5 comments about Designer Dogs: Portraits and Profiles of Popular New Crossbreeds.

1. I was disappointed by the limited information in this book. I much prefer "Hot Dogs" which I found to be much more informative, thorough and practical. The pictures are great and there is a general overview of different dogs but the overall tone is very "cutesy" and it doesn't give you the proper information so that you can make an informed decision about a specific mixed breed dog. It is fine for a general overview and some adorable photos but would not be the go-to resource bible on mixed breed dogs. Ironically, the author wrote a really excellent book on purebred dogs called the "Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds." Check it out if you are interested in a purebred dog.



2. We thoroughly enjoy this book. It does help that our little pup is one of the featured dogs, but I encourage everyone with a love of dogs to give this a try. The pictures are creative, colorful and taken with an expert eye. Anna Kuperberg does a great job with each uniqure personality on display. This book has an extensive description of all these wonderful mixed breeds.



3. Not everyone wants a pure breed, and for those of us in the market for a pound puppy- this is the best book. It give such a great account of each dogs potential personality and the pictures are beautiful.



4. As the president of the Australian Labradoodle Association of America, International Labradoodle Association (International Australian Labradoodle Association), I am please that this book is the first to correctly educate families to our breeds. For years we have tried to educate families and the press as to the difference between the Australian Labradoodle and Labradoodle, even to the fact that there is a difference, resulting in little progress. It is this misinformation that leads families to purchase puppies that shed, when they believing the dog will not, are higher energy or higher drive when they perceived the dog would be low in energy or laid back. This miss-information even leads wantabee breeders to breed a lab to a poodle thinking they will produce a Labradoodle more true to the breed standard (those more true to the standard are second generation, first generation Labradoodle bred to a poodle also known as a F1B) when in fact these wantabee breeders are producing a first generation Labradoodle, F1, which is typically a shedding, higher energy and higher drive dog. Although these first generation dogs make many families happy they are also the dogs that end up in shelters as they are sold to families as allergy friendly or low shedding, when neither is accurate.
   
   Furthermore, this book explains in very easy to understand terms the idea of hybrid vigor and that hybrid vigor is just not applicable to Multigenerational dogs and those health issues present in both parent breeds (which is almost all major health issues, for example hip dysplasia). All parent breeds should be screened for these health issues, designer dogs and purebred dogs.
   
   The book has beautiful pictures of many real dogs, explanations of each dog type, the basics of the breed results. I am impressed, more than a coffee table book, but just as beautiful.



5. Anna Kuperberg is one of the best dog photographers I have ever seen!! Her photos are unposed and unscripted, and she finds each dog's personality in every single shot. A must have for dog lovers!! A++++

5 comments about Puppy's First Steps: The Whole-Dog Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, Well-Behaved Puppy.

1. If you, like me, have no idea on what to do with a new puppy, this is the perfect book for you too.



2. On the subject of raising dogs there are as many opinions as there are, well, dogs. Internet's full of 'em. Several of the negative reviews of this book have one thing in common: The reviewers differ *in opinion* with the scientifically based positions taken by the authors. Example: One reviewer scoffed that the book does not support alternative dog/puppy food alternatives, e.g. raw, or "home cooked". First of all, the book clearly supports their position on that with numerous, significant, fact-based rationale. The critic offers no evidence to support her counter-claims. Advice on socialization requirements and methods are also supported. And so on throughout the book. Perhaps those who rate the book poorly because they have a different opinion should offer a link to some scientific evidence and/or alternative book to back up their claims?
   
   Regarding the narrator of the book on tape, yes his voice and reading method are somewhat unusual, however I would not classify him as sounding like "sociopathic killer". That's a little unfair. I don't know if I could necessarily sit down with the intent of just listening to the book from beginning to end, but I have been listening to the book on CD on my commute to and from work and while driving around town and find it's quite pleasant in that venue. After all, this is a textbook, not a novel. The narrator is trying to convey information clearly. The concerns regarding being able to locate content on the CD's are valid. Many times I've wanted to re-hear a part, and had to listen to the entire track again, but my current CD player does not have a fast-forward or reverse option. My previous car did have that and it made short work of those issues.
   
   My wife and I just got a bullmastiff puppy and have found this book to be extremely helpful. It starts out as many such books do, advising you on the commitment required in having a puppy: According to the book 1/2 of all puppies don't make it to their second birthday in the home they started out in. The authors lament this fact and clearly are trying to give you sound advice that will benefit both you and the dog. They move on to describing health care, food requirements (they very clearly spell out what to look for on the dog food packages), socialization, how your dog sees the world (how their senses differ from ours), etc., etc.
   
   Sure, there are some parts on the CD's that you'd skip over if you were reading. Perhaps not. We found it all interesting. If that doesn't appeal to you, get the book not the CD. Better yet, check it out at the library first, and if you like it, then get it here.



3. This book does not translate at all into audiobook form. If you are interested in the content, purchase the print book. As a very long and thorough reference manual covering many topics, it is near impossible to reference needed information on CD's. Some information is in list format which is tedious to listen to. For example, the book gives detailed information on every single dog breed. This is information you want to look up based on your dog's breed, but you do not want to listen to hundreds of other breed information. The CD's do not have track titles so it is even harder to navigate the information. The narrator also has a monotonous and actually sort of creepy voice. His voice reminded me of what a sociopathic kidnapper might sound like if he was trying to lure a child into his car.



4. As a longtime breeder of purebred dogs I wanted to like this book but it has too many flaws to recommend it to a new puppy owner. The book is written by a committee of veterinary specialists from Tufts and it clearly suffers from that multiple author approach. Several chapters are well worth reading such as socialization, pet insurance the first aid kit are some that I would recommend but others such as the discussion of puppy nutrition, the Tufts temperament test, young children are not complete or contain incorrect information. It would be nice to have a single book to recommend to puppy owners that would cover all aspects of puppy ownership including veterinary care, training, development, health problems, etc. This is NOT THAT BOOK.



5. I heard the author speak on NPR and thought it was worth reading his book, since I am buying a new puppy. Being a first time owner, I really wanted to know what I was getting into. The book is quite comprehensive starting from the very first day and extending far beyond. I have been able to fly through it and it is not boring like you might think a manual might be. Chapters are well organized so you can skip over non applicable items and move forward... Really gives you a good idea of all the work, time, and effort that goes into good pet ownership.

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

1. I am very pleased with this little book. It is an easy read with lots of good information. I read it from cover to cover in less than an hour. Love the pictures. I am about to pick up my new pup and there was lots of good advice between the covers.



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



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



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

3 comments about Cup of Comfort for Dog Lovers: Stories That Celebrate Love, Loyality, and Companionship (Cup of Comfort).

1. What better gift to give along with that new puppy? "Cup of Comfort for Dog Lovers" is busting with stories of puppy love, canine teen love, even love for those old dogs who can't seem to learn new tricks! Naturally, I read "The Cost of A Dog" first (okay, yes, I wrote it) but then I read every other story and enjoyed them just as much. For the new dog owner, or the dog lover forever, this is a book to read and enjoy over and over again.



2. If you have ever shared your life with a dog, you'll find yourself in this book more than once. These essays about the love, understanding and sometimes guidance (like "The Human Whisperer") dogs brings us will make you smile, tear-up, or just want to hug your furry friend. This book is a great read, and the perfect gift for dog people.



3. Granted, one of the stories in the book is mine, "My Black & White Wonder", but the entire collection makes me want to run out and fill my house up with dogs. Alas, I won't, but my heart is certainly full every time I read another of the stories in the book. This book is certainly a gift book, and something for the nightstand next to every fur-covered (and crowded!) bed.

2 comments about Poodle: A Comprehensive Guide to Owning and Caring for Your Dog (Kennel Club Dog Breed Series).

1. I read this book on poodles, then I read a book on cane coro's. While the poodle book seemed to have a lot of information as I read the cane corso book a lot of the information was repeated in it. I would consider it a good read if was not familiar with dogs and considering this breed.



2. I am not familiar with poodles and care involved, but this book gives lots of practical and useful information about all the things you would need to know about this breed of dog.

2 comments about A Blue Dog Christmas.

1. Mr. Rodrigue has done it again. "A Blue Dog Christmas" is not only filled with wonderful pictures of his newest Blue Dogs, but it is also a heartwarming story that brought back some of my own childhood holiday memories. It is a fantastic book for adults as well as children, good for bedtime reading.



2. Mr. Rodrigue has done it again. "A Blue Dog Christmas" is not only filled with wonderful pictures of his newest Blue Dogs, but it is also a heartwarming story that brought back some of my own childhood holiday memories. It is a fantastic book for adults as well as children, good for bedtime reading.

4 comments about K9 Officer's Manual.

1. As a K-9 handler I found a good deal of information in this book to be on the mark. Though it is a short book by comparison, it is full of useful information for dog handlers. I highly recommend it.



2. For any officer or department considering becoming a K9 officer or questioning the benefits with use of a K9 addition to the department, this book is a must have. An officer who had first hand experience wrote it and provides adequate information to assist in making a very informed decision regarding the use of K9 with the smallest to the largest organization. This book covers liability to officer and dog selection.
   Linda Connor
   Director Orting K9 Program



3. I found this book to give in-depth information in an easy to follow format. Very well written, provides the needed material for current or aspiring canine officers.



4. This book has good advice for people interested in the field of law enforcement with canine's. This book has a great wealth of information and is useful to those persuing a career in that field.

3 comments about AnimalSign TO You. Imagine! Signing Is Not Just For Primates Anymore.

1. 
   "AnimalSign To You" By Sean Senechal has transformed my training of my own therapy dogs, as well as the service dogs I train. An example of how this book has transformed my training is that my dog's can now communicate to me their needs as my co-therapists whether it is that they need water, food, a toy, a break, space, quiet time etc. Communication is key to our relationships with our dogs and this book provides an easy to follow technique that will expand our ability to respect our dogs. I highly recommend it and suggest that it be mandatory reading for ALL dog trainers, behavioral consultants,veterinarians and anyone who shares their life with a dog!
   
   I love this book! Thanks for providing specific tools to help open our eyes to communication with our dogs.



2. This book "goes where no one else has gone" in the field of animal communication. Sean describes methods for teaching your companion (horses and dogs are featured here, but other cooperative species should be able to learn also) to use signs to communicate with you. Yes, you read correctly - the dog or horse uses sign language to ask questions, ask for things, and to respond to your conversation. This is so much more than our critters learning to follow directions or commands - this is the real communication many of us have longed for but have been unable to implement. It will take a good bit of patience to get the process started, but if my rather elderly sheltie is in any way typical, the first signs will quickly be followed with several more - it seems that some of these guys have just been waiting for us to get smart enough to understand them! I highly recommend this book to anyone with a pet, companion, service, or working animal. Sean's enthusiasm will rub off on you, and you and your companion will enjoy a new, higher level of communication. Did I mention that I really like the premise, as well as the book?



3. Excellent for all people interested in canine capabilities, training and communication. We compared Senechal's book scientific content with that of other well founded reports and books and found close agreement on the concluisons and recommendations. The book is written at a level accessible to and can be used and understood by almost anyone from age 5 upwards. The author focuses on domestic horses and canines, a numerous population of intelligences who are in close day to day association with ordinary people, and capable in many cases to communicating to the people associated with them - not merely from people to non-human companions.
   The author provides the extremely rare practical recommendations and procedures that even children (as well as parents and PH D candidate researchers) can use effectively to explore and confirm the observations made by the author.
   The author's emotional excitement indicated in the book we eventually concluded indicated sincerity that did not in any way compromise the scientific significance of the reported findings and recommendations.

2 comments about Bullmastiff (Comprehensive Owners Guide).

1. This book is very useful for first time bullmastiff owners. I would recommend it to anyone who plans to buy or just wants to learn about bullmastiffs.



2. the author has a good approach on every topic... many good information about this wonderful and rare breed... to be perfect it could only have a little more topics about training ....

4 comments about The Ultimate Golden Retriever, Second Edition.

1. The best book ever written about Golden Retrievers!!!
   This lady is a real professional. She employs world class specialists from both sides of Atlantic. It is the "must read" book especially for Americans. There are a lot of beautiful pictures and this is a great help for people to see how the Golden Retriever should look like. I just hope this book will get translated into other languages too. In the last 20 years this fabulous breed has spread incredibly in many countries even not covered in this book. In this case this book is a little behind but this cannot be hold against the book. This is a nature of all the books. Additionally one has to wait till changes will have more permanent character. I am sure that in the next edition of this book the author will try to update this. I just hope that all my clients will read this book prior to a puppy buying decision. This would save me a lot of time and it will set them on the right track. This would be better for the breed, for the dog owners and ultimately best for their dogs. What else can I say - I love Goldens and I love this book!



2. This book is really great. It covered everything I wanted to know about my new golden puppy and the pictures are awesome. I recommend this to anyone.



3. This book is absolutely fabulous -- you can't get a better book about Goldens. For the beginner, it has all the information in there about how to housebreak him and when to take him to the vet, but it also has the Golden only type stuff, like how to teach puppies not to be afraid to swim. But it is really best for the expert, because there are so many photos of great Goldens and so many placed next to each other -- a British next to an American -- to show the differences in type. This is a really big book with tons of photos and easy to read and really tells you everytthing you need to know. It is interesting to see how the two coutnries diverged in their idea of what the structure should be. It was written by half British writers and half American and oh boy what that committee must have been like!



4. Excellent reference on correct structure of the Golden. Interesting documentation of similarities and differences of standards between the American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club of Britain. Great history about the successful kennels and which ones developed which lines and how the foundations of the breed developed in the UK, North America, Canada and the rest of the world.