5 comments about K-9 Bodyguards.

1. This book was a great help with protection training my pitbull. If you start out with a dog with a solid temperament and follow the principles of this book, you can have a good protection dog and a great family pet. The Harlowe method of teaching the out is the kindest to the dog, uses no force,and is very reliable. My dog outed cleanly the first time on a decoy, and never failed to out cleanly. The Harlowe method for teaching the running recall is also very simple and effective. This is the best book I have read on training a FAMILY protection dog, and it is very unlikely that you will need to use any harsh methods if you start early with your puppy. The only other thing I would like to add is that you probably need to work with an experienced decoy and trainer if you are new to protection training, there are a lot of things that can go wrong. It is also takes a lot of time and effort to train a protection dog, you can't do it half way.



2. Book is very good, but skips to many basics, and you must know somehting about training before buying it. Stories are good, and great pictures, and american bulldog people will love this book for that reason.
   Needs more details for beginners. Great for policemen.



3. I applaude Officer Harlow for writting this book, as it dispells many myths about the breeds and techniques used in creating k-9 body guards. Mike isn't telling people how to train your Aunts golden retriever!! This is a serious book for those who feel inclined to own a dog that could save your life on the streets and in your home. Too many pro dog trainers are scared to death to even think that you can use anything other than Euro hearding breeds to be competant protectors and reliable companions. This is a good book.



4. I was thumbing through this book at the bookstore. It seems to be okay. The only problem I have with it is that it focuses on the Pit Bull too much. Actually, the one part that I thought was most humorous, was where he listed his favorite protection dogs. He pretty much boiled it down to this: Greman Shepherd Dogs are a good start, Rottweilers are better, and the best are Pit Bulls. I had a good laugh at that one! I can't remember the last time I saw a Pit Bull as a police dog. The German Shepherd Dog, as a breed, is the benchmark for all other breeds when it comes to protection work. The Pit Bull and the Rottweiler are powerful dogs, more bruit strength then the shepherd, but the shepherd has them beat in all other categories. First, the shepherd may be the most intelligent of all breeds in addition to it's dedication to it's trainer/owner, which translates into it's ease of trainability and the ability to do more. Shepherds have a hell of a nose, probably outdone by no one except the Bloodhound, which makes them excellent SAR dogs. They are also one of the most all around athletic dogs. A good shepherd will smoke any Rottweiler or Pit Bull in the sprint or long distance run, they will also easily out jump and out climb them. A shepherds' character has been proven over and over again in WWI& WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Bravery on the battlefield, "Dogs Of War". They would fight along side their master in the face of machinegun and artillery fire. 90% of all the dogs on police and military forces throughout the world are shepherds. And lastly, the German Shepherd Dog is the reigning king of schutzhund. In light of all this, it's kind of hard to take the advice of someone who appears to believe that the shepherd is just a good start when it comes to protection dogs, when, in fact, they are the dog to which all others are judged against when it comes to this.



5. I basically agree with the comments made by the reader/reviewer from Las Vegas (dated August 25, 2001). I think this book is well worth reading for the variety of useful information it presents, including insights into suitable breeds. And, while I am not personally knowledgeable about training dogs (and therefore cannot opine about the merits of this book's training techniques), the book does SEEM to make sense and appears to be based on actual experience. It is quite well written, though rather expensive (perhaps the pictures are TOO glossy). Like the Las Vegas reviewer, I think this book should be read in conjunction with at least one other reputable book on the subject. (Too much is at stake--training dogs to bite, etc.--for us to rely on only one book's viewpoint.) The other book I therefore recommend is "Protection Dogs for You and Your Family," by Weiss and Rose, et al. If you read that book along with Harlowe's "K-9 Bodyguards," you should get good cross-illumination on this important subject.

3 comments about The Guide to Owning a Conure (Guide to Owning).

1. It is a good book, but I was expecting something more complete and "in detail".



2. Conure lovers... you need this book. Excellent information on the daily needs and common sense thoughts about conures. No pitty pat information, just good ole fashioned reading which will really help one increase thier knowledge surrounding these birds.



3. Don't be fooled by this book's small number of pages. Great information on care, feeding, breeding, and even some updates on the taxonomy of conures. This book is up to date and accurate. I'd recommend it for advanced or novice conure keepers.

5 comments about San Domingo : The Medicine Hat Stallion.

1. I read many, many books as a child, and "San Domingo" has always stuck with me. I just found this book again, after reading it for the first time more than 20 years ago. This is a precious, lovely book, and I highly recommend it for any child, especially those who are adventurous dreamers.



2. Marguerite Henry was, in my opinion, one of the greatest children's authors. Once again, with San Domingo, she creates a winner.
   San Domingo is an exceptional horse, blessed with the medicine hat, considered sacred by Native Americans. He proves himself in the end of the book. There is a sad ending, but I think that even small children would be fine reading this book.



3. I thought this book was really good!!! I liked it a lot. I think that Marguerite Henry is a great author. I love her books! I thought this book was REALLY good. I would definetly reccomend this book to people!



4. This is a wonderful story. Marguerite writes superb books. This books is about a boy becoming a man and a father becoming a true father to his son. If there was a 10-star rating, I would give it to this book! Excellent story. I definatly recommend it to the horse-lover.



5. Peter Lundy loves but two things in his home in Wyoming the mountians and his horse. His father has only one love and sells San for a Thoughbred. Can Peter forgive his father and get his horse back. Here is his story of bad times and good while he struggles to get back his beloved horse. He will not give up even when it seems inpossibe to find him.

2 comments about If Your Dog Could Talk.

1. Dr. Bruce Fogle is my favorite animal behavioral author. I've read and reviewed books by the good doctor before and he always seems to provide me with a good deal of insight into my pets in a way that I can understand. If your dog could talk... is no exception.
   
   The subtitle for this book is "A training guide for humans". Basically, this text is meant to teach us humans what our dogs are really thinking. Far too often, we infer human personality to our dogs' actions. For instance, we assume Puddles is peeing on the furniture because she's angry at us. The thought that she's in heat never enters our mind. Similarly, when Sparky jumps up at us when he greats us, we think he is being aggressive or showing his lack of training. Really, he just wants some regurgitated food like his Mommy used to provide (yuck!).
   
   If you have a dog, know a dog, or are planning to get a dog buy this book. The insight you will gain will be invaluable. I guarantee you'll spend a lot more time enjoying your friend and a lot less time freaking out because you aren't sure what he or she is thinking.



2. This Doctor writes well, knows dogs as a vet and dog owner and is a real researcher. He's much more reliable as a source of real information than those that make up their own guesses about why dog behavior occurs. When it isn't known, he says so. This is my first dog, and the books by Bruce Fogle are very informative. The other books, particularly "The Dogs Mind" delve into brain anatomy and genetics to explain dog behavior.They are so differant from us, and yet so similar to us, as he makes so clear.

5 comments about Living With a Pomeranian: Book with Bonus DVD (Living With a Pet Series).

1. Living With a Pomeranian: Book with Bonus DVD (Living With a Pet Series) We had just brought home a rescued Pom, and there were lots of things we didn't know about that breed. This book has lots of good info about training, grooming and history of the Poms. We found it to be very helpful.



2. a pretty good book but i didnt get the dvd that was soppose to come with it thats why it got a low rating



3. Very nice book and covers the POM subject very nicely. Very good buy.



4. As a first time pom owner, grooming had to be one of the most intimidating challenges that I faced. This book not only describes in great detail how to groom your new dog, but has excellent pictures for those of us who need a little extra help. It also includes in depth feeding and medical instructions that made me feel much more educated when I brought Precious home for the first time. I was extremely impressed with the knowledge put into this book and would highly recommend it to all new pom owners - it has everything you could ever need!



5. This book just arrived, and we immediately read it completely through. First off, the pictures are STUNNING!

   Scattered throughout the book are full page personal stories of Pom owners, and one or two of them are quite sad.

   Most of them are upbeat, though - and they will all touch your heart!

   Although written by an experienced Pom judge and breeder, this book is intended as an instruction manual for new Pom owners.

   It also serves well as a reference guide for owners not familiar with how to deal with Pom-specific issues like excessive barking or grooming the Pom's thick coat.

   It is written in a clear, easy to read style (we couldn't even detect a British accent!)

   And, the health section is written by a veterinarian, specifically for Poms! Nearly all the medical sections of the Pomeranian books we've seen were written as generic dog health guides - so this is a refreshing change!

   We give this book 5 stars, and highly recommend it!

5 comments about Beyond Obedience: Training with Awareness for You & Your Dog.

1. This book is not your basic training guide. But, it takes a more in-depth approach to being a successful trainer and dog-owner. When you can't understand why your dog can't perform a task that you have taught over and over OR they won't do what you know they CAN do....this book helps give insight as to why. It's the best advice for these situations.



2. If you're interested in New Age philosophy as it pertains to dogs, this is your cup of Chamomille tea. If you're interested in practical solutions to dog behavioral problems look elsewhere. I'd stongly advise you to take the book out of the library and read it before you buy it.
   
   I found it useless in addressing my/my dog's "issues".
   
   And, hey, I've meditated for years.



3. A dog training manual for the metaphysician in everyone: you will love this book. Since you are reading these reviews, this book is for you. (When the student is ready...)
   
   If nothing more, read Chapter 4. It relates Ms Frost's extraordinary and inspiring experience with the "Vermont dogs." I am still moved and thrilled after many readings of this astonishing account.
   
   Try her unique methods. My puppy was frightened of passing traffic on our street. I visualized my puppy walking calming on his leash. We went for a walk right away, and he was hugely improved over the day before. Amazing! He's grown now and walks quietly beside me OFF-LEASH.



4. April Frost is an animal communicator who comes from a place of deep love and respect for animals. She relates to each as an individual, and works with each by communicating and explaining - as well as using the clear and consistent behavioral approaches common to animal trainers. She advises people to explore what is right in their unique relationship with their animal companions, taking into account their own personality and that of their animal.
   
   Frost has excellent suggestions and discussion on basics of training for the habits that will enable dogs and people to get along comfortably together.
   
   In addition to offering training to people and animals, Frost has dedicated much of her life to helping animals in need. She describes a remarkable rescue of 13 malnourished dogs out of larger pack that had run wild all of its life in a pen, never having known a positive relationship with humans. The dogs were wounded physically and scarred emotionally. Her approaches in healing them are an inspiration to animal lovers.
   
   Frost brings us great wisdom in this book, suggesting many ways in which we can learn to appreciate and care for the animals we choose or who choose us as companions in this great adventure we call life. Dogs are very much in the present, and can help us find our own sense of the now that opens into spiritual awareness.
   
   Talking to your animal mentally, explaining the messages you want to convey, is very potent in training them to understand ways of behaving that will help the two of you get along well. Establishing intuitive and psychic communications with animals also provides another avenue for opening into spiritual dimensions.



5. This book provides an excellent option to conventional dog training. April Frost shares her tremendous wisdom in this wonderful book that is a must read for those of us who want to build a different relationship with the dogs in our lives other than that offered by traditional obedience training. Frost offers guideance on how to build a strong and lasting relationship with our companions that is based on mutual respect, love, and understanding.

5 comments about Collies: How to Take Care of Them and to Understand Them (Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

1. I thought this book was great. It was packed with a whole lot of information for such a tiny book. I would recommend this book for anyone who has a collie!! It has everything.. from grooming to little specifics about the breed. This is definately one of the best books to have as part of any dog manual collection!!



2. As a previous dog owner, but new to the Collie breed, I found this book very helpful. Collies are just "different" from other dogs, and their care and training has to be treated as such. Information included in this book was a huge help to me as a new collie owner. If you've never had a collie before and are thinking of adding one to your family, buy this book.



3. This book has very little information for someone who already understands how to take care of any dog. Don't waste your money.



4. this is a pretty good book. I learned a lot from it. It really helps you learn about collies before you get one. I wouldn't have known how to take care of my collie if i wouldn't have read the book. It's a good buy and if you want a collie you should buy this book. It will help a lot.



5. What a delightful experience to read this little book. It contains information critical to every owner of a Collie, no matter how long the person has had this beautiful breed. Mr. Sundstrom has touched on virtually every aspect of the Collie from heritary health problems to rescue groups dedicated to finding homes for those dogs who have been abandoned or surrendered to Humane Societies. Had this book been available years ago, as a Collie breeder, I would have given one to each puppy buyer.

   Congratulations to Hal Sundstrom and to Amazon for making this wonderful rendering available.

4 comments about Polar Bears.

1. This book is truly fabtastic, a recommended read to anyone. Just pick open the pages and read, nothing complicated with it as it is written extremely well.
   
   Enjoy.



2. I really enjoyed this book. I originally bought it for research on a project but i was soon reading it for my own enjoyment. Polar bears are my favorite animal and this book gave me some amazing information and beautiful pictures. I would definately recommend this book to anyone.



3. This is probably one of the best book available on these amazing, intelligent, beautiful creatures. Don't believe most of what you read or hear about bears because they are not the killers that people have made them out to be. The reviewer "Howard Tuttleman' is an idiot! How you coud claim to know anything about these amazing creatures and then make a comment about the weapons and tools that it would take to bag one is beyond me. Just read "Polar Bears: Living with the White Bear" to better understand how peaceful and safe these animals are. Howard I wish someone would 'bag' you and I get so tired of stupid people like you even opening their ignorant mouth. I've spent alot of time observing brown bears and researching them so I have to deal with all the hype and myth surrounding brown bears as well. I've stood feet away from numerous brown bears and have never had a problem. It's all about knowing how to talk "bear". It also helps if you're actually more intelligent than the bear and as people like Howard have proven that isn't very common these days. Howard go back in your cave and keep you uneducated opinions to yourself. Stop the agressive ignorance!



4. This is a truly outstanding book. It is extremely well written and the photography is world class. The reader will come away with a broad outline and understanding of this magnificent animal.

2 comments about The Whole Dog Journal Handbook of Dog and Puppy Care and Training.

1. This is a great book for anyone with a new puppy or dog, even if it is not your first dog. I breed Border Collies as a hobby and I give a copy to new puppy buyers. Even if you are experienced in puppy and dog care and training/behavior, I still highly recommend this book... Especially if you are buying or adopting a new puppy or dog: Get the book and read it BEFORE you bring your puppy/dog home. This book has up to date methods on everything from preparation for your new pup to training, feeding, veterinary/health care, to issues with behavior, old age, etc. This comprehensive pet care book covers just about everything you'd ever need to know. Breeders, rescue groups and shelters: This book should accompany any dog you place! All natural, positive, and holistic methods of pet care that really work.



2. I love the Whole Dog Journal and this book is just as wonderful! I am so happy to have such a great resource to which I can refer and also one I can happily and wholeheartedly recommend to clients, friends, and family. I especially love that so many of Pat Milller's fantastic training articles are included. I gave this as a gift for Christmas and plan to give many more in the future!!

5 comments about Bark If You Love Me (Harvest Book).

1. How much did I love this book!! Louise Bernikow not only captured the unique character consistently found in Boxers, but she kept the year-long story lighthearted and funny. This is a beautifully documented love story between woman and dog and how, in the helping of one, the other was healed. I looked forward every day to my lunchbreak where I would do more reading than eating. I've since passed my copy of this book on to my mother who will then pass it on to my daughter. Loved it!!
   
   I've since read her follow-up story of life together with Libro in "Dreaming in Libro"....



2. This is not your typical human finds dog, dog redeems human story. It is a "warts and all" look at a NYC female who thought she did not particularly care one way or another about dogs, but obviously had some semblance of compassion deep within her that Libro brought out. For the most part, it is quite humorous to read and keeps the reader wanting to find out how things turn out (for the outcome is sometimes questionable). As you read, you realize you are seeing an evolution of a pair of souls here and you do feel there may be hope for this author and Libro, even though the kicking incident made me cringe terribly and almost made me put the book down permanently. However, do keep reading, for it does get better. The throwing up incident was a great punctuation mark to the author's stage of life at that point. In summary, this book is not an altogether easy read for the truly soft-hearted animal lovers out there (of which I am unashamedly one of them). However, it is a good story and one which in the end is satisfying. I am now about to start reading Ms. Bernikow's follow-up book "Dreaming in Libro" to see where these two souls have since traveled.



3. I finished this book. It was a struggle; although the author describes the dog quite eloquently and I grew to care about him, I could not bring myself to care about the author. She rescued this abused animal and for that she should be credited. But sadly, the dog did not redeem her. She brings home a limping, hungry, neglected, and abused dog and yet does not take him to a vet? FOR A YEAR?! She mentions that she is concerned about her bank balance; I can relate. However, she then goes on to describe lunch and dinner dates throughout Manhattan. Her social life does not suffer, but the dog . . . ? How about checking to see if the dog had a microchip? To see if some family was missing him terribly, if they'd somehow got separated? We'll never know because Louise never bothered to check.
   
   And then we get to the part where she kicks the dog because he ate pages out of her address book. Kicks, "hard". Any feeling I had for her self-centered, neglectful personality went right out the window. When she finds out her boyfriend is a lying cheat she shuts the dog up in the other room "because I was afraid I would hit him." Again, the dog who only wants to love you and be loved in return bears the brunt of your problems? Why? I think I hate this woman.
   
   Libro deserved far better.



4. I really enjoyed this story. Woman rescues dog. Dog rescues woman. This dog sounded like the perfect gentleman. He had the "it" factor with dogs and humans alike. There was a part in the book that made me sad, when the little guy was extremely punished for a minor infraction. And there will always be the mystery of where he orginally came from.



5. Being owned by a Boxer I really wanted to read "Bark If You Love Me". This is a wonderful book about a rescue that turned into a great friendship. The book is funny and heart-warming. It is a must for anyone who loves dogs and shouldn't be passed by if you are not a dog lover. Just a really good story.