5 comments about Tricks of the Trade: From Best Intentions to Best in Show, Revised Edition.

1. If you are new to the show world or have been showing for years, you will find this book an excellent read.. Lots of tips on showing and grooming.. You will feel like a pro in the ring after reading this book..



2. I purchased this book based on reviews suggesting that this is the one book to get if you are a novice in the conformation ring. It is definitely not that. It is maybe a good book for a novice breeder who is intending to also show their first prospect - and who may be clueless about how to identify a good foundation stock puppy. Much of the book's substance is how to identify a prospect and then how to proceed as a breeder - like advertising, etc. Very little of the book helps a notive/intermediate handler actually do as the title suggests - from best intentions to best in show. It is not very helpful for people who already know how to get a good puppy, know the basics of stucture and how to do basic grooming and care, but would like to learn the basics of showing and the stepped up demands of grooming.



3. "Tricks of the Trade" is definitely the best book I've read in a long time. This judge really knows her dogs and knows how to explain things in plain and simple terms for even the newest dog show enthusiast to enjoy. Even if you're not a dog show enthusiast, but are just looking to purchase a new puppy, you will benefit from reading this book first.



4. Good book, easy to read with plenty to learn for the beginner to the more advanced handler. This will be a book that I will read again, there is so much to get out of it that I expect to continue to pick up more each time I read it.



5. If you're interested in breeding quality dogs, you need this book!! This is a fantasic resource which includes everything from making unbiased decisions regarding your own litter right up to the Best In Show ring. Pat writes with an easy to read and often humerous style. I was surprised at how much I learnt from this book. I lent it to friends who all got a lot out of it. It's packed with " Tricks of the trade" (things that no one will ever tell you) and so much more. Again if you plan on breeding or even buying a show dog- read this first!!

5 comments about All 87 Breed Dog Grooming for the Beginner.

1. Ordered this together with a CD on dog grooming. It arrived in a reasonable amount of time in good condition. It was somewhat helpful, but probably could have done without it. The CD, of course, was better at illustrating grooming technique.



2. I bought this book and All-Breed Dog Grooming book. It is word for word the same book. Buy this book if you like both - it is half the price.
   
   I bought this to learn how to groom by Cavalier King Charles and Shih-Tzu after disasterous experience with so called professional groomers. It provided many good basics but greater detail was expected from a book for beginners



3. A very insightful and informative volume of addressing various breeds' grooming expectations. Covered are the types of tools and even suggestions on chemical hair products that would enhance and attain the styles described.
   
   The illustrations should have been more descriptive, using slides of steps, rather than rudimentary colored images of subjects with arrows showing direction of cut. In many cases, the depictions of certain breeds are not very accurate; some are even clumsily drawn.
   
   Lastly, each breed's coat and classification has a purpose, regardless of the dog being a pet or an active service, hunting, working, herding, pulling, or performing animal; the history of grooming cuts should have been rationalized and justified beyond the standards of the show ring.



4. My order came when I was told it would, and it arrived in great shape. I will order from this company again when I need another book.



5. I found this book very helpful it has wonderful photos and also explains the size of blades to use on each cut, very informative.

5 comments about Rabbit Handbook, The (Barron's Pet Handbooks).

1. This book was written by a veterinarian and is recommended by my veterinarian. It offers great guidelines for medical care and makes medical conditions easy to understand which helps me work better with my veterinarian. In addition, there is valuable information on behavior, training, diet and housing.



2. I thought this book was great. I read all about the rabbit diseases, so when this book said that a certain symptom was normal I ignored. Now my rabbit is dead, and I know to go to my vet. Good as a starter book, but only that.



3. I bought this book before I adopted my first rabbit, just to make sure that I could handle whatever responsibilities come along with having a pet rabbit. The book gives you advice on which breed is best for you, what to expect as your bunny grows, what to feed, what not to feed, recommended toys, behavior interpretations, common rabbit diseases, symptoms and treatments. I still refer to it whenever I have any concerns. Nothing will substitute a vet visit when your bunny is sick, but you can at least have an idea when a vet visit is necessary. I also refer to this book as my bible. The information is concise and easy to understand, and also easy to find, as the book is very well organized. The only suggestion I would make is to inclue a picture of a Flemish Giant, because that is fast becoming a very popular pet breed. Other than that, the book is perfect.



4. I bought this book before I adopted my first rabbit, just to make sure that I could handle whatever responsibilities come along with having a pet rabbit. The book gives you advice on which breed is best for you, what to expect as your bunny grows, what to feed, what not to feed, recommended toys, behavior interpretations, common rabbit diseases, symptoms and treatments. I still refer to it whenever I have any concerns. Nothing will substitute a vet visit when your bunny is sick, but you can at least have an idea when a vet visit is necessary. I also refer to this book as my bible. The information is concise and easy to understand, and also easy to find, as the book is very well organized. The only suggestion I would make is to inclue a picture of a Flemish Giant, because that is fast becoming a very popular pet breed. Other than that, the book is perfect.



5. I received this book a few days ago and have basically read it from cover to cover.
   I feel the information in this book is for the most part accurate. One thing that I think should be added into all companion animal informative books (whether it be a book such as this, made for the average pet owner, or a book as a tutorial for beginning breeders) is more information on reasons to NOT breed your pet. The overpopulation of companion animals in this country is outstanding. By educating the uneducated regarding breeding this problem can be brought under control. I was happy to see that it was mentioned to not breed your pet, however I think a more in depth discussion of it should have been added.
   I thought the feeding guidelines were a little off as well, but I have seen much worse.

   4 stars to Karen Gendron and Michele Earle-Bridges for a great book!

5 comments about Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals: A Comprehensive Guide to the Use of Essential Oils & Hydrosols with Animals.

1. This is a great book to have on hand. Especially for animal lovers. It has different chapters for the differant animals. This book is also easy to read.



2. My dogs, cats and my family are so happy about this book because it teaches using natural remedies to cure common ailments in pets. I mean, we don't want to use flea/tick repellents that can harm us... so using aromatherapy (in right doses) is so much safer. Besides, like lavender and ylang ylang aromatherapy--going natural smells so much better!



3. I was very impressed with the information and the format of the book. I don't necessarily totally agree with all the information presented, but it was very well done and I would recommend this book to anyone interested in using essential oils on their animals.



4. Very informative book with lots of practical information. Detailed recipies for making your own aromatherpay/essential oil blends for anxiety, skin problems, fleas, ticks and more. Has resource guide on where to find quality products and also advice on what to look for in a quality product if shopping elsewhere.



5. This was another great book on pet healing. Our pets can benefit from many of these healing methods used for people. This was put together very nice. I use it alot.

5 comments about Outwitting Dogs: Revolutionary Techniques For Dog Training That Work!.

1. While I have to agree with other reviewers, in that if you are an intermediate or experienced dog trainer, you probably aren't going to find anything new here, I think this is a fabulous book for people who are new to dog training. The techniques are time-tested, and while I was familiar with many of them, I still enjoyed how the material was presented (very easy to read) and appreciated the book as a "refresher" and reminder on different approaches to try. I help teach beginning obedience and beginning agility classes, and have used some of these techniques to help people just starting out their training journey with their dog. One of the things I really liked about this book was the author's making a distinction between what is required for formal obedience and what is required to just have a well-mannered dog (the "heel" versus the "let's go" for example). I checked out this book from my library, but it's one I would not only buy for myself, but also would give to other dog owners as a gift.



2. However, if you are an experienced dog owner then forget it. This entire book merely expounds on the obvious and common sense solutions that we all know and have already tried. I was hoping for some new insights to common problems but no such luck.



3. I love that this book offers a completely positive training method. However, some of the training ideas seem like they would take a very long time to teach, and I don't know how "rock-solid" your dog would be afterward. I like that the author advocates teaching exercises in such a way that your dog cannot fail (for example, don't try making your dog SIT outside until he has done it 90% perfect in the house without distractions). I don't like that it does not offer many suggestions on what to do if you do happen to say "SIT" and your dog completely ignores you. And I truthfully didn't think it had very many effective ways to change "bad" behaviors. It would be great for your average dog without many bad habits who is willing to please and endlessly interested in treats.
   The book was easy to read, but I actually got very annoyed with some of the long "funny" descriptions. A bit too much padding for me; get to the point.



4. Make your dog your best friend and he will do what you want. That is the basic premise of the book. The theory is reward focused, using treats, gentle pats, etc., to condition the dog to behave.
   
   I have a "rescue dog" that was abused. He doesn't much like being touched. So far, he would rather go exploring that to mind me. The author suggests I am just not trying enough - possibly true. This book gave me a couple ideas, but hasn't been much help.



5. This book is great. We just adopted a rescued puppy mill dog from our local Humane Society and she has a lot of 'issues' we had never experienced before. This book has a lot a great tips I had not thought of before and would be helpful for those with especially 'challenging' new additions :)
   ~andrea

4 comments about The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs (Natural Vets Guide).

1. This book will help you to understand why cancer is so rampant in our pets, and give you alternatives to conventional food and medicine while raising them to be healthy and happy.



2. I know I submitted a review before but for some reason it isn't here. I so want to encourage people to buy this book. Dr. Messonnier is a thorough researcher and a holistic vet with years of experience.
   He explains different treatments and also preventative steps we all can take to try and keep our pets healthy.
   Diane



3. Dr. Shawn's book is filled with great wisdom and compassion. Information is a powerful weapon against cancer and Dr. Shawn proves this time and time again. Dr. Shawn's "The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs" is filled with invaluable and easy to comprehend information. This book will truly empower you as you wage battle against cancer in your beloved animal friend.



4. Well it's taken me over 4 years but in response to your requests I've finally finished and released this timely book. In The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs, you'll learn the pros and cons of both conventional and alernative therapies. I also discuss using diet to prevent and treat cancer, outline a plan using supplements to reduce the incidence of cancer in your pets, and share with you how to control pain in the cancer patient. Here are some of the wonderful reviews of the book I've received:
   
   *"It's becoming more and more evident that natural cancer treatments for both animals and humans have had significant success. With his book, Dr. Messonnier provides a desperately needed bridge between the traditional and more natural cancer therapies. As a health intuitive this book rates a 10+++, a win-win situation!"
   
   Carol Keppler
   Intuitive Health
   
   *"This is a truly important book, vital to all dog owners. Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs, and unfortunately, veterinarians are seeing cancer in younger and younger animals as well. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, but with this book, you get a ton of each!
   
   This is, without question, the most comprehensive book available on this topic. Dr. Messonnier covers all aspects in detail. While some of the language is technical, each medical term is thoroughly explained to allow dog guardians to communicate effectively with their veterinarians. The even-handed coverage of both conventional and alternative treatments provides a rational overview of the most useful therapies from both sides of the fence.
   
   This book is easy to read and well organized. The appendices provide much useful additional information. It's an extremely valuable resource, not just about dogs with cancer, but for dogs of all ages whose guardians are aiming for optimal health and cancer prevention, rather than reacting to a cancer diagnosis."
   
   Jean Hofve, DVM
   
   *"Dr. Messonnier's landmark work is a comprehensive, practical guide to a subject that every pet owner should be concerned about."
   
   Michael T. Murray, N.D., coauthor How to Prevent and Treat Cancer with Natural Medicine
   
   *"This book should be recommended reading for everyone who
   brings a dog into their lives. Dr. Shawn Messonnier's advice on
   holistic preventative care removes the mystery and fear about
   cancer and replaces it with a solid understanding of what we
   should do-and not do-when raising our dogs. Armed with the
   information in this book, we can take precautions to help
   prevent cancer in our pets, then work with our veterinarian to
   plot a course of action if cancer is diagnosed. A user-friendly
   book that steers clear of false hope and tells it like it is."
   
   
   Joan Stewart
   The Publicity Hound
   
   
   I hope you agree and will use this book to both prevent and treat cancer in your dog (and yes, cat owners can use the information in here as well to help their beloved feline family members!)
   
   Shawn Messonnier, DVM
   Host of Dr. Shawn-The Natural Vet, on Martha Stewart Living Radio Sirius Channel 112.
   www.petcarenaturally.com

5 comments about Cat Getting Out of a Bag and Other Observations.

1. This 'book' is totally inane and isn't worth the paper it's printed on ... a total disappointment!



2. A fun and wonderful book for anyone who has or had a cat. Illustrated observations of the artists cats, snoozing, running, playing, and more. A quick flip through the book will almost always elicit an "awwwww" or a "my cat does that, too!" Beautifully designed little hardcover as well - a perfect gift.



3. I'm actually a dog person and not a cat person, but picked up this little book for my son's fiancee. We have been adopted by a cat, as has she, and ALL of this little book rang true. I was surprised, being a dog person, that it made me laugh out loud loads of times. I've since purchased three more copies for other cat people. Garfield it isn't; quirky, funny and observant it is.



4. I saw this book on an Amazon best list and checked it out. It looked cute and just like the kind of book my sweet daughter in law would like. In real life it is cute and just the kind of book anyone who loves to watch their cat climb in and out of the grocery bag would enjoy.



5. This book captures the world of a cat to perfection. It is humorous, and for anyone who has owned a cat, it will put a smile on your face. I enjoyed the book, although I can't say I laughed at any of them. Makes a cute gift for a cat lover!

5 comments about The Dogs of Bedlam Farm: An Adventure with Sixteen Sheep, Three Dogs, Two Donkeys, and Me.

1. it is a shame for him to start out with a good dog and a good book and then turn himself into real jackass -- he should have stuck with his labs - they are suited more to him - fat and lazy - hope no one buys anymore of his books - and maybe he will have to get a real job instead of making money off of a dog he killed!!!!!



2. This is one of the best books about dogs I have read. Jon Katz has a way of writing that makes you feel the laughter and the pain. There are times when reading this book that you will literally be laughing out loud. HE is a very descriptive writer. I would (and have) recommend this book to friends. It is a must read for not just dog lovers but anyone who just needs a good book.



3. I found this book to be a fun, enjoyable, quick read. If you love animals, you will love this book. It has dogs, sheep, a ram and donkeys. The best part of this book is the parts that deal with the dogs. I recommend it.
   
   --Gerard Zemek, husband of author of "My Funny Dad, Harry"



4. The reviewer comments on the back cover of this book say "An inspiring portrait of the human-animal bond...". "Funny, touching, and insightful...". "Rewarding memoir...". I might have said as much about other books on humans and animals, but not this one.
   
   Jon Katz tells us straight out that his goal in taking on the care of three border collies, a herd of sheep, and two donkeys is to better himself, to "become a better human being". It's an admirable goal - but at what sacrifice? When does it seem a good idea to experiment on animals for your own so-called personal growth? What kind of growth is that really?
   
   Obviously I am in a different camp from Katz. Long ago I concluded that there is no animal on this earth who is safe from humans. I also concluded that human destruction of much of the natural world means that some animals, including cats and dogs, no longer have a natural habitat, that in fact their natural habitat now is with us, in our homes. A corollary: it is our responsibility to care for homeless dogs and cats humanely (which does not mean killing them); we created this situation and we are responsible for them. I offer this paragraph as a disclosure that explains part of the reason I take issue with the way Katz approaches the animals he takes on.
   
   Katz sells his mountain hideaway (the subject of previous books) and purchases a run-down farm in upper New York state. He brings his three dogs there and accepts delivery of 15 sheep and the first donkey. Later he travels to the farm of a self-described "donkey lady" and purchases another, younger donkey as companion for the first. He works with his dogs, trying to train them to herd the sheep, and he spends much of each day cleaning, repairing, doing the chores associated with this life. He also spends part of his day writing about it and appears to spend nearly 100% of his waking hours trying to figure it all out. By which I mean he sorts through his relationship with the different animals and comes to conclusions about himself, those animals, and other people and their animals. Forcing himself to be responsible for all of these animals is supposed to make him a better person.
   
   What others have characterized as "introspection" I see as justification. Katz spends endless paragraphs justifying actions that he suspects others may see as wrong somehow. He tells us honestly what trainers have told him (that, for example, he needs to stop yelling at his dogs) and that he bemoans his failures as a human being, and then he obstinately reverts to pattern (keeps yelling at his dogs). It is as if he wants to become a better person but retain all of his prejudices and habits in the process.
   
   Again and again he describes occasions when he has gone against the advice of people he trusts, only to find out that their advice was good. A trusted trainer said don't bring another puppy into the mix until you have resolved the issues with Homer. Katz wants a new puppy so he gets it anyway, only to find out after much work with all of the dogs that perhaps that wasn't such a swell idea. I can't help but conclude that he is going after what Jon wants rather than what the dogs want or need.
   
   When Katz wants a new dog he heads for the breeder. He chooses a breed and a specific puppy for its characteristics. He wants a border collie to herd sheep. He wants a labrador for companionship. He snipes at those who frown on obtaining dogs from breeders with this argument: some people adopt babies but most of us want one of our own. Is that a fair comparison, though? The comparison fails on more than one level:
   
   *When Katz goes to a breeder it's like he's going to an adoption agency, not "having his own". He also deludes himself by assuming he can specify exactly the dog he wants. Even when you choose a puppy of a breed that tends to have certain characteristics, there is no guarantee that the puppy will grow up to be the dog you expect. Katz's own experiences with different border collies are testament to this variability in dogs. All dogs. (not to mention all people)
   
   *Even the best breeders produce dogs that are "not acceptable": dogs they can't sell. These dogs are a result of the breeding process. Even the champion dogs tend to have physical or mental issues that are genetic, a result of the breeding process. The best breeders will claim that they find homes for all of their dogs, whether or not they are "perfect". But every time a breeder's dog goes out the door the people who take that dog do not instead take another dog that needs a home. Thus breeders contribute to pet overpopulation and contribute as well to the population of genetic misfits.
   
   *Approximately 40% of the dogs in shelters are purebred dogs. Many breeder dogs do not come to good ends.
   
   *Katz ignores statistics because he wants his own chosen dogs, not some "rescue", even though he has rescued dogs in the past, from inappropriate homes. Therefore he justifies his decision.
   
   When Katz takes out his rifle and shoots a feral cat it is at the end of many paragraphs explaining he never thought he'd ever shoot anything and his dogs were being attacked and he did not have a choice. Actually, he did have a choice, but it would have taken more work of the kind he chooses not to do. It would also have labeled him some kind of bleeding heart there in the country, and we can't have that. He desperately wants (maybe needs) approval from the old-time "real" farmers and ranchers. Katz is no lazy person. He simply makes his choices for his own comfort and supposed better-personhood rather than for animals.
   
   Katz does come to the conclusion that he cannot provide the kind of home needed by his sweet Homer. After agonizing and justifying this decision - a justification not needed, believe me - he places Homer with a family that can give him what he needs. In this Katz has done the right thing. He wears the hair shirt, however, over and over expressing distress that it was his own bad training practices that complicated life for Homer and made it necessary for him to go to another home. Enough already. He protests too much.
   
   I have come to the odd conclusion that perhaps Katz is not the dog person he says he is.
   
   He would say he's not a "Dog Person" too, but his definition of "Dog Person" is not what I mean. He describes his sister and others he has met as dog persons, and what he means is people who actively rescue "unadoptable" dogs, who care for them with every last scrap of their incomes, who let them overrun their lives in every respect, shutting out people - except other "Dog People" who meet the same definition. This type dog person is a small subset of the whole, the dog people I know personally.
   
   Katz is not afraid to reveal what he sees are the problems in his own personality: a lack of patience, a tendency toward anger, especially quick anger. He refers frequently to a childhood of chaos where he learned these ways of keeping other people at bay. He obviously truly wants to find and keep a genuine long-lasting closeness to those who matter to him, and does not want to continue to alienate friends and family with his bursts of anger or silence.
   
   He finds his salvation in the animals. Through them he learns patience especially. Through them he harnesses his will toward the care of others. Through them he finds a connection to his sister that had been lost. Clearly this is the message of the book. Animal people will all tell you that animals change you, make you better than you were. I have no argument with that. What concerned me throughout this book was the total me-ness of it. It was always about Katz and what he wanted and needed from the animals. Even though he went on various trips to find out what the animals needed, the need of the donkey to find her "inner donkeyness", for example, ultimately he did these things because they would make him a better person. There is something backwards about this approach that simply bothered me the whole time I read this book.
   
   At the end of the book Katz is laying in supplies and readying the farm for another winter. We are expected to believe that he has found his place at last. I for one doubt it. It was good enough for one book but the adventure will not be enough for many more.



5. I'm disappointed in this book, after having wanted to read it for a long time. It is the first of the author's books I have read. It's fairly interesting, but not anywhere close to a great book.
   
   I had assumed that this is a book by a shepherd about his sheep and his working border collies. Instead, it's about a man who has animals for a hobby (apparently mostly as research for writing books, actually). He comes across as very narcissistic: leaving his family, expecting working farmers to help him at a moment's notice, working a farm that he doesn't need with dogs that aren't well trained, as a short-term experiment.
   
   His understanding of herding dogs seems slim. Now, I have a collie and not a border collie, but I'm dismayed to see him present herding as bloodlust, as a dog's desire for tasty prey that is kept in check by its owner. Good herding dogs, from everything else I've read and seen, protect the sheep and don't drool over them. Herding dogs really aren't hunting dogs; the instincts are very different.
   
   I can't figure out how this book made it to best-seller lists. There are MANY better dog books out there.

5 comments about Parrots For Dummies (For Dummies (Pets)).

1. Being a first time parrot owner I have referred to this book countless times. I have a male Eclectus parrot who is now nearly a year old and I attribute part of his good health and safety to this book's wisdom. Written in a clear and concise (and sometimes very funny) fashion, it has answered 90% of the questions I have had regarding feeding; bathing; problem solving; what to and NOT to worry about with my parrot. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!



2. This is a well done book. (As all of the "dummie" books have been for me so far. Whats great is you can use the same knowledge for other bird types. i would highly consider this if your a new parrot owner. A 5!



3. I have many of the DUMMIE books and this is probably my favorite. I have many pets including birds for many years and still learned quite a bit from this book.



4. This book is helping me to understand birds. Long ago when I had parakeets, there wasn't much written at all and well, the internet just didn't exist. This book has been a tremendous help to me, understanding the whys and whats of keeping a companion bird! I love my FIDS!



5. I found this book to be well written and very easy to understand. For someone who has had companion birds for more than 20 years, I found this book to contain a wealth of information. The tips throughout the book are quite helpful and the stories from the author add a personal touch. This book will be an excellent resource for me for many years to come.

5 comments about Easy-Gaited Horses: Gentle, humane methods for training and riding gaited pleasure horses.

1. A 5 yo Missouri fox trotter (my first ever gaited horse) came into our "herd" not quite three weeks ago. I've already learned a lot about how to work w/ him. The book is very helpful in learning some of the differences (from non-gaited) as well as how to humanely get the most from the innate abilities of a gaited horse.



2. I LOVE this book. Lee Z. (may she R.I.P.) did the gaited horse world a huge favor by writing this. She explains the mechanics of the various gaits in terms that virtually anyone can understand, and follows it with advice for enhancing and improving the gaits that your horse was built to perform. It is a must have for anyone who owns a gaited breed. I recommend it to all of my gaited horse clients.
   
   TWH's are my gaited breed of choice, but I recently adopted an OT STB that I thought had gaiting potential. Lee's book helped me to start this wonderful horse under saddle and she is well on her way to giving me an incredible saddle rack that should turn into a speed rack. This book is a phenomenal resource that I highly recommend.



3. This book arrived in good time and in gret condition and as an owner and rider of gaited horses I find this book very helpful.



4. I love the book as it is giving me alot of information on the gaits of the gaited horses. I also love Amazon, if you need any book it can be found on Amazon. Thanks



5. The book is worth getting for the first half alone - the last half of the book did not teach me much that wasn't what I considered common knowledge.