5 comments about The Canine Good Citizen: Every Dog Can Be One, Second Edition.

1. The Canine Good Citizen approaches dog training from the perspective that a person would like their dog to be able to pass the Canine Good Citizen Test. It takes you through the training and techniques necessary for a dog to pass this test which also provides a foundation for a well trained dog in general. It's short, simple, and one of the best dog training books around. All the basics are covered here and it's an excellent book for someone who doesn't want to be overwhelmed with too much information.



2. Good resource. Offers practical tips as well as things every dog owner should know about how their dog responds and communicates. I've had dogs all my life and I still learned very helpful information on dog training and to train your dog without confusing him/her or sending mixed messages.



3. This little volume is pure gold. Some may criticize this book as not being advanced enough, or not containing new information - they are missing the point. Ultimately this is a book about educating people about how to help their dogs learn good people manners.
   
   While the context is preparing for the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen test, really this book is for any dog owner. If you have a family dog that needs a little help in learning good people manners, this is the book for you. If you are already involved in competitive dog sports, such as obedience trials or have experience in dog training, this book has not really been written for you.
   
   The Canine Good Citizen test involves 10 individual tests, all of which allow the dog to show that she well mannered in everyday situations. For example two of the tests include the dog must sit politely while being petted by a stranger, and walk politely on leash through a crowd.
   
   Whether you ever test your dog or not, teaching these skills to your dog will result in a dog that is well behaved, a joy to be around. Isn't that what everyone really wants for their family dog?
   
   For me, the best parts of the book are those that coach you on how to work with your dog, how to understand the dog's psychology - how dogs learn. This has been invaluable to me. Early in the book, the authors introduce the idea that dogs are, of course, pack animals. Our human family becomes their pack, and someone has to be the leader of the pack. For everyone's sake, the leader of the pack must be one of the people - not the dog. The Volhards help you understand how to be the pack leader. This is not hard to do and certainly does not require you to be unkind to your dog. Our dog has learned these lessons well enough that she even cheerfully takes commands from our 3 1/2 year old son.
   
   There is plenty of good advice here about preparing for the actual CGC test and what to expect. If passing the CGC test is your goal, the easiest approach is to enroll yourself and your dog in a hands on obedience class and use this book as the companion text book you almost won't get otherwise.
   
   For those without ready access to obedience classes, this book does provide guidance on how to train your dog by yourself. Having been through several obedience classes with our dog, I believe that if you followed the Volhards' advice carefully - and actually practiced the skills as they suggest - you really could train your dog on your own using this book.
   
   I have set myself a challenge - to have our family dog (a 2 year old shelter rescue Australian Shepherd mix) take and pass the CGC test at the local dog show in about a month. As the local dog show is VERY large, this will be an extremely distracting environment and a real challenge for our dog. I am convinced that when our dog takes the test she will pass. This book has helped me understand how to get her ready and how to help her be pretty much the perfect family dog.
   
   In the year-and-a-half since the kids wore me down and convinced me we really "needed" a dog, I have bought several dog books and skimmed many more at bookstores and libraries. This is the one book I would enthusiastically recommend for any dog owner in the early stages of teaching good manners to their dog, even if they never plan on having their dog take the Canine Good Citizen test.
   
   Great stuff, and highly recommended.
   
   Update - our dog has now taken, and passed the Canine Good Citizen test. I am still convinced that the Volhard's book is great stuff. Their advice equipped me to teach our dog to be a well mannered member of the family. Following their advice, she aced the test.



4. I just received this book a few days ago, but sat down and skimmed it cover to cover. I realized a few things that we were doing with our 4 month old GSD puppy that we should change. The book was easy to understand. The drawings/images help demonstrate proper techniques. There is a great 8-week training schedule to help get any dog trained and manageable. The book also goes over the elements of how a dog is tested for the Canine Good Citizen test and ways to approach the 10 different elements to prepare him/her for the examination. Additionally, it lets you know what you can or cannot do during the test - such as constant verbal contact with the dog being acceptible and no use of food for motivation. I'm excited to start this training and hopefully get our girl her CGC certification.



5. This is an excellent primer for teaching your dog good manners and was very helpful when I began teaching my dog, Coco, to be a pet assisted therapy dog.

5 comments about Encyclopedia of Aquarium Plants.

1. I loved this book! It has very in-depth information. I've always had problems with algae in my planted aquarium and this book explains several reasons why this occurs and how to prevent it. It explains, in detail, nutrient requirements, lighting options, ways that fish and invertebrates interact with plants, and which plants are best for beginners. It explains complicated information with clear diagrams. Finally, there is a great list of plants with photos and info.
   
   The only negative thing I can say is that this book is probably not the best for someone who only wants one or two plants in their aquarium and is looking for a simple introduction. This book isn't very simple, but it does offer clear explanations of many topics relating to growing plants in your aquarium.



2. I found this book very informative when I was setting up my 75 gallon Discus aquarium. Thanks to the information, pictures and various expamples it gave, I gained the knowledge to pick the way I wanted to set up my aquarium and what plants would be the better choices for the lower ph, higher temp. water used for Discus. Very good read.



3. Don't purchase this book unless you are a botanist. It is very difficult to understand and the layout impossible to follow.



4. This is a beautiful book with many high quality pictures of the plants. Overall it has well organized content but some informations are just not specific enough. For example, how much CO2 to dose to your tank is appropriate? How much Gh is a water soft or hard? How much time it normally takes to "cycle" a tank? No introduction on the pros and cons of different CO2 reactors types. Some answers may not be trivial but at least general guide line should be provided to be any useful.



5. This is a very good all round book for aquatic plants from the substrata , to light requirments etc etc. This book even give basic gardening requirments and arranging to have a healthy and attractice garden in your aquarium .

5 comments about How to Teach a New Dog Old Tricks.

1. I enjoyed reading this book. It gets into a dog's head. It may be a little common sense at times, but not everyone has common sense. A good book to buy that combines training with dog behavior.



2. Step by step, effective, useful, reading to learn to mold your dog so that life is more fun "enjoyable" for you and your pet. Head and shoulders over other dog training books I've read.



3. I have a lab, and originally purchased Labrador's for Dummies by Joel Walton -- since I'm not a very experienced dog owner. I was immediately impressed with how well the positive-training techniques by Joel worked. But when I went to purhcase other books, I noticed that many other authors took a much harsher stand on punishment -- and really fixated on the whole alpha dog concept. So I investigated further, and soon learned that many proponents of the "positive training" methods credited Ian Dunbar. So I knew I had to have Dunbar's book.
   
   At first, I was turned off by the wordy format, and pictures of a bearded guy from the '70s. I was worried that the book may be too philosophical, and not practical enough. But I puchased the book anyway.
   
   Man, I sure am glad that I purchased this book. The wordy passages are filled with a wealth of information. Whereas other books offer brief, simplistic instruction -- this book offers an in-depth explanation. It is a great complement to my Labrador for Dummies book.
   
   I also found his tone to be light and humorous -- and honest. It is quite easy to read, and holds my attention. But most of all -- this stuff really, really works. My dog is doing great -- I've never had such success training a dog before.



4. I recommend this book to new dog owners, as I wholeheartedly agree with most, if not all, if Dunbar's ideas and points. However, after reading many dog training books, I found it simple and mostly common sense.
   
   I would recommend the Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson over it.



5. Hi my name is Caleb Berger when I first got my dog Maddie she was fiesty.I new I had to teach her some manners.I started right awy with a firm technique, using a leash,a prong callar and firm words.she had to be taught that even tho I loved her she would have to obey.Now Maddie trust me she comes when I call.She follows me around the yard.I feed and water her all the time.Sometimes I'll spend hours with her.I want to enter her in a dog contest.I taught her sit and fetch.I admire my aunt Darge she taught me almost everything I now.I love my dog Maddie.

5 comments about Training Your Labrador Retriever (Training Your Dog).

1. I liked the way this book communicates. well written.
   It actually explains how to train the dog by giving examples and steps.
   
   I tried some items and have seen them to work.
   A good amount of the tips I already knew about and follow out of instinct.
   So it is not totally impressive but surely it puts thoughts in a structured context and refreshes old concepts.
   
   Training is not only about when to sit and when to fetch, it is about being able to communicate with your poochie friend. If you cannot communicate, then, you cant train (not predictable results for sure) the poochie.
   
   This book gets to the basics of what actually is being communicated by each (a lot if not all) of general behaviours we go through with our Labs.
   
   All in All, a really good Beginer's book to training.
   
   cheers
   Ranjith



2. I wish I had bought this book first!! My lab is 3 months old - and I wish I had this book when I brough her home! It is excellent - great information for a first-time puppy owner! My husband has even learned a few things - and he has had dogs all his life! I highly recommend this book!!



3. Great book! Excellent condition. Was pleased with the overall timeliness of receiving the merchandise.



4. It is a good book but I think it should offer more alternatives, specialy on pups training



5. This book covers all the basics of Labrador care and more! I have had two Labs before and I though I knew everything, but this book helped me in many areas, especially training and obedience!

5 comments about Hands-On Healing for Pets: The Animal Lover's Essential Guide to Using Healing Energy.

1. This is one of the BEST books I have encountered on healing energy work for animals.
   I use it extensively and highly recommend it to all animal lovers.
   My dogs give it a big "paws up"!



2. I thought it was a little wordy before getting to the "meat of the subject"



3. This is the best empathic book for fellow empaths and pet lovers. As a empathy like my self,she is full of great wisdom,and made her book easy to understand for psychic and pet lovers. I rate #1 on the healing practice,and excellent for beginners of being healers.



4. This was wonderful! This lady knows her stuff. I have her music cd's on healing for pets and animals-they are wonderful, too!



5. I wish I could give this more then 5 stars. It is the most comprehensive book I've read for hands-on healing for animals. The author doesn't just offer hand placements but provides a wealth of information on other aspects that effect the pet's overall well being. The book covers scientific evidence of healing, explains auras and chakras, environmental impacts, animal communication - including a meditation for developing the ability, properties for working with crystal energy, and astrological signs that influence your pet. The last chapter discusses complementary therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, and chiropractic.
   
   The only challenge I have is in the beginning of the book the author seems to oversimplify the ability for anyone to provide hands-on healing. I do believe we all have the innate ability to channel universal energy, but I believe a lot of us have "forgotten" who we are and our natural abilities. Later in the text the author does acknowledge it may take years for an individual to develop this inherent ability. Personally I recommend taking a class, whether it is Reiki, TT, HT, or any other energy healing modality if you're interested in hands on healing.

5 comments about Cold Noses At The Pearly Gates.

1. I THOROUGHLY enjoyed this book. I bought it the week we had to put our 14 year old Vizsla to sleep. I struggled when she went with the questions "where is she?" "Will the Lord take care of her?" "What about the critics that say that animals don't have an eternal soul?"
   
   The author says he struggled with the same questions, which led to the writing of this book. In all of his research of scripture, he became convinced and comforted to know that his precious pets do have an eternal soul and will be taken care of by the Lord in heaven. I loved his research style and I thought his arguments were solid. There were several arguments that prove that indeed animals do have eternal souls. I am seeing life for both animals and humans differently now.
   
   The comfort this book brought to me was tremendously real and helpful in the midst of my grief. I am going to purchase this book for several of my friends. I wish I had read it before our sweet girl passed away.



2. I am very thankful for this book, Cold Noses, and have recommended it to others. When my elderly dog passed away in July this year, I was heartbroken (and still miss her every day). I knew her time would be coming as she lived many more years than most dogs her size/breed. After she died, it was important to me as a Bible- believing Christian to find out what the Bible says about what happens to animals when they die. Most pet loss books I found were filled with a bunch of "hocus-pocus" new age wishful thinking that had no basis on truth what-so-ever. I found that Mr. Kurz really did his research in the Word on God's special plan for His creations (human and animal). I am sure of God's mercy as I live in it everyday. Because of this (and what I read in this book), I also now know that He has a special place in His eternal Kingdom for His creatures we call "animals". This is a real comfort to me as I miss my dear old friend. Thanks Mr. Kurz!



3. I give this book 1 star because I think the author had good intentions. However, instead of relieving any grief over the loss of my beloved friend, this book pushed my buttons and I became very, very upset. Hopefully you will read all these reviews before purchasing this book which is what I mistakenly did not do. As a scientist who believes in divine intervention as this planet has evolved, I felt like I was being insulted over and over as the author defended his belief in creationism and passive-aggressively ridiculed other beliefs. He insists that this book is appropriate for people of all faiths, however it is only appropriate for people who believe in creationism and accept literal interpretations from the Bible as reassurance that are pets are OK. Why does this discussion need to be in a book about pet loss? I suggest reading Animals and the Afterlife by Kim Sheridan if you are looking for comfort in other people's experiences. It is much, much more inclusive and has brought me great relief.



4. This book really helped me to find some peace after the loss of my 11 year old yellow lab that I have had since 7th grade. I feel totally at peace that he is in heaven and I will see him again one day. "Cold Noses" had a lot of scripture and heart warming stories that really made me feel better.



5. Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates was a great help to my wife and I when dealing with the loss of our little dog Lucy. It's comforting to know that we won't be separated forever.

4 comments about The Dog Breed Bible: Descriptions and Photos of Every Breed Recognized by the AKC.

1. 
   THIS IS AN EXCELLENT BOOK, ONE THAT I SELECTED TO BE AN INTERGAL PART OF MY SOON TO PUBLISHED WEB SITE "SELECTING YOUR PERFECT DOG, QUICKLY AND EASILY"
   
   DON SCHULTZ



2. Sturdy, spiral bound features one breed per page and covers basic information on origin, temperament, upkeep and health. Each breed is rated from 1 to 5 on energy level, exercise requirements, playfulness, affection level, friendliness toward other pets, friendliness toward strangers, ease of training and grooming requirements. A color photo of the head and side view of each breed is included.



3. I was disappointed with the limited breeds represented and the photographs of those selected. The photographs of several breeds are of selected dogs which do not, in my opinion, accurately represent the breed as a whole. I was not impressed.



4. Arrived quickly, and was just what we needed to help us choose the puppy for us! Thank you so much! Mia Rose

5 comments about Small Dogs, Big Hearts: A Guide to Caring for Your Little Dog , Revised Edition.

1. As the owner of 4 small dog rescues, I have found all of Darlene Arden's books extremely helpful and "small dogs, big hearts" is certainly no exception. It is filled with valuable information and should be a must read for anyone who has or is even remotely thinking about getting a small dog. Like all her books, this one is well written in Ms. Arden's easy to follow and understand style. I especially like the fact that this book contains mixed breeds and all the pictures are a wonderful addition.
   I applaud Darlene Arden for emphasizing that these small breeds are not toys to be played with, but real dogs with real dog issues and needs.



2. I was very anxious to get this book. In fact by the time I realized there was a second edition of the Irrepressible Toy Dog, I had been waiting several months. This lead me to several other small dog/ breed specific books. This book is definitely top notch However, I was a little biased having read similar information in several other books before reading this book. This made me less excited about its content, however I have to say that it is extremely well compiled, lots of good information and has the best health section on small breed specific disease that I have seen to date. The picture sections are cute, however it could have included more breeds instead of the same breeds over and over. It however was not as much fun as other books, and lacks in the training section when compared to other books. It is a great overall guide on toy dogs and every toy dog owner should keep a copy for a reference guide.



3. The diva of diminutive dogs does it again. This new edition is even better than the first, with more information on socialization and training, and wonderful color photos. Kudos for including small mixes among the purebreds, and for telling everyone that small dogs are real dogs, too. Anyone considering adding a small dog to their household should read this book.



4. This updated version of Ms. Arden's book is a must read for all people who are owned by a small dog. This edition includes several pages of delightful color photos and a a great list of resources for pampering your little dog!



5. I hate to be the voice of negativity among all the GREAT raves that this book got. I actually bought this book based on the reviews by other customers. It is a good book and specifies unique needs of small (especially toy) dogs. HOWEVER, as is often the case with an all encompassing book, this book would be great for first-time owners of toy dogs. I enjoyed the original edition which convinced me to get a toy dog (Papillons). If you are an experienced toy dog owner, you would only get a few things out of this book. This is the problem I find with these kind of books. It gets repetitive for the avid dog-book reader. The book doesn't address the intelligence of dogs and just glosses over each breed's characteristics. The photos in the books were great though.

5 comments about Angel Cats: Divine Messengers of Comfort.

1. what a heart warming book with great stories in it.



2. A friend gave me this book a week ago today. My wonderful cat (my companion of nearly 14 years), Trouble, died last week of kidney failure and my friend thought I could use a little comfort. I haven't read the entire book yet, but the last section on how animals say good-bye to us was truly touching to me and helped me to see that I'm not crazy for feeling so blue. Reading sections of this book allowed me to see that Trouble's desire to be held that last night he was with me was his way of saying good-bye and trying to let me know that he knew it was time and that he (and I) would be ok.



3. This book has some great stories which are heart warming and meaningful for the soul. These stories are way for people to see that animals can truly love there human. I would give this book out for gift to people who are lonely and think that nobody can love them.



4. In these uncertain and harrowing times, those of us who share life with cats have the advantage of being able to reach out and touch softness, comfort, unconditional love and loyalty whenever we stroke our cats. ANGEL CATS: DIVINE MESSENGERS OF COMFORT by Allen Anderson is a prosaic comforter and provides much-needed balm for the soul by illuminating stories of cats' singular love for their chosen humans, each other, and other living beings. I heartily recommend this book for all cat lovers, most especially those who wish to understand their relationships to their cats on a spiritual level, and for all who look forward to meeting beloved feline family members "at the Rainbow Bridge" and beyond.



5. I highly reccommend this book to animal lovers, and especially cat lovers. We are not in this world alone. God has blessed us with cats who can teach us patience, humor, compassion and unconditional love if you will let them. My cats have always been a comfort to me and a reflection of the eternal.

5 comments about Tracking Dog: Theory & Methods.

1. Great book on tracking. I discoverd I needed an air scenting book, not tracking for SAR k9 work but if your into tracking its a great book.



2. For those of you looking to train a serious working dog, this is the book for you.
   
   I have a police service K-9 and utilized the training found here to help my dog (German Shepherd).
   
   But not all dogs can do this so, the selection tests at the begining of the book were a great help.



3. This book was interesting and easy to read. Good ideas for training a tracking dog.



4. This book was writtten by the guru himself.All thruout the book which is easy to understand the writer is very confident and shares his knowledge and expieriences.This book is very informative and great for the beginner to the expert.



5. This book is an excellent resource and a very interesting read. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in tracking.