No comments about Dress Up Your Dog.

5 comments about Dog Training in 10 Minutes (Howell Reference Books).

1. Either this is the perfect simple book for first time dog owners, or I have a really awesomely smart dog. Or BOTH. I got this when i got my first dog (still got her) 10 yrs ago. There are basics here that sadly many veteran dog owners have never figured out. simple syllables. Eye contact. Canine hierarchy, Dog mindset. My dog responded well to 90 percent of what I learned... er, I mean taught her. Its concise and direct. I've given it as a gift on more than one occasion.



2. As a very busy but dog-loving professional, I used the techniques in the book to keep my dog happy and obedient. It works! and they are so simple... it is a must/read.



3. I like Carol Lea Benjamin. Back in the 1980s, when I first became interested in dog training, and the alpha theory still held sway, she was the least brutal of the popular dominance mavens of the time. (i.e., "How hard should you hit your dog? If she doesn't yelp in pain, you haven't hit her hard enough." -The Monks of New Skete.) Since those days Benjamin has become a mystery novelist, and I really liked her first foray into detective fiction. (See my review of THIS DOG FOR HIRE.) I also share some of her antipathy for the methods espoused by so-called positive trainers. As a result I'm hesitant to write a negative review of this book.
   
   So I'll start by saying there are good bits or advice sprinkled here and there, like not giving a pup more freedom than he can handle, or that more vigorous daily exercise means less nervous tension. Or the idea that aggression is usually the result of excess tension (which is partially true; it's based on fear). And I have to tell you that many of Benjamin's training exercises are very, very good ones. But unfortunately, readers are told repeatedly that it all comes down to showing the dog that you're alpha. How do you deal with an aggressive dog? "You must become alpha." Over and over she says this kind of thing. But given the recent evidence showing that wild wolves don't really form dominance hierarchies, that the pack is actually more of a cooperative society than was previously believed, it's hard to know how and why Carol Lea Benjamin would still be hanging onto this ridiculous, bone-dead belief. As a result of her alpha mindset there's a streak of meanness throughout this and, come to think of it, throughout all her training books. Granted, she's not as brutal as the Monks or Bash Dibra or Cesar Millan, but one passage in DOG TRAINING IN 10 MINUTES really points out a major character flaw.
   
   Benjamin says that it's all right to really yell your head off at the dog for certain types of what she believes to be "deliberate" misbehavior (dogs don't do anything deliberately, Ms. Benjamin; they act on instinct and impulse, not careful planning). To deal with such behaviors she recommends grabbing the dog by the cheeks and collar and screaming in his face for a minimum of ten seconds. "In those ten seconds," she writes, "your justifiable anger is pointing right at your dog, and because you are holding his rotten face, he can't turn away."
   
   His rotten face? This is not dog training, it's venting. And, as I try to gently tell my clients, "If you can't control your OWN emotions, how can you expect your dog to control HIS?"
   
   As stated above, there are a couple of sections where Benjamin decries the "modern" approach of not saying "No!", which she views as coddling the dog due to some kind of political correctness. I agree that "positive" methods are misguided and not as scientific as most +R trainers constantly claim they are. On the other hand, I've been dissuading my clients from using the word "No!" for nearly fifteen years, long before it was politically correct to do so, simply because dogs can't learn a negative, and because it sets up an adversarial relationship between you and your best friend. And I TOTALLY disagree with Benjamin's method of using leash corrections, which she says should always be followed by a sharp "No!" The truth is, leash corrections work best if they're immediately followed by praise, or a command, given in a positive tone of voice. The way Benjamin applies them results in a double punishment, and one that actually punishes GOOD behavior!
   
   Here's what I mean: if a dog isn't focused on you, or he ignores a command, and you give him a leash correction (which should always be done with the absolute minimum of force necessary to get his attention, by the way), he'll usually stop what he was doing and focus on you, if only for a second. So he's just done a good thing, right? Okay, so then why in the world would you shout "No!" at him? It makes no sense.
   
   And finally, here's where Benjamin's mean streak lets her down; here's where her love of punishment and being alpha gets in the way of true control: "When you want your dog to come to you from a distance, you want to project that you are friendly." Yes, that's absolutely true. That's excellent advice. But in Benjamin's world what that means is that you want your dog to suddenly forget that you're in the habit of saying "No!", punishing him for good behavior, and screaming in his "rotten face" when you can't control your own emotions.
   
   Ms. Benjamin, THIS is why you don't use "No!", this is why you don't punish a dog, this is why "being alpha" is a bad idea. Not because it's politically incorrect, but because it's just bad dog training.
   
   4 stars for some training techniques, 0 stars for meanness = 2 stars.



4. If you can only buy one book on dog training, buy this one. It's easy to read and fun to read. After you read this book perhaps you'll also want to read her other book "Monther Knows Best," which is also fun and informative.



5. Although the book is well-written and entertaining to read I really didn't find that it taught me anything new. It *was* helpful in reminding me some of the fundamentals about dog training, and really kicked me in the [head] to *constantly* positively reinforce, no matter how unimpressive a command the dog is following, but overall, I don't think any major revelations were achieved. Some interesting thoughts, and probably worth the money if you're a brand new dog owner with no prior experience with them, but I doubt someone with past dog experience would get as much out of it.

5 comments about Visiting the Dog Park.

1. When I got this book, I wasn't expecting much - - still, I wanted to see what it had to say, because for me, a trip to the dog park can be just as fun as stressful. - - I have a very small poodle, and always worry about his safety. - - Within moments of getting it, I have to say, I realized that I picked a good book... especially when I got to the chapter that includes training tips to prepare your dog for a trip to the dog park. (- - I've put a lot of time and effort into training my dog, but the book presents some really useful ideas I had never thought of myself...) As an added bonus, the book is full of ideas that simply don't seem to be "floating around the net" (This is a shortcoming of buying books these days... I hate it when I buy a book and find out I could have gotten the same information off of WIKIPEDIA!)
   
   Well written, the book is substantive, yet short of "fluff" and has an excellent further reading session. I also like the layout of the book - - its very straightforward and well done... not a lot of goofy graphics, fillers and "white space" - - you open the book, you read the 127 pages comfortably ... and if you've got a highlight pen, can walk away with lot's and lot's of stuff to think about as you get ready for your next trip.
   
   Topics include: suggestions of who should and shouldn't use a dog park; dog park design and safety, rules and etiquette; training issues; understanding canine temperament body language; conflict resolution and health issues. All in all, as a person who likes dog parks, I really feel that the book lives up to the claims on the back cover which promises ways of having fun and staying safe at a dog park... and offers to teach practical skills to reach this goal... Based on this fact, and the fact that the book will definitely be a KEEPER that I'll come back to for many years to come, I give it a full five stars... and hope you'll decide to get it and enjoy it too !



2. this book is a useful reference for both the general public and for councils/communities establishing dog parks and for those that are already established.
   
   very well written and researched - the dog park ettique guidelines and the body language sections are essential reading in my opinion. I feel too many dog people go to these parks in total ignorance as to proper ettique and K9 body language.
   I highly recommened this book to all.



3. I am in the process of organizing a group to have a Free Run Dog Park built in Anderson County SC. I have excellent planning documents from Barkingham park in Florida and some additional input. I purchased this book as a guide to writing rules & recommendations for potential users. It will serve that purpose well, but it is an even better source of ideas for the layout and planning of our own park. As part of our project we intend to donate several copies of the book to our county library and post that information with the rules.



4. Anyone can post an Amazon review. And I've never commented before. But I feel it is unfair to mark the book down just because your home country doesn't have dog parks. Then don't post a review. Obviously, even she found the book helpful, so it shouldn't be damaged by her review.
   Thank you.



5. If you finally have a dog park coming near you and you want to
   take your dog(s) to the park for some off leash fun, get this
   book to prepare beforehand. Cheryl covers what to look for in a
   good dog park - rules, park etiquette (yours and your dog),
   openings, landscaping and clean-up.
   
   Cheryl also covers different personality types in dogs and
   which dog may want to stay home rather than go to the park.
   
   There's also a very cool section of scenarios to see if you can
   tell what is going on in different dog interactions. Don't
   worry if you don't get them all right, it takes practice
   reading dog body language.
   
   There's a whole chapter that acts as a checklist for those who
   enjoy making sure they have all the details to prepare for a
   good experience with their dog. What to wear - you and your
   dog. How to arrive and enter as well as exit the park. What to
   do while in the park.
   
   Cheryl also covers health issues that may come up from visiting
   a dog park. The various illnesses that can come from shared
   water bowls, airborne illnesses, and poop-borne illnesses.
   These aren't meant to scare you from going!
   
   The last chapter has suggested resources for training behaviors
   as well as how to learn canine body language. There is a lot of
   resources for dog park rules, how to find one, and how to get
   one setup in your area.

5 comments about Dreaming in Libro: How A Good Dog Tamed A Bad Woman.

1. I'm a sucker for books that recount the stories of lives shared with dogs..like Marley and Me, Red Fern, etc, so I bought this book in high hopes.
   
   The author's self-centeredness made the book sound like it had mostly to do with her, and yeah, there's a dog somewhere in the story, too. It read like Louise was trying too hard to appear intelligent for her reader. I've read a few people's personal encounters with the author that seem to verify how lost in her own little world she is.
   
   Anyways, overall the book read shallow, self-centered, and it was hard to feel connected and immersed in the story. I hope her relationship with Libro wasn't as one-sided as the book was.
   
   As a side note, I was appalled to read that in her previous book she kicked Libro after it chewed up something of hers. If you are a dog lover, you shouldn't support this author by buying her book, which I regret now having unintentionally done.
   
   I recommend instead you read Marley & Me, or Merle's Door, time better spent.



2. After reading "Bark If You Love Me" - I was thrilled to see that Louise had expanded on her experiences with Libro. I myself have a little brown angel- he is my third boxer - and I couldn't wait to "read all about it"! This book - experience, call it what you like, is such a testament to the soul of humans and animals - especially our dogs, regardless of the breed. I love the boxer and Libro delivered all that I would expect from him, after all, he is a boxer! I laughed out loud, read excepts to my brown angel, "Chief", he laughed, (I swear) - I cried, he cocked his head and we both felt moved by this very special love story, because we know how true it is. What a blessing our pets are - look at all the people that came into her life and his, how awesome is that! When I put Chief's blue fleece coat on him and go for a walk, most people smile, laugh, nod, they give me something - always something good - if I see them in a store, they say "aren't you the boxer's mom, the one with the blue coat." I could totally relate to what my own brown angel does for me in my life and for what Libro did for Louise. This is a wonderful book, filled with great moments,if you are in the mood for a love story of any kind, this is a must read! Libro's love touched so many people far and wide and I want to thank Louise for sharing those very special moments with us all!



3. The cover of this book caught my eye as I wandered around my local library. I wanted to read about Libro, and see if he was as noble and nutty as my late boxer, Trevor. This story really warmed my heart, to use a cliche expression. Libro was more noble than nutty, but a boxer all the same, and his journey with the author was great to read. Their experiences made for a lovely book.



4. I think the other reviewer meant droll, not sarcastic. Bernikow is no Bombeck. As a pet lover, I couldn't relate to Ms. Bernikow. Maybe because the author herself said she grew up never thinking about, or missing pets. I found much more of an animal-human bond in the story, Tatti Wattles.



5. I have not read the first book Bernikow wrote about her relationship with Libro and suggest that the reader do that before reading this one, however, the second book can stand alone and is a splendid work by a woman about her dog. Bernikow perfectly captures the essence of Libro's canine personality and what a dog he is! Sadly he did not live long enough; I finished the book wondering if the writer would ever find another partner as well-suited to her as Libro, and I mean partner of any kind, not just the dog kind. I plan to read the first book now to see what I missed about the first year.

5 comments about The Man Who Talks to Dogs: The Story of Randy Grim and His Fight to Save America's Abandoned Dogs.

1. Randy Grim is one of the most incredible people I have ever read about. His sacrifice of time, money and love during his attempt to save the most unwanted of the unwanted, America's abandoned street dogs, is totally amazing.
   
   The stories are incredible and moving. You face the real drama of dogs living in fear of man yet, Randy Grim goes out on the lonely city streets and into abandoned buildings to reach every dog he can. He saved them from injury, starvation and death, not only during the day but at night as well.
   
   This is a book everyone should read, everyone. Whether you love dogs or not, this book will make an impact on your life. You will do some real soul searching about the need for each one of us to help with this mission.



2. Never has a book had such an impact on me. I am an avowed dog-lover, but with all the dog books I have read, I have never been so moved as I was by the story of Randy Grim and his fight to save stray dogs. I could not recommend this book strongly enough to anyone who cares about animals. Randy is an EXTRAORDINARY human being, and even though he does not want it, he is finally getting the recognition he deserves. And this recognition can only help the cause of his fight for stray animals. You go, Randy! I love you!



3. Wonderful book. A real eye opener as to the conditions of some urban areas. Only goes to show that you don't have to be volunteering at Ground Zero to be a hero.



4. Poignant and disturbing if a bit disjointed. More than talking to dogs, Randy Grim understands their needs and has at times puts himself in harm's way to rescue abandoned, feral dogs from warehouses, abandoned apartments and houses, and fields. He has turned his difficulty communicating with humans into a useful, compassionate, even obsessive need to save these dogs. The stories don't link together very well and I'd like more insight and history into Randy himself, but overall, the book leaves you feeling that you want to help, too.



5. A good read because I had no clue what the stray/feral dog situation was like, other than the occassional statistic thrown out. I learned a lot about that situation, as well as what often goes on in the dog breeding industry and the pet stores. Worse than I could have imagined. I almost didn't read this book because I was afraid of becoming too sad about the whole stray dog situation, but I read it anyway because I have six dogs and various behavioral broblems. I wanted some insight. I figured that if this guy rescues and rehabilitates those with the worst behavioral and emotional problems, then I could definitely get some insight into my own dogs, all of which were unwanted. But I didn't want to start with the typical sterile information you find in dog training books. I feel that "The Man Who Talks to Dogs" gave me the insight I needed into understanding the behaviors I'm seeing in my own dogs. I have made a few changes in how I relate to them and things are becoming more harmonious. There is also good information on Randy's web site strayrescue.com.

5 comments about The New Complete Alaskan Malamute.

1. This book is full of great history on the breed and information on how to show and sled your dog (once you get to that stage in growth and training!). If you have or are bringing home a new puppy it is not the book for you. I searched for this book because it was recommended to me. I think now that recommendation was only because this certain breeder had a few "mentions" in the book. I am looking for NOW information on my new puppy. This book is great for my friends who stop by -- they look at the pictures.



2. If you already own a malamute or are thinking of getting one this book prvides the best guide for you. It not only tells you the pros about the breed but also the cons, and gives you a realistic look on what the breed is about. Ignorance leads to problems with malamutes so the best way to prepare yourself is HAVE THIS BOOK!!! Remember Owning A Malamute Is Not A Right! It Is A Privillage! Jamie Wiatowski, Mimmenuk Alaskan Malamutes



3. The New Complete Alaskan Malamute is exactly what the title implies, a compendium of facts and relative information about the breed. Covered are aspects of the history, personality of the breed, sledding, backpacking, medical/genetic issues, grooming, the breed Standard interpreted, a glossary of terms, and much much more. For the prospective or fisrt-time owner, and even long term fancier, this book is a gem for the wealth, depth and breadth of information. Acquisition of this notable work is a must for all fanciers.



4. This is an Excellent book on Alaskan Malamutes. We presently own 3 Mals and are getting our first show Malamute in Dec. of 1997. I highly recommend this book to those who are getting their first Alaskan Malamute or people that already have one. It covers everything from the beginning of the Alaskan Malamute, showing conformation, obedience, medical problems, to sledding with these wonderful dogs.



5. For a first time mal owner this book would be just Ok, not one of the top three to buy, however, I personally am a history buff and this is a must and it gives back ground of why mals act the way they do or do not do something. I like it.

No comments about Zelda Wisdom: 2009 Wall Calendar.

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

1. The book provides quality information, just keep in mind it is pretty much a general overview of many topics. It does not go in depth on any one topic (i.e. training, nutrition, history). For someone who doesn't know anything about dogs, particularly Akitas, this would be good. I found a lot of the information general dog knowledge.



2. I have purchased this book after adopting an Akita.
   The book states not to adopt an older Akita like I did.
   I do not agree. I have a great 2yr old Akita that I adopted from my local animal shelter.
   This book does have some great information until it comes to training.I would suggest a different book if training is what your looking for.



3. I have bought several books about Akita's from Amazon.
   This book was filled with information and was written in a easy
   to read format. I own seven Akita's and have raised two litters.
   Anyone thinking of purchasing an Akita for the first time should
   read this book.

4 comments about The Basset Hound (Terra Nova Series).

1. I looked at quite a few books about Bassets before deciding to buy this one. As a new owner of a pet Basset, I wanted a book that would tell me what to expect and how to care for my new friend. Many other books focused on training for show; this book tells you all about Bassets. There is some information for those interested in showing and registering a Basset, but this is a good resource for anyone who just wants to love, care for and understand the lovable little hounds. Highly recommended! And even better if you check this out and read all about them before you adopt a new friend! Enjoy!



2. Much better than the animal planet books, the terra nova series really gets into the basset hound and what it takes to own one. Great source of information if you are considering the basset.



3. This is such a great book. Every Basset owner should have one. Very informative, lots of info on the breeed, common medical issues, and training tips. Everything you would ever want and need to know about Basset Hounds is in this book.



4. Dog breed books come and go in various guises year in, year out. This one leaps out from the pack. Excellent advice, excellent breed facts, wonderful photos & illustrations. Nothing negative to say about this beautiful book. Put this one high up on your gift list for the Basset Hound lover in your life.

1 comments about Portuguese Water Dog (Comprehensive Owners Guide).

1. This is an accurate book, but is a typical PET STORE book with boilerplate sections on training, etc. It is, however, interesting to read a book on PWDs with a European viewpoint. It has some great photos of PWDs, but I wish they were identified with the name of the dog!
   
   This book is really for a person with little experience owning any type of dog. For the new or soon-to-be owner of a PWD puppy, I recommend Vern Foster's book, for those seeking in-depth information on the breed, the classic is The New Complete Portuguese Water Dog (Howell Reference Books) by Kathryn Braund. For those interested in the European viewpoint, get Carla Molinari's book (although it is HARD to find!)
   
   I recommend this book for those wanting general information on raising a puppy as well as information about the PWD. I also recommend it to those people who- like me- want to own EVERYTHING published about the PWD!