No comments about Coping with Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet.

2 comments about Training the Disaster Search Dog.

1. Knowing Shirley and having been there for the evolution of the Disaster Search Dog standards, I can say this is the best - and, so far, only - book to use for this category of training. Completely understanding what needs to be done and stating the process clearly, her book is the starting place for anyone contemplating FEMA Disaster Dog work. You need to be part of a team to complete the training, but this book will tell you what you need to do and help you make the decision to commit to the process - or not!



2. Shirley is upfront on what it takes to become a Disaster Search team. The team is the dog and handler and while the dog may have the skills the handler also has to be prepared to handle the disaster scene.
   
   Shirley explains how agility skills can be translated into helping your dog become a Disaster Search Dog as part of her training triangle. Shirley also comprehensively lays out training goals and plans and how to implement them with your dog to make you successful in this new training.
   
   The Appendix information is helpful for determining if your dog would be successful as a Disaster Search Dog or if your puppy would be. There's also useful instructions on how to build your own training equipment. The book uses photographs and diagrams to explain concepts to further learning.
   
   Shirley will be a guest author at CSDogBookReview in August 2006 and many are looking forward to her visit!

5 comments about Dog Obedience Training.

1. I have a 6 month old American Pit Bull and the day I got "Cross" is the day I also started reading this book. Today he is a trust worthy and obedient dog. What Ross does is breaks down how you train the dog and also gives you an insight into why your puppy or dog does what they do. ANYONE who has a dog should read this book.



2. This book made me and our puppy "Cross" a great puppy at 6 months and he is an American Pit Bull. At 7 weeks I got "Cross" and the same day I got the book. I started right away with the training Ross tells you about step by step. The hardest part like he tells you is to have yourself stay in tune with what you are doing. If you do....well my dog is great. A playfull, trust worthy dog. If you own a dog - YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK. It makes you and the dog live in harmony.

   Thanks Ross




3. In 1972 Ross Allan was an Airforce Legend, the best of the best, a Top Gun, Dux in his field, and now this living legend quietly trains dogs in sunny Queensland "only an hour away from where last century this man made Airforce history". It almost sounds like a Hollywood Blockbuster and possibly one day, it might be because Ross Allan is as much part of Australian Airforce history as was William (Bill) Perrett the founding father of the RAAF Police Dog Mustering. This 'man', Ross Allan graced our industry and is without doubt, the best independent dog trainer Australia has ever seen.

   Ross Allan's legacy will never again be repeated. Never before has the guts, determination and natural ability of one person been seen in any of Australia's Armed Forces, Police, Corrections, Security, or Customs. This magnificent 'man' has for many years been undersold.

   All of Ross Allan's experience, techniques and methodolgy have been captured in his book 'Dog Obedience Training'. This book is the most significant tool you can own if you train dogs! Ross Allan, you are a true Australian icon and the Royal Australian Airforce (RAAF) salutes you, a living legend...... Will you one day return to where it all began?

   Your book has given a high profile to the mustering and dog training in this country. You are a true ambassador and master craftsman. Good luck my friend!




4. Dog Obedience Training by Ross Allan is an excellent book for anyone seeking serious advice on training their dog. It is clear, concise and easy to follow with a step by step process outlined for each exercise along with wonderful colour photos demonstrating the correct handling procedure. I have used Ross Allan's training methods on my own two dogs and have achieved the desired results when all other avenues have failed. The years of experience and dedication to dog obedience training by the author have produced what I consider to be the best book available for everyone from beginners to the more advanced dog handler. I have witnessed Ross Allan's methods work time and time again and thoroughly recommend this book to anyone in need of guidance with the training of their canine companion.



5. With this book,Ross Allan has proven once again,his expertise in the art of Dog Obedience Training.An easy to read and comprehensive guide to obtaining a great relationship with your Dog as well as valuable information on health and diet. Ross has helped me many times with his knowledge in this field and I recommend this book to anyone wishing a happy and healthy dog.

5 comments about Dog Talk: Training Your Dog Through A Canine Point Of View.

1. I've been reading book after book on dog behavior, trainging, etc. in preparation for my new puppy. Of all the books I've read this is my least favorite. I feel like the tone of the book is a over-simplified while other great books like "The Other End of the Leash" and "Good Owners, Great Dogs" respect the intelligence of their reader. I also think that using the book recommended "NHAA" over a simple "No" is silly. Anyway, this book is alright, but there are MUCH better out there. Try the two listed above as well as "Positive Perspectives; Love your dog, Train your dog" by Pat Miller and "The Art of Raising a Puppy" by the Monks of New Skete.



2. I've read a LOT of dog training books over the years, from the earliest Koehler (traditional trainer) to the latest "fad" titles like "Positive Puppy Training Works" by Joel Walton. John Ross's book really boils down the basics to brass tacks, and makes it easier for the layperson to understand. I don't use a text for my classes, but if I did, this would be it.

   The thing I like best about this book is John's balanced approach. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to learn that dogs, since they can't learn our language, need for us to communicate in ways that are meaningful to them. Balanced training is just better communication, period. Dogs understand it, so they learn faster. The "positive only" folks out there want you to think all corrections are going to ruin your relationship with your dog, but that is simply not so. Humane, effective corrections are a part of teaching dogs, and if you train the right way, you don't need them very often. Ross explains how to train the right way, with praise, rewards, and yes, corrections if needed. He's not afraid to tell it like it is. I find this refreshing, and I know--it works.

   I do agree that there is no substitute for a good training class, including this book. Use them together (you do have to do your homework) and you will end up with a really well-behaved dog. Since training never ends, the book will give you something to refer back to to keep Fido in excellent form long after the class is over.

   You owe it to your dog to communicate with him in a language he understands. "Dog Talk" will show you how.




3. I bought this book (amongst others) 8 years ago when I got my first dog. After reading all of the dog books I could lay my hands on, I decided to try this one. I followed it religiously and it worked like a dream. As a result, both my dogs are amazingly well trained and behaved. By the time they were six months old they both responded to spoken commands as well as hand signals. I can leave food out on the table without fear they will eat it when I'm not in the room, leave them in a down stay for as long as I need and take them for walks without being dragged. They even go pee on command! Neither one of them took or needed obedience training.

   Fair warning though, it does require time and effort. It isn't enough to try it once and give up if it doesn't work right away. If that is your approach then you should probably look for professional help.

   Also, while the book gives you excellent ideas and methods, it is not a cookbook. You can't simply follow the instructions exactly and expect it to work perfectly for every dog.

   Dogs all have their own personality and likes and dislikes. While one of my dogs will do rolls until the cows come home, the other hates doing even one. The book requires creativity and sensitivity on the part of the owner. If you don't have those qualities, it's probably best to find a pro who does.

   I've loaned this book to a dozen people since I got it. Just about every one of them loved it and used it to either train their dog or rid their dog of a bad habit. If you are the type of person who likes working with your dog and wants to teach him to do more than just 'sit', this is the book for you!




4. I purchased this book back in 1993 when I and my dog participated in a class with the author. The book has everything that was covered in class and more. By practicing with the methods outlined in the book, it transformed my dog from a pain-in-the-neck to an excellent companion. We recently got a new puppy, and we are going to be using "Dog Talk" again.



5. This book is full of great ideas and concepts. I purchased the title based on average customer review, and really grasped the concepts within. However, once I finally got my dog, I quickly learned that many of the things the book takes for granted lead to much frustration on your part. Dogs don't just sit in front of you, though that's one of the big points the book relies on. Dogs won't just stand next to you, no matter how hard you make them try. Pick up the book if you want a nice read, and want to have some great concepts, but take the time to follow-up the book with some hardcore, professional obedience training. Doing it yourself will result in hours of frustration, and an unruly pet.

5 comments about Cat Massage: A Whiskers to Tail Guide to Your Cat's Ultimate Petting Experience.

1. Maryjean writes a complete nose-to-tail guide to massaging your cat. Its step-by-step instructions are just fantastic. It's a great way to socialize and enjoy your cat.



2. I do a lot of cat rescue and adoption and find that even people who've had cats for years don't understand how to touch them so the cat will enjoy it. This book gives easy to follow instructions which can be used to improve anyone's relationship with his or her cat. Cats have an unfair reputation as being aloof. Hopefully this book will change that!



3. I would only recommend this book to people who have never owned a cat until now. This book is basic common sense and really not worth the money spent if you have already owned cats for years. If you have, then you will find pretty much nothing new in this book.



4. But that doesn't mean this isn't the top cat massage book on the market. Believe me, I have read them ALL and nothing could hold a leaf of catnip to this one. I said I wouldn't buy this book again because my dog had an accident on top of it and I had to throw it away, but since the techniques presented were so easy to follow and so nicely illustrated, I was able to retain the whole book in my head. I plan on buying a cat to go along with this book in due time.



5. This is a great book becasue it is a joy to follow, is illustrated to follow easily, and works! My four cats, Maui, Shima, Gumpy, and ChiChi, all love me more because of what this book has allowed me to do - how about a book on dogs - my new lab is feeling left out - GREAT book, if you have a cat - this is the message manual!

2 comments about The Well-Mannered Dog: From Dealing with Cats to Staying in Hotels, a Total Guide to Good Manners.

1. Great tips but my dog has a mind of his own. I wish he could read the book and do the things.



2. This book is easy to understand and covers basic dog training and tackling specific problems. The authors like the "reward with a treat" approach but they don't rule out gentle corrections. They do warn against harsh corrections, explaining why punishment can make your dog fearful.

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

1. Good information for a new owner. Our duck, "Q", gives the book 5 feathers.

5 comments about The Difficulty of Being a Dog.

1. A collection of 43 brief ruminations about dogs from literature and philosophical works. This book is very-- for lack of a better word-- "French" (if you've ever read any 20th century French philosophy, you'll know what I mean), and is recommended primarily for those who love both dogs and fine literature.



2. This delightful book is a treasure if you care about the two worlds of animals and literature. Pault Grenier has perfectly paid tribute to his deep love of dogs by presenting it wrapped in a wealth of literary wit and sharp writing.

   If you can get through this book without a continual smile and a deeper emotional bond with your own dog, then you're a hard case indeed.




3. Although i'm very familiar with the dog's of English literature, i've never before seen a overview of French dog literature. Make no mistake, dogs are as much a subject for French philosophy in this book as for their own intrinsic nature. (This fellow really likes our Faulkner's insight into dog's too, btw.)

   Because Grenier is intereseted in dogs as a metaphor in human history, he visits some some really horrific historical animal abuse scenes. Not for the faint of heart are contemparary descriptions of the Dog Island of Tukey or his insight into the dog buried in sand painting by Goya. As this book points out, we've tried most horrors out on animals before we have visited them on humans. Also.... Grenier has the unfortunate, male, knee jerk reaction to what he considers feminine interpretations of dog mental states. Anyone who would say Collete does not have true insight into dogs is saying more about his own attitude toward the female than he says about that eccentric writer. And... his worst insult is, "a society matron's interpretation". Whatever. Would recomend this book to all. I stayed up way too late last night!;)




4. The book is too disjointed and much of it reads like poetry this isn't what I expected.



5. This is not a warm-fuzzy, charming dog book. It's more a thoughtful, philosophical look -- in small, bite-size bits -- at the relationships between dogs and humans, and what humans have made of dogs in their writings.

   The "chapters" are more like Pascalian pensees: mostly two to three pages, but sometimes as short as one paragraph. They discuss everything from dogs in dreams and famous literary non-appreciators of dogs, to ghastly historical incidents such as the rounding up and exile to an island of thousands of dogs so that they starved and ate one another, by the Turks in 1910.

   Grenier recalls many writers' real and authorial canine doings, but the accent is on French writers (the author has been an editor for the distinguished French press Gallimard), so unless the names Larbaud, Queneau, Mauriac, Valery, Chateaubriand, or Romain Gary mean a lot, you are apt to feel like a stranger at the cocktail party. It can come as a relief when Grenier returns to the concrete and relates incidents with his own dog, Ulysses.

   (Faulker, Turgenev, Jack London and Kundera also turn up, although Grenier discusses Descartes's dismissal of animal souls and subsequent writers' response yet never mentions Kundera's lengthy discussion of the topic in _The Unbearable Lightness of Being_. The description of a Virginia Woolf novel narrated by a dog, _Flush_, sounds fascinating, though; how come I've never heard of this book?)

   Elegant, erudite, but perhaps a little too heady for the American reader.

1 comments about Weimaraner (Kennel Club Dog Breed Series).

1. I've been fan of the weimaraners since twelve years by now, and I'm always looking for good books about 'em. This is a great opportunity to have a reference books with almost every necesesary aspect in their lives.

2 comments about Dogo Argentino: A Comprehensive Owner's Guide (Kennel Club Dog Breed Series).

1. This book is truly a comprehensive guide to owning this wonderful breed. There's a lot a potential owner need to know about this breed before taking ownership of one and this book tackles that issue plus extensively covers feeding, training, and caring for your Dogo.
   
   This book is a must read for future and current Dogo owners!



2. This book was so helpful in understanding the history,characteristics and special qualities of this breed. The pictures are great and the section on puppy care, training, healthcare and everyday care were especially helpful. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a first time Dogo owner as we were!