5 comments about Teaching Your Bird to Talk.

1. Teaching Your Bird to Talk
   An in-depth book that provides very useful information.



2. I am not quite finished with this book yet, but I am very pleased with the information and how it is presented in this book. I have read several other books on Parrots and this is by far the best one. There is more information than just teaching your bird to talk.
   I highly recomment this book to anyone who owns a parrot with the potential to talk!



3. I waited more than six months after I bought this book to try the techniques inside it before I wrote my review. Although I was using some methods mentioned inside the book but this book encouraged me to keep using them and also adds some amazing methods and ideas that were very helpful, useful and easy to imply. Simply, my old African Grey Parrot started to talk, and that was my fist experience in such thing and I really feel grateful to this book and to the efforts inside it. I am giving four stars since I feel some information are ideas need proves rather than facts. However, aiming to make your African talk, buy this book and be patient.



4. A wonderful reference and book guide for teaching a Quaker Parrot to talk.



5. When I bought this book I thought I was buying a book that would help me teach my parrot to talk. Although I do know that there are no guarantees about which bird will talk and what method works, I wanted tips and advice on how to help my parrot learn.
   
   This books gives no such information. It covers why parrots talk, which parrots talk and lots of stories about talking parrots, but no real information on teaching my bird to talk. The only chapter I liked was the one about the Model/Rival-method, which is a detailed chapter on teaching a parrot to talk with cognition, understanding the words it uses. However, the bird must alredy be talking for this method to work.
   
   What I wanted was an answer to these questions: Do constant, out of context, repetitions work? Does plaing a casette work? Would it help to have talking sessions? Does my tone of voice matter? How can I get my bird to talk more clearly? How can I get my bird to talk in front of strangers?

3 comments about Try Tracking!: The Puppy Tracking Primer.

1. Our canine companions have been blessed with a scent of smell that some say is a thousand times greater than our own. "Try Tracking: The Puppy Tracking Primer" will teach you how to get the most out of your puppy's excellent nose, and to refine its natural instincts, to increase the bond between you and your pet. Tracking is fun for both you and your dog, improve both of your fitnesses, and you'll gain respect to just how your dog works. The methods put forth are said to be able to work with any age of dog from seven weeks of age to elderly canines, and for that, "Try Tracking!: The Puppy Tracking Primer" is enthusiastically recommended for dog owners everywhere and community library collections dealing with canine obedience and training.



2. Want to do something with your puppy or dog that makes use of their natural talent? You'll want to do tracking and Carolyn has made it easy for you to try it out! She tells you what you'll need for equipment, how to draw a track diagram, and how to keep a diary and why. She addresses when to start with your puppy and how your pup can have a title before it's a year old. Don't have a puppy but still want to try? No problem she covers that too! Get hooked on tracking!
   
   Carolyn was a guest member in February 2006 on CSDogBookReview (YahooGroups). After reading her book and listening to her discusions I've started tracking with my two four year old dogs. They're loving it!
   
   Thanks Carolyn!



3. This was a easy-to-follow guide for me to start training my puppy to track, and her methods are working well on my 5 year old dog as well. I would without hesitation recommend this book for anyone considering starting their puppy or dog in tracking.

5 comments about Four Paws from Heaven: Devotions for Dog Lovers.

1. We recently lost a dog due to wobbler's syndrome and were extremely distraught. A thoughtful friend sent us a copy Four Paws from Heaven and this wonderful book provided much comfort and understanding to me and my wife. It is written in the form of short devotionals which have biblical references and practical self-help ideas to aid people grieving the loss of a pet. We thought so much of the book and the ideas expressed in it, that we purchased several copies and have given them to friends who have lost pets. A copy of this book and a memorial to a local animal shelter provide a perfect token of sympathy to anyone who has lost a four legged friend.



2. Item was as described. Purchase was easy. Shipping was good. Wife thought the total price was high though. Probably should have bought more items at a time to reduce impact of shipping fee.



3. These stories were so touching and of course I'm a dog lover. Yes, I'm one of those people that considers my Yorkiepoo a part of our family. Dogs give us a small view of what God is like.



4. I love Four Paws from Heaven because it has so many wonderful stories in it. This book has helped me see how God can use animals, to get the message he want to get across to you though them. I would recommed this book to any dog lover that what to see how God can work through animals.



5. You certainly don't have to be a dog lover to enjoy this book. But if you are, it's a must! Very inspirational, exceptional writers, you feel as if you are there. I always read more than one story and wished the book didn't end so soon. Received it as a gift and purchased more to give as gifts. A must read.
   
   Mary

5 comments about Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat--Not a Sour Puss.

1. This book is a most excellent book for new kitty parents, and also has info useful for old kitty pros. I currently care for 7 cats, and have been owned by cats for quite some time now, but I've learned a lot from Pam's books. My first was Psycho Kitty.
   
   While I was a volunteer with our local humane society I always recommended "Think Like A Cat" to first time kitty adopters. It has all the prerequisite instructions for those who know nothing about cats and are about to be owned by their first kitty...or even the second or third...



2. In general it was alright. But some of her ideas were too bizarre. You can't teach a cat to come! And her idea of giving cat treats to get them to learn new things? Okay but if you have a cat who needs to lose weight that is not the best thing to be encouraging. Cats are not children. You can't reward them and then decide one day not to anymore. Also, the idea that if you don't play everyday with your cat that you are going to somehow ruin them? Please. I don't play with my cat every day and he is just fine. Also the idea that you have to give your cat the "Right" toys? They are CATS, not children. My cat has several "Inanimate" toys and he doesn't seem bored. Plus many of these interactive toys are not cheap and the fishing rod type toys break.
   For the person who said cats belong outside? Maybe so.But I live in an apartment and letting my cat outdoors is out of the questions.
   I skipped many parts of the book because my cat does not have those issues. And as for the litter box? I own an automatic one which she seems to frown on and I love it. It is so much easier to clean. If my cat has any problems I can still tell.
   Shoe me a cat that can learn to sit and stay and I will show you a frog who can talk!



3. This book was written very well.It is one of those books to keep on the bedside table as you will always refer to it. I have been looking after cats for 15 years now and this book still managed to teach me a few new things. A great book both for beginners to experts!



4. This book is an excellent tool for the novice or expert cat owner. I've read this book from cover to cover and find it a useful reference tool whenever I'm unsure of how to deal with a situation with my cat. It covers issues such as, how to introduce a second cat to the family, preparing kitty for a new baby, moving day, how to remedy behavior problems, etc, etc. I personally have purchased multiple copies of this book to give to friends and family with cats. Highly recommended.



5. It's a crazy title but once you get into reading it, fits perfectly. We gave a kitten to my mother and noticed it was starting to rule the household and develop bad habits. "Think Like A Cat" to the rescue. It opened our eyes to the cause and the problems were nipped in the bud. Who's boss? Not the cat.

5 comments about Picasso & Lump: A Dachshund's Odyssey.

1. I purchased "Picasso and Lump" for what turned out to be a most welcome gift for Dachshund lover/owners. Before giving it to them, my husband and I both read it and found it totally charming, as well as revealing of a side of Picasso's character that is little known. A delightful book for Picasso fans and dog--especially dachshund--lovers.



2. I ordered this for a friend, who has dachshunds and is an artist. Before I wrapped the book, though, I looked through it. It tells a visual story of their special relationship, which is clear in the pictures. I was captivated by the sentiment of the book and looked forward to hearing her response to the book. I recommend this to anyone who loves dogs. Very special!



3. I really like the pictures and the little tid bits of information about Picasso, Lump and their family



4. Rather than a book about the artist, or a story about a daschund, to me this was a story of love and companionship between a dog and his master. The simple story illustrates how we all feel about our pets. It is beautifully accented with private and candid photos inside Picasso's life in his older years. I think this book is great for all ages and Im glad to have discovered it.



5. This book is an unmitigated delight. The photographs are enchanting and the story they tell completely wonderful. I was sad to learn that Picasso "dumped" Lump when his back was injured, but he gave him to David Douglas Duncan (who originally brought him) and I must think that Lump lived out his days in great happiness. In any event, this is a real charmer and a great one to keep on the coffee table to look through again and again.

5 comments about The Foaling Primer: A Month-by-Month Guide to Raising a Healthy Foal.

1. I have just purchased my first Foal at 2 weeks old (mom is at the same farm) and found this book has lots of information for the first timer (not sure it would be useful if you have any experience with foals). I found it gave me some great general knowledge of working with the little guys but still left me desiring lots more info. Will keep looking for another baby book but this one was a good start.



2. I am really enjoying this book. having my first foal is scarey for me and this book is making it easier.



3. As an old horsewoman attending her aged mare having her first foal, I was feeling in great need of advice and counsel. This book delivered it. We had everything in place well ahead of time, and the whole thing went like clockwork. I knew exactly when to rip the bag and when to assist with some gentle traction. I hope everyone is blessed with such a textbook delivery. But if you aren't, this primer should see you through until the vet comes.



4. As nervous I am to go through my first foaling with a mare I saved from a auction this book is making me feel better and gives great step by step instructions- It will be my bible when the day comes!



5. This book is everything I anticipated and more. I really like the format: it *is* a step by step guide, but not a hard and fast training method or inflexible plan. It has accurate and current information in all respects. All the details a person needs to know are there! This is a book I will refer to frequently and I do not feel the need to double-check that the information is accurate.

5 comments about Horse Owners Guide to Natural Hoof Care.

1. I think this is a great book and a smart move for horseowners. Only downside is I would like a little more instruction on the exact how-to. Easy to read.



2. This book is a great beginners book. It goes into detail about the structure of a hoof, both wild and domestic, internal and external. The detailed instructions for trimming are very helpful and easy to follow. I recomend it highly.



3. After over 35 years of keeping horses and caring for their feet...I have discovered I was wrong...and Jamie Jackson's methods are right...this book began the process of my rethinking hoof care...at 55..if I can change my thinking and start rehabilating my horses feet...you can too...start by reading this book.



4. I'm grateful to Mr Jackson for his pioneering observations of the hoof in nature and for writing them up. But I didn't find the book itself particularly useful. It has very little step-by-step, practical text or pictures; and throughout there is a tendency towards pomposity that gets very off-putting.
   
   I bought this and Pete Ramey's book at the same time, reading Jackson's first, as Ramey advises in his book. Never re-read Jackson, but Ramey's is dog-eared from studying again and again. I also appreciate Ramey's voice--humble, sincere, doesn't have to be "right;" eager to learn from any source and to incorporate new research and better technique the minute they occur.



5. Great book! Jaime Jackson is easy to follow and understand. Detailed info. for the horse owner.

5 comments about Taking Risks with Watercolour.

1. An internet search of images turned up several VERY intriguing still-lifes full of bright color swatches, lacy textures, and over-lapping objects in a style like absolutely no other artist on earth. Dang! Who's work IS this? Hmmmm! Shirley Trevena. Dig deeper and a plethora of utterly brilliant images, each one as exciting as the last - and I'm thinking, "I have GOT to learn more about this woman! Bought both of her books AND her DVD, and if she ever puts out anything else, I'll get that, too. Most artists are creative, but in usually in a rather traditional, safe sense. Not Trevena. Her work reflects both her knowledge of color and how it's supposed to work, of composition, shapes, lines --- all the elements of the accomplished artist, and then she breaks all the rules and STILL makes it work! Perhaps she has some intuitive, mystical sense about color choice, about playing pale colors against daring and dark hues, and expecially about composition. I don't know. But, if I could collect only one artist's work, I would fill my house with Trevena's. Taking risks, being outside-of-the-box creative is exactly what she has done - inspiring you to do the same. I have well over 100 art books now. Hers are my absolute favorites - the ones from which I've learned the most about taking risks, and feeling giddy with excitement when I'm able to take risks with my own paintings.



2. This is a book for the daring... it goes beyond the typical information found in the average watercolor instruction book. Many, many good suggestions and ideas can be found.



3. This is a wonderful book for any artist wanting to expand their horizons in w/c. The author is generous in giving concrete examples and techniques and also gives a step by step explanation as to how she created one of her paintings. As an art teacher I find this an exceptionally good book.



4. I love this book and have read it from cover to cover. Shirley Trevena's paintings are thrilling to look at, the text is very readible and the layout keeps you turning the pages. I have been painting watercolours of flowers and still life for many years but Shirley Trevena shows me new ways to forge ahead, and fun ways to overcome some of the obstacles I have been facing in my work. Congratulations also to Albert Jackson and the other photographers for a truly excellent book. I look forward to the other book by Trevena.



5. Although the title of the book refers to watercolour painting only, artists using other mediums will get inspiration as well.
   
   Shirley Travena dives into the medium with enthusiasm (no tepid, sepia palette here!) incorporating watercolour with mixed media (including of all things, oil pastels and collage) using imagination, flair and ingenuity. The illustrations are vibrant; a feast for the eyes. While tonal values, composition, alignment and other basics are covered, they are presented in an innovative way. No boring lectures here.
   
   The author shows a delightful candour - admitting how hesitant she was when first starting - and even daring to show some of her early works, on which she has since improved. But then she provides creative ways of overcoming problems, including the initial, daunting feeling of confronting a blank piece of paper or canvas. In addition to trouble-shooting, there are numerous ideas for achieving great effects with very simple techniques. Her use of masking tape to create different planes, for example, is very creative.
   
   This is an experienced artist who nevertheless insists there is no 'right' way to create pictures, which is borne out by such headings as "Daring combinations" and "If a picture needs something, feel free to invent it." Whatever medium or style you use, doing some of the experiments and explorations in this book could well give a new lease of life to your paintings, as well as provide inspiration for new works of art.

5 comments about Help for Your Shy Dog: Turning Your Terrified Dog into a Terrific Pet.

1. I just recently acquired a somewhat shy mini-dachshund and needed instruction on how to assist him in overcoming his apprehensions. Various sources on line recommended this book. I bought it, as well "Help for Your Shy Dog" by Nicole Wilde. This Deborah Wood book was a complete waste of time - no details were included on how I should proceed with my dog on anything, only just what amounted to a bunch of cheerleading (e.g., "with patience even you can do it!"). The Nicole Wilde Book, however, contains all the protocols you need to follow for virtually any kind of fear a dog might have. I highly recommend "Help for Your Shy Dog" for anyone with a shy dog, or any kind of dog for that matter. After reading Nicole Wilde's book, I am now making huge progress with my dog's apprehensions, and feel well equipped to deal with any fear that may come up in the future. The Deborah Wood book is going in the trash.



2. Okay book, a litlle disappointed since she stresses over and over training since I did that with my Ted already....many of the ideas in her book are really common sense



3. A lot of good ideas for helping a shy dog to become a great member of your pack. It helped me to realize that my rescued shy dog will get better with time and there are actions I can take to help her adjust to her new family. Thanks for the encouragement in helping me deal with my timid dog. I would reccomend this book to people who have a shy dog.



4. I'm so glad I found this book. The real-life stories she shares have helped me understand my sweet-but-fearful dog so much better. It's great to know that there is hope for helping my dog become happy and content.



5. There is a lot to like about Deborah Wood's book. She has an obvious compassion for dogs who are shy, and shares the story of her own timid dog, as well as others. Wood gives tips on how to make the shy dog's everyday life easier (for example, keeping a regular routine), and gives examples of body language that indicate fear, which is invaluable to owners. I liked the brief section on what specifically to watch for when training a shy dog, and the suggestions on games and fun activities. My only wish for this book is that it had more specific step-by-step information on what to do for shy dogs in specific situations, for example, when visitors come over, or when the dog has to visit the vet. But all in all, the book should be very helpful and encouraging to owners of shy dogs as well as those who rescue and foster dogs.
   - Nicole Wilde, author Help for Your Fearful Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide to Helping Your Dog Conquer His Fears and So You Want to be a Dog Trainer (2nd edition)

3 comments about Aggression in Dogs: Practical Management, Prevention & Behaviour Modification.

1. This is really one of the best books out there for dealing with agression. It really clears up what it is all about and what to do about it in very practical terms. It helped me see what the real issues where and gave me a number of suggestions for training against the agression. Very practical where others are not. She doesn't waste time with too much philosphy but gets straight to the issues and the training. But the true measure is in the results and I am very happy about that. We had one very confused 6 yr old boy and he's coming along terrifically--I was really worried that he would spend his days angry, confused and mean. It's a turn around--so yes, things can be done to work with aggression. Thanks Brenda Aloff.



2. This book actually has a lot of very good, practical, and very helpful information for the dog owner who wants to prevent (as I do) or treat agression problems, especially in agression-prone breeds like spaniels and some of the guarding breeds. I debated whether or not to give this book a five star rating. I settled on four stars for now because of my one "complaint" against the book -- it is a very, very COMPLICATED book to read and utilize. The author, apparently through many years of working with problem dogs, has developed a number of complex systems for treating and preventing agression problems which, while I'm sure will be useful and should work well, and just very complicated for the amateur to use. This is definitely NOT the kind of book one can read in bed when tired. It reminds me of some of my college texts -- a challenging and complicated read, and perhaps a bit on the dry side. I know that when I tried to read it recently, my mind often wandered.
   To sum it up, I would recommend the purchase of this book for the interested reader, just be prepared to sit down and devote quality time to reading the book and learning the system of training the author has put forth. Unfortunately, my life right now is just too complicated to really give this book the time it deserves. I hope in the near future to have a little more free time to carefully read the book, absorb the information, and begin to implement it with my own dog.



3. This book is terrific for owners of any dog. We actually rescued an dog-aggressive dog and actually went to Brenda Aloff for a few sessions. Her advice and exercises helped turn a stressed out little monster into my little princess. My dog isn't magically cured, but by using this book, we've taught her to look to her humans for guidance in stressful situations, instead of just attacking as she would in the past. She knows the rules and was taught them in a completely positive reinforcement manner. I highly recommend this book.