5 comments about Crate Training Your Dog (Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin, a-267).

1. The information in this book gives me very good guidelines for training Jamie, which I appreciated since I did not know how to go about it with my first dog, Beau. It is knowing how to start & to carry through with the training that I needed to know. It is slow but it is working.



2. Shipping etc was super fast - super easy purchase.. I didn't read close enough - thought I was getting a book - got a pamphlet type of thing! AND...If you read the title right up top... it says..."wisdom bulletin" DUH me! so I don't really have any complaints - still a good source of information - I just paid more for this lil pamphlet than I did for some hardcover books!! LOL Thanks!



3. great book, very useful info and arrived in a timely manner!



4. If you want to learn about crate training your puppy, buy a book about raising your specific breed of dog or get a copy of How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With. This 'book' (I would call it a pamphlet!) does not have any information that any decent book on raising puppies does not.



5. This book didn't teach me anything I didn't already know. I would not recommend this book to anyone.

5 comments about A New Owner's Guide to Bulldogs.

1. My boyfriend had an English bulldog as a child and wants one now very badly,so we have started the process. I thought this would be a good book to read and refresh him on being a bulldog owner. The pictures in the book are adorable,the information is thorough and gives you information on the breed history,how to pick the bulldog and the whole puppy process. I would highly recommend buying this book.



2. I am in the process of getting my first bulldog and this book was a helpful introduction to the breed and addressed my initial concerns about adopting a bulldog. It has great pictures and helpful tips about bringing home a new puppy. My only disappointment was that it lacked substantial and glossed over many topics such as training. Overall, great book for beginners though!



3. This book offers alot on bulldogs. It's a must have if you're a first bulldog owner or not.



4. I liked this book both because it was easy and undertandable to read and because it is a source for many good tips.



5. I am in the research stage in wanting a bulldog. I loved this book. It told me what I needed to know and if this breed was for me. I've wanted a bulldog for years and now I'm ready.

4 comments about The Healing Touch for Dogs: The Proven Massage Program for Dogs, Revised Edition.

1. I have learned how to massage or touch my dog in so many ways, which I didn't realize there was a right way or wrong. The information was so important to learn about touching her body and knowing the correct way of doing so. I'm so glad I ordered this book. And I know my dog is, too.



2. Never received this item. Very bad seller. No communication whatsoever. Save your money!



3. This is a great book with wonderful massage therapy for dogs and it gets specific to the problems the dog is having. It is also very easy to read and understand. I have not read it all, but did read the parts I needed right away and it helped a lot. A dog who had not been walking for several weeks is now able to walk again. I won't say it is all due to the therapy, but it certainly did contribute a lot. Well worth having in your book collection if you own dogs.



4. My beagle suffers from hip dysplasia and arthritis. The medication the vet prescribed helped, but my dog was still in a lot of pain. Out of desperation I decided to check out books on dog message and canine acupressure. The techniques outlined in this book worked miracles. My dog is now able to move with greater ease and with a lot less pain; in fact, at times he has the energy and stamina of a puppy again. I highly recommend this book for any one who can't sit back and watch a loved one suffer. It is a common sense, easy-to-understand approach to canine health.

5 comments about Goat Handbook (Pet Handbooks).

1. This book covers the basics from shelter and feeding to hoof trimming and deworming, but everything is kept brief for the novice goat owner. Easy to read for goat owners of any age. For the more serious goat owner one of the Storey's Guides such as Storey's Guide to Raising Meat Goats (Storey's Guides to Raising) or Storey's Guide to Raising Dairy Goats: Breeds, Care, Dairying
   would be a better choice.



2. This is one of two books I purchased for my dad who is a new goat owner. He has read this book completely and uses it as a reference on a regular basis.
   He is very happy with the book.



3. This book gives me the basic information on raising my Nigerian Dwarf wether and doeling. Having raised horses, dogs, and more in my life time, these little kids are a unique species and need special information. This book is a great start.



4. The book was just what I was looking for ... I needed information on breeds and photos of the breeds, as well as caring for and raising goats. It had all of the information I needed.



5. Any who would own a goat must have THE GOAT HANDBOOK as a home reference: written by two DVMs, THE GOAT HANDBOOK covers everything from the initial purchase and housing to health and behavior, including care of pastures and meadows so goats stay healthy. Color photos peppered throughout add interest, but THE GOAT HANDBOOK is primarily an owner's care book and will appeal to any goat owner who needs a basic reference at hand.
   
   Diane C. Donovan, Editor
   California Bookwatch

5 comments about A Good Dog: The Story of Orson, Who Changed My Life.

1. Having recent thoroughly enjoyed Marley and Me, I was keen on tackling another 'journalist with difficult dog' story. But Katz and his trials with a what seems to me - as a non dog owner - an unappealing and dangerous dog do not make entertaining reading. This is a rather sad tale about Katz and his search for a new life for himself, which he attributes to his problem dog. I am not a dog owner, but I was bothered about this book. So I decided to read another of Katz's books and was surprised at how much good sense there seemed to be, compared to his actions with A Good Dog. I would never pretend to know the answers to training a dog like Orson, but I found Katz's love for this Collie rather worrying. We get the story of the endless ways he tries to train Orson. All I can say is that I am glad I didn't live next door to Katz and Orson.
   
   It's important to say this is a very written book - Katz has an easy writing style and he takes you smoothly through the story. But there is something totally unsatisfactory about the relationship between Katz and Orson that leaves you feeling we never really got to the meat of this tale. If you need a 'man and difficult dog' story, read Marley and Me.



2. I read Katz's "Katz on Dogs" hoping to glean some useful information about handling dogs. I own a Golden Retriever and a rescued Flat Coat Retreiver mix. Both dogs are wonderful companions and live a good life in the country with little in the way of a harmful environment to worry about. About the only thing I learned is that Katz doesn't take the time to apply any of the training techniques he learns. His techniques, if you can call them that, is to throw treats at the dog. Treats have their place if you use them effectively. If not then the dog learns they mean nothing.
   
   Then I got this book. Man! I have to tell you that I wasn't ready for what I encountered. PJF is right on the money with his review (Jan 2007). I could think of a half dozen things I could have done off the top of my head to minimize the dangerous situations this animal was put in. I too bought an ATV but it wasn't to let my energetic herding animal ride with me on the seat (a very dangerous proposition in itself) but to give my very energetic 2 year old Golden the exercise he needs. He loves running across the farm fields with me and his sister and after a half hour ride/run he happily chills out for the rest of the day - usually in the pond. And thats what Orson needed, probably more than anything, exercise. Not having a natural inclination to herd sheep and therefore having no job to do, unlike Rose who did and who happily spent her days guarding the flock and the barnyard and staying out of trouble , Orson was crazy with boredom and frustration. A twice daily run behind the ATV would have probably cured most of his manic behavior problems. A walk in the woods with a half crippled old man wasn't going to cut it. And he should have known it.
   
   I was outraged and very sad at the outcome but was initially inclined to let Katz be the final judge of what he should or shouldn't do with his own dog. After reading PJF's review, it put it in perspective for me. My recommedation? Don't buy this book or any of his books. Stop funding the lifestyle of someone who doesn't really know what he's talking about. He can't teach you anything about dogs except maybe how not to raise and keep them.
   
   If you want a recommendation for a book from someone who loves dogs and does know what they are talking about (especially Border Collies and sheep herding) and can write well about it, I recommend For the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend by Patricia McConnell. She too has to deal with sometimes out of control Border Collies and also the death of a beloved companion (from disease); but not like Jon Katz.



3. This was a wonderful read, even if it didn't have the disney happy ending that some feel it should have had. I have had many dogs in my lifetime and could easily relate to many of the situations encountered in this book. I applaud the author's courage and highly recommend this book to anyone who has had years of experience with border collies and/or other breeds of dogs. The author's compassion is compelling. I enjoyed this book so much, I laughed out loud one minute and cried my eyes out the next. Many of the anticts described in this book reminded me of my border collie Lucky, whom I lost the same year this book was published.



4. In my view, Jon Katz is a murderer!!! There are many people out there with
   dogs way more dangerous than poor "Orson". If Jon Katz had any compssion
   at all, he would have kept Orson away from the public (he lives on a farm,
   for crying out loud)and still had their early morning rides to look at the "Dog Star", etc. Orson could have lived a long, happy life. (maybe just a little more confined) without this Jon Katz deciding to kill him! Just who does he think he is, anyway? What gives him the right to kill a perfectly happy, healthy dog? Well, all I can say is....He'll have to live with that awful, wrong decision for the rest of his life! I'll never read another book of his!



5. I was hesitant in reading this book,as I knew what the end would be...but, love his other works and find his emotional connection with his animals and the way he writes of them to be very entertaining. I would highly recommend that people read Jon's other books and get a good sense of the the man and the bond between him and Orson.
   
   I see so many negative reviews here and it is a shame. Really people, don't judge others choices (as you may be judged just as harshly some day)...and if you dare to read his works and get the whole picture - you will then fully understand how heart wrenching his choice was. I believe it will haunt him, but am certain he did what was necessary.
   
   I personally have a deep connection with my dogs, but, also know that they (and there actions) are my responsiblity. And if they were ever to be a threat to others...if I knew I could not trust them to be "good dogs"... then I too would be faced with that same decision...
   
   I think Jon did a very brave thing...taking such a personal decision public...knowing the scrutiny he would receive. Maybe there is a lesson to learn here.

5 comments about 101 Jumping Exercises for Horse & Rider.

1. Brilliant diagrams, excellent keys, simply mapped out and laid out information for difficult and also the easiest of dressage manoevres. It's bound at the top for a vertical flip, with a hole punched down near the bottom so you can hang the book on a nail on your bulletin board or at home and keep it open while you study it. It has handy hints how to achieve positions and gives you ideas to improve certain flaws. It is by far the best book on jumping exercises I have read so far that is dedicated purely to jumping exercises.
   
   Just about EVERY page has another full A4 riding arena on it showing the pattern where the horse is going, it shows crossbars and it shows trotting poles, verticals, gymnastics and where to place them, it shows where you should be directing your horse and what way to approach with an excellent use of diagrams and patterns which have a key right next to it so the design remains uncluttered and simple to read. It even gives you cheap alternatives to make some jumps yourselves and offers quick solutions. A best buy for anyone serious about jumping - or even dressage - to keep their horse supple and to keep their horse (and themselves!) from boredom. Brilliant.



2. The best how to book on ground poles and jumping that I have experienced. It's a great tool by an expert to keep your horses (young and old) interested as well as the rider thinking. Linda laid out the book very well. Good illustrations and great explanations accompany each exercise. The ground pole exercises are very helpful to use between jumping lessons. This one is a book to keep and give as a gift to a riding friend!



3. This book has so much info on different exercises and each exercises has little hits about when to use this exercise and what to watch out for while riding it.



4. This book breaks the demands or jumping down into a logical progression of skills until it takes the insecure beginning rider into a confident partner to the jumping horse. If these lessons are followed correctly, it can also take a training level horse into a skilled show jumper. This book is a must for anyone interested int he discipline of jumping.



5. This book creates a great foundation to train yourself and your horse to excell in jumping no matter what your intentions may be. I personally would recomend this book for all ages and engligh riders even the one's with no intention on jumping.

5 comments about The Language of Animals: 7 Steps to Communicating with Animals.

1. The book completely changed the way I will forever look upon my pets! It changed the way I think about people!
   Read it, attempt to perform the lessons within it's pages and then realize your pets are not in your life for nothing. They are your guardian angels... Read it IF you are a lover of pets and animals.



2. This book is a great handbook for anyone who wants to learn how to communicate with animals. Carol is the founder of HeartTalk and blends story with techiques to help you learn animal communication. I've read many different communication books--Carol is one of the leaders in the world of animal communicators and I can recommend this book without hesitation. If you get a chance and are seriously interested in developing your skills don't miss her workshops.



3. What a fascinating subject... This book reminds me of another favorite, "Adam's Task: Calling Animals by Name," by Vicki Hearne, which also focuses on communicating with animals. It combines animal training with philosophy, linguistics, and literary criticism. The Atlantic Monthly called it "A fascinating and often surprising discussion of animal-human encounters." If you are an animal trainer-- or even just an animal lover-- it's definitely worth checking out.



4. Carol Gurney's book is an excellent place to start if your goal is to actually gain an ability to communicate with animals. She does a great job of explaining her methods and of giving "for instances" and exercises to build the reader's confidence. Follow this book with Learning Their Language by Marta Williams.
   
   Shon Wylie, Paris, Kentucky



5. Very informational. Her techniques really do help communicate with our companions.

5 comments about Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies & Adult Dogs.

1. Lora Verni, a certified dog trainer with many years of experience, gives us the advantage of her expertise with this simple, yet highly effective book on house training puppies (and adult dogs who aren't 100% trained).
   
   She guarantees that if you follow her steps, that you will have a house trained dog within one month--I found the book so effective that my dog was trained within 3 weeks!
   
   This book, in simple and easy-to-read chapters, tells you exactly what to do to get your dog to "perform" on command, how to praise him when he's right, and how and when to correct him if he needs it.
   
   In some chapters, she tells the reader that if they've understood the just-presented information, that they need to go back and read it again. She urges the whole family to be in on the house training routine--not just one "in-charge" family member.
   
   She emphasizes crate training and why this is extremely important in training dogs not to "go" anywhere but their appropriate and special "spot".
   
   All in all, if you haven't raised a dog in a while and are feeling the need for some pointers, this book will give you those and then some. In the conversational tone in which it's written, you will feel as if you're being given tips by a friend.
   
   I would recommend it for anyone bringing home a new puppy, or an older dog who is "not sure" about it all.



2. My girlfriend and I have only read the first few chapters and already learned a lot from the book. I believe some of what the author explains is redundant.



3. Material inside is a bit dated, but it has the right idea to get the job done.



4. BEST BUY!! This was a quick, easy read, but gave me all the tools necessary to crate train. Also, it told me what else I needed to buy so I could go right into the petstore and buy it!!



5. This book was very helpful. It provided insight on how dogs thing and interact with their environment and gives a very clear and consise way to housebreak your dogs. As someone with older puppies/adults, its nice to have a book that isn't entirely geared toward young puppies. In addition, it offers solutions to many potential problems and has a very helpful FAQ section.

5 comments about Versatile Vizsla.

1. This book is about 95% perfect for a new Vizsla owner. Higher quality images would be the one improvement I would recommend...



2. This book was highly recommended to me by a Vizsla dog breeder as the authority on raising and training your Vizsla. After reading the book I have to agree that this is an excellent book. It covers all aspects of the breed from birth to death. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in buying this lovely breed of dog or to anyone who is currently the owner of a Vizsla.



3. Vizslas are great dogs, but they have some unique characteristics, that you need to know about before owning one. I would highly recommend this to anyone considering buying a Vizsla or a new owner. I have made notes and noted page numbers and have referred to them often.



4. This book was everything I expected for a good book on the Vizsla breed. Tons of information on Vizslas. Nicely done.



5. This is a great book, full of information! It is very helpful for preparing for this breed.

5 comments about Through a Dog's Ear: Using Sound to Improve the Health & Behavior of Your Canine Companion.

1. I am only commenting on the CD that comes included, which was the main reason I bought the book. I would just like to say that it starts out really exceptionally. Setting a very calming tone of relaxation. It's mostly piano solos. I mean the first few songs are excellent selections. But unfortunately it doesn't carry through the rest of the CD. The tempo picks up way too much and would consider it stimulating, rather than relaxing. As the tempo speeds up, it seems the piano keys jump about in a way that would agitate, rather than soothe an anxious dog -- or person for that matter. No, I think they got it half right -- but it certainly didn't go all the way. And that was a disappointment, because like I said, the first few songs are really, really good. I mean so calming that we used it ourself to take a meditation break in the afternoon. I suggest copying the first few songs on to your iTunes or music player and making your own relaxation mix with these included, amid some other selections from your collection. That is what I plan to do.



2. The book is great; Amazon's truth in advertising is not so great. The cover of this book prominently displays a claim that a CD is included. Nowhere on Amazon's website do they caution that no CD is included. I feel cheated. I would have happily paid full retail if that is what it takes to get the CD. Fie on Amazon.



3. We normally leave the radio on (news) for our dog when leaving him alone. We tried this CD and it didn't seem to calm him down any more than the radio.



4. I bought the book and have used the cd sampler from it on the dogs in the grooming salon that i work at. Though it is not necessarily the music that my colleagues would pick, we all agree that there is less anxiety and restlessness in the kennels while the dogs are in the dryers. I would strongly recommend you read the book and use the cds to help with anxiety problems. I have just purchased the first cd that has been released and Im testing that now. As a groomer i found it very useful, as a dog trainer, i find i can use the information to make me a better trainer..



5. Since we have been using this cd my dog's are calm when we come home after a long 8-9 hours at work. In the past they were restless and tense waiting for us. They got into things and seemed lonely. Now they are peaceful and calm. They only start to get excited after we are home. This sure beats giving my one dog a doggie prosac to keep here calm to help her separation anxiety.. The trick is to put it continuous repeat all day.