dog and cat!



2. (four and a half stars)
   Diane draws upon a lot of other people's work, mostly a good thing. Diet, massage, accupressure, accupuncture, herbs, flower essences are presented in a common sense and practical way. She tackles some complex issues with simplicity, though unfortunatly some of the information I find personally to linger a bit, and some which isnt really necessary to include, though I think most books are like this. On the other hand, bold, enlightening and informative statements are present throughout. This book is not just for animals...Dianes experience in other fields shows, it improves oneself too.
   
   This book is infused (mostly) with passion, and kindles a relationship with animals and the earth that I all too often forget and all too many people don't know or understand, which is ashame because it is an absolutely beautiful thing. I feel closer to and more aware of my pet cat and dog, respect them more, and as a result have a much more beneficial and empowering relationship with them.
   
   This book is not overly practical, it needs more recipies and some of the table information like herbs and vitamins needs to be freed from all the text and categorized better. A little information is also a bit unclear, so requires extra research.
   
   I've read a few nasty comments about Diane Stein and her 'feminist' bias. She does not belong to such a category, she is aware of the differences between males and females, and holds a very traditional and timeless, yet unfortunately dying persepctive, which you can investigate in futher detail in the article "REVOLT AGAINST THE FEMINISTS: The Traditional Woman According To Julius Evola by Troy Southgate", which is freely available on the interent. Her personal experience is conveyed very strongly throughout the book, unfortunately she does come across as a bit disdaining towards males. It is up to everyone to accept and understand her, rather than just criticize.



3. I love this book. I enjoyed reading it and I use it as an occasional reference. I particularly like the Reiki healing and Flower Essence sections. The section on pet death was very beautiful. Unfortunately, when I tried to share this book with my husband, his masculinity was threatened by the exclusive use of the female pronouns and the references to The Patriarchy. Women are used to reading books with only male pronouns and with insults to women, but many men may be unable to read this book. Also, this book will appeal to the intuitively inclined, rather than to the scientific or literal minded. Diane Stein's book The Natural Remedy Book for Dogs and Cats covers many of the same topics in more detail, and written in a more universal style.



4. looking for a book that will tell you what you need to know about anything going on with your pet? A-Z ....This book as well as Dr. Pitcarn's book are two books you must have if you love your pet like a family member!

No comments about Best Hikes With Dogs: Georgia and South Carolina (Best Hikes with Dogs).

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 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 American Eskimo Dogs (Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

1. One of the better books on breeds I've seen in a while - covers personality, quirks, training. I've found it very helpful in understanding my own half-Eskie puppy.



2. This book is fun to read and has great information. The author is obviously an expert on the breed.



3. Well written - easy to read and understand. This book has become my grandson's favorite since his new puppy came to live with him two months ago.

5 comments about The Dog Lover's Companion to Florida: The Inside Scoop on Where to Take Your Dog (Dog Lover's Companion Guides).

1. If you love your dog and you plan on taking them to Florida this book's for you. It has a handy reference guide depending on where in Florida you are.
   
   Gunner July, 2007



2. We already had the 2003 edition, but decided to purchase the updated version, was a little disappointed. There wasn't that much difference in the edition's, although it is a very good book. We could have actually gotten by with the 2003 edition. The book is actually one of the better dog companion guides out on the market. We are able to visit places, we might otherwise have missed. We have been to some beautiful parks and beaches that are dog friendly in FLorida, and we found them through this book. By all means, if you are in the Tampa area, it is very dog friendly. One of our favorite places is Fort Desoto Park, near St Petersburg, which has a huge dog park and dog beach and everyone is so nice. It is a lot of fun. some good stuff in this book.



3. When I lived in Florida, I traveled extensively with Keesha, my 45-pound chow mix. I tried other guides, including those from auto clubs. They offer you the bare bones information.
   
   Then I met Sally Deneen and Robert McClure, who shared their Dog Lover's Companion. Being a certified grinch, I held off reviewing till I had a chance to use this book. Readers of my reviews will know my down-to-earth, honest, no-holds-barred style.
   
   To my great relief, I *loved* this book. I used an earlier edition extensively when living in Florida, when I had to make trips to places all over the state. I found amazing dog-friendly places in Fort Lauderdale, where I was living. When I visited Gainesville, I couldn't have survived without this book -- everything from where to get a burger to where to find a dog park. The information about each place is complete and accurate. For example, the authors clerly identify Dogwood park as dog heaven -- and their right.
   
   Even if you're not heading for Florida this trip, you'll learn a lot from the authors' introrduction to traveling with a dog. For instance, many hotels inisist "small dogs only" but their Maggie was a 50-pound German shepherd.. As they say, "Apparently to some hoteliers, dogs are just walking poop machines with fangs." (How can you read that without laughing out loud?)
   
   Deen and McClure offer a number of strategies, such as (a) Just ask if you can bring "the dog" and (b) capitalize on the fact that most motel owners "aren't too familiar with dog weights."
   
   A small dog? "She's only 50 ounds."
   Is that small? "Well, she's certainly not big. Half the size of a regular German shepherd!"
   
   Now is that practical advice or what? I've applied these tactics myself (and I'd add, when a clerk sees a dog can do a "sit" and "down," they assume only the best).
   
   But what makes this book truly a dog-lovers book is the way the authors manage to spice up each description. It's hard to imagine anything duller than a description of a hotel or restaurant. But who can resist:
   
   p 240-241: "The bones of extinct animals have been found at this national, natural landmark, and the lush surroundings are bound to keep wet noses twitching."
   
   p 421: "The muddy sand can be goopy...so bring a towel to wipe all paws..."
   
   p 181: "Your dog can hope for crumbs from your free breakfast of waffles, fruit and other eats..." instead of just "A free breakfast comes with the room."
   
   p 187: "The sand feels very flat and hard under the paws at this St Johns County park..."
   
   p 433: "Water dogs will appreciate this break from the usual Pinellas prohibitions on pooches..."
   
   Get the idea? Even if you're not heading to Florida anytime soon, you'll have trouble putting down this book. Don't miss the section on Palm Beach (dah-ling!) and enjoy a cameo of John Grogan (before he wrote the mega-best-seller Marley and Me). And then there's Brandi, mascot of the Broward County Humane Society, where I adopted my own dog.
   
   But if your travel plans call for Florida, and if you've a dog-lover, you must pick up this book. Your dog won't forgive you if you don't!



4. This book is a great resource for those who want to see Florida and still bring along their best friend. A lot of the book is lists of restaurants and hotels that take dogs, but it also has many tips on local dog parks, state parks, and other Florida attractions that are accepting of four legged patrons. We've already found some local attractions to visit with our dog that we would have never found without this book. (At least it would have taken us much longer to find them!) I have really enjoyed this guide. My only advice to others looking to buy this book is that they should know the book mainly references outdoor attractions (parks, beaches, and recreation areas).



5. My beagle, Joey, loves this book almost as much as I do! It has made his life so much more fun. Before I bought the Dog Lover's Companion to Florida, our lives outside the house consisted of leashed walks around neighborhood parks. My dog was bored, and I felt guilty. He needed more in his life. Now thanks to this great book, we've discovered really great parks that allow dogs off leash, and they're not that far away. Plus we now scout out better leashed parks thanks to the book's paw-rating system! He and I are both well exercised and sleep better at night!
   
   Best of all, we can eat together. This book offers all kinds of dog-friendly restaurants. Now I don't feel guilty leaving Joey behind when I meet friends for lunch. I just refer to the book, find a dog-friendly restaurant, and he comes right along. My favorite is a really fun one called Mustard's Last Stand -- it's a hot dog stand that's super dog friendly. The owner even hosts doggy adopion events there.
   
   The book is well written and really fun to read. I read it and dream of vacations we can take in the future. In fact, my fiance and I are planning a romantic getaway to Key West soon, and guess who's coming along? Yup, Joey! We don't want to leave home without him. We've found an awesome B and B, and it looks like there are plenty of places to walk Joey and to eat with him. No kennel for Joey! Thank you, Florida doggy book authors!

1 comments about Unleashed: The Dog Runs of New York City.

1. I loved reading through Frances Sheridan's ode to dog runs in NYC.
   
   It's a beautifuly done & extremely informative book. It deatails and rates all the dog runs in NYC. But what I loved most of all is that it is filled with the most sensitive, funny & touching photos of dogs. Any dog lover and / or photography lover should derive great pleasure from this wonderfull book.
   
   Highly recomended!!!