2 comments about Hot Dogs: Fourteen of the Top Designer Dogs.

1. This a fantastic resource for anyone interested in a dog like a goldendoodle, labradoodle, schnoodle, puggle, cockapoo or other mixed breed dog (14 in total are described). The book describes the general behavior of the dog, activity level, how much they tend to bark, how they are with children, how trainable they are, the usual appearance of the dog, typical sizes, types of health issues common to that particular dog mix and other helpful information. Each description of the dogs is accompanied by multiple color photos. It has an excellent explanation of different breeding terms like F1, F1b, F2 and mixed generations (which comes up a lot when purchasing a mixed breed dog and is essential to understand so you understand what you are getting). I found this extremely useful and would highly recommend it. For purebred dog info I'd recommend the "Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds" by D. Caroline Coile.



2. Great pictures, and just enough information to give an informed idea to make a decision. The Goldendoddle was the star of the book, how handsome and he works as well!

4 comments about Flyball Racing: The Dog Sport for Everyone.

1. A very helpful book for those in the know, giving you new ideas and the knowledge to help you build your own equipment.



2. Everything you always wanted to know about flyball including how to build most of the equipment at home.



3. This books gives directions for construction jumps,including a wonderfully simple "puppy jump", advice on solving problems (like getting a tight turn). She does sometimes seem to be relying on repetition to get your dog into the habit of what you want, but this would easily be used with clicker training to improve the time and reliability of these behaviors.
   The most impressive part of this book though, was it's step by step detailing of how to teach your dog to run using BACK-CHAINING. She breaks the behavior into at least 12 different segments - starting with the last jump on the return and back-chains to the total run, including proofing the return to the 4th jump should your dog miss the ball and have to retrieve it before it's return run. (if you don't know what back-chaining is, check out Karen Pryor's clicker site - it's a GREAT learning tool)



4. I read this book as someone already familiar with the sport of Flyball. I found that it was a general overview of the sport as opposed to a training manual that would help you to teach a dog to play flyball. The training advice is somewhat vague and dated. Current training techniques are mentioned, but not explained for a novice to understand. This book utilizes the old method of pattern training and does not go into teaching or proofing the elements of the course. I found the book Flyball Training: Start to finish to be a much more thorough and concise guide of great use to the novice or experienced enthusiast.

No comments about Kennel Design.

2 comments about Retriever Puppy Training: The Right Start for Hunting.

1. Retriever Puppy Training: The Right Start For Hunting by canine training experts Clarice Rutherford and Cherylon Loveland is a superbly organized and presented instructional guide to the art and science of training a hunting dog. From selecting the right puppy, to identifying and working with your puppy's personality traits, to solidly adhering to a chosen training program, Retriever Puppy Training is an excellent, concise, no-nonsense, "user friendly" reference to helping a young, eager-to-please puppy become the best hunting dog it can be.



2. This is an excellent book that helped me train my lab, and now she is the best dog I have ever had!

5 comments about The Australian Shepherd: Champion of Versatility.

1. Brand new book - 2nd edition but missing pages 24 through 48!
   Having amazon resend another at no cost.
   From what *is in the book, looks good.



2. As I am a new aussi helder in Europe, I am looking to get more informations about the australian shepherd dog. So I purchased this book and as much I read 'till now was very good information whith some good triks for me.



3. Liz Palika did a wonderful job writing this book. I've been breeding, showing, and training aussies for 12 years and this is one of the best books written on them. I really enjoyed the pictures of the dogs in the 1st edition from the Bayshore bloodlines.



4. This book has it all, and more importantly, it was written by someone who HAS Australian shepherds (most books out there are not written by those whom actually live with them). A nice overview of the breed and the possibilities it holds. Great work.



5. This book is an up to date look at Aussies . You have to have it in your library. I especially liked the description of the Aussie shadow tendancy. She writes do you mind scooting your chair back and bumping into the dog? My Gwen is under the chair as I'm writing this. This is the book I lend to my friends who are thinking about getting an Aussie. The pictures are beautiful. I did notice a couple typos.

5 comments about DogPerfect, Second Edition.

1. This is one of the best dog-training books I've read. I've had my Border Collie for 2 1/2 years and I've read several books, online articles, and even spoke with two different dog behaviorists and still managed to learn several things from Ms. Hodgson's book.
   
   Scold the cookies, not the dog - what a great idea. Your dog gets the idea that the cookies are a bad thing & he should just leave them alone lest he be associated with them. He doesn't want you to think HE is bad, too!
   
   Love it.
   
   Thank you, Ms. Hodgson - I'm happy to recommend your book to everyone I know who needs some advice on living with their canine companions.



2. I bought this book years ago, back in 1995, in it's first edition. Back then, I had a Siberian Husky who was more than difficult to train. I read the book and followed Sarah's advice on how to train my hard-headed and over-active pupil. It worked! Not only did it work, but it worked very well! The techniques in this book only took about 15-30 minutes of my time each day.
   
   In the end, I was able to effectively train my dog, especially house train, in no time! I borrowed out the book and I never saw it again! I was overjoyed to see Sarah has released a second edition. I am getting a new puppy next month, and this is my book. I even found the first edition and bought that one as well! Thanks Sarah.



3. WOW WOW WOW WOW. This Is an incredible book, extremly useful, and funny. It really explains the dog's point of view, and how silly people can look sometimes.-don't take that personbally. If you have a dog or you are a dog trainer this book is a must!



4. Years ago when I worked in the grooming department of a pet store, we sold cases of the first edition of this book to customers who would ask us why their dogs "misbehaved." I thought that book was the best book ever written for dog owners. The second edition is much better.

   The author speaks simply and with the compassion and knowledge that comes from her years of experience with dogs and their people. This book enables people to communicate effectively with the dogs in the household, so there is mutual understanding, and "training" becomes second nature.

   It is useful, informative, easily referenced, and very readable. Even if you think you know dogs, you will learn from this book, and enjoy the reading. It is not overwhelming for beginners, either.

   If you have a dog, buy this book, and then be prepared to have to buy 4 more copies because you keep "lending" it to friends and family.




5. This book seems to be an excellent book for training your dog -- big or small. The author takes you from trying to understand your dog, to simple things you should need to train your dog, the first basic commands, moving on to harder things. At the end the author also outlines a variety of items to discipline your dog if your dog has problems of barking, chewing etc.

   Not only is the book detailed, but set up in a way that you can easily read. Lists are very helpful in this book. The book also has interesting antecdotes about the author's experience with dogs which are separated out so that people who don't want to read them don't have to read them.

   The content is good to help because it doesn't limit your options to one way of correcting your dog, but gives other ideas for those of us who are only a little creative. The book even talks about what games are good to play and has given me a few ideas for games for me and my dog.

   My only problem with the book is the plug for a specially designed leash that the author sells. It does sound like a good leash for a dog that is kept inside most of the time. My dog is mostly outside and so the training with the special leash doesn't look that practical to me.

   I think the best part of the book is the constant encouragement to the dog owners. The author tells us that training a dog depends on our attitude and does everything possible to keep our attitude to be helpful for training our dogs. One of the better dog-training books I have found.

2 comments about Best Hikes With Dogs: Oregon (Best Hikes With Dogs).

1. This is such a fun book to look at and think of all the possibilities. There are more hikes in this book than my dog and I could complete in many years. Each hike is rated for difficulty and the book tells you how long the trail is as well as how steep it is, whether there is water, shade, lots of crowds, etc. I have been to several of the trails including Forest Park, Tryon Creek, Angel's Rest, Hart's Cove, Wahclellah Falls, etc. I would never have known many of these places were out there without the help of this book. That being said, the directions are often very vague; I've gotten lost more than once looking for a trailhead, and there is one (Oneonta Gorge/Triple Falls) that I never found. Also, the trails are rated for which seasons they can be hiked inaccurately--one trail (Hart's Cove) was listed as year round but the access road is closed half the year! Some of the trails are listed as one way only, meaning you need at least two people and two vehicles to complete them, or you would somehow need to hitch-hike with your dog back to your car. I think the addition of color pictures would also add much to this book. It's hard to tell how beautiful many of these places are by the black and white pictures.



2. I truely enjoy the book. We have been on roughly five of the hikes recommended in the book. The author states what difficult level each hike is. However, that is for her and her dogs fitness level. I only found one trail impossible to master so far. But that was because of fear of heights. After going on these trails I add my own comments to the book, such as how the trail was, if litterbags were available and if restrooms were on site. I also add a map were available and mark our own hikes. Because of this book we have discovered a few new trails to take. Thank you Ellen Bishop.

2 comments about The Super Simple Guide to Housetraining (Super Simple Guide To...).

1. I am an apartment dweller and will litter box train my toy breed. This book DOES address this less common method, but the author makes "no bones" about it, the outdoor potty method is the way to go. That aside, this book provides a very comprehensive guide to the before/during/after stages of housebreaking your puppy or adult dog, including a good Q & A section with each chapter to deal with training difficulties. This book has a very precise layout and concise directions that is particularly helpful for the new puppy/dog owner who is inexperienced with crate training and training in general. It is equally helpful for owners of toy and large breeds.



2. Professional dog trainer Teoti Anderson presents The Super Simple Guide To Housetraining, a no-nonsense guide to teaching puppies and adult dogs exactly what one expects of them. Explicit instructions and full-color photographs combine in a plain-terms, easy-to-follow instructional. The Super Simple Guide To Housetraining includes straight answers to common housetraining problems and questions, such as how to housetrain a dog that tends to eliminate when one is asleep or not paying attention, how to recognize "submissive urination" and what to do about it, how to instill healthy eating habits in one's dog, and more. An absolute must-have for every dog owner - even those with well-trained dogs will want to consult The Super Simple Guide To Housetraining when various stressors (moving, getting a new kitten, etc.) induce unwanted accidents in a beloved canine companion.

5 comments about Rat Terrier: A Complete and Reliable Handbook (Rx-133).

1. I bought a puppy from this woman in 2002, and she gave me a free signed copy of this book. My dog has mange and two luxating patellas. I wrote her to warn her of the genetic problems with her breeding stock, and to tell her that otherwise I adore my dog. What I got back from her were angry, ignorant replies where she accuses me of trying to get a free dog from her. I told her that a "free" dog from her would definatly not be "free". Please do not support this woman, and by all means, do NOT buy a dog from her! If you'd like to see the email transcript- see my puppy's blog at Myspace-- user name is weasagail . For what it is worth, her book has nice pictures of rat terriers, but thats about it (as other reviewers have described much better). At the time I received it, it was literally the ONLY rat terrier book out there, and therefore it was the best. But the day a second book became available, this one became worthless.



2. While this was admittedly a first attempt at defining a diverse breed, the effort expended doesn't warrant the price required, NOR does it do the breed ANY justice.

   The information is general at best, misleading or just plain wrong at worst - for better general info of canines check out The Art of Raising a Puppy by the Monks of New Skeete. The grammar and organization is non-existant and does more to confuse than clarify. The majority of the pictures do not represent the look of the breed and it will require a much more in depth investigation to dispell their misrepresentations - Anne Blair's Ratter Chatter would give potential Rat Terrier owners a much more accurate, specific overall view of the breed, even though it is aimed at people who are already owned by Rat Terriers.

   Save your money!!! Flip through Linda Hibbard's book in the bookstore an example of what Rat Terriers shouldn't look like, and then buy ANY other dog book for general dog info. OR contact a local breeder, rescue, dog club - you'll get a much better idea of the strengths and weaknesses of this wonderful breed, PLUS you will be able to see what a Rat Terrier SHOULD look like.




3. I have read this book as well as many, many others on different breeds of dogs. This book does a good job of giving the basic information and has some lovely photos. It is a good, inexpensive book for those looking to research the breed or as a precursor to buying a Rat Terrier pup.

   There are few breed books written on the Rat Terrier and I have to say that I enjoy this one. I also have Ratter Chatter, which is a different type of book entirely. I have to recommend the Hibbard book as well as the Ratter Chatter (by Blair) book as they are both wonderful if you are into the breed.

   As a general rule, most dog breed books contain puppy information which could apply to basically any breed of dog. I would not discount this book's credibility because it contains information on raising a pup that applies to all breeds. I also have to agree with one reviewer in the fact that some of the information was duplicated in different parts of the book. I discovered that as well, however, I choose to believe that the author felt it may have been prudent to revisit that information maybe worded slightly differently in more than one section.

   I do recommend this book for all Rat Terrier enthusiasts. Don't limit yourself to reading just this one book though. There is limited information on this breed so read as many books as you can on the subject.




4. Being an English major, the authors depicted the book and pure bred excellently. Their English was great and the pictures were excellent. Apparently this was the authors first attempt at a book and their only intention was to put a book out on this rare breed.

   We did not need the ignorant Southerners remarks about a rescue shelter. This book gives facts and does not encourage anything about going to a breeder. You people should be ashamed of yourselves.




5. As many have said, this book is just too generic. Beyond that, I must take issue with the comments by "A reader from colorado" above. Millions of dogs die in shelters each year because breeders massively overproduce puppies to conform to some artificial human standard of beauty. Who the #)(@*$*( cares?! It's personality that counts. If you want a Rat Terrier or any dog-- do not go to a breeder but visit your local shelter or an on-line resource such as Petfinder.org. Breeding dogs should be criminal until every single unwanted canine has been placed in a permanent loving home. I have a rescue RT, and she is a fantastic girl. She had in fact been dumped by a breeder at animal control after she stopped "producing". Disgusting!

5 comments about Miracle Dog: How Quentin Survived the Gas Chamber to Speak for Animals on Death Row.

1. Quentin is such an amazing little pooch! And Randy's honesty and sense of humor really comes through in his writing. And I enjoyed seeing all of the photos of Quentin in action. It really is a miracle that Quent survived and that he ended up in the hands of Randy Grim! Every dog lover needs to read this book and spread the word about all of the dogs who are needlessly euthanized while puppy mills continue to crank out thousands of sick, unsocialized pups. It's a quick read - I started and finished it yesterday.



2. Although a sometimes difficult read, this book brings hope and inspiration to any dog-lover or rescuer. For those not blessed with the companionship or love of a dog, this book will move you to open your heart. Making a difference doesn't have to mean bringing a stray into your family. This book shows help for these loving beings can take many forms - petitioning for changes from 'owner' to 'guardian', donations to local organizations, becoming educated on your city's animal control policies - Read this book and you will be moved to help in whichever way you can. Be moved to do small things with great love....



3. Miracle Dog: How Quentin Survived the Gas Chamber to Speak for Animals on Death Row is the heart warming story of Quentin and his guardian Randy Grim. Quentin is a very unique dog for a variety of reasons, perhaps surprisingly the least of which is that he miraculously survived fifteen minutes in the gas chamber while watching his fellow inmates die. Quentin's crime: his family moved to a home that didn't allow pets.
   
   Upon his reprieve, Quentin didn't choose to retire happily to a big backyard to dream about chasing rabbits. Instead, Quentin decided to become a spokesperson for all animals with the help of his guardian Randy Grim. Randy, as the president and founder of Stray Rescue of St. Louis, had always tried to do his part to protect and save animals where and when he could. However, as is so very common in such crusades, there were never enough funds for every helpful project or space to save every animal. That Randy hated the spotlight, made fundraising even more difficult. Quentin saw a true love, caring, respect, and passion for animals in Randy. Quentin also saw that, if pushed and prodded appropriately by just the right miracle dog, this man could help deliver Quentin's message that would save animals from the fate he almost shared with his cell mates in the gas chamber.
   
   Miracle Dog: How Quentin Survived the Gas Chamber to Speak for Animals on Death Row reminds us of the importance of a respect for life. Far too often, we forget what our animal friends do for us on a daily basis: greeting us happily after a hard day at work, wanting our company regardless of our appearance or financial situation, and urging us to play when we start to take things too seriously. This book reminds us of this gift of unconditional love and affection. After reading this book, you will definitely feel the intense urge to run to your nearest animal shelter and become the guardian of a new animal. Just be sure to really think out your decision, spay or neuter your new addition, and always remember to love and respect your new friend as he or she will love and respect you.



4. This was an excellent book. Randy Grim is an amazing person to be able to rescue and save so many dogs and I applaud him for "telling it like it is" even though so much of the abuse is very hard to read, even harder I'm sure for him to see and deal with. Quentin is truly a miracle dog, not only from a survival standpoint but in the way he lives and inspires everyone he meets, including other dogs. I would highly recommend it to everyone - we should all become guardians of our dogs and regard their care as a lifelong commitment.



5. The book was well written and definitely shows the horrors of what goes on behind the shelters in this country. Quentin was a miracle and how Randy saved him is nothing short of amazing. Through their events a change was made with the shelter orginizations throughout the country. Quentin and Randy were definitely meant to be together and their cause for animal rights is undying. I don't think one could of done what they did without the other. Very comical in many parts and hearbreaking in others. Worhtwhile reading. It opened my eyes.