5 comments about Mastiff: A Comprehensive Guide to Owning and Caring for Your Dog (Kennel Club Dog Breed Series).

1. Mastiff: A Comprehensive Guide to Owning and Caring for Your Dog (Kennel Club Dog Breed Series)
   This book was very useful and informative. It is also written in a manner that is easy to follow so it was quickly to get through.



2. Informative & easy to read. Gives a detailed history on the breeds origin and characteristics. Great sections on housebreaking, everyday care and health. I loved all the color pictures!



3. This is a must have for any Mastiff Owner from the beginning owner to the seasoned breeder. It is extremely informative and Inspirational.
   We purchased this book as well as another.
   "History of The Mastiff"- Gathered From Sculpture, Pottery, Carvings, Paintings and Engravings; Also From Various Authors, With Remarks On Same, This book was "NOT" worth the purchase price.



4. This book provides a good overview of all topics related to Mastiffs. A great book for someone interested in the general history, care requirements, and peculiarities of the mastiff breed. The photos are nice, and this is a fun book to pick up and browse through. Lots of quality information can be found within, yet the breadth of information prevents a truly comprehensive approach. Still, a good value overall!



5. This book is by far the best. it gives thorough information specifically for mastiffs. it has a place for records and gets down to all the particulars about the breed!

5 comments about The Veterinarians' Guide to Your Dog's Symptoms (Veterinarians Guide).

1. We have had 7 Danes, my son has two labs, my daughter one yorkie and we have one pit.. needless to say this is the most used book in my house.. if something happens before we can call a vet.. we all use this.. in fact I bought a copy for my daughter...



2. I had high hopes for this book, however, the flow charts often end in "call your veterinarian". Even in cases when home remedies are available, it often suggests you call your vet for a home remedy! Calling my vet is what I was trying to avoid (hmmm...I guess I should have expected this, since it is a "veterinarian's guide")! I would leave this one for beginner-level dog owners.



3. This book is a nice basic guide to figuring out symptoms with your dog. Easy to find symptoms & to understand. A good book to have in your addition along with other dog books one may have.



4. If you read all the reviews, you will see that one misguided person entered a low ranking 4 times to unfairly negatively impact the results. (It appears that that person may be a self-styled expert, but not a veterinarian.) Other reviews attest to how useful a book like this can be.



5. Other veterinary guides to canine health are more comprehensive, but this one is perfect for those times when you need to know something right away. The chapters are organized broadly by symptom; within each chapter, charts enable you to quickly determine 1) the possible cause(s) of your dog's problem and 2) if this is a condition that needs immediate or eventual vet care. The information is organized to help you narrow the field of possible conditions by evaluating associated symptoms. A previous reviewer has apparently tried to decrease the overall rating of this book by submitting their negative review repeatedly, an unfair practice in itself, but I think the reveiw itself is off base as well. Many conditions are described as non-urgent, and for those, useful home remedies are suggested. (The remedies I've tried work.) This book doesn't offer in-depth information on canine illnesses or disorders, but it is very helpful as a first-aid, first-place-to-look resource. It's possible that there are better guides out there--I haven't read them all. But this is the best one I've seen for quickly answering the questions, What do my dog's symptoms mean? and Do I need to see the vet?

5 comments about Pet Sitting for Profit.

1. If your looking for great advice on all aspects of the pet sitting biz, this is the book to buy!



2. This is a great book for the pet lover who wants to make a profit. Makes a good first job for a responsible kid.
   
   Author of "Hobo Finds A Home" editior "Of A Predatory Heart"



3. This book is a great rescource for anyone who is looking to start a professional pet sitting service. It's easy to read and has lot's of good information.



4. I thought the book was excellent. I loved her style, not too dry, very humorous. It was a very quick easy read, and had great ideas for starting a new business. Lots of help and references. The best book I've read on the topic. I'm brand new in the business and I based my business planning on her book. I also had the opportunity to meet the author, and she is a great person, very helpful. I highly recommend it.



5. This is the Third Edition of an excellent book on the business aspects of pet sitting. Author Patti Moran is one of the pioneers in this field and she provides a wealth of useful information. Be aware that this information is primarily for business aspects of pet sitting - guiding you through everything from phone lines to forms. It does NOT provide information on pet care - assuming that you are already somewhat competent since you are itnerested in this field.
   Filled with "real life" experience, Ms Moran covers office procedures, insurance, advertising and marketing.
   The chapter on Getting Started will be extremely useful for someone starting up a pet sitting business with a work force of one - namely you :) Much of the rest of the book is geared for the pet sitting business that has expanded to multiple employees. Still, that is an area where many dog businesses fail - right when they expand.
   This book is an excellent resource for anyone with a dog business. Much of the businees savvy advice could apply to any dog themed business.
   This book is well worth its price for the budding entrepeneur

5 comments about My Recycled Pets: Diary of a Dog Addict.

1. I loved this book! I found it very inspirational and motivational. Thanks to people like Randi, I have the most amazing little rescue dog and I love reading about other successful rescues as well. As a dog lover who also sometimes volunteers for dog rescue in the Bay Area, I was touched by Randi's stories. I also love her spiritual approach, of searching for divine order in a chaotic world. The book has inspired me to begin volunteering/fostering for rescue again, and to give dogs that might appear unreachable a second chance.



2. A current trend in books about dogs is that the dog(s) serve as a back drop for the author to talk about himself or herself. This book is not one of those books. And Randi Berger does a wonderful job telling the dogs' amazing stories.
   
   I truly enjoyed reading this book about troubled dogs who are rehabilitated by Ms. Berger and end up as wonderful pets.



3. Berger's stories of her years managing her full-time dog rescue organization are not only entertaining, but inspiring and sometimes painful to read. This is real-life in the dog-rescue world. Very hard work. You really get a sense of the committment and the endless effort it takes to run a successful rescue organization. Berger laces her book with humor, wit, and lots of great dog photos so you can really get a feel for each of the dog characters she writes about. I recommend this book to ANY dog lover...but especially to those who've rescued a dog from the street, a shelter, or a bad situation. You will enjoy this book. A must-have for your dog library!



4. This is a most enjoyable book and the first I have read to tell how someone begins a dog rescue group. I got my dog from one and have wanted to know more about these groups. The writer should continue to tell her story of dog rescue and of other such groups as well. Her writing style is entertaining and informative.



5. In her book "My Recycled Pets," Randi Berger shares with her readers a deep and personal glimpse into the life of a self proclaimed "dog addict." Randi is the founder and director of Recycled Pets Rescue, an organization that finds homes for dogs that would otherwise be put to sleep. This book chronicles her life and the many furry friends that aided and helped her along the way.
   
   I think the most compelling thing about this book is that Randi Berger's passion for what she does oozes from every page. In her book, Randi allows her readers to accompany her on a journey that takes her from being self centered young adult to the selfless champion of those discarded pets on doggie death row.
   
   This book is mostly a series of vignettes about the many dogs that have passed through Randi's life. These stories are filled with both joy and pathos. Randi's strength as a writer is the way she connects with the reader and is able to communicate her innermost feelings through the pages of her book.
   
   I found "My Recycled Pets," to be a very touching and readable book. In fact it I was not able to read it a quickly as I would have liked because my wife hijacked it from me and couldn't put it down, leaving it unavailable to me until she was finished.

4 comments about Parrot Tricks: Teaching Parrots with Positive Reinforcement.

1. Isn't for begginners. To try tricks that are in this book, your pet have to be well socialized already. Altought, the text is well organised and paragraphs are relatively shorts and clears. Examples are very interestings.



2. If you're looking for a variety of tricks to teach your bird and good instructions for how to do them, this is the book! It ranges from the simple wave and kiss to riding bicycles and "playing basketball." I had seen a couple of rave reviews online but was a little skeptical until I looked at the book itself. It's been fantastic and has lots of little tricks to help you when you're having trouble. I have a sun conure, and while many have said they're not as quick as other parrots, he's learning like a champ!



3. I have known Tani for many years. Under her tutelage, I taught my birds the following tricks: a puzzle, mailbox, basketball hoop, wave, piggy bank, stack cups, stack rings....to name a few. She once told me that birds never forget what they learn and since I have been doing this for seven years or so, I have discovered that she is right!
   
   This book has detailed instructions on how to teach your bird a multitude of trick behaviors: from variations on the retrieve (my personal favorite) to capturing behaviors to create what Tani terms "innovative tricks". There is so much information in this book that I believe it will become a classic for decades to come.
   
   What Tani terms "trick behaviors" are really the basis for building a strong system of communication between you and your parrot. This is so vital to living with parrots as companion animals. Don't be fooled by the notion that these are just "silly tricks". The truth is that they are stepping stones to building a mutually interesting and enjoyable relationship between you, your family and your avian companions.
   
   Just about anybody can teach their bird at least a few of these behaviors. The secret is patience and repitition. Once you start training, you will enjoy it and you will find that your bird will blossom from the attention and positive feedback.
   
   I definitely recommend this book along with Tani's tapes and DVD's. This is one facet of building an interesting and long term relationship with your bird.
   
   Mona Delgado
   Seattle, WA



4. It seems that anything and everything you read about Pet Parrot Trick Training all comes back to a common denominator. It's Tani Robar! This book is a MUST HAVE bible of information for any owner of pet birds from a little canary all the way up to a large Macaw.
   
   Tani's writing style is fun to read and keeps you wanting to know more through the whole book! Many times reading throughout the book I said to myself " so that's how trainers do that! I can teach my bird that trick!" It kept me reading all the way to the end!
   
   This book should be a required read for all bird owners. It gives so much insight to how birds think and behave to our actions!
   
   You will love this book. Thanks Tani!

5 comments about The Bearded Dragon Manual (Advanced Vivarium Systems).

1. I got this book after I got the dragon. I wish I had the book first. I found out I don't like the little buggers and gave the thing away to a friend with the book in tow. Book is well written and easy to read. It shows all the concerns a dragon owner should be aware of and proper care and maintenance. It might be a little outdated, with the new foods that are ready to eat that are produced for them. Also, not a lot on personalities, but I didn't expect much on that either.



2. This book is an easy read that provides excellent information on the care of Bearded Dragons. Before you get your dragon, get this book! It could mean the difference between a happy healthy lizard and a dead one.
   
   Already have a dragon? Get the book anyway. You could still learn some things that will make your pet's life better.



3. I highly recommend this bearded dragon manual. It is far more detailed and accurate than all of the other bearded books I have bought off of here. It contains information that the other books have forgotten or intentionally excluded and I recommend this book to anyone whose looking for a book on how to take care of a bearded dragon properly.



4. This is an excellent book for a Bearded Dragon beginner. Lots of helpful info. My son has been looking at it a lot since getting his beardie. It has answered most of his questions.



5. I bought this book when I first got my beardie. I didn't know anything about these animals except what I had been told by the pet store. This book is a lifesaver. It is wonderful, very educational. It covers general information, how to prepare a proper habitat, how to care for your pet, as well as breeding. There is information on some common health problems and other reptiles closely related to beardies as well. This book has been a real help to me while ensuring that I provide the best for my beardie.

3 comments about Training Your Foal.

1. This was a great book for a first time foal owner. I could see how it would be useful to the "old pro" as well. Very informative, with tips and hints from birth to backing. I will be sure to keep it on hand over the next few years!



2. This book gave good information and was easy to read. This is definitely more of a book for beginners though. I wanted to get a bunch of ideas for lessons to do, and I did, but a lot of times I felt like the book just kept going on and on explaining the same thing in ten different ways. I would have liked the explaining of how and why you do each type of lesson to be more short and to the point. But all in all, I would have still bought the book because it did have a lot of good information.



3. I bought this book for my daughter. She lost her older hunter horse and decided she didnt want another made horse. She could never replace him so she wanted a foal and to raise it herself. Well Bella is only 7 months old and a handful but by using this and one other book she has already taught her to lead. Just a few minutes for a couple of days and using these techniques she has had small successes. this is one of the better books that I could find for it was easy to understand the directions and pictures. It is one of the better books to purchase if you plan on raising a baby too. John Lyons is other book that is a great one for guidance.

5 comments about The Tao of Equus: A Woman's Journey of Healing and Transformation through the Way of the Horse.

1. I have been interested in this topic for a while now but as I start working toward my dissertation, I know that I need more factual and scientific information for anyone to take me seriously. This book is packed with anecdotal portions to keep you interested and tons of "scientific" information to back it up. I'm not finished with it yet but there is a ton of information for me to use. I'll be reading it again for sure!



2. I picked this one up, based upon the mostly favorable reviews. I enjoy reading accounts of people who have been able to connect with their spiritual natures, whatever the medium.
   
   And there is some interesting material -- maybe 50 pages of interesting information. The other 300 pages are extremely repetitive, and sadly, just like many other new-age books, preachy. This could have been a wonderful book, had the author simple recounted her experiences with horses. But, unfortunately, she launches into tirades. It's just not worth sorting out the gems from the weeds.



3. I have been riding and training horses for 60 years, and while reading this book, I had my memories come back, and she spoke for me. Any women who loves horses, and has felt their power, would feel inspired while reading this book. Beth Morris



4. Good read. I had to buy my own copy as I had started reading a loaned one and knew the owner would note appreciate my "high lightes." It raised some good questions for me and confirmed some observations I've have on my own. This copy is actually my second and is for a friend.



5. I was given this book as a gift and I was so captivated I recommended it to friends and people I just met on the street. I have worked with and around horses my whole life and this spoke to a deep part of my soul. A validation and understanding of the deep wisdom horses have to give. It was an easy read, but I chose to read it slowly and let the subtle inflections absorb into my soul. I recommend this book to people who don't feel as though a horse is just a tool...or maybe I recommend it especially to those who believe horses are just a tool. Enjoy your read.

5 comments about Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships with Dogs.

1. In my opinion, no one should ever even think about owning a dog before owning this book. For me, the main thrust was this: when trying to get our dogs to behave in certain ways, we keep expecting them to think like we do, when in fact, the key to success is learning how to think like they do. It's the difference between creating harmonious relationships with them or frustrating ones. This book will get you into your dog's head.



2. This is one of the first books on dog training I read, and it got me started looking into dog training techniques. Based on the chapter "Things Timmy Never Did to Lassie", I checked out some of Hearne and Koehler's books and decided they are not for me.
   
   My dogs have responded well to the positive training methods she recommends.



3. Suzanne Clothier has written a book that will have one thinking about their relationship with dogs past and present. Her gentle approach to dog training is to be admired and learned from. The personal stories she tells throughout the book wil have you either in tears or laughter. A must read for all dog lovers and any one trying to train a more difficult dog. Suzanne Clothier is the true Dog Whisperer.



4. Suzanne Clothier's book is fun to read, full of wonder, wisdom, and insight! She opens her book with stories from her childhood that parents (and children like her) will appreciate. Ms Clothier is someone who sees. She shares what she sees with us as stories, observations, and ponderings. She speaks of training as teaching a dog to be attentive to the owner but her stories, better than most how-tos, teach us how to be more attentive to our dogs. Learning to train a dog is kinesthetic learning. This book is alittle kinesthetic learning for the heart.



5. This book describes, through subjective stories and sometimes rather overly sentimental and repetitious narrative, how to relate to a dog as a thinking, feeling being with a soul of his own, rather than as a furry domestic "object" to be systematically molded by force to man's will.
   
   There's an upside and a downside to this approach. The upside is that Suzanne is clearly a person who deeply loves and cares for her animals, and she desires to inspire others to adopt a similar approach and thus obtain a closer connection with their dog on a deeper and more meaningful level. Based on the overwhelmingly positive reviews of the book here, she is largely successful in this effort. The downside is that this approach is difficult if not impossible to quantify, and as such the book is neither a manual of training nor technique, which Suzanne openly admits. If you have an interest in a specific "behavior problem", this isn't the book you're looking for. However, if you have an interest in the underlying issues and human-canine dynamics that may very well be the source of the "behavior problem", then you'll at least be well on the road to finding your answer here. And given the fact that many "behavior problems" in dogs actually arise because of our own incompetence or misunderstanding of dog psychology, many people (and dogs) would benefit tremendously by our learning to get in touch at some level with "the canine soul".
   
   The one small criticism that I have about the book is that I think Suzanne is rather disingenuous and over-the-top in her blasting of Vicki Hearne. Given the opposite ends "A" and "B" on the scale of approaches to dog training -- with Suzanne at "A" and Vicki at "B", Suzanne's pendulum clearly swings too far to the left at times.
   
   I say this because, all deference to doggie souls aside, they are *still* and will always be dogs. As such, their neurological systems are designed so that they learn MOST EFFECTIVELY through methods that utilize operant conditioning. As Jean Donaldson so appropriately points out in her excellent book "The Culture Clash: A Revolutionary New Way to Understanding the Relationship Between Humans and Domestic Dogs", training methods based on operant conditioning are the widest window that is open to us in this regard and thus, the ones we should use.
   
   This is not to say that one should not also listen to what Suzanne Clothier has to teach us. Because in the end, the absolute best that you can do for your dog is to understand him not only as a thinking, feeling being in his own right, but also how to teach him in ways that he'll best understand.
   
   The Culture Clash: A Revolutionary New Way to Understanding the Relationship Between Humans and Domestic Dogs

1 comments about Braiding Manes & Tails: A Visual Guide to 30 Basic Braids.

1. For the aesthetically inclined book lover, this is a must. It is spiral bound and beautifully composed with rich color, clear photographs and diagrams, and an easy to read format.
   My only criticism of the book was that there were no really intricate uncommon braids included. Growing up in the horse world, I have learned many braids, all of which are in this book. Unfortunately, there were no new braids for me to learn which seriously bummed me out. I'm not unhappy with my purchase though, as this is a clear and concise guide to braiding that I can use to teach students and friends.