5 comments about Complete Horse Riding Manual.

1. I love this book. It does not go too deeply into any particular subject but covers horse care and riding in general very well. There are hundred of books out there for beginners to intermediate riders, but this is my best general reference book.
   
   It even has snippets for the more advanced rider. I really think this book is a very valuable addition to any horse lovers Library.



2. As it's not possible to 'see' a few pages of the inside of this book on Amazon, and I'm always sceptical about buying books online that I don't know and can't page through, after some searching, I found it at the DK website and looked through it there. I liked what I saw and then bought if from Amazon.
   
   The photos are fantastic. Although the book is rather thick, it is very well organized and encapsulated with a new subject or further drill down every two pages. I covers everything from anatomy, to behavior, to harmony, to drills, to troubleshooting, and goals in building a solid relationship between horse and rider in all English riding disciplines.
   
   If you're into jumping, especially, it's fantastic, because it covers, in great detail, distances between fences from trot and canter for training, gymnastics, and courses. It gives lots of exercises and drills. There are great overviews and tips for both competing and training. I have not come across any books that have this level of detail here.
   
   The dressage explanations give you good basics but leave you hanging a bit for more.
   
   It's like having great instruction from a master. The author's British, however, and Western riding is not covered at all as it's not as popular in Europe as English.
   
   I give riding lessons. One of my students is moving back to the States, so I bought if for her as a going-away present. I liked it so much that I bought another copy for myself. It's a great reference tool and worth having on your shelf. I'm definitely going to use a lot of information in it during my own workouts and lessons.



3. I'm relatively new to riding because I have only a few years of experience without too intensive training. Up to now I have read the first 70 pages of the book only but my first impression is rather good. Its language is clear, the book is well organized into small chapters and contains good illustrations. I have already learnt several interesting things that were new to me e.g. how to learn jumping progressively or how to build strong relationship with horses. I will try to put these things into practice.



4. I have a substantial library of equestrian-related books, and this one certainly deserves pride of place. It is the best and most complete general guide to horse riding I've yet come across. The photographs are gorgeous and the production values superb. William Micklem writes very well and his explanations are very clear and thorough without being dry or pedantic. This really is about how to get the most out of riding, pure and simple. It isn't one of those ordinary, "how-to-groom-your-horse-compendium-of-breeds" picture books, and it delves into dressage, show jumping and cross-country in three separate but interlinked sections. I actually learned quite a few things reading this book. Experienced and beginner riders alike will enjoy it. Read it cover-to-cover, and savour the beatiful layout and illustrations. Completely awesome and highly recommended!



5. This book would have gotten 5 stars if it were actually the "complete" riding manual. It covered no western events! I love riding english but i want to know more about the western events too. Anyway, this book covers almost everything you need to know about riding in general to riding in advanced shows. It seemed to me that the beginning of the book didnt really go into detail, it just sort of told the basics but didnt say why. Im going to re-read the whole thing again. The book itself was AMAZING and i reccomend it to EVERYONE!!! (but maybe, just maybe, they will change the title, PLEASE). go buy this book!

5 comments about Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog (Howell Reference Books).

1. An excellent book. Writer has 30 years experience in dog handling. She explains the raw food diet and other health ingredients to help your dog stay healthy or to heal your dog of many health problems. Ingredients and nutritional supplements are explained and why they are necessary. I recommend this book to everyone who loves their dogs.



2. This book is worth its price purely for the information on interpreting blood and urine testing. She also offers some great ideas on supplements for specific health concerns. Thirdly, her recommendations for vaccinations or lack thereof are excellent. That's the good part.
   
   However, by far and large, I couldn't disagree more with Wendy Volhard's dietary recommendations. If she can show me a canine running around the forest looking for oatmeal or any of the other grains she recommends, I might give her recommendations a second look.
   
   Until then, from my experience, BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods a la Ian Billinghurst's recommendations) is the only way to feed dogs. Three dogs, 9 years, no vet bills, says it all. My Keeshond, who died at the age of 16, was diagnosed with terminal pancreatitis at the age of 7 and given 6 months to live. The vet wanted to put her on PID canned food, largely barley based. At that time, we brought our Giant Schnauzer home from Skansen Kennels. The breeder strongly recommended the BARF diet, so I immediately switched the old Keeshond and our 6 month old Rottie to a raw meaty bones/fresh raw veggies and fruits diet, along with the Giant Schnauzer baby. The vet said I'd kill my dog. I told him that she's dead meat in 6 months anyway, so I might as well kill her my way.
   
   Within 3 months, she was a puppy again, and lived to 16. All if this without the silly grain meal Wendy Volhard recommends! The big dogs are closing in on 10. The rottie has already outlived his predicted life span of 7 to 9 years. I love it! Their coats are gorgeous, and their teeth are perfect. No bad breath either. I wouldn't feed any other way.
   
   Please don't get me wrong. I would still buy this book for its reference value, but don't buy into her dietary recommendations!



3. I found the Holistic Guide for Healthy Dog just super and full of useful information and other references. It's also very easy to read and divided quite nicely.



4. This book is the best source for a Raw Diet available. It is very comprehensive. There are lots of sources available with this diet to help you along the way, such as the website (www.volhard.com) and the Volhard Yahoo Group discussions, which provide all the answers to your questions. If you want to provide the best life for your dog, this is definately the way to do it. The research carried out on this diet is extremely comprehensive and a proven success for over 30 years.



5. If you can only have one book and you own a dog this is the one to have. Wendy Volhard brings decades of research and experience together in easy to follow examples, recipes and some of th emost comprehensive tables you'll find on canine nutrition. Food is the basis of all good health and happiness and this book tells you how to keep your dog healthy naturally, how to recognize if they are out of balance and empowers you with tools to help you dog while working with your vet.

No comments about Bliss to You: Trixie's Guide to a Happy Life.

5 comments about Childproofing Your Dog: A Complete Guide to Preparing Your Dog for the Children in Your Life.

1. This book is a easy read with a lot of good advice, games, and training techniques that are perfect for anyone who has a dog and is introducing a baby to the dog or has a family and is introducing a new dog. It has been very helpful as I have been training my dog to respect my infant. It is a must read for parents!!



2. It didn't take long for me to realize I could skim most of this book. I have a well behaved female boxer, and was looking for advice for preparing her for baby. Agree with the other review I read - didn't need 5 out of the 7 chapters since she is already well trained (no formal training was ever needed). Of the 2 chapters that might help, I won't actually know until after I have the baby. There's little advice for prepping your dog - much of it is advice for how to fix an existing or developed problem, not avoiding them altogether (like licking baby's face or eating diapers - no advice for how to avoid... just how to fix if you see it happen). Several chapters are for later years and "training" your kids - - I don't need that advice - i need to know how to PREP my dog for baby. Will definitely be looking for another more helpful book.



3. This book is a must have for parents expecting their first child with a dog in the home. We have a very hyper and loveable lab mix mut. We were concerned that he would barrel over our child and destroy her toys. This book does a good job of training the dog owner on how to behave, and has great techniques to work with the dog before bringing baby home. Our baby is now 20 months old and loves her dog. He has never chewed on her toys or given us a reason to feel uncomfortable. Not to say he isn't still hyper, he is, but he knows to avoid her. She is able to love on him, take his toys, and pet him. He behaves beautifully. He always barrels through the back door, and she gets such a kick out of it that she stands in the middle of the doorway and lets him blow past her while she giggles at him. I have recommended this book to all of my friends with dogs that are expecting a new baby.



4. The author dows a good job explaining ways to chilproof your dog and also gives many tips as to how to train your dog good habits in general. I just wish eveything was easy to execute.



5. If you already own a dog and have given them any sort of obedience training, most of this book is either irrelevant or redundant to what you probably already know. Mr. Kilcommons essentially gives you tips on how to have a well-behaved dog, then applies those lessons to having children in the house. While these are important lessons, his approach is neither unique nor revolutionary. And this is a teeny tiny book! Barely 80 pages, I read it in less than an hour, skimming much of the early sections (choosing the right dog for you, whether to adopt a puppy or an older dog etc. - chapters completely irrelevant for someone who's trying to train the dog they already HAVE rather than the one they don't own YET.) It wasn't a bad book, but there were very few tips that I will find useful in introducing our dogs to our soon-to-arrive child.

5 comments about Why Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?: 101 of the Most Perplexing Questions Answered About Feline Unfathomables, Medical Mysteries and Befuddling Behaviors.

1. Just not worth the money and shelf space to me. Trite and nothing the average cat person does not already know or could easily research online for 'free.'



2. Very interesting book. I bought it as a gift for my cat loving daughter and a friend. I ended up reading it as well and learned a few things.



3. "Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?" is fun and full of cat facts and mind games they play. It is written by pet experts, Dr. Becker and Gina Spadafori, who explain the cat way of thinking and behavior. The questions are listed in the contents so you can pick and choose the questions you want answered. Many are health-related - such as What causes diabetes in cats? This answer includes proper weight, diet, care and web-based resources for owners of diabetic cats. Other medical mysteries and perplexing questions answered are: Were cats once really worshiped as gods?, Why do cat's eyes shine at night? Are all calico cats female? Can cats tell time? Why are some cats so chatty? and Why do cats like to drink running water?
   
   For cat lovers everywhere - here are 101 questions adeptly answered. A great little book



4. 
   When I bought the book I thought it was just going to be a funny cute book about cats. When I started to read it I learned so much that was helpful, and it made me laugh. I would read outloud so my husband would enjoy it at the same time. I think any body who has a cat needs to read this book.



5. I bought this book for my Dad who at 82 has hated cats his whole life. We found a stray 3 week old kitten by his back porch. It weight 1.1 and was very sick. I have 4 cats of my own and could't take it home with me so my Dad said he would care for him until I could take him. That day never came. My Dad named him Elmer and my sister and I are both jealous of all the attention our new "brother" gets. The book was well written and fun to read. My Dad enjoyed it and it gave him some insight to cats as he has never been around them.

5 comments about The Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog and Cat.

1. This book is terrific. It provides a general guide to companion animal care (In a natural way ofcourse), and then lists ailments and accompanying herbal remedies. Easy to use, easy to understand. Suitable for practitioners and animal lovers. If you have a pet then you should buy this book.



2. Well this book is mainly only for the use for dogs. I was thinking it's be more like a herbal/ailment glossary. You know, about what's wrong with your pet and what herb to use for it. It does have that in the book but very little and it's got more literature in it than I had wanted.



3. This book is an excellent source of almost forgotten and useful information. I am constantly going back to reread sections and have bought it for my farming, animal loving daughters.



4. First I will give the author due credit for her general ideas on natural rearing, caution of over-vaccination, recommendation of a natural raw diet and advice to provide plenty of exercise, sunshine and love.
   
   With that said, some of her suggestions are iffy at best:
   
   The suggestion to not spay and neuter is very ignorant. Overpopulation in dogs and cats leads to euthanasia, homeless pets, pets with bad homes because they were given away to anybody, etc,etc. There is no side effect of spaying and neutering that even comes close to being as harmful to our pets as the side effects of overpopulation.
   
   The author recommends burying meat in the backyard as a healthful alternative to freezing.
   
   She recommends feeding grains with the raw bones, so that the grains can protect the stomach/intestines from any sharp bone fragments. To expect that to work is just silly, and dogs do not need grains in their diets.
   
   She recommends feeding dried fruits,specifically including raisins, but raisins are toxic to dogs!
   
   She recommends red raspberry leaf for pregnant females but this has been scientifically proven to cause a higher fetal mortality rate, and it induces uterine contractions which is not always a good thing.
   
   She does have some good advice, but I wouldn't blindly trust all of the information contained in this book. Natural rearing is best for your dog, but definitely do your own research and make your own informed decisions.



5. I had bought two of Juliette's herbal books for cats and dogs when I read another book by a different author who had recommended Juliette's books specifically. One of our cats had developed a strange problem where his fur ceased to grow in a large area on his left flank. The spot started out small but gradually grew large and larger until a spot several inches in diameter was mostly fur-less on our cat. Our vet ran a number a tests which came up negative and we even ran tests twice. Our vet said he didn't know the cause of the problem. We had our cat for years and he is an indoor cat fed typical dry cat food (Whiskas), as are all our kitties, and we also give our cats canned tuna fish frequently, as well as chicken breast, turkey breast and beef occasionally. We didn't think his problem could be diet-related. Our other cats are very healthy and our vet even remarked on their coats saying they were the most beautiful he had seen. We tried some things the vet suggested, including giving our cat vitamin E supplements and even cod liver oil but nothing helped the problem and it just seemed to get worse over several months. I searched around the internet trying to find informataion on a possible cause of his condition but found nothing really. I thought perhaps his problem could be a thyroid condition. When I consulted Juliette's book, she recommended seaweed, garlic or raw egg yolks for thyroid problems. As I already had eggs in the house, I decided to try those first. I mixed raw egg yolk into my cat's tuna fish and fed that to him on several days and then we noticed that his fur looked like it was growing back. I worried about feeding him too much egg yolks as I didn't want him getting too much cholesterol so I ceased feeding the egg yolk after about a week but his fur continued to grow back until it was all the way grown back and he seems fine now. I'm thankful this book helped us find a way to help our cat. It was worth the price of the book just for the help with that one problem, though I will continue to consult the book in future if my cats need any more treatment for any future ailments. Juliette seems very knowledgeable about natural and herbal remedies. I bought her book "Common Herbs for Natural Health" and used some of her recommended treatments on myself as well with very good results.

5 comments about The Well-Connected Dog: A Guide to Canine Acupressure.

1. I love the way this book is layed out. There are other great ones that also include nutrition, but this is the easiest to follow for accupressure. My dog's accupuncture Vet was even impressed. I was disappointed that there wasn't a section on ears, but they were addressed as part of other topics.



2. This book contains very good information and is useful. It could be improved by adding an index, giving page numbers for specific techniques mentioned in the table of contents, and giving written descriptions of how to find the points. It is not possible to precisely pinpoint the acupuncture/pressure spot with just the dot on a dog diagram. There are some typos that should have been caught by the publisher. Over-all a useful book. I hope they come out with an updated edition that particularly contains an index.



3. My copy arrived earlier than expected, and in excellent condition. Kudos to [...].
   I have found the book to be easy to read, and the diagrams are very clear, and easy to understand.
   I have already tried some accupressure on my little schnanuzer, and noticed some improvementin her pain level.I hope to improve on this, as I get more proficient with practice.



4. I am thrilled with the book the service was great and the amount of information in this book is overwhelming.



5. Well researched, superbly written and easily understood by the beginner, this is the primer for all dog lovers who are striving to improve their animal's health.
   Traditional Chinese medicine is a difficult conceptfor most Westerners, and the authors explain the basic principles in a manner that allows we "newbies" to start affecting change in their dog's health immediately after reading their book.
   I highly recommend this book to those who are searching for a more holistic approach to their animal's health care.

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?

5 comments about 500 Freshwater Aquarium Fish: A Visual Reference to the Most Popular Species.

1. An accessible and well laid out guide. Easier to read than the Baensch books for example. But I misjudged the number 500. This really means it will not be very usefull for an experienced hobbyist: the book covers to few species! As I opened the newly arrived volume, I was surprised not to find reference to my recently acquired specimens of Acarichtys heckelii for an example. I was also surprised to find 5 (if not more) blank pages (88-89, 92-93, 96), wiping out P. scalare and 3 other references, in a second volume I had unwittingly ordered ([...] ). Thrity days past before I opened the repeated volume and noticed the fault, just before considering passing it on to a friend. So now I am stuck with it !!!!
   
   Yes, an important point. Any reasonable guide, and principally visual references, should give priority to illustrations of native species over varieties that come and go with the season. This was not the case of the angelfish P. scalare. Of the 6 illustrations none are reminiscent of the native form. And the species presentation text, placed under a photograph of a dubiously attractive "Bright Veitail" , reads "This is by the far most known of the angel species. It is also......."



2. Yes, there's probably every bit of 500 fish in this book, but it still lacks on a few of the more common species. It is also a little too vague on descriptions. There is a 4 page spread on Discus and Oscars, but that's not really necessary when all the other fish are given one page with one sentence descriptions.
   It's still nifty to have at home, but if you want to see how the fish are going to cohabitate with your other tank mates, this is not your book.



3. I owm saltwater fish but had gotten rusty on freshwater. I needed to relearn this for my new job so this book helped me get back on track. Information is very clear and pictures are excellent. It gave me a quick primer. I think it also a good beginners book since it is easy to understand.



4. This book is good for a quick referencing look at fishes of your interest. The information is adequate for a quick look but not enough if you wnat to know more.Nice, big,clear, colorful pictures that is easy to look at and quick and easy to read basic information about the fish is also included like water temp. max. length, aggreesiveness. It's a great book for a beginner like me who wants to compare different fishes and know a little bit about them for now.



5. This book has many diffent fish in it. It also has the sizes and needs of all the fish. Great pictures!!

5 comments about Ask Your Animal: Resolving Animal Behavioral Issues through Intuitive Communication.

1. Subtitle "Resolving Behavioral Issues through Intuitive Communication". I believe that intuition is the result of subconscious observation, that some animals are good at reading our body language and that we can sometimes read theirs. I don't believe in psychics, mind readers, and such. Marta Williams claims that she communicated telepathically with a kidnapped dog who described the place where he was being held such that the owner was able to find him. A person who finds this plausible might enjoy this book. I feel I was misled into buying the book.



2. We all know that our pets communicate with us without saying a word. With just a look, they can make us feel better after a long hard day. They let us know when they want food or need a walk. If they feel ignored, they make it painfully clear.
   
   As pet companions, we take these interactions for granted. We know our pets feel our moods and that although they may not understand our words that they do understand the generally meaning behind it. So, without even thinking about it, we are engaging in intuitive communication with our pets.
   
   Ask Your Animal takes this concept to a new level. The author suggests that we talk to our animals as though they understand, like we would a small child. Then, watch, listen, and feel their responses.
   
   I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical. I do tend to talk to my cats like they are people. However, I have never stated my expectations outright. Then, I read this book and got a new couch in the same week. Even though I felt a little silly, I told the boys that they could sleep on the new couch whenever they wanted but they'd have to be good (no scratching on the furniture). Then, I put up two sided tape to remind them to be good boys. So far so good. Not even one oops.



3. I LOVED this book! Marta Williams has taken the ability to connect telepathically with your animal out of the realm of the mysterious and voo-doo and handed it the the average reader in an accessible, easy-to-understand format. There is so much encouragement in the way she makes this ability so matter-of-fact, and illustrates through the stories just how to put it to practical use with your pet. I urge everyone who loves animals to buy this book and try the simple exercises for themselves. I really liked how the stories show how everyday people can utilize animal communication, and that it's not a "gift" that only a special few may possess, but something we all have within. What a blessed thing to be able to truly have a deeper relationship with the animals in our lives...thank you, Marta, for giving us the opportunity to develop real, meaningful, respectful relationships with our animals!



4. WOW! This book finally did it for me! I've been dabbling at communication, and after reading this, realized that I could do it just fine if I simply went ahead and did it! I started talking with my animals and others more deliberately, and accepting their answers! Often less is more, and Marta's matter-of-fact statement that there's NO GREAT MYSTERY to using your intuition hit home!
   
   One reviewer did not appreciate the 'stories', but I think that proof and examples, as with legal precedents, cut a new groove for our minds to follow.
   
   
   It's not complicated! I have followed Marta's advice, and am more in tune with myself as well as with the grater world and universe. I am more at peace, even in the midst of outer chaos.
   
   Marta's advice on naming was great! Ask Your Animal is the first book I've seen which addressed this issue! So many folks name their animal after, for instance, her disability or misfortune! "Limpy", "Stubby" etc. Or simply don't give a thought to who the animal is and what name would show appreciation and respect (if not reverence). The animals are aware of this: thanks Marta!
   
   Ask Your Animal is simply written, clear, and useful in a million ways.
   
   The Epilogue gets to the bigger issues: if we can communicate specifically, we can do so generally too...manifesting for a better would. We can ask the help of the planet, and ask our fellow humans to join us. Jeremy Narby has a good book: Intelligence in Nature, about just that. I'd like to hear more from Marta on how we can re-connect with nature. But this wonderful tome will keep me going for some time!
   
   THANKS MARTA!



5. This is an absolutely wonderful book about animals and how they can intuitively communicate with humans. I personally have believed for a long time that animals have emotions and that they experience many of the feelings that humans do. I am glad to have read a book that confirms my belief. After reading this book I have already started intuitive commuication with my cats and dog. I'm looking forward to Marta's next book. Danah McGrath