1 comments about Japanese Spitz (Kennel Club Dog Breed Series).

1. This book has been fantastic! We were trying to decide if this breed was for us and the book has given us all of the information we needed and much much more!
   
   A must for anyone thinking of aquiring this beautiful breed of dog.

5 comments about People, Pooches and Problems: Understanding, Controlling and Correcting Problem Behavior in Your Dog (Pets).

1. This book is great, esp the set up, for eliminating problem behaviors in dogs. I loan it out twice a year. It is useful in a wide array of canine misbehavior which as Evans points out is occuring because you let the dog get away with it. Proper re-inforcement of the pack dynamic, crate training, shaping behavior... these are all in there. He tackles some pretty disgusting problems like leg humping, dogs that run the entire household etc.



2. This book addresses the importance of gaining the respect of your dog and how to move into a leadership position over your dog. So many obedience books & trainers discuss how to teach your dog to sit & down etc, but don't discuss what to do when your dog KNOWS the commands but chooses to ignore it. Praise/treat-only training works when you have a rabidly-eager-to-please dog and/or a person who naturally is a good leader or has good experience with dogs. But for the average dog-owner who I see allow themselves and their guests get trampled/mouthed/abused by their disrespectful dogs ("He's just excited!")this book could be a lifesaver for their dog that is headed for getting squashed by a car, or euthanized for biting a kid...for example.
   Anyone who thinks that training a dog is only praise & treats and little to no reprimands--then good for you that life is so easy with your dog(s)---the foster dogs I reform might: sit/down/stay/come for your treat perfectly, then precede to runover your kid and steal his toys/food and bite him if he resists and then maybe eat the mailman for dessert. Dogs need to know their boundaries.
   When the praise only type trainers can't reform out-of-control aggressive dogs, euthanasia is typically suggested.
   The last behavior expert I met who specialized in "aggressive/problem" dogs had never had to euthanize a single dog in 16 years of operation and furthermore has to counsel and help dog "experts" who can't control strong-willed dogs. I noticed her style of operation is essentially what is in this book --- talk and relate to dogs using their own language.
   
   Read this book, and recommend this book to other people with dogs.



3. I've been teaching obedience classes and training and exhibiting Toy Poodles and Miniature Schnauzers in advanced obedience for about 20 years. This book is always the FIRST one I recommend to dog owners who have a dominant or spoiled or aggressive dog.

   It is filled with practical, commonsense training methods that work just as well today as they did in our grandparents' days. Dog does good, he is praised and reward -- dog does bad, he is corrected. Perfectly understandable -- both by dogs and by kids.

   In my opinion, the people who dislike this book are those who don't believe in negative consequences for anyone or anything. (You usually see the results of this philosophy in their spoiled children.)

   "Old-fashioned," they call it. Well, it IS "old-fashioned." And it produces "old-fashioned" good behavior and respect for authority. Good old common sense is what it is, and dogs respond beautifully to it.

   Yes, dogs are perfectly capable of understanding positive consequences (petting and treats) AND negative consequences (a sharp word, snap of the leash, or swat on the hind end).

   Job Michael Evans' book is just terrific. I have a dozen happy, cheerful, well-behaved dogs to prove it, and as an experienced instructor and trainer, I highly recommend it.




4. Evans' training methods are midieval, at best. The current world of dog training boasts many methods, some effective, some not, and everyone is entitled to their own opinion. However, rarely these days do you see any responsible, effective trainers supporting any methods of correction that include "swatting" or "shaking" your dog(s). For example, Evans advice on how to correct your dog when you come home to find he's had an "accident" in the house? Lead him to the scene of the crime and "swat" him....well, that's if he doesn't get it when you just growl at him. Has this dog been left for 8-10 hours with no other choice but to relieve himself in the house? If so, the owner should be swatted and re-educated, not the poor dog. In talking about teaching and reinforcing the long down, Evans advises, if the dog "stress-whines", "give the dog a slap under the chin and say NO!". Advising unwitting, uneducated dog owners to slap their dog when it shows stress??? Deplorable.
   
   This book does have a lot of good advice for dog owners; however, it also supports many negative methods....punishment....that have no place in the current world of dog training (and never should have, in my humble opinion). Unfortunately, although experienced trainers, like myself, will read this book (or as much of it as they can stomach) and be appalled, new dog owners, not knowing any better, will employ these methods out of desperation. There are better ways; my recommendation would be to do some research and invest in books that employ positive training methods that take into account both various temperaments of dogs, their instincts, and their basic motivational factors. While the methods may vary in effectiveness, certainly any positive approach is preferable to one that advocates such severe negative methods as are taught in Evans' book.



5. I've noticed a wonderful change in my relationship with my dogs, after only 3 days of practicing the methods in this book. The inciteful knowledge has shown to be the key to improving the relationship with my dogs and loving them even more.

5 comments about Great Dane: Model of Nobility (Howell's Best of Breed Library).

1. I bought this book because I was considering getting a Great Dane. I wanted to study up on the breed before committing to having one. It was good because it did bring up both good and bad things about the breed. Danes are not for everyone. However, I wish it would have had more info on everyday living with a Dane and not so much on breeding. And yes, I did get a Dane.



2. BUY THIS BOOK! I had purchased and read over a dozen books in preparation for bringing my puppy home, and this by far is the best.

   The section on choosing a breeder is wonderful, and has some very important information you need to know before you buy a Dane from someone.

   Bottom line, get it, read it, keep it for reference.




3. I loved this book. I learned enough in the care section to save at least one trip to the vet (normal stuff that doesn't seem so - callouses for big dogs). This book was fun to read, in addition to being so informative. Great for better understanding my Great Dane.



4. This was a very informative and helpful book. The Author provides keen insight into the care,responsibilities and phsyche of the Apollo of dogs.



5. This book answered all my questions about temperment, exercise and medical issues. I also really appreciated the balanced view - all the up and down side of owning a Great Dane from puppy to old age and death. Thanks to Jill for providing excellant information - I'm sure our new Dane will apprecitate it when he/she arrives!

5 comments about World of the American Pit Bull Terrier.

1. Read this book years ago, and looking back it's almost comical in its style. 137 lb Korean chindo dogs? Korean, jindhos weigh about 45-60 lbs. Some of his claims are absurd regarding pitbulls and do the breed no favors, plus dogfighting is for criminals. So if you like biased, exaggerated portrayals of your breed this is the book for you.



2. Stratton writes books that glorify dog fighting. Anyone that truly loves their dog would read anything from Stratton!!!



3. I have raised and trained American Pit Bull Terriers for 16 years (starting in 1980). This is THE most intelligent and comprehensive book on the subject of APBT's. Anyone that can't stomach this book has no business owning an APBT...PERIOD.
   Kristi



4. I belive this book tells the true history of the APBT and anyone involved in this breed should read this book cover to cover but that is the inherit problem with a lot pit bull owners and breeders is that they don't know their dogs inside and out. The pitbulls I have owned are incredible farm dogs, I don't condone dogfighting but the realization is that dogfighting and dogmen kept this breed alive because 99% of the population didn't know what an APBT was before 1980



5. Unless you honestly think that any animal enjoys fighting another for his life, unless you enjoy the idea of animals abused for entertainment purposes or unless you think that "dog fighting" quaifies as a "gentleman's sport" then I'd suggest you look to someone other than Stratton for your information. His glorification of the past and present of dog fighting is both sickening and and frightening all at the same time.

   Calling the low lifes who get their kicks watching animals suffer "dogmen" in an attempt to sanitize this brutality does not change the facts. Dog fighting is not now, nor was it in the past, anything to be admired. His description of match details is enough to make any honest dog lover cringe.

   The book does provide some excellent historical information on the development of the breed. However, there are other excellent sources of information on the subject, which manage not to make dog fighting sound like an acceptable activity.

   Thank you Mr. Stratton for pounding one more nail into the coffin of this beautiful, loyal and misunderstoond breed.

5 comments about The Complete Rhodesian Ridgeback (Book of the Breed).

1. As the owner of two Ridgebacks, I read this book awhile ago. I reread it recently and there are many out of date subjects. It explains that puppies born with Dermoids or Ridgeless should be put to sleep. I bought a puppy to discover that he had 3 large Dermoids. Many vets do this operation now. Dermoids surgery is anywhere from $150-500. What is the matter with a Ridgeless puppy? Nothing. At least find a good home for the puppy. Many people dont mind a ridgeless. Out dated vaccination info. I recommend Natural Health for Dogs and Cats by DR Pitcairn.



2. Very good book if you are geared toward showing your dog. Or if you were really interested in the the lineage of the breed in three countries. For the novice recipient of such an awesome
   dog, I found it completely lacking in real world advice, save for one chapter. I guess I should have bought " ridgebacks for dummies" because this book mostly went over my head. The content was well written, though. The Authors know the breed.



3. Ridgebacks are not easy dogs, and this book helps you understand that. Little things like explaining why your Ridgeback will retrieve a ball once or twice, but then get board unlike many popular canines is very helpful. This is a great book to help a person get to know the breed, but if you already have a Ridgeback I hope and pray that there is nothing in here that you don't already know. I have raised, trained, and have shown two Ridgebacks and I love the breed more than many other breeds I have worked with. As always the best place to learn about a dog is talking to a respected breeders, trainers, and handlers, but this book is helpful with understanding the important background of this great breed.



4. Not the best choice for someone researching the breed or living with their first ridgeback. The entire text needs expansion and updating; sections on training and health matters were completely lacking in any meaningful content.



5. This book was very complete and had lots of good information for the uneducated Rhodesian Ridgeback owner. The pictures and information were all first rate - however somewhat dated. Lots of good info on raising and breeding ridgebacks too.

5 comments about Raising Rabbits the Modern Way (Garden Way Publishing Classic).

1. This is a good book if you have never owned rabbits and this will be one of a few a books that you plan on reading, because despite the authors experience and education on the subjects in the book he seems as if he is rushing it just a little, granted it is old (last pub date was 1988), and also as if he is preaching his way rather than letting you develop experience through guidance through learning your own way, there are ways to screw up and there are those who get it no matter what. I highly suggest that you do your research before you consider owning rabbits, I disagree with the authors view on raising rabbits primarily for meat, with my animals I raise primarily for the coats and angora wool which I tan the hides and spin with down from my chickens) and sell them locally, meat is mearly a by product for me and believe me it can really help on your grocery bill. Just do yourself and all the rest of us who are in this business a favor, educate yourself first before you even buy a rabbit.



2. this is a great book but it was revised in 1988. That is hardly the modern way. Actually, most things don't change but I found a few things that are not true (like what kind of hay to feed). Any way, consider all your possibilities before investing in this book.



3. As beginners, we didn't feel this book gave us enough detailed information to care for the rabbits confidently.



4. As a small homstead rabbit rasier, I was disappointed in buying this book. It seemed to be only for the commerical and show rabbit rasiers.



5. This is one of the finest books ever written about rabbits . I use mine on an average of weekly,this book is a must have for rabbit raisers and breeders.

No comments about Tibetan Terrier (Comprehensive Owner's Guide).

5 comments about Quality Deer Management: The Basics and Beyond.

1. The author, Charles Alsheimer, does a fantastic job bringing the ourdoors inside and providing valuable information that would be of great help to anyone interested in deer hunting and the management of that valued resource--the whitetail deer. I even bought a second one to give to a fellow hunter/land owner friend who is also interested in quality deer management.



2. I have read several books about creating better habitat, food plots, etc for whitetails, and this book is by far the most comprehensive, in depth book I've read. The author truly knows his stuff and gives tons of tips for improving your deer herd and deer hunting. Excellent buy, great photography.



3. Alsheimer shows what deer hunting is made of with this book. You'll get top-of-the-line information on planting food plots, managing trees, keeping records on your deer, hunting deer for your setup--everything!! He not only tells you how to manage your property and deer, but also explains how deer live throughout the entire year.
   
   Charlie Alshiemer is a photographer by trade, which is very obvious in this book. His photos of whitetails are nothing short of amazing.
   
   His style is very matter-of-fact and easy to understand, making it that much more enjoyable to read.
   
   This is by far the most informative book I have ever read. Buy it today; you will get your money's worth. I wish there were more books like this one on the market!! I'll give it as many stars as are available!!



4. I couldn't put the book down. I grew up in Steuben County in the town of Caton. Iam going to start implementing some of the things I learned in this book this year. I would tell anyone interested in learning how to grow bigger deer (buck or doe) should read this book.



5. Charlie Alsheimer is possibly the best white-tailed deer writer of all time. He is certainly the best deer photographer. His new book Quality Deer Managment the Basics and Beyond, is a prime example of both his talent as a writer and his brilliance as a photographer. I believe it to be his best book ever.
   The book is written in Charlie's classic down home, easy to read style with easy to grasp explinations of complicated deer managment issues. He covers virtually every aspect of the QDM scene with common sense and uncommon insight. His treatment of the topic is inspirational and leaves you wanting to get out there and start practicing QDM now!
   The photos chosen to illustrate the text are nothing short of spectacular. They bring the entire text to life in brilliant color and give you an up close and personal view of whitetails as only Alsheimer can.
   After reading this book I picked up a copy of "Grow 'em Right" the new "how to" habitat and food plot book by Dougherty & Dougherty and am now ready to conquer the world of Quality deer managment. Now white-tailed deer book library is complete without this book

No comments about Moose.

5 comments about Australian Parakeet Handbook, The New (New Pet Handbooks).

1. I recently got my first Red Rump parakeet. Ordered this book to get good basic information on care and such. Felt it was a good basis all around book for all Australian parakeets. Went into many types of the Australian keets.



2. The only reason I gave this book 3 stars is because I simply looked through it briefly. I ordered it for a friend of mine who has a Pale-headed Rosella. I assume she finds it helpful. Sorry I couldn't be more specific!



3. THE NEW AUSTRALIAN PARAKEET HANDBOOK by Matthew Vriends, is a relatively technical volume covering "everything about purchase, housing, care, nutrition, behavior, breeding and disease' and a special chapter on `understanding the Australian Parakeet'
   
   Ever wonder where that blue or yellow budgie you own fits into the larger scheme of the Parakeet world? This book won't tell you. NAPH describes the whereabouts of selected parakeets native to Australia, not `Melopsittacus undulatus. You won't find `Budgies' in the index either, and the `Grass Parakeet is not the Budgie according to this book.
   
   Vriends book covers the so-called `broad tailed parakeets' ornamental birds you might encounter on a field trip and want to breed yourself, could you catch a pair. Vriends Includes descriptions of Nymphicus hollandicus known to most of us as the`Cockatiel' and he also writes about lesser known species such as Rosellas, Ring-necks and Red-rumped Parakeets, as well as the Yellow-vented Blue Bonnet parakeet which must be a sight to see in the wild. Vriends book is really a breeding and "birding" book comparable to those published by the Smithsonian on captive breeding programs for `threatened' birds held in captivity and/or finding them in their threatened habitats, and would make a good companion on your next trip through Australia to search the bush and back roads. In fact, one great shot shows an old guy with camper in the background, feeding a wild flock of Australian King Parrots with bright red heads (could this be the author?). The book includes many photos with poor captions and plenty of black and white drawings which I find offputting when trying to determine which species might be lurking on the fence post yonder.



4. This was one of the very few books that covered to any degree the rare species of bird that I recently purchased.

   I have also seen this title in a highly respected local bird farm library.

   Highly recommended for not extensive information on each breed, but short summaries on about every breed of Australian parakeet you need to know about.




5. Dr. Vriends is one of the formost authorities on birds, and this book is an excellent example of his knowledge in unusual species. It covers all Australian parakeets that are usually kept, and is currently the most comprehensive guide to these interesting beauties. Highly recommend this book for all who own or are considering owning Australian broad and long tailed parakeets.