1 comments about Successful Obedience Handling.

1. This book was excellent. It tells you where you will loose your points and how many so you know what to repeat and what to let go in the stressful ring world of comptetive obedience. It was recommended to my by my vet who also shows in obedience during our first shows. Our performance was much improved at the next set of shows.

2 comments about The Guide to Owning an Ocicat (Guide to Owning).

1. A great -- and belated -- addition to a helpful and informative series of breed books.

   Bill McKee is an inspired author choice, bringing new insight into how the Oci was 'created' just three decades ago. Modest as he is, it's fascinating to think that the farsighted breeding choices he (and a handful of others) made, not so very long ago, have defined one of the most popular and distinctive breeds today. Thanks for bringing him back!




2. Bill McKee one of the founding breeders of Ocicats, owned the first Ocicat grand in CFA GRC Dalai's Golden Cavalier of Ociville, writes from personal experience with this "wild cat" look alike.

   Ocicat owners from all over the world contributed pictures which give the reader a fantastic insite into the numerous colors in this fantastic breed.

   The history of the Ocicat and it beginnings in the cat show world is well documented by Bill McKee as he was intrumental in getting the Ocicat accepted by CFA which was the first cat organization to fully recognize the Ocicat for Championship status.

   It was indeed a pleasure to Ocicat breeders everywhere to see Bill McKee's name on the first published Ocicat book.

5 comments about Ella in Europe: An American Dog's International Adventures.

1. I just loved this book. Ella is a magical and wonderful dog. Michael Konik is a great author and I felt as if I were in Europe with his descriptions of resturants and bars, hotels and the people throughout. He really loves Ella and so did the people in Europe. A fun book to lighten your spirit and know that a dog is truly a man's best friend.



2. I don't know which is cuter: Michael Konik's heartwarming writing or Ella's beautiful smile. I love both of them. This is a "feel good" book for people who truly love dogs. Another recent bestseller about a guy and his dog seemed to be written by someone who doesn't really understand or appreciate dogs, but just puts up with them. Mr. Konik, on the other hand, is a real Dog Person. This is my favorite Dog Book of all time. Great photos of Europe also!



3. I just finished the book Ella In Europe and I just wanted to express
   as an American living in Austria with my dog Randy, that I enjoyed the
   book immensely. My sister brought her dog for the first time to Europe
   last Summer and we went through many of the same experiences that the book so well described. I would recommend it to any dog lover and say come to Europe and see the way it should be done in the USA.
   Thank you for lightening our lives in these times of serious world affairs Mr. Konick!



4. We've been traveling in Europe quite a bit this year, and I can't say I've seen a lot of people actually traveling with their dogs, but this book shows you what is possible. The author is a responsible dog owner - Ella is well-trained and well-behaved, which is probably critical to such an adventure. Because of that, they (and we, by extension) get to see Europe in a new way. Traveling in such a way provides another entree into cultures different from our own by providing a "bridge" - in this case, a dog. I appreciated the author's candor when elaborating on his worries and concerns. They were similar to what I would worry about in a similar situation. He also knows that his dog is a dog, not a furry person. The end seemed a little "unfinished" but overall it was a very enjoyable read.



5. Ella in Europe is a terrific book....THE adventure us dog lovers would look to undertake....it is funny and sad, goofy and inspirational and best of all, makes one re-evaluate just what is important in the moment. My 7 year old pup and i read most of this book out on our deck and we were sorry to get to the end..but it is one i will read several times and probably see something new each time....

2 comments about Your Dream Dog: Guide to Choosing the Right Breed for You, A.

1. I think this book would appeal most to folks searching for a dog with little knowledge of the breeds themselves. I won this book and paid little attention to it for a long time. When I finally browsed through it, I was shocked to find that the breed information given about "my" breed (Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs) is almost 100% incorrect. The breed history is inaccurate, the breed standards are misstated and the personality traits are totally wrong. It seems like Mr. Dibra didn't even do cursory research on the breed before writing a summary about it. I'm not as familiar with many other breeds, but did find some glaring inaccuracies about others as well. Please research breeds through nationally accredited breed websites. If you want to research a breed or breeds, don't trust this book as an accurate source of information. I'm sure Mr. Dibra is an expert on dog training, but he obviously is no expert on breeds or types.



2. Before I really get into to this, one mild word of warning. In the past couple of years, I have become friends with noted dog trainer Sarah Wilson, who along with her husband, Brian Kilcommons, have written several dog books, including the one I consider the current reigning and undisputed champ of the "how to pick your dog" genre, "Paws To Consider"...it may be worth your while to keep that in mind as you read this...and with that in mind, how does Bash Dibra's "Your Dream Dog" stack up?

   Pretty well actually. Mr. Dibra is well-known dog trainer himself, and to be honest about it, his book does offer a couple of advantages over "Paws" (although it feels slightly treasonous to me to say that...)To begin with, his breed listing contains more breeds than does "Paws" (over 160 compared to 147) and some may also find his straight alphabetical listing easier to use than the by lifestyle approach used by Brian and Sarah. Okay, no more comparisons to "Paws" or mentioning of other dog trainers...

   Mr. Dibra does all dog lovers a favor by listing in his dog "groups" (or types in this case) the most common of all breeds/types/ call it what you will...the common everyday mutt. And along those lines he echoes the feelings of other noted "dog people" that the potential new dog owner not be fooled by the current fad of matching one breed or another to a poodle, calling it a "something-a-poo" (cockapoo, pekeapoo, whatever) and billing it as a new breed. They not. Period. Cute, yes, adorable without a doubt, but folks, these guys are just plain mutts. Don't pay pure breed prices for a mix.

   "Your Dream Dog" also deserves applause for mentioning that your dream dog maybe one of those unfortunates abandoned at the shelter. Yes you can get pure breds there too, and the number of dogs (and cats) that are killed each year in this country is nothing short of criminal.

   More credit must be given to Mr. Dibra for including the "puppy temperment test", a more or less standard test used to be the right puppy for you out of a liter, mentioned in dog books by..er...other dog book authors. (See? No names.)

   Other pluses includ what to have ready when your new puppy comes home, something so many of us forget, until you raise a frantic shout "Oh my god, I forgot to get...(what?") He also lists activties that you can share with your dog, (and there are a lot of them) and the fact that your dream puppy may be and need not be a puppy at all. Adult dogs can and do bond to their new owners. Our own West Highland White Terrier( ada "Westie), Sally, was five when we got her, and it has been a great match-up.

   So what is wrong with the book? Well, a few things, minor for the most part. The brief breed description are a little too brief, especially in regard to the diseases that various breeds are subject too. Mitral Valve Disorder is listed as a problem for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, with no mention that this problem is a real killer in these cute little fellows. The national breed assocation for the Cavvy estimates that as many as 50% of the dogs may have this. Breeders are working hard on curing the problem, but starting out so far behind is real handicap. Skin allegeies are real problem, especially in summer for Westies and their owners, but this is not even mentioned in the breed description, although it is in the appendixes dealing with medical problems, but the potential owner of these dogs would not know that without specifally looking for it.

   Which brings me to what I think is the major flaw in "Your Dream Dog." There is no index. I was actually more than a little surprised to see that, since this is a book intended to be used, and used hard. It's not fair to blame Mr. Dibra for this of course, but someone sure dropped the ball here.

   Still the book is a worthwhile additon to a dog-lovers library. "Your Dream Dog" doesn't merely lecture, it teaches. All dog trainers, breeders what have you, will agree that research in arugably the most important of the first steps in getting your canine companion and this book will be a good one to begin your search.

   Would have given it a 5, but since, you know, there ain't no-stinking-index, I took away a point, (actually a half, but Amazon won't let me do that) for a score of 4 1/2

4 comments about Second Start: Creative Rehoming for Dogs.

1. Having worked in dog rescue for 10 years and fostered over 70 dogs in the past year I can say without reservation that this is the best dog book ever for someone in rescue work OR for someone looking to adopt a dog. It covers everything you will ever need to know from why you want a dog, the type of dog that is right for you, how to choose a dog, how to test its' temperment, it even has 50 mutilple choice questions to help you find the type of dog for your lifestyle. It covers basic health, types of dog groups and the training section is fabulous. The book is an easy read and very down to earth. I am going to recommend this book be the official book for my rescue league for recommended reading. Great job!!



2. A great book to help a new dog owner know what to expect in training and raising an adopted dog of any age. Straightforward, easy to read, and honest-but with a positive approach! The lists can be a bit tedious at the beginning-and I felt would be better suited to complete AFTER reading the book. Overall-a great book for all members of the family to read!



3. This book tops everything I have read to date about rescue/rehome dogs. The test to match a breed with the owner's life style is of paramount importance and is placed early in the book. I especially like the sections on how to prepare for a rescue dog, and on the adjustment period. These two very important aspects can be the making or breaking of a long-term relationship. The stories of rescue dogs and the pictures are heartwarming. The training information, so necessary for most rescue dogs, is easily read and understandable. I now recommend this book to everyone who comes to me for a rescue dog.



4. I loved this book! I have had two second hand dogs, and right now I'm having problems with one of them. This book is helping to train my nine year-old Cocker Spaniel (I don't think anyone ever trained him before). There is even a thorough quiz on what type of dog you want, to ensure a perfect match. In planning for my next adult dog, I took the quiz and ended up deciding the best breed for me was a Doberman Pinscher. I was SO happy to find out that one of my favorite breeds was the best one for me! This is definitely a wonderful book for novice or experienced owners! Plus, there's great advice on introducing your dog to other pets, finding the best source for your dog, and a listing of dog sports to participate in! And if you love guard dogs, there's plenty of pictures of mastiffs, rottweilers, and even a few of the beloved Doberman. Enjoy your dog, and this book as well!

5 comments about A New Owner's Guide to Shar Pei (JG Dog).

1. I really agree with one of the previous reviews. This book has very little information that is specific to the shar pei breed. It contains info about the history of the shar pei and the characteristics of the breed, but that is all stuff that you can find for free just from shar pei sites. The other information is general to practically all dogs, such as housebreaking, dental care, and finding a lost dog. I would not reccommend this book if you are really looking for information specific to the shar pei.



2. I ordered this book when I knew I was getting 2 Shar Pei's for Christmas. I am not familiar with the breed so did a ton of surfing on the net about them. This book received high ratings, so I ordered it.
   
   I did not think that this book offered enough information regarding health problems specific to the Shar Pei breed. It generally would reference anything that a dog could contract, but did not discuss what the Shar Pei breed could run into. I found that to be lacking.
   
   Also, it spent many pages about training for Sport which you may or may not choose (beyond sit, stay, etc.) To tought yourself as a Shar Pei book, I did not find that it discussed Shar Pei specific topics. I would not recommend buying this book if you are familar with dogs in general, and are buying a Shar Pei.
   
   If you have never lived/raised a dog, this is a short book to read for general ideals about dogs.



3. I bought this book after getting our first shar pei and now three years later after getting our second I still find myself going to the book as a reference. I would recommend new owners buy the book prior to finding a breeder and making a purchase because it gives really good advice on what to look for and even whether or not the breed is right for you. The book takes you through step by step everything you need to know the breed from health, care, temperament, etc. I highly recommend this book.



4. The book was very informative. The pictures were clear and in color, which actually showed and told you what you were looking at. Out of 3 books I've bought on Shar-pei, this one was not a waste of my money.



5. I think this book is just awesome

4 comments about Pot Bellied Pigs and Other Miniature Pet Pigs.

1. I received a phone call letting me know of my new arrival.....a Mini Pot-Bellied Pig! I knew NOTHING about the care and keeping of my newfound pet and ordered this book for starters. I received this book from one of Amazon's great used book sellers and immediately began to read. This book is of quality binding with great pictures to illustrate the unique colors and sizes (as well as the different environments in which they can be kept). The pages are thick and high-gloss as well. The cover is sturdy, high-gloss and compact (great to throw in a purse for sharing). The typeface is large and bold for ease of reading. The content is perfect for an overview of EXACTLY what I needed - brief, thorough and to the point. I was able to sit down and absorb the information given in about an hour and a half. I am sure there are many other books which give are more indepth, but this one served it's function - a fast course in the keeping, care, history, Laws, Resources, Products and the choosing of a quality pet pig! For the price, it is a MUST for the beginner!



2. The strengths this book offers different from the other pig books is, a lot of registry information, also many varied photos, and the best boarding tips I've seen. The author has a knowledge of pigs from their US arrival in the 80's. Weaknesses are: the annoying print, the very small training section, and that some conformation ideas have changed, and also having the same girls repeatedly in the photos. Overall it added to my pigly knowledge though, which is what I'm after.



3. This book will provide some basic info for potential potbellied pig owners but is very general in most topics. Print style is annoying to the point that one would think the author needed to fill up more pages by enlarging the font.



4. The printing is a bit of a disappointment, with a free use of bold underlined caps for no obvious reason. Looking beyond those, however, the book is chock ful of the most adorable pictures of miniature pigs (called by the pros 'Potbellied Pigs', and you can see why). Anybody on the look-out for a cuddly, intelligent pet need look no further! Puppy, eat your heart out - these micro swines will send you all rushing to the nearest pet shop. The text includes many sensible facts about keeping them (apeasing neighbours and municipalities, among other things), feeding them (preferably at the family table, it seems), and even breeding them. To be pigheaded here is a compliment, they appear to be at least as bright as dogs, and can do all sorts of tricks (when they care to). In all, the book is a bargain at the price.

3 comments about Marine Aquarium Keeping.

1. This is the book that I am looking to learn the know how of hatching brine shrimps. I haven't finished this book yet so i only can tell you what i felt before i purchased this book.

   Before i got this book I found this book is a bit old ( slightly out-dated or out-dated ) in every espect. The info that they given seems does not saying more about the filtering systems, tank setups, and so on in more details. So this is the most disadvantages of this book. The books does not have much details on the details of the Marine Fishes, reefs, lightings, and so on.

   This book does generally teaching or telling what is Marine Fish keeping and teaching those very basic things on the aspects of marine fish. They just telling you what is the important espects of taking care of Marine fishes. They are seems good in the Maintenance, foods & feeding sections only. The info's that they given is very good for peoples want to know what to do when he or she want to hatching brime shrimps. They even teach what, when, how to do in general language. Its a very straight forward explainations so it is good for people who does not know much about Marine Fish. If this book is for those people who want to use for referrences in details and i think this book is not be enought resources or info to make people to know about the technical know how about Marine Fishes. I am not saying that this book is not good. I am saying that this book is suitable for people who want to know what to do with hatching brime shrimps??? Feedings and Maintainance's. SO i would like to introduce people to know about this book is Good in these chapter 10 which is Maintenance and Chapter 11 which is Foods and Feeding.

   I noticed that most of the books do not cover well about the Hatching Brime Shrimps, and the collections of seawater. Teaching what to do with the Seawater that you collected from the Sea.

   OK I have to stop here, because I felt that this is the only things that i want to say.

   Before I wrap it this messaage, this is what i want to say.

   This is a Good Book for those people wanna to know how and what to do with Collections of sea-water from the Sea and the know how of Hatching brime shrimps.

   Thats all.




2. This book is great. I have found that in my time of marine fishkeeping that this book has become of great importance to me and my fish. I would recommend this book to anyone, beginner or avid, fishkeeper. If you purchase this book you will surely become an expert at the art of fishkeeping.



3. A great reference, but not the best book to start out on. The writer is set in his ways and does not talk about all the options, just what he thinks is best. The three pages on filtration only talk about a subgravel filter, with on mention of live sand and rock. However, it is otherwise very though and would be very helpfull. A good book to have, but you should plan on buying others.

No comments about Towing Horse Trailers (Allen Photographic Guides).

2 comments about The Harris Hawk: Management, Training and Hunting.

1. A truly awful falconry book. The factual errors and errors of omission combined may actually make this a dangerous falconry book; and for one aimed at the beginner, this is a frank shame. My only regret greater than having purchased this book at a premium in the store (I buy every falconry title I see) is that so few volumes exist to compete with it. Somehow, this most excellent and widely-utilized falconry bird (the Harris' hawk) has yet to inspire a definitive treatise on its natural history and training. For much better treatment of the Harris' (though incomplete in each case), I recommend the works of Harry McElroy and Martin Hollinshead.



2. International Falconer magazine gave this book a rare poor review. Why would and American buy a book about and Training American hawk, written by a British falconer? The book contains a map of where Harris Hawks are supposed to live in the wild. He's way off. International Falconer says the author doesn't even train Harris Hawks. For a much better book try, Desert Hawking with a little help by Harry McElroy!