5 comments about If Dogs Could Talk: Exploring the Canine Mind.

1. Mostly, "If Dogs Could Talk" is book which explores many aspects of how to approach the complex issues that surround studying what dogs might be thinking and feeling. Csanyi is Hungarian, and one of the world's foremost ethologists studying canine behavior. The book is well-translated, in that it is quite readable, in spite of its many challenges.
   
   By far, the most exciting aspect of the book concerns the examples of his own and other dogs he has known. I found that I learned to think about dogs and their behavior in wholly new ways: what they might be trying to "say" to me through their physical indications -- this was the most valuable aspect of the book for me.
   
   On the flip side, Csanyi is dismissive in his discussion of some of the most famous ethology work done with primates and birds. I suspect that this negativity, though it is not overtly stated, seems to stem from the time that the study of individual animals takes in these cases, and that only many trials with many subjects yields real data. However, he might have explored his bias rather than diminishing the work of others and had a much better outcome.
   
   One of the other Amazon reviewers said that even with its problems, he learned so much more than from reading anything else he had to give this book a high rating, and after all my reservations, I agree with him.



2. I think it has REALLY good facts, but could be better. If you want to learn about canine behavior facts, this is really good for you to read. It has a lot of author opinions and a little crazy ideas. But overall worth your time in reading.



3. I have to say that I enjoyed this book even though it was not an "easy read". The stories of Csanyi's own dogs were amusing - and he pointed out reasonable explanations for their behavior. I agree with some of his theories such as: Dogs were domestically bred to understand and communicate with humans. Makes sense although he does go a bit too far. The experiments were interesting, the study of ethology being what it is. Interesting book but not for the novice.



4. This book is by a top ethologist (one who studies behavior and thought processes, as far as I can gather) and gives insight into the minds of dogs. The author is careful to tell us that the many anecdotes he tells about his own dogs should be interpreted with caution, but that anecdotes can lead to careful scientific experimentation, which can give more substantial information.
   
   The work is largely pretty scholarly and goes into the way other animals, including humans, Alex the parrot and the clever Hans (a counting horse), think and reason. The author makes compelling arguments, using both anecdotes and experiments, for dogs' being able to show empathy, ask questions, respond, and perform several other high-order cognitive functions normally associated with only humans. This makes sense when you realize that among all animals, dogs are the species that has been most influenced by human tinkering. Dogs truly are adapted to living with us and being true companions.
   
   And that was all well and good and very interesting. But sometimes, the author makes some pretty wild stretches in interpreting his dogs' actions, for example, and states his interpretations as unambiguous, when they really didn't seem that way to me. For a scientist, he doesn't always seem all that rigorous when it comes to his own dogs (who, by the way, as he himself admits, are ill-mannered).
   
   Then right at the end he goes off on a wild tangent of how breeders should intentionally breed hybrid dogs from purebred stock (I'm a fan of the mixed breeds, but I've never heard anyone propose such a deliberate program to breed them) and even proposes developing talking dogs. He didn't seem to be kidding!
   
   At the very end, he goes on a rant about using dogs in laboratory experiments. I don't like it much myself, but he makes several misstatements about the practice. Maybe in Hungary laboratories use dogs from shelters or stolen from loving families, but in the developed world, dogs for experimentation are bred for that purpose.
   
   Finally, the translation from the Hungarian was often a bit stilted and odd. Still, there was a lot of interesting information among the flakiness.



5. Learned a great deal about the mental abilities of dogs. The book gets into great detail with experiments that are not easy to follow for the non-science reader. I gave it 5 stars because I learned so much more from this book than anywhere else.

5 comments about Random Acts of Kindness by Animals.

1. I can't believe this book is out of print. Reading it is like opening up a treasure chest and finding one gem after another. Each animal story touched me and opened my eyes and my heart to the world of animals. The stories are short and easy to read, and I found myself having a hard time stopping to take a break sometimes, I kept wanting to hear more stories. A great book to read outloud to your children too, my son was also awed by the stories. I was amazed at how smart and how compassionate animals really are. There are some interesting animal facts included too as side notes. I highly recommend this book!



2. The first time I read this book I thought it was one of the most wonderful books I ever read. I thought the same thing the second time I read it. I loved every story. And the best part is it doesn't just give you stories about animals and what they've done to people to change their lives, or save them. But it also gives you notes on how to return the kindness. And even stories on how people helped animals. Some of the stuff in this book is almost to hard to belive, but if you think animals are wonderous creatures that deserve the love and respect that all living things want, then you will belive everything in this book. I did. After you read the stories in this book, you'll have a different out look on all creaturs, even ants. All the stories in this book are just wonderful and amazing. My 5th grade teacher read two of the stories in this book to my whole class, after that I looked for the book. And obviously found it. Anybody who loves and cherishes their animals will love this book. Or if you just love animals and want a good read, this book would be a perfect choice.



3. This book is a must-have if you know an animal lover or if you are one yourself. It tells many wonderful stories on animals acting in brave ways to show kindness to people and to other animals. It's very inspirational and it makes you respect animals a lot more.



4. This book will leave a mark on your heart and your soul. It has always been said that the animal kingdom treats its members with much more kindness than humans do and this book is a testament to the compassion and love that our animal world has for itself and all the rest of us!



5. The stories in this book will make you realize the lessons, gifts, and teachings available from all of God's creatures. This is a book for the simple pet owner to the most avid animal right's activist. No household bookshelf should be without a copy.

3 comments about The New Knowledge of Dog Behavior.

1. Without a doubt one of the most valuable books written, not only to the average dog owner but a MUST for the dog breeder and trainer. Pfaffenberger's work combined with Dr. Scotts and Fullers produced Guide Dogs for the Blind with a success rate of up to 98%.Any dog breeder or trainer who hasn't got this collection of incredible research in their library is really missing out. LOVE IT....LOVE IT....LOVE IT.



2. This book tells the story of Pfaffenberger's search to develop test for puppies to determine which would ultimately become good guide dogs. There are pearls of wisdom throughout this book. I have not seen info on issues he brings up before. Understand this is a story of what he went through but he discusses the science of dog behavior at that time and where his work went wrong and where it went right. Did you know it is best that hunting breeds be allowed to hunt even if they will do work where , if they hunt, it would be a detriment to the work. Allowing the hunting dogs to hunt for a season increased their success rate in these breeds. One might think this was counter-intuitive, but Pfaffenberger provides info to the contrary. I recommend this book for people who want even more detailed info on puppy tests and producing great working dogs.



3. This is an excellent foundation book for anyone interested in dog behavior and/or training. This book explains how dog training/testing/methods came about as a result of the war dog effort, and how criteria was established for selecting dogs, inheritability factors, etc. It truly is a must for any serious dog trainer.

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.

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

4 comments about Greg Miller's Rub-Line Secrets.

1. This single book has increased my success more than any other book or tactic
   That I have tried. I went from killing a buck every couple of seasons to tagging out yearly!



2. I own all of Greg's books and they are all well written, decent reads. There's really nothing earth shattering here though; no new info. It left me wanting more. I won't change any of my tactics based on reading this book. Find a rub line and hang out downwind of it. When the rut kicks in, all bets are off.



3. Greg Miller's writing is sure to inspire even the most seasoned veterans of the deer woods. Spending the last 20 or more years studying the link between big buck travel patterns and rub-lines, Miller is able to communicate his findings and strategies in a clear,concise manner. With the insights gained from Rub-Line Secrets, hunters will be better able to locate and to analyze rubs left by individual mature bucks. Most importantly, Miller relates effective rub-line hunting strategies to specific time periods throughout the season.



4. Greg Miller has done it again with his latest book Rub-Line Secrets. Once again he gives the reader insights into big buck behavior that will increase their chance at getting that shot of a lifetime. Miller explored the topic of rublines in his book Aggressive Whitetail Hunting, but delves more deeply into the mystery of rub lines in his latest book.

   Back in the early 80's Miller first began to notice that deer rubs were more than just random places where bucks rubed the velvet from their antlers. He began to notice, through countless hours of scouting, observation and hunting, that bucks used rubs to mark travel routes and that you could in fact find rub-lines, or a series of rubs that when connected together with an imaginary line create a line from a definate point A to a definate point B.

   Miller describes how, by deciphering rub-lines, you can determine a bucks prefered travel route. He also describes how you can tell which time of day a buck is using a rub line that runs either to or from a feeding area. This is invaluable information for any hunter who wants to increase there chances at taking a quality buck.

   In just a few hours of reading you can learn what it took this accomplished hunter years to discover -- rub-lines hold the key to harvesting a trophy whitetail.

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.

No comments about Tail Talk: Understanding the Secret Language of Dogs.

5 comments about Visiting the Dog Park.

1. When I got this book, I wasn't expecting much - - still, I wanted to see what it had to say, because for me, a trip to the dog park can be just as fun as stressful. - - I have a very small poodle, and always worry about his safety. - - Within moments of getting it, I have to say, I realized that I picked a good book... especially when I got to the chapter that includes training tips to prepare your dog for a trip to the dog park. (- - I've put a lot of time and effort into training my dog, but the book presents some really useful ideas I had never thought of myself...) As an added bonus, the book is full of ideas that simply don't seem to be "floating around the net" (This is a shortcoming of buying books these days... I hate it when I buy a book and find out I could have gotten the same information off of WIKIPEDIA!)
   
   Well written, the book is substantive, yet short of "fluff" and has an excellent further reading session. I also like the layout of the book - - its very straightforward and well done... not a lot of goofy graphics, fillers and "white space" - - you open the book, you read the 127 pages comfortably ... and if you've got a highlight pen, can walk away with lot's and lot's of stuff to think about as you get ready for your next trip.
   
   Topics include: suggestions of who should and shouldn't use a dog park; dog park design and safety, rules and etiquette; training issues; understanding canine temperament body language; conflict resolution and health issues. All in all, as a person who likes dog parks, I really feel that the book lives up to the claims on the back cover which promises ways of having fun and staying safe at a dog park... and offers to teach practical skills to reach this goal... Based on this fact, and the fact that the book will definitely be a KEEPER that I'll come back to for many years to come, I give it a full five stars... and hope you'll decide to get it and enjoy it too !



2. this book is a useful reference for both the general public and for councils/communities establishing dog parks and for those that are already established.
   
   very well written and researched - the dog park ettique guidelines and the body language sections are essential reading in my opinion. I feel too many dog people go to these parks in total ignorance as to proper ettique and K9 body language.
   I highly recommened this book to all.



3. I am in the process of organizing a group to have a Free Run Dog Park built in Anderson County SC. I have excellent planning documents from Barkingham park in Florida and some additional input. I purchased this book as a guide to writing rules & recommendations for potential users. It will serve that purpose well, but it is an even better source of ideas for the layout and planning of our own park. As part of our project we intend to donate several copies of the book to our county library and post that information with the rules.



4. Anyone can post an Amazon review. And I've never commented before. But I feel it is unfair to mark the book down just because your home country doesn't have dog parks. Then don't post a review. Obviously, even she found the book helpful, so it shouldn't be damaged by her review.
   Thank you.



5. If you finally have a dog park coming near you and you want to
   take your dog(s) to the park for some off leash fun, get this
   book to prepare beforehand. Cheryl covers what to look for in a
   good dog park - rules, park etiquette (yours and your dog),
   openings, landscaping and clean-up.
   
   Cheryl also covers different personality types in dogs and
   which dog may want to stay home rather than go to the park.
   
   There's also a very cool section of scenarios to see if you can
   tell what is going on in different dog interactions. Don't
   worry if you don't get them all right, it takes practice
   reading dog body language.
   
   There's a whole chapter that acts as a checklist for those who
   enjoy making sure they have all the details to prepare for a
   good experience with their dog. What to wear - you and your
   dog. How to arrive and enter as well as exit the park. What to
   do while in the park.
   
   Cheryl also covers health issues that may come up from visiting
   a dog park. The various illnesses that can come from shared
   water bowls, airborne illnesses, and poop-borne illnesses.
   These aren't meant to scare you from going!
   
   The last chapter has suggested resources for training behaviors
   as well as how to learn canine body language. There is a lot of
   resources for dog park rules, how to find one, and how to get
   one setup in your area.

No comments about The Devious Book for Cats: A Parody.