5 comments about On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals.

1. Short book, easy read, good ideas... I enjoy learning about dogs and have been using the ideas daily.



2. I have been a dog owner for years. After reading this book, it has been interesting to observe my own and other dogs with a new depth of understanding, and to be able to communicate with them more easily. It's easy to forget that dogs have no verbal language as we do and can easily misunderstand our words and actions, as we can misunderstand theirs.



3. I found the information of body language to be interesting, but limited. I was really expecting more information to make a difference with training and understanding dogs.



4. Not worth the money - unless you fine it for about 2 bucks. If you have dogs it is things you will already know. There was maybe one thing I didn't know. It is very basic. Go to the library and read it for free. If they don't have it - don't bother.



5. I have now read and used all three of Turid Rugaas's books.
   I have assigned this one as reading material for all of my 24 Training Instructors. Along with several of the trainers which have also shown and bred dogs for over 20 years; we all will be giving out one of these books to each person buying a puppy or adopting a rescue. This is a MUST have for anyone wishing to own, already owning a canine, and wish to participate in activities such as going to dog parks, attending public classes and competitions. It pays to know what the dogs "are saying to each other", will this be a friendly encounter or should you intervene?

5 comments about The Soul of a Horse: Life Lessons from the Herd.

1. Joe speaks a clear and simple truth that grabs hold of your heart. "The Soul of a Horse" reminds us of that magical connection possible between man and equine--if we only listen to the horse. For some people, this book will evoke that eternal desire to experience the true spirit of horses. For others, this book might be a challenging revelation--one that might forever change their relationship with horses, for the better.



2. I just finished reading, "The Soul of a Horse - Life Lessons from the Herd" by Joe Camp. What an amazing book! I couldn't put it down until I devoured every word, every idea, every beautiful thought.
   By the way, I am not a horse owner. I am quite simply an animal lover.
   One day when I was in my local bookstore (Rhode Island) to purchase a gift for my cousin, the cover of this book caught my eye. I saw a beautiful horse, embraced by his owner Joe Camp. I could see the love there. Then the title intrigued me, "The Soul of a Horse" and I wanted to know more. Inside, Joe Camp says, this book is... "For everyone who has ever loved a horse... or loved the idea of loving a horse." That's me!
   The discoveries Camp and his wife Kathleen make with their horses is astounding. But most importantly, their discoveries are born of love. My own soul leapt as I read how Joe Camp spent time with his herd to figure out how horses communicate with each other and then applied it to his own work with them. Here, the reader learns about the horses evolution, their language and how to best care for these magnificent creatures to keep them healthy, happy and living longer.
   Joe Camp's clean writing style puts you right in the pasture with the horses to see, feel, smell and understand them.
   This book is for anyone who loves animals, loves the planet and wishes to make the world a better place. And, it'll breathe a breath of fresh air into your own soul. It did mine!
   I am forever changed by this spectacular book! And, I can't wait to own a horse one day (if he chooses me)!
   Raina Smith
   Rhode Island



3. I love a book that makes me think, and Soul of a Horse did that and more. Told in a passionate, yet wonderfully easy, around the campfire voice, Joe Camp challenges his own perceptions and the perceptions of others as he seeks to learn what a horse needs, rather than what we think they need. His story not only deepened my understanding of horses and the impact of humans upon them, but offered metaphor upon metaphor for increasing awareness of ourselves in relationship to others. Part educational, part spiritual, this book has more than one important message...not the least being, that we are capable of doing better.



4. From what started out as shock from a surprise birthday gift became a quest for knowledge and understanding on the proper care of a horse.
   
   Joe Camp chronicles the oftentimes emotional journey he took with his wife, Kathleen, in researching the traditional avenues of equine care and the direction they ultimately traveled when the puzzling answers begot more questions...and more puzzling answers.
   
   A well-paced read, Camp demonstrates that Tender Loving Care starts with fully understanding that the heart of the matter is listening for the calming whispers from the soul.



5. Joe Camp has confirmed everything I felt inside when I bought my first horse. I am 58 years old and knew nothing, except that I wanted, NO, needed a horse. When she was boarded in a small stall and standing in poop, I knew that wasn't right. When the farrier was hammering nails into her hoofs, I knew that didn't feel right. So, now we too have horses out in pasture 24/7 and there are no shoes. They are happier, healthier and now I too am happier and healthier after reading how Joe and Kathleen travelled similar roads. Validation of your feelings from someone who says it all from the heart is a wonderful thing. Read it and change how you live with your animals too.

5 comments about 101 Dog Tricks: Step by Step Activities to Engage, Challenge, and Bond with Your Dog.

1. help with all the issues you run into trying to train. It did however help us learn how to start each trick we want to train and I have found it very useful.



2. This book has given me and my wife so many ideas for how to enforce positive behavior in our dogs yet in a fun, clearly explained way. We look forward to each new lesson we will learn with our dogs. It's like homework for dogs and their owners too. Great ideas and book.



3. I LOVE this book. Got my dog Cally doing all sorts of things. Glad I got it.



4. This is a great dog trick book. Some of the tricks are a little over the top but there are great ideas for new and different tricks. It is written easily so anyone can follow it. It has good pics too. I recommend this book to anyone wishing to challenge their dogs from everything to the simple trick to more complex.



5. I LOVE this book!
   The book is easy to follow.
   It is very well illustrated and fun!
   I would recommend this book to anybody who wants to teach tricks to their dogs.

5 comments about For the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend.

1. This book not only helped me to understand, relate, and communicate with my dogs, but myself as well.
   Buy this book if you want to become closer to your furbaby. I've read many books on animal behavior and communication and this one is at the top.
   Spend a few bucks on this book. You won't be disappointed.



2. Thouroughly enjoying the book. It's really beneficial in terms of helping to understand what our dogs might be thinking and feeling.



3. The book arrived quickly as always from Amazon.com The author is someone I've followed for years, she explains things so fully and lovingly, I had so many "ahaa" moments while reading it. Her love of her dogs is palpable and yet she loves them precisely because they are dogs and not furry humans. It is so wonderful to know there are people in this world who feel like I do about my dogs, they are my family, my children and I can never stop being amazed at how they view the world and how they share their lives so willingly with us. I love watching them play, investigate and run with such unbridled joy, they open up doors to my heart and she sees these things too and writes it so well. Many good pointers on training and modification too.



4. I have all of Patricia McConnell's books. I have found her books to be the best for help with training dogs.



5. McConnell's writings are always very readable, intertwined with theory, practice and real life experiences. She helps humans and dogs share their lives in a way that is fulfilling for both. I have enjoyed all of her writings.

5 comments about Tell Me Where It Hurts: A Day of Humor, Healing and Hope in My Life as an Animal Surgeon.

1. This was sent as a gift and the recipient was very happy with the book "on cd". We will borrow and listen at a later date. Thank you.



2. Such a great read by a British Vet now working across the pond at a Boston animal hospital. I purchased two more copies for the doctors who have helped me with my animals over the years. Not only will practicing vets relate to the stories of miracles performed by this doctor so will any person who has ever cared for and loved an animal. This book is helping confirm my decision to go back to school and study veterinary medicine.



3. I thought much of his observations were tinged with a bit of the supercilious. He seems to rebuff or make fun of the pet owners, and this to me is not something I'd want to encounter in a Vet -- or that would be my last encounter with that particular vet.
   
   I much more enjoyed reading the book "All My Patients Are Under the Bed", by Louis J. Camuti ( also a Veterinarian).



4. "Tell ME Where It Hurts", was a real good read. Having worked in a Veterinary Clinic all the stories rang true. Best job I've ever had.



5. This is a great read for the avid animal lover. Nick Trout is a wonderful, caring, compassionate, Veterinarian (we need more of these in the world!) and he tells his "day in the life of" with such straight-forwardness, dealing with strange, emotional, comical situations ... all with a great bedside manner and a great sense of humor (which I believe you would need to get thru the difficult times). Highly recommend! And kudos to Nick Trout - keep up the good work!

5 comments about Chosen by a Horse.

1. This is a beautiful horse story. It should be paired with Joe Camp's "The Soul of Horse", another beautiful horse story.The Soul of a Horse: Life Lessons from the Herd



2. Chosen by a Horse
   
   This book is absolutely the most delightful reading I have done in quite some time. Ms. Richards story telling abilities were as refreshing as a cool glass of water on a hot and humid day. Ms. Richards story was expressed in the most honest, touching, and gentle way, it enabled me to connect to her experience almost as if I had experienced it myself. Her story telling style is clean, direct and unadorned, hence that lovely feeling I had of having read something almost pristine in the context of the written word. The story was so well told the only disappointment I might express, was that it ended much too quickly. I truly felt saddened when I came to the end, and only wished that it could have gone on longer. Happily for myself I just found out that she came out with a follow up book, which I am purchasing today, the title is "Chosen Forever". I cannot wait to get my new book and continue along this journey that Ms. Richards began to pen so beautifully in "Chosen by a Horse. I purchased numerous copies of this book and shared it with all of my friends, I hope you enjoy it as much as we have.



3. I loved this book! I became attached to Lay Me Down. This book is perfect in demonstating horse-owner relationships. Animals in general have a way of tuning us more into ourselves by just spending time with them. A perfect book for any horse and/or animal lover!



4. I really enjoyed this book. What a remarkable horse Lay Me Down was, and you really got a sense of that through Susan Richards writing. I enjoyed her writing style and wit. If you like this book, you'll also love books by Melanie Sue Bowles (my other favorite real-life horse author) like The Horses of Proud Spirit.



5. What a beautiful story! A friend sent me this book and I finished reading it within a day. The author really knows how to write in a flowing, easy-going manner with plenty of wit and intelligence, making it easy to do so.
   
   "Chosen By A Horse" refers to one pre-named Lay Me Down whom the author, Susan Richards rescues through the SPCA and brings back to health and a better life.
   
   Ms. Richards had already been through a hauntingly rough childhood. In her later years, she indulged in her love of horses and had three to take care of before bringing Lay Me Down to the herd. She knows and writes about her horses as another might describe the personalities, antics and endearments of human children. One can easily picture and imagine each horse - especially Lay Me Down - the sweetest and most trusting of horses in spite of what the brood mare had suffered in her past life.
   
   When a tumor develops near Lay Me Down's eye, Ms. Richards writes about Lay Me Down's reaction to the vet's visit and tests, "She sighed over the bucket and licked the lid of the sonogram machine. Everything she did seemed precious to me, precious and tender. For me, her terrible past was always a presence, a reminder of what it was that had survived: this sweet, kind nature, qualities so lacking in my human family they seemed like miracles to me now."
   
   When death seemed imminent, this is written: "It was as though Lay Me Down and my childhood had merged into the same thing: losing what mattered, losing love. In a crazy way, it felt like Lay Me Down had been taking care of me ever since I got her, bringing to life parts of me that had died with my mother. By her gentle affection I felt restored to the status of someone who mattered, someone who was needed. She gave me that, a sense of family. We both had belonged to nobody, nobody who cared, and now so late in our lives, this miracle had occurred. We had come together on my farm, and for the first time, we had both been free from our fears."
   
   The ending is especially poignant and touching.

5 comments about How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend: The Classic Training Manual for Dog Owners (Revised & Updated Edition).

1. I got this book from a friend and have absolutely loved it. This book should be owned by all dog owners and breeders. This is the best book I have ever read on dog training, and I have read many. By the time you are half-way through this book you feel as if you and your dog actually understand each other. That's a result that speak for itself!
   
   Also check these books:
   Why Do Dogs Drink Out of the Toilet?: 101 of the Most Perplexing Questions Answered About Canine Conundrums, Medical Mysteries and Befuddling Behaviors
   The Dog Who Rescues Cats: True Story of Ginny, The



2. I don't raise Jack Russell terriers but I do replenish my own supply as I have a good line...when I breed the rare litter I carefully select who may take one of my pups.
   I always give the new owner of one of my pups a copy of this book. It is unbelieveably straight-foreward and no-nonsense and, above all, the monks' theory works. I have used it with great success on every one of my hard-headed little Jacks and, if you know Jack Russells, that's a feat!
   I will also admit that I used the "take 'em down" technique on my own teenagers a few times! Anaother example of how you don't need to beat them....just show them who's alpha!



3. Do not waste your money on this book. The monks apparently like to hear themselves talk and talk and talk. The big problem with this is that there is very little information in all the stories they tell that can help you directly with your new dog.



4. This is a wonderful book that everybody who owns or wants to own a dog should read.



5. read it if you want, but please read Kilcommons's book first. The monks don't expand their ideas--the book is mostly an overview of concepts instead of teaching techniques step by step. I respect anyone who can train a dog effectively; however, I don't agree with their "hands on" approach.

5 comments about Dr. Pitcairn's New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats.

1. I live in a small town where there is no homeopathic care, and I have three cats that have had the occasional health issue. I went the traditional veterinary route for many years, but the problems never really went away, and in some cases even got worse. I have always had better luck when I used natural remedies myself, so I bought all kinds of books and did a lot of research online to try to find ways to help my ten year old cats get over their skin allergies and bladder infections. I wanted to know more about the food they should be eating too after our big pet-food scare. Luckily there is a lot of good information out there from credible sources and I have totally changed my approach to what my kitties eat, what supplements they get, and I have noticed a big change. This is the best book I've found to date. Dr. Pitcairn shares very specific information about a wide variety of things, and this will remain my go-to guide for many years to come.



2. My vet, who specializes in alternative veterinary medicine, recommended this book. I have a 13-year-old dachshund that has had ear infections and severe skin allergies since she was 9-months-old. Over the years, the vet bills have been staggering. I began home cooking for her using this book, and her skin is completely clear after a couple months and her ear infections are much improved. I also have a yorkie puppy (7 months) and I'm following this book to give her a good start and, hopefully, she'll avoid developing allergies. I've been especially interested in what this book says about vaccines. We've been over vaccinating our dogs and many suffer serious side effects. The book is well written and organized. It's the most helpful book I've read on the subject of caring for a dog. I recommend it to all dog owners.



3. This book is extremely helpful if you are looking for alternative foods for your cat or dog.



4. Our 13 year old dog had more allergies than any dog the vet had ever seen. After being on a diet from this book for just a few weeks she has stopped scratching, biting her paws and her arthritis is even better. She used to go to the vet every six weeks for shots, now she hasn't been in a year and is doing great. A little technical, but great information on high-quality food for your pet. We make it in bulk every weekend or two and freeze it for the week.



5. Maybe it's just me but, do you know dogs like to eat bananas? And that they love carrots? And apples? And nuts?
   
   These are so healthy for them that I began, as the book advices, adding vegetables and fruits (make sure to check though, some plants--like a potato bush, potatoes are fine, it's the plant that's not--may be poisonous to animals)
   
   In just couple of weeks our ten year old labs look so much healthier, their furs are shinier!

5 comments about The Nature of Animal Healing : The Definitive Holistic Medicine Guide to Caring for Your Dog and Cat.

1. I am so glad I found this book! It opened my eyes to so many things that I had wondered about. Dr. Goldstein writes in such an easy manner, and though it is very informative it's also enjoyable to read. I highly recommend this book and I think every animal lover and pet owner should own a copy. I have used the reference portion in treating my pets for ailments when I couldn't get to a vet or to supplement their veterinary care. This will be a mainstay in my library.



2. I am still fininshing this book because I skipped the chapter that was about each individual illness that animals can get. I am going to go back through and read them later minus the cat illnesses as I don't have cats.
   
   This book was well written although it gets a bit technical at times and I had to read some stuff 2x but it gave me a lot of insight on the damage that pet food does to dogs and for that matter what is really in pet food!
   
   I would recommend it to anyone interested in improving thier pets life but wouldn't use it as my only resource I have bought several books to see what is in each of them and learn as much as I can mainly so my dogs can have a healthier lives and so I can be informed when talking to my vets who are very conventional.



3. The book is written by a veterinarian first trained in standard medical education. He took his education and added holistic training with experiences added by his brother who is also a veterinarian. I don't buy all the concepts presented, but it certainly gives hope to all of us who want our pets, and ourselves, to live long and high quality of life, lives.



4. This book is fantastic! I've gotten so many tips that have benefited my 13 year old dog. I wish I had this many years ago so I could have prevented some of the problems she is experiencing. I've already noticed a huge improvement in her health and I've only had the book for about a month.
   Dr. Goldstein's approach to the health and well being of animals just makes perfect sense. I will never again feed my dog commercial dog food and I feel like an idiot for believing it was healthy for her in the first place.
   
   If you want your dog (or cat) to live a long, healthy life, get this book!



5. In July of 2006 my beloved Bogey was diagnosed with TCC of the bladder. The vets that I took him to said that he probably had less than 6 months to live. I did not accept their opinions as final so I started researching alternative treatments when my mom gave me this book. After reading it I contacted Dr. Marty at his office in New york and he began treating Bogey with supplements and we changed Bogey's diet to a raw diet. Unfortunately, we lost our battle with cancer on July 7, 2007 but Bogey lived 6 months longer than any of the other vets expected him too under Dr. Marty's care. I don't believe that every treatment works for every animal but I truly believe that Dr. Marty gave me 6 extra months with my baby when other vets wrote him off. This book gives you a different perspective on pet care and it works. Bogey was living proof.

3 comments about Mutts Shelter Stories: Love. Guaranteed..

1. I bought this book for my sister who wanted to get a pet for my niece. I am hoping to set her mind 'free' of a set pedigree which she likes.
   
   This book didn't disappoint.
   
   As with all Mutts book, this one has all the wits and love sprouting from Mooch and Earl.
   
   But the central theme of the book is still to adopt a pet from the shelters instead of buying from the pet shops. Pets from shelters are equal if not better than to the ones from pet shops because they come with 100% gratefulness.
   
   It is a very lighted hearted and easy read and I highly recommend it to everyone who is thinking of adopting a pet.
   
   Thank you Patrick for a work of love.



2. This book is beautifully compiled. Between the stories and the comic strips included, its both sweet and inspiring. This book is deffinately a favorite!



3. First, I must say, that I have loved the 'Shelter Stories' strip and followed it in the papers: Patrick shows the bittersweet side to working with rescue animals so poignantly, and makes his point in such a sweet way....being a rescue worker myself, it means so much to see the lovely faces of all of these critters, big and small, now living in their furever homes, safe and loved- that is the whole point to what we do- and the photos taken by their adoring owners really capture their personalities and joy these animals have to give, and the love they share with us- and the lessons about life that they teach us. A wonderful gift for ANY animal lover......done very nicely and will be a treasured addition to any pet lovers collection.
   Thank you Patrick!!!!!!!!!