5 comments about The Complete Idiot's Guide to Yorkshire Terriers (The Complete Idiot's Guide).

1. I purchased this book hoping to get some insight as to how to train a small dog. This book is definately not worth the money! In one section, it claims you should use a choker like collar on the Yorkie for traning purposes. That is the WORST thing you should use on a toy dog. Chest harnesses should always be used. This book is too general and not worth the paper it's printed on in regards to training a Yorkie.



2. I bought this book hoping to get insight on raising and training my new yorkie, but all it gave was information on dog shows. I did not buy my dog for dog competitions, so all the information in the book was irrelevant. I did not need to know dog show terms and requirements for entering a dog into a competition. Use your money for Your Yorkshire Terrier's Life by Elaine Waldorf Gewirtz. Very helpful book. Gave good tips on house training.



3. I READ THE WHOLE BOOK. IT WAS EASY TO READ,INTERESTING AND INFORMATIVE. IT WAS MUCH BETTER THAN THE OTHER BOOK ON YORKIES I BOUGHT ONLINE, ESPECIALLY THE SECTION ON TRAINING. I VERY MUCH LIKE HER INSTRUCTIONS ON TRAINING.



4. I am in the process of bringing a Yorkie into my home. The book starts with clear facts and realistic information about the pros and cons of the breed BEFORE the puppy enters your house. It leads you through the various stages of raising a Yorkie to be a happy, healthy adult. I highly recommend this book for potential owners who are debating buying this breed.



5. I enjoyed the book tremendously. I have read many of her books and Liz has always written very truthful. I use her books to understand breeds for my training. I also recommend her books to friends, clients, and family if anyone is looking for a new dog. I believe she explains very well the breeds personality. She is an excellent writer. I can't wait for her next book. Believe me, I read them cover to cover.

5 comments about Betta Care (Quick and Easy).

1. The coverage for betta specific care is useful, if not super user-friendly. Of all the betta care books, this one is probably the most useful for the novice betta owner.
   
   There is also some information for the intermediate-level owner. Discussions include great definitions on true and mixed colors, types of finnage and layman's discussions on what color and fin traits are dominant.
   
   The disease section is fine, but (like most betta books) relies too heavily on dumping in the medications and antibiotics. It does recommend better prophylactic care - like clean water - and at least recommends trying salt regimes before breaking out the bigger meds. Don't look for any pictures of fish diseases, however - there is just one picture of a female betta with dropsy.
   
   The basic betta care section touches on just that - the bare basics. There is enough information to get started, but not the kind of in-depth pet-owning information I personally would appreciate. I guess that is why this book is in the "Quick and Easy" series.
   
   I would also rather the betta care information be organized better, with bullets and easy-to-find section headings. Maybe this is just being picky.
   
   This is probably the best betta book for beginners, with lots of great photos and a decent amount of care information. It's a very inexpensive book and worth picking up for yourself, or as a thoughtful little betta keeper's gift.



2. Betta Care is a well written book with excellent pictures of "Siamese Fighting Fish." If you have only one source of information at hand, this will serve you well.
   
   Unfortunately, there is another source of information that will serve you well at a much smaller cost - the Internet. Though this book is a handy way to get all the information in one place, you can get the same info (as well as all the good pictures) on many different websites.
   
   My recommendation: If you are the type of person who likes to have the info in black and white in front of them, buy this book. If you're the type of person who spends a lot of time on the web, get the same info for free.



3. The book had a lot more information for breederds than for beginners,
   but the information that a beginner could use, was very good.



4. This book is exactly what it says, Quick and Easy. The chapter on white spot was a real life saver for our betta. We followed the instructions and quess what? It worked.



5. This is an awesome book that tells you how to take care of bettas. It tells you information on feeding,housing,ilnesses, and different types of bettas. Bettas are much easier to care for if you read this astonishing informational book about bettas. This book even helped me cure my betta from an illness called Ich. Buy this low-price book if you plan to own a betta.

4 comments about Aquarium Fish Handbook: The Complete Reference from Anemonefish to Zamora Woodcats.

1. I concur with the other reviewers on bad proofreading. The icons cannot be relied on, even if you manage to figure out the mysterious equivalence between liters and cubic meters. Here's a couple other problems found in a quick read of a couple species I'm familiar with: Beta Fighting Fish (This book's symbols: Single Specimen and good community fish, minimum tank size 24 which is the same as most other beginner fish, but from reading another book they are happiest in 1 liter stagnant ponds with no other fish around to harrass them. I tried my beta in a 28 gallon tank and when three mollies were added, it showed signs of stress, so it is back in it's tiny tank and doing fine again.); Lyretail Black Molly is the only Molly listed while my pet store has a half dozen varieties.. Silver, Dalmation, standard tail, etc. (This book lists it as Single Specimen, not a community fish while another book that focuses on Mollies says these are happiest when scooling with others of the same kind.)
   
   The organization and indexing is not suitable for a beginner. Suppose you wanted to find the Molly, like I did. You would have to know it is categorized as a Freshwater Livebearer AND called Poecilia Sphenops, or look it up under the common name index Lyretail Black Molly (sorted with the L's). Or, do like I did and flip through the pictures until you find it.
   
   I'm returning this book and eagerly waiting for the 2nd or 3rd edition. Even though I really like the pictures, I need something more than a picture book.



2. We recently had the MISfortune of checking out the book: "THE AQUARIUM FISH HANDBOOK" from the library as we are beginning to get into tropical fish. While the reviews and cover-page blurbs sound glowing - within a few hours we found that the book was confusing (to say the least) on many points!
   The first point is the "Minimum Volume" symbol; 24, 36, 48, 60, or 72 WHATS? The "Key" page says it could be "...gallons/liters or ... cubic feet/meters." There's a BIT of difference between a liter and a cubic meter, isn't there? If these are 'relative numbers' then 'relative to WHAT? Tank size, fish population, square inches, ???
   Then there are the illustrations on page 12! On the bar graph "Tropical freshwater" is blue and is supposed to represent 1 inch of fish per 12 sq. in. of tank, "Tropical marine" is pink and represents 1 inch per 48 sq. in. but in the charts at the bottom of the page - the "tropical" box shows 9 pink fish while the "marine" box shows 36 BLUE fish! All in all, those calculations are correct but reversed! Then, to add insult to injury, the calculation for "Coldwater": four hundred and forty two divided by ONE HUNDRED and thirty? The proofreader was napping on this one!
   The other "Oopsie" we have spotted in our cursory scan through the book was on page 103, re Altum Angelfish. The little Hand Symbol of dificulty rates this fish as number ONE or "Easiest to care for" while the "Special care" paragraph of this section states "This fish ... is an extremely dificult and delicate fish to keep"???? Which is it?
   And this is just from a brief scan through the book from a simple, logical viewpoint. Paraphrasing the TV show "CSI": "little mistake - BIG mistake"! With these errors that should be easy to spot in the book - can we REALLY rely on the OTHER data presented therein? It is not too great a stretch of imagination that just these errors and confusions I have named could cost someone a good deal of effort, time AND money if someone relied 100% on this book! Clearly, we are glad that we checked the book out of our local library - for FREE - and didn't waste our money on it!



3. I've got to disagree with the previous reviewer, Gen, on this one! I would NOT recommend this book. It is very attractive with lovely pictures, but I found it full of errors and contradictions. Here are a few I found in about 20 minutes of browsing:
   
   page 12: the graphics of tropical and marine fish are reversed, making it look like it's okay to keep 36 inches of marine fish when it's really 9 (the text is correct)
   
   page 103: the Altum Angelfish is desribed as "an extremely difficult and delicate fish to keep," but the it gets a 1 (easiest) on the "ease of keeping" scale. Huh?
   
   Numerous examples of fish being given a "safe with small fish" symbol, but being described in the text as eating small fish, See porkfish (page 239), flame hawkfish (238) and long-nosed hawkfish (239), for example.
   
   I bought this book to help me select peaceful marine fish that would be reef-safe, but because of these issues it's useless to me and I'm returning it. It's a shame, because it is a great-looking, well-organzied book.



4. I've been keeping fish for 17 years and this is the best book I have found that describes all the fish I've owned! Great descriptions on cichlids and includes scientific names and common names. Very easy to read (not tiny print and not boring). I love this book - the photos are clear and not all blurry or cheap quality. DK books photograph quality! The fact that it's spiral bound means I can lie down in bed and browse all the different fish without having to push the cover back. I can do my daily stretching while reading about fish! How relaxing and convenient! GREAT BOOK.

1 comments about Maltese (Breeders' Best).

1. Ms. Nicholas' credentials are incredible and she has been involved with dogs most all her life. She judged her first show in 1934 and has written many books. Her knowledge of the canine species and the Maltese breed is evident in her no-nonsense style of writing. Her approach to the book includes history, care, grooming, showing and more.

   This is the first book on Maltese that I have read which includes a detailed background of the major Maltese kennels in the U.S. It was exciting to see a photo of one of the champion ancestors of my new little puppy, Oswald (11 weeks old). Plus, I now know the history of the other champions in Oswald's lineage.

   If you are considering showing your dog, this book explains the point system and dog events wonderfully. I could visualize the event as I read her description. Plus, I now clearly understand the mammoth task it is to earn a champion status.

   Overall, the book is a good read, well organized, and worth the purchase price. It's one you will reference again and again.

5 comments about Hands-On Dog Care.

1. This book has saved me a minimum of 6 trips to the vet. The most recent was last night, when a visiting dog was showing signs of what I feared might be bloat. It wasn't, and I was able to figure that out based on the information in this book.

   Every dog owner, not matter how experienced, will benefit from having this book close at hand. I plan to send a copy home with every puppy I breed.




2. From a review in the Portland Oregonian by Deborah Woods.Hands-On Dog Care is touted as the 'complete book of canine first aid.'This comprehensive book contains the best first aid information I have ver seen in any book--and a whole lot more...The amount of useable useful information presented in this book is stunning.

   Paws up for this excellent encyclopedic book. It's a valuable addition to any dog lover's library.




3. From Dog News magazine "Every now and then a book does come along which is a must for every involved dog owner to read. I know that cliche is written in virtually every review but in the case of Hands-On Dog Care it's much more than a cliche. You MUST own this dog book and you should suggest it to everyone who buys a dog or a pup as well! It is a 408 page tome crammed full of vital facts and information that can save your dog's life. And more importantly you know the information is reliable."



4. From Pet Behavior Newsletter: At 408 pages, 8 1/2X11, illustrated and with index Hands-On Dog Care is a big book that handles a big subject with lots of illustrations, photos, charts and guides to what to do in the event of every imaginable medical emergency a professional in the dog business or a serious dog owner would need to know. It is split into sections. The first contains 15 chapters, all of which deal with recognizing symptoms for an incredible array of physical ailments and injuries, then applying first aid. The second section holds 25 chapters on how to establish a dog's baseline behavior, provide for regulasr clinical care, fleas and worms, give oral medication, examine eyes, etc. etc, etc. Even advice about getting a proper first-aid kit...It's all there! (whew)



5. From THE BOXER REVIEW: This is a worthwhile purchase for all but the most knowledgeable breeder because it covers when to call the Vet, and what to do until you can get the dog to the Vet, and how to handle illness and injuries that do not require a Vet office appointment. Even the most knowledgeable breeders could find this useful to reaffirm a judgement concerning a dog's well being. This Doral Publication is highly recommended.

2 comments about Irish Setter (Kennel Club Dog Breed Series).

1. I purchased this book a couple of days after buying my children an Irish Setter puppy. The book covers everything about this breed. My oldest son really enjoyed reading it and found it to be very interesting and useful. It also includes lots of great photos.



2. I would strongly recommend this book to anybody in love with Irish Setters, but particularly to the uniniciated future owner, like myself.
   
   It covers all aspects involved in looking after this breed and explains in excellent detail all anyone needs to know from the puppy stage through to the mature pet.
   
   In addition the book is illustrated with superb photographs plus an explanation of how healthy dogs should look and behave.
   
   I can't wait to have my puppy home in a few weeks time!

4 comments about Leopard and Fat-Tailed Geckos (Reptile Guidebook Series).

1. This book has everything from setting up a terrarium for your gecko to hatching babies. The reference in this book saved my geckos' lives. This book has wonderful pictures and even color morphs and prices!



2. This was a very informative book,and it gives the beginner excellent advice and suggestions prior to making an investment in a new hobby. The color photos in this book are beautiful and give the reader a good look at a variety of geckos.



3. This book is a great visual and animal care guide for Leopard and Fat Tailed Geckos. If you are thinking of getting one of these animals, I highly reccommend this book. All aspects of basic care are covered and the pictures are superb.



4. This book is great if your think of getting a fat tail or leopard gecko. Up to date, and many nice pics. tells eveything you need to know

5 comments about Ten Golden Rules of Horse Training: Universal Laws for All Training Levels and Riding Styles.

1. Great book, fast shipping time. Everybody at my barn is asking to read this informative book



2. This book takes the complicated, step-by-step directions found in all the other horse training books and provides ten common-sense rules that can be applied to every horse training situation. It's an excellent addition to your horse training/psychology library and one that is a thoroughly enjoyable read as well!



3. I loved this book. Have been reading lots of the natural horsemanship stuff, and so much of it is esoteric, badly written or simply makes you feel an incompetent idiot. Bruce Nock doesn't do this! It's simple and practical and starts working straight away. No secrets. Just do it. Thanks, Bruce



4. Training with author is mandatoring in my barefoot trimming certification course, so I thought I would get an early jump on the reading. I am a confirmed clicker trainer, with clicker as an overlay, mostly on John Lyons training.
   
   Definitely Nice to Have for the person very interested in training, animal behavior and the science behind it all. Perhaps not the first or second book to buy for a Newbie trainer who really wants to get started today!



5. I wish this book had been available five years ago when I first became involved with horses. Dr. Nock's "Ten Golden Rules" is the first book anyone interested in training a horse - or even owning one - should read. Except for clearly outlining a procedure for tactfully establishing your superior rank within your 'herd', this is not a 'How To' recipe book. Instead, Dr. Nock explains basic learning theory as it applies specifically to the horse. With the information this book provides you can better understand, evaluate, and implement any of the more detailed training programs promoted by today's top trainers, solve problems those programs don't address, or even develop your own training program. Learning the 'Ten Golden Rules' will benefit both you and your horse.

No comments about Good Dog!: Simple Training for Successful Behavior.

No comments about The Complete Guide to Dog Training.