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

1. This is a wonderful, warm book for both cat lovers and people dealing with the infirmities of old age. It has beautiful quotes to introduce each chapter - it's about both a caring doctor and a caring cat. A great combo - at a nursing home and it's not depressing. Oscar is a memorable cat with a unique sense of being with people in their final hours.



2. This book has appeal on many levels. The themes of aging, love, mental illness, and of course the tie-in with animals and how THEY take care of US is crafted with skill throughout the pages. I knew going in to expect an interesting animal story, but I came out feeling like I had spent a long afternoon with an old friend learning about some of life's most important lessons. I super-highly recommend reading this book for anyone, because it could truly help put some focus back on what the truly important things are in life. And yeah, I'll admit it, I have a cat ... but also a dog, and I will say this book appeals to all readers. So don't hesitate to pick up a copy - enjoy!



3. This is a wonderfully written book that is a pure delight to read. Bought more copies to send to my family and friends. Full of wonderful insights, clever quotations and phrases. Clearly, a book you will never forget. If you are any kind of animal lover, you will love this book!



4. The title of this review comes from a quote in the book by Charles Dickens and ends, "...than the love of a cat." Anyone who's ever spent quality time with a pet, can tell you that animals are empathic. Whether cats are or aren't can be debated endlessly, but "Making the Rounds With Oscar," offers support for those who believe that cats aren't as selfish as they're often portrayed as.
   
   At first, Oscar, one of several feline residents at a Providence, RI nursing home, looked like an ordinary bi-colored cat. However, the staff began to notice something odd about him. He seemed to know instinctively when a resident's death was near and would spend time with them and their loved ones. (If there were two residents who were near death at the same time, he would sit with the one in the most distress.) At first, Dr. David Dosa, author of "Making Rounds With Oscar," was skeptical. Maybe Oscar just was looking for a place to snuggle, and it was pure coincidence with whom he chose to be.
   
   However, it soon became apparent that Oscar really did have a gift, which led the author to interview residents and their family about this remarkable cat. While Oscar gets top billing, it's also a book about the people whom Dr. Doza interacts with everyday. The book touches on the issues of family having unrealistic expectations about their loved ones' care, as well as the effects of budget cuts on the profession but it is not a diatribe. Highly recommended.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   



5. 'Making Rounds With Oscar' helped relieve a lot of guilt I felt for "not doing enough for my mother". 'MRWO' showed me that you have to let go. I love Oscar and I love his book.

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

1. This book goes in to great detail about finding the right dog for you and having the right attitude about everything from potty training to basic manners. The human needs to develop the calm mindset in order to deal with the dog.



2. Lots of storytelling, very basic instructions, absolutely nothing when it comes to the more challenging aspects of dog-human relationships. Since my dog didn't read the book, it's up to me to convey the information and apparently there's a communication gap (true in most relationships!). I was looking for more instruction on what to do when we (dog & I) are not successful at the basic level.
   I love Cesar, but believe there's more to the story and I didn't get it in this book.



3. I purchased it for a friend who is not too keen on reading, and a dog training book was not the preferred method of information, yet he is enjoying it. Cesar maintains the reader engaged with easy to understand wording and concepts, this book is informative and surprisingly entertaining!



4. great book with wonderfull information! very useful tips and wonderful guidelines for raising the perfect puppy. I have a APBT puppy and this book has really helped me raise my puppy right. So far so good!



5. I purchaced this book from Amazon for help with my chihuahua. She is not a puppy, so was not real helpful, however, I did find help in the book in some areas. Working with behavier problems was very helpful. I ended by buying a book on just Chihuahuas.

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

1. Cesar, teaches you how to become a calm/assertive pack leader and correcting common dog problems. He is great in this book. I've been following his training in this book and noticed a huge improvement in my own dog. Cesar's Way is a wonderful book to own. I've learned a lot from this book and would highly recomend it to anyone who owns a dog.



2. This was a wonderful book that provided me with much needed insight into the mind of my dogs. I read this book easily over a short period of time and found it to be very educational. Ceasar lets you know how to interact with your dog in a language he or she can understand. He also gives you some good advice for interacting with other people in your own life. I thought it was great and have seen a big change in myself. My dogs are doing much better as well and I feel more in control of my life. It's a good investment so pick it up!



3. his way.
   
   I'm a big Cesar fan but was worried that the book would be just publicity-type writing. However, I found it to be highly-readable and very well-structured. I suspected his co-author, Melissa Jo Peltier, deserves a lot of credit for that as Cesar has always been straight-up about his difficulty in learning and using the English language.
   
   This book clearly conveys what Cesar has taught me using his National Geographic TV show.
   
   - Exercise, discipline and THEN affection
   - The "migratory" walk is essential
   - You can fool people but you can't fool dogs
   - Dogs live in the moment.
   
   Glad to have it all in print for easy reference. Highly recommended



4. Excellent - more in-depth than just watching his show. A must-read for all dog owners!



5. Even though my friend and I do not own a dog, we watch "Dog Whisperer" on TV. When my friend's daughter adopted a 9 month old basset hound, we purchased "Cesar's Way" for her in hopes it would help solve the wetting and chewing problems.

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

1. The Author of this and several other books is remarkable. The recent HBO movie brought Temple Grandin's extraordinary story to a wider audience. Diagnosed Autistic at four years old, the story of her "opening doors" to achieve a PhD in animal husbandry and a full professorship is inspirational. As is her significant contribution to animal welfare in the meat production industry. This was an easy read and very enjoyable. And, sometimes, useful for its insight into animal mentality. She is dispassionate, clear thinking and, probably, most of the time, right. But there's the caveat. She does acknowledge when she is offering an opinion, rather than a scientifically demonstrated fact. (And, by the way shows just how limited our body of scientifically demonstrated fact really is!) This is a valuable and inspirational book which tries to tread carefully through the minefield of human sentiment regarding animals and animal welfare. Her unsentimental and realistic perspective is refreshing. The extent of our ignorance and how that ignorance brings suffering to animals is depressing. But anyone who cares about their pet, or about animal welfare, will truly enjoy Dr. Grandin's perspective.



2. Not done yet, because I'm reading several books, but this is a fine reference book in regards to many aspects of understanding the animal psyche and how it works on a variety of levels. I'm really enjoying it and will definitely reccomend it!
   Way to go Temple! Outstanding!



3. Great for anyone living with animals, children, or any adult who acts like and animal or child. I've read many psychology/sociology books. The information provides interesting insight.



4. I love the way Temple Grandin explains things in such a straightforward, no nonsense way. I had a little trouble with the chapter on chickens because there is still so much mistreatment in that industry. I don't know if I'll ever be able to prepare and eat chicken when I think of the visual images. All I can say is that this book gives us hope that people in the industry (and everywhere) are finally realizing that animals DO have emotions and that we as humans have a responsiblity to treat them as such. If you enjoyed Animals in Translation then you will surely enjoy this book. I only hope that people who have a direct impact will read this book and heed its recommendations.



5. Clear explanations regarding theory. Tremendous insight into the subject matter. A positive approach to the subject matter. It makes you think and you will find yourself exploring subject matter long after you've finished the book.

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

1. There is a short section in the beginning of the book with basics of training and some good tips. The remainder of the book presents 101 tricks you could teach your dog. However, the average number of steps it ~3. Actual techniques for molding behavior, capturing behavior, or naming that behavior for a specific trick are not well explained. For example, "Take it" consists of (paraphrased):
   1. Pick a toy the dog likes and hand it to him with a verbal cue.
   2. "Have him hold it only a few seconds" then you take the toy and give a treat and gradually lengthen the time he holds it before rewarding.
   3. Funny applications of thing he can hold.
   What's missing is how to get the dog to take the toy in the first place. Perhaps your does, but this will not be the case for all of the tricks. You will likely end up with unreliable compliance. Also, detailed positive training books teach getting the dog to reliably do the behavior before adding a verbal cue.
   
   I highly recommend using this book only for ideas once you already know strong basics of positive training.
   My favorite books for this are:
   Treats, Play, Love by Patricia Burhnam---wonderful explaination of how positive training works and plenty of examples
   The Power of Positive Training---plenty of how-to's, but a bit self-righteous about positive training and insistance on clickers. I use a verbal "clicker", the word "yes", and apply the book's methods.
   
   Good luck and happy training!



2. Love it, everything from sit to get me a beer! And it shows you how to do it step by step, the body language, eye contact all of it. I ordered this one and Victoria Stillwells, It's Me or The Dog book. Together they are awesome!



3. Our dog can now use the toilet and she remembers to flush every time!! Eat your heart out ceasar!



4. I have a therapy dog and we visit hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, etc. every weekend. She is highly trained in obedience, but I wanted to do some fun things with her that the residents/patients could enjoy while visiting them. This book was perfect! She's learned so many new tricks and we had so much fun doing it. It was a nice break from obedience training. Everyone we visit is so delighted, lots of aahhs and oohhs. They always ask for her in particular. The book is filled with tricks for all levels of learning from beginner to advanced and includes tips to make the training easier. When my dog enters a room she waves hello and when we finish our visit/tricks she "bows" and before we leave she "says a prayer". The smiles she gets are so worth it!



5. I'm giving this book as a gift to my daughter who has a lab but I had to try a few with my pointer. Very good directions and good results!!

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

1. This book really helped me to grow in many ways. When I had my first service dog to train two years ago, it wasclear that Autumn needed a strong leader and a versitile training method. THis book helped me understand the manner of the pack behavior dogs exhibit and it showed me how to bring those traits not only into my relationship with my dog, but applying those lessons to my own battle with cancer helped me stay the fight and continue to live. i highly recommend this book for many reasons. Read it to find out how it can and will help you with your dog and your life!



2. This is an excellent book that breaks down each attribute of cesar's methods into basic or steps so that it is easy for the average joe to follow. We have been able to use this book to help significantly with our high-energy labradoodle. We also just got a new dog and was able to use the steps in this book to properly introduce her to the house and family.



3. I get more out of Cesar's books in reminding me of my role and responsibility as a pet owner. If you are looking for a tactical book giving you step-by-step instructions, this probably isn't the book for you. Cesar's books don't always give clear tactical steps to dog training. You do X, Y, Z. But I still think it's a good read if you take it for what it is.
   
   What I always take away from the books:
   (1) Reminds us that what we want to give our dogs and what the dogs need, may be two very different things
   (2) Not to humanize dogs with feelings and human traits - but to understand what those traits/instincts mean for the dog and how they explain its reactions
   (3) Remind us to be mindful of my own attitude and the energy I am projecting around animals
   
   
   I've both read a few of Cesar Milan's books AND watched his TV show. When I see the 1-star reviews, I wonder if people are actually reviewing the books or just reacting to the TV persona? Or even just reacting to certain words viewed often as negative like "discipline" or "dominance"?
   
   Personally, I don't understand when I see people saying Cesar Milan rules by "fear". I don't see it. But I do understand that every dog is different and not all training methods will work for every dog. And combining techniques and tactics may be the best route to really benefit your dog.



4. i find cesar very easy to listen to the only thing i had hoped there was more info on how to become calm assertive the audio book is funny informative and relaxing to listen to while i am driving.



5. The book came in great condition however, it took a few additional days to get to me.

5 comments about The Art of Raising a Puppy.

1. Everything from the pregnant bitch to training your puppy is discussed here. Explanations of how you should treat your puppy from the moment you take him home. If you want a well behaved happy dog you need to start here. This book is the best. I read it in one weekend to know what to expect before my puppy comes home and what to do to make his entry into our household pleasant for us as well as for him. Anyone thinking of getting a dog should start with reading this book. An excellent read.



2. I ordered this book upon the advice of our breeder when the puppies were about 2 weeks old. No one is really thinking about serious training when there is still another 6-8 weeks before you receive your newest family member. This book was wonderful. The authors used real dogs and puppies as examples to explain their training techniques. It was well written and easy to understand. Even though we had raised puppies in the past, it had been some time since we'd had a new pup. The content was extremely informative and insightful as to what a dog may be thinking or experiencing. Every time you think, oh-I know all about that, this book could prove you wrong! Even if you only learned a few new things from this book ,it would be worth it to review what goes on inside the mind of a puppy and what can I do to make him the best he can be.



3. This superb book provided me a factual, no-nonsense understanding of how to raise my new puppy.
   I have been a one-dog person for all of my life, so it had been sixteen years since I last had a puppy in the house. This book provided a clear and concise groundwork for understanding the process of raising a dog from my perspective and, more importantly, from the perspective of my dog. It is highly recommended for both the novice dog owner and for people who are faced with the responsibility of raising a dog who may not have done it recently enough to remember what is required.



4. This is THE book to read to understand puppyhood. I have read many of the books written by the training monks and clearly recommend not missing out on this book before you bring a puppy home.



5. It is wonderful to read a well written book by people that know and love their subject.

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

1. As a neuropharmacology graduate student, I have realized that the key to great science are great observations.
   
   Temple Grandin's unique mental assets has allowed her to make observations that a normal person is blind to. In particular, she observes a reality which eludes our senses. A reality that is very real and very important to our own lives.



2. Amazing, even more so to read it for the second time. This book is full of scientifically researched and backed information and studies about pets and animals. The author highlights the importance of care and training of animals on a level of complete truth of sound research. Being autistic herself, this genius in her own right, can understand animals at a deep level animals think and behave and transcribe this level of understanding into words we understand. At least most of us understand because some of us see in pictures as she does and animals seem to. Her commitment is to assist humans in understanding animals and to care for them with humanity, respect and correct attentions. By Malka In The Closet, Napa, CA



3. every human being who has/will come in contact with animals should read this book. grandin takes complex concepts such as human and animal psychology, physiology and neurology and translates them into well constructed anecdotes. at times funny, and at times eye opening, this book is the one guidebook i would recommend to living peacefully with animals.
   
   if you've ever wondered why animals behave the way they do, or if you've ever wanted to consider how much animals can tell us about ourselves, run to the bookstore now and get this book!



4. This is a beautifully written and incredibly informative book. Temple Grandin is brilliant and I thank her for enlightening me.



5. As an animal lover and one who has chosen to share my life with dogs, I have read many books about animal behavior, dog training etc. Animals in Translation is the most powerful book I have read in many years. Grandin, in a conversational style, blends the results of brain experiments done on living animals with her empathetic observations of animals large and small. I deliberately slowed my reading to give myself time to assimilate the various "wow" insights in the book. For example, Grandin says that fear "hurts" animals worse than pain. After consideration, I agree. Grandin doesn't minimize the pain animals feel. On the contrary, her goal is to put the reader behind the animal's eyes and make readers realize the severe effect fear can have.
   
   I recommend Animals in Translation to anyone interested in animals or animal training, or to those interested in neurology (Grandin was featured in the Oliver Sacks book An Anthropologist On Mars: Seven Paradoxical Tales) or psychology.

5 comments about Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know.

1. The book is not entertaining and is not particularly informative because of the sophisticated terminology being used. I have kept and loved cocker spaniels since I was a kid and they are much more human than the author thinks they are.
   
   Dogs are faithful, adorable critters and are a barrel of laughs. And they know a lot more about us than we might think they do.
   
   If you want to learn about a dog then get one and love it like a child. You will never regret it. The hardest part is losing one because they beat having a kid hands down. They are always there for you and are so dependent on you, which makes them all the more precious.
   
   I will agree with one thing, just get a mutt as they are sturdier and more flexible to the rigors of humanity than a purebred is. Some of the crosses make nice pets too. Go to a pound and get a healthy one or two that needs a home. You will be glad you did.



2. A good introduction to dogs,one that can lead the way to greater research simply by looking up subjects in other places on amazon. A book of worthy knowledge, it deservies great inspection, for in contemplating the world of dog ownership, for afirst time dog owner there are many mysteries to be solved. This book is a good start.[[ASIN:B001NXDM30 Autumn of Blessed Acres service dog



3. This book is too 'dry' it has no good wording and I would give it a 0.1 if I could



4. Really enjoyed this book. As a photographer specializing in dog portraits, I gaze at dogs all day and they gaze back at me. This is a fascinating glimpse into what might be behind those eyes.



5. The title of this book is INSIDE OF A DOG, WHAT DOGS SEE, SMELL, AND KNOW. After reading the text, I feel I have a much greater understanding of exactly what my canine companions see, smell, know, and how they may interpret the world surrounding them (including the humans in it). Dr. Horowitz does a lovely job of explaining the sensory abilities that dogs have (particularly smell and sight). She then interprets how those abilities help dogs take in their surroundings and how they might affect the ways dogs relate to us and how we should relate to them. Additionally, she addresses the topic of anthropomorphism and how we can replace it with a better understanding of the way dogs act and possibly feel, based on their specific canine abilities and their understanding of the world around them. This is so important, as people seem to realize less and less that dogs are still animals and differ from us in many ways, even though they are able to relate to human companions so well.
   I love the personal stories that are sprinkled throughout the book about the author and her dog. It brings a bit of a personal note to the text and reminded me of special moments that I've had with my dogs. Additionally, although the book is written by a cognitive scientist, it is written in a manner that can be enjoyed by a wide audience.
   My only hang up is that I felt the book could've been even more focused on the cognitive abilities of dogs without so many side notes (about rat testing, genomic mapping in foxes, etc.). These asides are not overwhelming, by any means, but my expectations were that the book would focus on dogs' abilities, so that led to my less than perfect rating. Overall, this book is an enjoyable and informative read!

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

1. I'm hooked on the show and the book. We keep in our coffee table so our guests ask about the training. It helps having them ask, then we can do the training without bringing it up ourselves. We didn't have problem dogs or anything like that, we just love the way she brings the info to the table and teached you about dogs rather than just training you how to do things... you learn the why behind the actions and that makes "training" that much easier. I think this is awesome, even for someone who's had around all their life.



2. Anyone looking for a book that gives training and behavior guides should be looking to purchase this one! Victoria Stilwell explains the benefits of positive training methods and why they work. The book is an easy read and has plenty of illustrations.



3. Well, what can I say? Victoria has it down when it comes to our canine friends!
   
   This book was full of informative and useful information, VERY easy reading and wasn't boring. She was direct and to the point on instructions for training and didn't bog down on flowery wording. I was having some training issues with my Lab and after reading Vitoria's suggestions on correcting the problems...everything worked! and I think my dog is much happier as am I knowing we've overcome some issues and now it really is Me AND the Dog!
   
   A great book to keep on hand to refer back to and re-read from time to time. A lot of information about dog language that was very interesting that I'd like to take another look at. I look at my dog in a very different way now.
   
   I loved watching "It's Me or the Dog" and why I chose Victoria's book. I wasn't disappointed!



4. This book was a gift to my grown daughter. She and her husband had just rescued an 11 month old puppy that needed a lot of help. She loves the book, refers to it daily and found it to be very helpful. We love Victoria on her show and I was glad I purchased this book.



5. VICTORIA IS THE BEST EVER. SHE MAKES EVERYTHING MUCH EASIER. I GOT A PUPPY THIS SUMMER AND TRAINING WAS GREAT!
   VIVIAN