3 comments about Horse, Follow Closely: Native American Horsemanship.

1. Stepping Off the Edge: Learning & Living Spiritual Practice
   
   Sick of boring old dressage? Overdone eventing? Wacky Western riding? In this stunningly beautiful volume, GaWaNi Pony Boy describes the roots of Native American riding. When Europeans arrived in the Americas, horses had disappeared long before. GaWaNi shows how the first Americans took to horses-- and created an awe inspiring bond and culture. I have not met GaWaNi, but I knew my husband would love his horsemanship the minute I saw this book. GaWaNi doesn't clip his horse's faces-- something my husband totally approves.



2. All his books that I have read touch your soul - and make you smile, cry, and slap your hands and giggle - because you realize that your love for horses is as simple and as complex as another human's.
   Horse people - we're everywhere !



3. I had hoped for perhaps a somewhat unique, Native American perspective on horsemanship; something a little different from othe natural horsemanship trainers selling books & dvds. But, this is the same methodology used by most all of them. It makes a pretty coffee table book, but has nothing new to offer unless this is your first foray into natural horsemanship. Basically, establishing yourself as the "Alpha" or leader, based on the well-known fact that horses want to follow a leader they trust. It emphasizes not using force or abuse & demonstrates how to control the horse's actions once you have established the basic trust/respect level required. I also viewed the dvd & was disappointed that Pony Boy used a perfectly trained horse in all his demonstrations. BORING! It's more of a pretty picture book than a useful instruction you can apply to your untrained horse. Not a book worth keeping in my horse book library.

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

1. 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.



2. 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.



3. 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.



4. 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++++

1 comments about Riding Logic: Transform Riding Skills to "Art on Horseback" with Classical Lessons in Flatwork and Jumping.

1. I have read and re-read this book. The section on "bracing the back" is especially important since, as Museler says, this is the "foundation for a correct seat." Museler provides specific information on how the rider can learn to use her or his body to ride harmoniously with the horse for dressage and jumping.

5 comments about Paws to Consider: Choosing the Right Dog for You and Your Family.

1. This book is very informative, and blends humor with unique insight to the ups and downs of many breeds. (By unique, I simply mean this book is not written in a "clinical" or "dry" manner. These are real people who share their experiences and help to educate prospective dog owners.) This book does not give alot of information about every breed--the authors only comment on breeds they are familiar with. My family and I are currently in search of the perfect dog for us, and this book made a great start. I've learned alot and am more excited to have the right dog share our home.



2. This book is a delightful read, and well worth searching out. Kilcommons and Wilson provide impartial, practical and straightforward advice for eager potential dog owners. It's lighthearted yet serious, cautioning but not kill-joy. It gives a good impression of what living with different kinds of dogs can be like, and what your life with them would probably entail. And there are some surprises: some dogs you may not have considered suitable for your lifestyle, are (and vice-versa).
   
   Brief descriptions of breeds' original uses and how this translates to their behavior will make you appreciate all dogs more, even breeds you may not care for.



3. I loved this book! I had absolutely no idea what kind of dog I wanted to get before reading this book. This book separates the breeds into very logical chapters and also cross-references other chapters that the dogs would fit in. I love dogs so much that I was only able to reduce the number that I'd love to 19, but it made me consider breeds that I never would have before. Once I reviewed my 19 with my family, we were able to bring it down to 6 and I'm now doing research on those 6 in order to determine which one we'll buy. This is a great read if you're toggling between a few breeds and want to make sure you consider the good and the bad in the breeds.



4. I wish I could afford to give a copy of this book to every library in the country. I have been a volunteer for different animal shelters and rescue groups for many years. Most animals are turned in to shelters because of a mismatch between the owner and their dog, or because people are unaware of what's involved in pet ownership. The authors give a very realistic appraisal of different breeds. I love "Dog Fancy" magazine, but so many times when they profile a breed they will describe "good with children if they are raised with them." "Paws to Consider" will be straightforward in telling you that a particular breed is not good with children. This book also helps you decide when is the right time to add a dog to your household. Too many dogs are given up because the owners have decided to have a baby and don't want to have a dog around the baby. Or an owner makes an impulsive holiday purchase and comes to regret the decision. It is frequently devastating for a family, especially the children, to give up a dog. It is also traumatic for the dog to lose its home and most of these dogs will be euthanized. "Paws to Consider" goes a long way to promoting happy endings for people and the dogs who join their families.



5. This book should be mandatory for anyone even thinking of getting a dog. Even if that dog is ten years off. Since I became interested in dogs and dog welfare, I have heard and seen too many times the unhappy scenario of dogs being dumped because their owners just did not bother to do ANY reasearch. Families duped by Beethoven, Lassie, and 101 Dalmations decide tv never lies and buy one for their young children. People who want a guard dog buy a Rottweiler for "protection" and dump it out in the yard. A calm couple wants a "small, quiet, easy-going dog", so they judge on size and get a terrier. A jogger wants a partner and thinks a great dane will keep up.
   
   I love that the book lays it out flat that almost half the breeds listed require more exercize than the average Joe is willing to give them. Sure, we're all charmed by those Weimaraner costume photos... but will you spend at least an hour every day playing with it? Do you even have space for it to do so? Lack of exercize spawns so many behavioral problems that it cannot be emphasized enough. I know another reviewer complained that "too many negatives" were listed for each dog; I prefer it that way. Better that someone realize that the dog they want is too loud, too big, too headstrong, too energetic, too needy, too expensive, or even too gassy, than to get one and then dump it somewhere because they did not realize the mismatch. Or, even better, it may give someone new ideas as far as what is a good match. (Everytime I mention I would love a sighthound, especially an ex-racing greyhound, the immediate reaction is that I shouldn't take something so hyperactive. I say, uh-uh, if I wanted hyperactive, I'd get a lab!)
   
   The book's organization is excellent. It starts off asking why you want a dog and what you want in one. It gives you a starting point as far as where to look for one, and I was ecstatic to see rescue groups mentioned, although I do not think the book went into them enough (it would have been great to say that you can easily find one by googling "[x breed] rescue [your state/area]", or, nowadays, on [...]). I understand that the authors assume the reader wants to buy from a breeder, because I think those people are the ones who will be perusing breeds, and the ones who really need the most assistance. (It's not mean, it's true.) Then the book does something essential - it goes over groups of dog breeds and what jobs they were INTENDED to do, and explains how it affects their behavior and temperament. I recently heard of a man lamenting that he bought a mini schnauzer who was obsessed with his rat cage and would not leave the rats alone. He had not read up that these dogs were originally bred for ratting!
   
   There is a lengthy section going into individual breeds. There are always both pros and cons. Looking into my dog experience and research, I have to say these people know what they are talking about, even without looking at their credentials. The only drawback is that they do not touch on every breed, but then again there are so many it could make this book three times its size. I also think the "not for everyone" section is great, but could use more info. The more people are discouraged from getting Rotts and Pits on a whim, the better.
   
   I personally think there is enough info here to find that dog you want, but it is always recommended that you look to other sources; the book itself says so. Spend time with members of your chosen breed, search the web, read other books. Then buy Kilcommon's/Wilson's Good Dogs, Great Owners, and you're on your way!

2 comments about Raising Game Birds: Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin A-93 (Garden Way Publishing's Country Wisdom Bulletins, Raising Animals Series, No a-93).

1. The Storey guides are the best and informative publications I have bought. Having bought expensive books that said the same thing as the Raising Game Birds: Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin A-93 (Garden Way Publishing's Country Wisdom Bulletins, Raising Animals Series, No a-93)
   by Mavis Harper does I highly recommend this publication first and foremost. The information is easy to read, illustrations etc easy to follow. Save money as well by putting the money you would have put toward an expensive book on the subject, toward other game bird needs.
   Have poultry and was interested in raising some quail and pheasant and made the mistake of buying a couple expensive books on the subject that I quickly returned. Then someone suggested Raising Game Birds: Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin A-93 (Garden Way Publishing's Country Wisdom Bulletins, Raising Animals Series, No a-93)by Mavis Harper so I bought it and was/am so impressed with the information, advise etc shared. All the information one needs.



2. Very thin pamphlet type book. Way too general in its information. Should be given away for free instead of having to pay for it..... Use the money you would have spent on buying this book/pamphlet and apply it to getting a good book on raising game birds.........

5 comments about Shelter Dogs.

1. I bought this book because I read all the wonderful reviews and frankly I was extremely disappointed. I am a real dog lover and melt at the sight of any dog but these photos lack life. They look like mannequins and very few of them show the wonderful expressions we so often see in dogs and which make dogs so utterly lovable. For a book that is trying to tug at your heart on the subject of shelter dogs, it has failed spectacularly.
   Give this book a miss.



2. This book gives us details on shelter dogs, who the author Traer Scott, has met in her travels. So touching, uplifting and heartbreaking, especially when we learn so much about them and are told at the end which dogs lived and were adopted...and which ones were not (sniffle)...If this book doesn't convince you to adopt from an animal shelter, then I don't know what will! A portion of the proceeds from this book and Scott's other book, Street Dogs, are donated to animal charities. Worth it to buy both! Thanks for this great, insightful look at America's animal shelters.



3. This was a very good book. The descriptions were great. The pictures were beautiful. I really enjoyed reading it. There was alot of information. Shelter Dogs



4. I'm an aspiring photographer/shelter owner...and this book just confirmed why I want to do each of those things. I cried when I read some of the stories in the back, and each picture was so darn cute. I love this book, and (when I get one) will sit on my coffee table for all my guests to look at!



5. ..of finding the soul of her subjects, and showing us all what loving, intelligent, sensitive creatures these abandoned companions truly are!
   
   As the proud "parent" of five rescued canines (and three rescued felines), I can only express my regret that our "forever home" cannot accommodate more: I'd take in each and every one of these lost souls that she captures so hauntingly.
   
   Complaint has been lodged that Ms. Scott erred by not including each animal's bio with their photograph, but I take exception to that: The impact is magnified, when the photograph alone is displayed.
   
   My only dissatisfaction might be that the book is too short, and I can only implore the author to continue her exceptional work with additional issues: If only more people could truly see these loving creatures through the "eye" of her camera, perhaps our shelters would not be so full, and "euthanization" could become anachronistic...

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

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



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



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



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



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

5 comments about Rover, Get off Her Leg!: Pet Etiquette for the Dog Who Pees on Your Rug, Steals the Pot Roast and Poops in Improper Places.

1. With an engaging writing style, hysterical anecdotes and illustrations, Darlene Arden educates owners on solutions for dog behavior problems. From basic training to serious behavior challenges, this comprehensive book presents complex information in an easily understood way. The book's layout also greatly facilitates use as a reference. As a professional trainer and behavior consultant, I'm always looking for ways to make training fun for my clients. While there are many dog training books on the market, it is a true rarity to find one that is entertaining as well as informative. What a great resource this will be for my clients!



2. Darlene Arden, who usually specializes in giving advice about small dogs, has described some general problems for the average dog owner whose dog hasn't tried to kill the mail carrier, but sometimes may be not so well behaved. She does this with wit and a deep empathy for our quadrupedal friends and their sometimes frazzled owners. This is a small, inexpensive book that should be on dog owners' shelves.



3. Anyone can write a about the niceties of the human/animal bond(ad-nauseum).
   Anyone can write a"how-to" book on animal behavior problems,a-la Popular Mechanix--dull and trite.
   But it takes a Darlene Arden-- a special, genuine, confident connoisseur to pull off a bold, informed,and humororous book with THAT TITLE. Just like Smuc kers---"It's got to be good". And indeed it is-- better than we could have anticipated. What a joy to have such a valued authority like Darlene--- a certified animal behavior consultant come forth with such an authoritative book dealing with the dark side of human/animal relationships with such taste and gentility, and with such deep and welcome humor.
   I have had the good fortune to know Darlene, not only as a friend and admirer, but also, uniquely, as a client. As such, I have had a rare opportunity to witness her profound feeling and compassion for animals, her deep well of knowledge of their traits, normal and aberrant, and her insightful and intelligent manner of dealing with such pathologies. I know her then from two vantage points--- as a devoted reader, and from a close doctor-client relationship. On both levels, she merits and has earned accolades. She is so good at what she does, so forgive me if I wax enthusiastically--- it is deserved. Who else would discourse about inappropriate behaviors so blithely and a productively.
   My hat is off to my very dear friend--- I revel in her achievements and the wonderful receptions she has received. At last, I have a point of a reference I can turn to when an embarrassed client comes to me with noisome problems, and I can refer to Darlene's new book with pride and authority.
   I look forward to her future efforts with great anticipation---they are not only good reads, but I have learned so much from them, in addition.
   
   Sincerely,
   
   Ray Russo, D.V.M.
   Kingston,MA.



4. Dogs, like children, each have their own personalities. Consequently, much to their owner's chagrin, they can "act up" unexpectedly and usually when they have an "audience". Fortunately, I happen to have an unusually well behaved dog, I can't always say the same for my children! The title of this book caught my eye, however, and I wasn't disappointed. It is extremely well written, funny and at the same time, offers expert advice. (I'm thinking of trying some on my kids!)I now also have a new appreciation for my Kaos. She comes off as the canine Emily Post in comparison to the dogs in this book! Thank you Ms. Arden!



5. I think I've read all of Darlene Arden's books. And that includes the ones on toy breeds, even though I have Giants!! Her style is so easy to read that she can give the most important information in a way that you're having such fun, you don't even realize you're learning! Every one of us has had THOSE days when we wonder why we got that dog in the first place. Darlene explains those terribly embarrassing and frustrating behaviors and explains how we can correct them to make our dogs better pets and companions! I recommend ALL of her books, but especially this newest, to any dog owner, new or experienced.
   Lynne Rutenberg

1 comments about The Dachshund Handbook (Barron's Pet Handbooks).

1. As a recent owner of Dachshunds (a male and two females)with the intent to breed each female at least once, this was one of the most informant books I have read. There are lots of good books available, but I found this to have most of the information under one cover.

3 comments about Animal Healing and Vibrational Medicine.

1. As a Pet First Aid Instructor and Reiki Master the value of Vibrational
   Medicine is just now starting to take hold. This book is well written and the instructions are easy to follow and understand. A great book to
   get in touch with all your critters and contacts for resources as well.
   Great Job!



2. I found I was disappointed in the book. Put very few post-it note tabs on the books. Perhaps I expected more from it.
   
   I found the book "Animal Healing with Australian Bush Flower Essences" much more useful for use of a vibrational medicine with a practical emotional and physical repertory in it.
   
   Louise



3. Animal Healing and Vibrational Medicine

   by Sage Holloway
   Animal Healing and Vibrational Medicine by Sage Holloway,
   
   If you have ever wondered what you can do for your sick pet, besides the usual trip to the vet, this book, a resource and reference guide for over 1,000 remedies, has some answers. It's obvious Sage Holloway has a deep respect and love for creatures. As she says, animals serve us provide for us, rescue us, feed us, and are our companions, yet cannot seek healing for themselves. We, their caretakers, must learn to do that. Since animals aren't as complicated with their emotional baggage as we are, that's a relatively easy thing to do. Vibrational medicine is a gentle way to revive their energies.
   Holloway stresses the proper use of aromatic oils, the importance of using pure oils rather than the synthetic ones. A Vibrational Remedies Cross-Reference lists various types of remedies good for abuse, abandonment, cage stress, car sickness, depression and dozens of other conditions. A list of flower essence qualities, what they can do for your pet, is quite interesting, I could use a few of them myself!
   As if this is not enough, there are charts on animal chakras, how to use dowsing, the five Chinese Elements, The Doctrine of Signatures. The Appendix has a resource list of companies that produce vibrational remedies, suggested music for your pets, and a list of essences carried by various companies. Sage has done a beautiful and thorough job of putting this book together. I strongly recommend Animal Healing and Vibrational Medicine if you have any kind of animal.