5 comments about Through a Dog's Eyes.

1. Because author Jennifer Arnold is "founder and director of Canine Assistants, a nonprofit organization that trains and provides service dogs for people with physical disabilities and special needs," I expected THROUGH A DOG'S EYES to extensively deal with her training practices, but she doesn't, as her book's subtitle is UNDERSTANDING OUR DOGS BY UNDERSTANDING HOW THEY SEE THE WORLD. She talks about how and why dogs respond to requests, and she presents a variety of interesting theories: about the way dogs can perceive that a person with epilepsy is going to have a seizure up to an hour before they occur, for example.
   
   I like and enjoy dogs, but I have never experienced a deep bond with one, like Arnold describes. I also know little about how dogs function in training, so her information increased my understanding and stirred my compassion. (I can't comment if there is new information for experienced pet owners/trainers/breeders, of course.)
   
   A quick, informative read. Well-chosen and appealing photographs. Unapologetic opinions. Good news for rescue dogs.



2. This book is written by a dog trainer who is very knowledgeable about her occupation and the subject of dog phycology. You can see through the eyes of the dog and what it might be thinking and storing to memory. If you like dogs you will like this book very much. Some of the stories regarding her years of dog training are quite interesting like the dog who can smell cancer or sense it in some way and was able to save the dog owners life. This book would make a nice gift for dog lover friends or family member.



3. Jennifer Arnold gets it right on how we should respect our dogs and how to treat them. This women has done amazing things and only wants what's best for people and dogs. She has seen first hand how dogs can change people's lives and has trained them to do just that. She wants no fanfare she just wants us to treat dogs,animals,etc with kindness. This book is a must read for everyone....I LOVED it!!! Thank you Jennifer for writing such a great book!!!



4. This is a GREAT, GREAT book if you're a dog lover and want to understand how to take care of them and treat them as they should be treated. She gives much better information about dog behavior than any other place I've read. She uses scientific studies about dog behavior and dog/wolf ancestry to back up her information. If you love dogs, please read it and pass it on to help others understand how treat their dogs properly and not abusively. I learned a LOT about what I should be doing and what mistakes I've been making with mine. A lot of what she said about dog behavior was intuitive to me but I was told was wrong. I now have learned to trust my instincts and am employing her tactics.



5. Wonderful book. Another one in same vein that's great is A Dog Named Slugger by Leigh Brill. True story of the golden Lab who became Brill's service dog and transformed her life. Getting great reviews from Booklist and others. A Dog Named Slugger

5 comments about 101 Dog Tricks: Step by Step Activities to Engage, Challenge, and Bond with Your Dog.

1. It's not bad but I would have preferred more detailed info on training and troubleshooting rather than an attempt to cram 101 tricks into a book. It is a good book to leave on the coffee table though as people will laugh at the silly tricks being taught. My guests try to get me to attempt the trick where I somersault and dog leaps over me. Many of the tricks require props to be purchased.



2. This is one of the best books on dog training I've ever read. What really makes it work is the little thumbnail photos showing the hand signals that go with each of the commands. I'm attempting to teach my puppy dog-dancing or canine freestyle, and this book is going to be invaluable to me in putting together a unique routine. Great pictures, great tricks and a great book. Well done!



3. This is a great book for those that can't get to obedience classes or need more than the class can provide. There are easy tricks all the way up to expert with step by step instructions. I have already taught my dog several tricks. There a few expert that I have no interest in such as show dog tricks, but there are so many that have true purpose. There are basic tricks like sit, stay, come and so forth. Then fun ones like pick up your toys and get the newspaper. There are pictures along with the instructions which really help.



4. I like this book so much that I have bought two addtional ones and gave them as gifts. I have found the book inspiring and have been able to come up with some additional tricks. By adding new tricks to what your dog already knows, you will able to continue to challenge your dog and impress guests. Of course there are a few things you may choose not to teach your pooch--like how to open doors. The extensive photos and tips make this one of the best trick books out there. I highly recommend this book not only for yourself but as a gift, too. This book is filled with lots of great trick ideas. Each trick has methodical step sequence approach directions on how to teach the trick. Hand signals are also included if you haven't already developed your own. There are several pictures showing the steps of the trick. She also includes a trouble shooting area if your dog is not responding well to the trick.



5. Some great new tricks in this book. Tried teaching to my dog Sam but may take some time. Got this as a gift but would have bought it myself if I didnt get it . Some fun ideas in it.

5 comments about Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems.

1. I actually learned more from the show and his other books. This one seemed as if they rushed him to hurry and write a book. Here's a co-writer and let's get you even more famous.



2. The book was delivered promptly and in good order.
   The imformation is very useful.



3. This book is very easy to read and understandable, and the examples that he uses to illustrate his theories and training strategies are very relevant. Although I don't fully agree with one of his main themes, the importance of exercise to drain excess energy and promote a positive attitude, because of the time commitment (very few people I know can devote an hour or two each day to go for a walk), I think that his reasoning behind it is sound.



4. I haven't finished reading this book, but so far have found it not just helpful -- but also interesting reading. An unexpected bonus.



5. I read this book before getting a dog, and it really helped our family in all aspects of adding a new member to our family. It helped us select a dog from the pound, getting home for the first time, and how to interact with the dog thereafter. This is not a training book (sit, stay, roll over), this is a book for everyday activities.
   
   Some of my favorite lines are:
   "discipline is not punishment" (punishment is done with anger and frustration. Discipline is done in a calm manner.)
   
   "When is the wrong time to give affection? When your dog is fearful, anxious, possessive, dominant, aggressive, whining, begging, barking-or breaking any rule of your household." (i.e. don't pet your dog when it's freaking out. Petting means that whatever the dog is doing at that moment is great.)
   
   "take your dog for a walk" That sentence pretty much sums up the book. I took my new dog for a walk before coming in my house, before going to the vet, before a long car ride, etc. It really has helped the dog calm down, and it has helped me loose weight :-D
   
   Enjoy!

5 comments about The Art of Raising a Puppy.

1. I really enjoyed reading this book. It helped prepared me on a number of levels. I've been able to take advantage of some of the techniques in acclimating my puppy. Having a good understanding of why dog's behave certain ways and how to best interact with them early on. This is an easy read and excellent advice. I'd recommend this book to anyone looking to get a puppy.



2. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2R8UL9FFIUA95 Hi I'm Ellen Stieve President of the Morrisville Dog Park and owner of Nu BowWow The Puppy Starter Kit and I highly recommend this book to new puppy parents. It is packed with useful information and tips that can make your life a whole lot easier as you raise your new puppy. Please share your experiences with out Facebook group "Puppy Parents".



3. If you're getting a puppy, read this book! It is so important to properly train them from the beginning - it pays off immensley in the long run and you will be happy you spent the time and effort. The Monks of New Skeete provide a great background on the principals of training; it's so much easier to train when you understand the reasons behind the techniques (and it makes you a much better trainer). Highly recommended!



4. After having read several Cesar Millan books, a Victoria Stillwell book and a several books on potty training, leash training and general puppy rearing from various veterinarians before this book, of all the books I've read, while many covered the same topics, this is certainly my favorite. It is the easiest to read and the easiest to understand.
   
   Unsurprisingly Millan, Stilwell, the various veterinarians and the Monks have similar approaches to puppy rearing, they just use different words to describe the same things. The Monks have the leg up over the others for the ease of reading this book has.
   
   The approach is the non-punitive approach. What this means is that you don't "punish" the puppy/dog; you simply don't reward the bad behaviors and always reward the good.
   
   In the real world, people try to attach human emotion and apply it to a dog, who then sees this as weakness and exploits it. By raising your puppy the Monk way, you will never be in a position of need where your dog will be running your house because you never give him/her the chance to fall into bad habits such as nipping, biting, using your house as a bathroom and general disobedience.
   
   One benefit of the book that I hadn't really had any experience with, is the puppy massage. The puppy massage described in the book is relaxing for the puppy and therapeutic for me, especially after a hectic day at work.
   
   If you read no other books on puppy raising, read this one. It gives you methodology for picking the right puppy, explains the various pieces of equipment you'll need and also guides you to build the proper foundation for a stable puppy that not only obeys you, but also treats you a true companion, which is all anyone with a dog should ever be looking for.



5. I just bought a new puppy and it is a very active breed that must begin training early. I loved this book and it really taught me a lot. It was very easy to read and set up nicely.

5 comments about How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond.

1. Good reading material. It was a lot more entertainment reading than an instruction manual. First 80 or so pages where in intro to the dogs he was raising. I was looking for a how to guide.



2. I just started trying some of Cesar's ideas on our new puppy. His book is easy to read and understand. I did find out we need training first. The book is a joy to read and easy to follow.
   It takes you from the begining when you are just thinking of getting a puppy or dog. He helps you and your pet be the best you can be. I highly recommend this book to anyone thinking of getting a dog/puppy or anyone with a canine buddy with behavior issues.



3. It's a decent book and worth the money. But there is a lot of text devoted to how to pick a dog, prepare it to come home, and bringing it home. Still it has some good advice on your puppy and how it develops and changes as it grows up.



4. I am currently reading this book and I am very surprised and pleased at the obvious depth of Cesar's knowledge. I shall be keeping this book in my personal library and will refer to it whenever necessary - which I'm sure it will be in the future.
   
   The book is well written, very easy to understand even if you know nothing about dogs before you read it. I have two dogs and would have done many things differently had I read this book beforehand. It would have made the whole process of puppy raising a whole lot easier.
   
   I recommend Cesar's book to anyone contemplating obtaining a puppy, and to those who are like me and already have doggs before you decide to read about puppy raising.



5. The book is a good easy read, but if you are looking for a more detailed information on what you should teach and avoid in dog training use "The Art of Raising a puppy" by New Skete Monks.
   Nevertheless, this book is interesting to read.

5 comments about Making Rounds with Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat.

1. Making Rounds with Oscar is a book I could hardly put down, & surprisingly I found it a great spiritual-growth type read. Always having been an animal lover, Oscar proves that often animals are more in-tune with the really important issues of life - i.e. being present with people at times of deepest need. A great book & a wonderful cat!! I think tere are more Oscar's out there - we just don't take time to know that. Mary Ann Cauthen



2. Animals have greater capacities than we generally give them credit for. This is an extraordinary and enigmatic story. Recommended.



3. Delightful story about Oscar and one of the best books I have read regarding Dementia and its affects on whole families. It was deeply healing, and opened up different perspectives about [human] end of life choices.



4. An amazing read. I am a Fellow in Geriatrics and this is a must read for anyone who is going to be working with older patients. Very Inspirational.



5. This was a sweet and cute book, a sceptical doctor and the loving staff. the doctor gives alot of advice on handling care of the elderly dementia patients.... not a huge amount of memories of Oscar but still a cute book. I would recommend this for someone that was needing a book on care and understanding of this disease..
   It brought back memories of my grandmother.
   I wish there was more stories of the cats and pictures. Cute book..lovingly worded.

5 comments about It's Me or the Dog: How to Have the Perfect Pet.

1. There are many ways to "fix" how owners interact with their dogs. Victoria Stilwell has opened me up to a new way of seeing dogs and how to "correct" their owners' interaction with their dogs. I look forward to the next season of "It's Me or the Dog." Tallyhoo!



2. So, now when you have your guests dropping boy and your dog's nose goes up their tush, just shrug and laugh it off. Say you saw it on "It's Me or the Dog" TV Show.
   
   But let's just talk about her training philosophy for a moment. First of all, your dog should listen because you said so. He needs to respond because of your love, technique and proper knowledge, not hot dogs, cheese, beggin strips or salami.
   
   You can bribe your dog yourself. You don't need to read this book or even work with some cookie trainer. Here's how I will make you think twice. Would you call this method practical, smart or even natural?
   
   Reality Check: Give your dog treats, but at the very "end" of your training sessions and once in a while. If your dog sees or even smells the treats in your hands, sorry, you are relying on treats instead of your bond, love and your leadership. If you honestly think that dogs love to please, you wouldn't need to use a milk bone every single time.
   
   Face it. It doesn't take much skill or talent to give a dog treats for everything. We didn't teach our kids this way. Did you learn your ABC's with Twinkies and Kit Kats? I hope not.
   
   Conclusion: This positive reinforcement got me negative outcome. A fat dog with explosive diarrhea that licks his mouth and looks in my hand every time I ask him to sit. Kudos to Victoria. Must be the British accent. Whatever she says, nobody dares to call it--RUBBISH.



3. I purchased this book prior to getting a dog and read it in a a day. For a newbie to the dog owner community, this book provides amazingly consie information covering a wide range of subject matter for all dog breeds. I'm the type of person that researches and reads a great deal before making a major decision, specifically, in this case, whether or not to bring a dog into my family. Having not grown up with a dog, or owning one, I found this book full of useful tidbits of information.
   
   This book has been especiialy useful as we continue our search and interact with recognized breeds and mongrels. I've found that gauging a dogs potential "fit" with my family has been enhanced after reading this book. Prior to reading this book, I was unsure how to handle and even act around the dogs. I guess there's always some apprehension when dealing with things of which we are unfamiliar. Before reading this book I found myself anxious and clueless about what to look for and how to respond and interact with a dog. After reading this book, I find I'm better able to interact with and read the dogs mood. This has been especially helpful in spending time with a "pound puppy" that is around other dogs and humans. This book has given me insights in to how to read the dogs body language and get an general all around feeling for the animal. When meeting with friends' dogs, I find myself more at ease around their canine companions and know what to do and what not to do.
   
   While the book doesn't cover everything in great detail, the information provided is perfect for newbies getting to know their dog, or deciding on adopting. Highly recommend.



4. I am a first time dog owner and I absolutely LOVE this book. Great insights into understanding doggie behaviour, harnessing their motivation in training, meeting their needs and how they interact in the human world. Highly recommended together with Sarah Hodgson's Puppies For Dummies.



5. After reading this book I felt much more in-touch with a dog's view, which makes my relationship with my dog clear and fair. The book is broken up into sections such as playtime, dog diet, and how to understand your dog. It breaks up dog's puppy years and teenage years, which is information any new dog owner should understand. The book is a pretty quick read, with beautiful photographs and text broken up among the pages. If every dog owner had this book it would be a wonderful world!

5 comments about Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior.

1. This book is a real treasure, full of interesting facts and insights. I found the way Dr.Grandin shares her knowledge of animal behavior and other interesting animal facts both straightforward and engaging. At times, I felt like she was in the room with me, sharing stories and speaking to me as if I were a friend. I also appreciate that Temple did so much research to back up her work. I felt confident that she had a broad base of knowledge from which to launch her ideas and recounts. She also took pains to explain potentially novel terms (such as "snaffle bits" on p.236), so that the reader wasn't left behind, entangled in trying to figure out unfamiliar jargon.
   That being said, I do have a few challenges to share. I felt at times that there was just too much information placed into chapters and that information didn't always directly relate to the chapter's subject matter.
   I also think that readers may expect this book, written by a Ph.D., to simply be packed with cold hard facts that are backed up by research. Although these do exist throughout the work, the book also contains a lot of insights and personal thoughts that are simply assumptions. My hope is that readers would use these as a launching pad to research things further and perhaps find answers to some of the questions that arise because of this.
   All in all, the book is very interesting, engaging, and thought provoking. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning more about animals from a well written, entertaining source.



2. The author explains the differences between animal and normal human thinking in terms of the autistic person.
   
   First, the numerous theories she posits seem far-out but plausible. She supports her explanations with plentiful citations, classical reasoning, plain language, her own life experiences, and humor.
   
   Second, it is a book of many amazing intersecting stories that are woven together beautifully. It's so incredibly fascinating because it strikes the reader thet the author is an exceptionally rare key with which to unlock and illuminate the mysteries of animal behavior and thought in terms of a substantially more accessible mystery, the behavior, experiences and thought of an autistic person. This is a book about autism, animal cognition, evolution, brain structure (human and animal), and anthropology, and the scientific method.
   
   Third, she explains her reasoning and the logical conclusions of supporting and oppositional research in such a way as to make the actual experimentation a fascinating topic unto itself.
   
   The style is completely unique to anything I've read. It's a little clunky at times, but at the same time highly descriptive and engaging in a way that I expect would ordinarily be difficult for such a distinguished researcher who has been immersed in academia. She is supremely confident in her achievements and abilities but completely transparent in acknowledgement of her own limitations. In fact she seems truly grateful for her own limitations as the optic through which to perceive and understand the deep mysteries of animal behavior that most of us have been exposed to but never grasped.
   
   While I don't think her explanation of brain function (reptilian/mammalian/human and the structures and functions that differentiate them) is new, it is very easy to grasp, and it gives tremendous insight that can be applied beyond the topics she presents.
   
   I could not recommend this book any more highly. It is absolutely fascinating, one of the very few books I've read that I'm sure I'll read again.
   
   My perspective is that of a complete lay person when it comes to psychology, neurology, animal behavior, evolution, autism, etc.



3. I was drawn to this book because I have an interest in animals and autism. Temple Grandin's book did not disappoint me. This is filled with fascinating anecdotes and interesting theories on the animal brain. References to her own autism are very interesting. Grandin has worked with animals in industry (the meat industry for one), and many of the stories are from this world. While this was interesting to me, I expect that most people will read this because they want to know how their own pets (dogs, cats) think. There is some of this, but less than the cover picture of a dog implies. I suppose that the dog cover will sell more books than a cow illustration. Overall, this is a must read for animal lovers. I wanted to learn more about my dog, and I got that plus lots more.



4. Wonderful book! Everyone should read it, especially those who work with animals or own pets!



5. this is an excellent book on animals with tidbits about life as an autistic person. Loved it!

5 comments about Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals.

1. I have read several of her books. I have enjoyed each for her unique point of view. She often references peer-reviewed articles and mixes them with her own experience and perspective. I found the chapters on cats quite interesting as a former cat guardian. I am not a cat owner, but I go to the houses of several friends that are 'cat only' houses (I am a dog only house- Irish Wolfhounds tend to think of cats as prey).
   I have had many animals in my life from lizards to geese and cows. Her chapters on cats have changed my understanding of the cat-human bond. She addresses our animal relationships using scientific articles by species/chapter so you can read just the chapters you are interested in (cows only? Great!)



2. For those of us who are used to more sentimental animals books this is very scientific book. Science is not my favorite subject but I was quickly interested. I was a couple chapters into it when I realized that I saw one of the authors, Temple Grandin, on TV quite a while back. She talked about her hugging machine she developed to relieve the feelings that autism create from her observations of cows which I believe was on 60 Minutes.
   The only disagreement I have is with the viewpoint that the laws against horse slaughter made things worse for horses. I do not care if who is a scientist & I am not a scientist I will not back down on my stance against horse slaughter. With that in mind why didn't I throw away the book? I don't know if this viewpoint is smartly placed toward the end of the book on purpose or not but it was too late to turn back.
   I really enjoyed the discussion about the value of field work compared to the value of statistical work. There are excellent business models about inventions, construction, publishing, & both farm & plant management in the chapters about agricultural animals.



3. This is a great book for anyone who loves animals. It helps you understand life from the animals point of view. Temple Grandin is to be applauded for writing this book to help others understand how an animal sees the world around them.



4. The dog section of this book is filled with dangerously OUTDATED information and FORCED comparisons.
   
   The only good info in this section is cited from Patricia McConnell. If you're looking for a dog book, skip this and go straight to the source (literally)...
   
   "The Puppy Primer" by Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D.
   "For the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend" by Patricia B. McConnell
   
   Disappointing to say the least :-\



5. I loved this book, it was fabulous, and my mother-in-law, and animal behaviorist, is very excited to read it next.

5 comments about Be the Pack Leader: Use Cesar's Way to Transform Your Dog . . . and Your Life.

1. The first dog book I bought was Cesar's Way. It was an easy read, but had little of value for my dog. So I looked to this book to redeem my initial enthusiasm, it didn't. After reading these two books, watching several seasons of his show, reading several issues of his Magazine and listening to the debates about "his method" I've concluded it isn't about dogs or dog training, it's always about Cesar. But clearly not written by Cesar; you hear his story and his buzz words but not his voice. The Cesar Corporation is just building the celebrity that an emigrant dog groomer dreamed of becoming. Now there is a book I could enjoy reading, but it still wouldn't help my dog.



2. I listened to the audio book version BEFORE getting a dog (and read Cesar's way). This has greatly helped us select the perfect dog for us. It has also helped us behave correctly around the dog. Our dog is the sweetest thing ever and I give credit to Cesar's insight. Nice book. I really get the dog psychology now.



3. It's great when one finds a book that confirms the method being used is best and specifically points out ways to improve. Whisper with firmness. Extremely helpful in understanding Skipper's behavior, how to encourage submissiveness and how to discourage his attempts to be alpha dog! I'm the alpha! I now make certain I go first through every doorway -- ha! It works!



4. I absolutely love Ceasar Milan! I watch the show all the time and when my fiance moved in with his dog and our house was turned upside down, I figured "why not give it a shot". I got the book and it was great. The book was well written and an easy read. He covers many common issues that dog owners encounter, gives reasons for the problems and offers simple, straighforward solutions. After reading the book I felt confident about how to handle the situations. I also purchased Ceasar's Way which I am currenly reading (sidenote: Ceasar's Way is the first book, Be the Pack Leader was the second). My fiance read Ceasar's Way and was suddenly enlightened! These books have literally changed my household. Instead of coming home to a crazy dog and getting frustrated, I come home and do the routine that the dog, my fiance and I have set up to benefit all of us. I HIGHLY recommend both books! Both you AND the rest of your "pack" read it so you are all on the same page and you are guaranteed to see a change.



5. I bought this to help raise our puppy the correct way. The book is extremely easy to read and understand. It has helped.