4 comments about The Bichon Frise Today.

1. This book by Jackie Ransom was my favorite choice when looking for a book on Bichons. I first borrowed it, along with other books, from a local library. I liked it because it was the newest book that I found, and it also had many great pictures, including a section that shows how to bathe, comb out, and properly trim a Bichon. I also learned alot about breeding, and the birth process. The only thing in the book that I don't think that I agree with is on page 96. It starts out "Dogs do not understand words", and refers to using different tones of voice for praise and reprimanding. Overall though, the section on training was good, and also the chapter on health care and possible diseases was enlightening. Of all of the books I have seen, this one is my favorite by far. The biggest reason I purchased the book was the colored picture section on how to bathe, comb, and trim, with step-by-step instructions. It's a winner!!!!



2. Jackie Ransom is always a pleasure to read. She writes in a straightforward way, easy to follow and without any of those flowery phrases so beloved by some writers but which so often are meaningless. And this is certainly true of her latest book THE BICHON FRISE TODAY. Her chapter on the history of the breed will interest all lovers of the Barbichon group of breeds-the Maltese, Bolognese, Havenese, Coton du Tulear and Lowchen, as well as the Bichon. Another highlight of the book for me was the comparison of the British, American and FCI Standards, which is well laid out and helped by some very good drawings. In this chapter is also given the breed's first standard in French, which was published in 1935 as part of an article in a magazine called L`Eleveur and headed "Bichons, Maltais, Havanais et Cie". I found this fascinating. Explicit pictures also add greatly to the chapter on grooming and show presentation. Today the badly presented Bichon does not stand much success in the show ring so this should be invaluable to the beginner and also help those who are just missing that little expertise to get to the top. There is in addition a very full explanation of the various show systems and I particularly note that show training, obedience, agility and juniors are not forgotten. In this section I love the pictures of Am. Ch./OT Ch. Sea Star's Sandpiper UDX. NA in action. Apparently in his spare time he was also a licensed and working therapy dog, one of a very few allowed to work with paralysed and comatose patients. S there are a lot of roles for our Bichon to play, apart from the devoted pet and fun dog. Mrs Ransom covers all aspects of owning Bichons, including the thoughts that must go into breeding. She takes us carefully through the whelping and rearing of puppies, while there is also an important chapter on health care and hereditary diseases by vet Trevor Turner. Barbara Stubbs has contributed an interesting chapter on the Bichon in the US and then Mrs Ransom covers the show scene in Britain and other countries. There is also a valuable glossary of terms and list of abbreviations and a bibliography. The book is profusely illustrated with pictures of top winning and producing Bichons world-wide and in all is a publication which no Bichon lover anywhere will want to miss. Mrs Ransom, who introduced the breed to the British show ring and was the founder, first president and secretary of the Bichon Frisé Club of Great Britain, has done a great deal for her breed, and this book will I am sure be a prime focal point of her work.



3. Jackie Ransom is always a pleasure to read. She writes in a straightforward way, easy to follow and without any of those flowery phrases so beloved by some writers but which so often are meaningless. And this is certainly true of her latest book THE BICHON FRISE TODAY. Her chapter on the history of the breed will interest all lovers of the Barbichon group of breeds-the Maltese, Bolognese, Havenese, Coton du Tulear and Lowchen, as well as the Bichon. Another highlight of the book for me was the comparison of the British, American and FCI Standards, which is well laid out and helped by some very good drawings. In this chapter is also given the breed's first standard in French, which was published in 1935 as part of an article in a magazine called L`Eleveur and headed "Bichons, Maltais, Havanais et Cie". I found this fascinating. Explicit pictures also add greatly to the chapter on grooming and show presentation. Today the badly presented Bichon does not stand much success in the show ring so this should be invaluable to the beginner and also help those who are just missing that little expertise to get to the top. There is in addition a very full explanation of the various show systems and I particularly note that show training, obedience, agility and juniors are not forgotten. In this section I love the pictures of Am. Ch./OT Ch. Sea Star's Sandpiper UDX. NA in action. Apparently in his spare time he was also a licensed and working therapy dog, one of a very few allowed to work with paralysed and comatose patients. S there are a lot of roles for our Bichon to play, apart from the devoted pet and fun dog. Mrs Ransom covers all aspects of owning Bichons, including the thoughts that must go into breeding. She takes us carefully through the whelping and rearing of puppies, while there is also an important chapter on health care and hereditary diseases by vet Trevor Turner. Barbara Stubbs has contributed an interesting chapter on the Bichon in the US and then Mrs Ransom covers the show scene in Britain and other countries. There is also a valuable glossary of terms and list of abbreviations and a bibliography. The book is profusely illustrated with pictures of top winning and producing Bichons world-wide and in all is a publication which no Bichon lover anywhere will want to miss. Mrs Ransom, who introduced the breed to the British show ring and was the founder, first president and secretary of the Bichon Frisé Club of Great Britain, has done a great deal for her breed, and this book will I am sure be a prime focal point of her work.



4. Mrs Jackie Ransom's latest book `The Bichon Frisé Today' maintains her excellent standard of presentation which is to be found in all her previous titles. The current book is undoubtedly an essential for those who are new to the breed. It not only gives a short history of the origins of the breed it also gives advice on the choosing, rearing and training the first puppy and then talks the new owner through the facets of bathing, grooming, and eventually, showing their new acquisition. This is a must for all new comers; it also has a lot to interest those already in the breed. A well produced volume with a profusion of lovely photographs of past and present champions, which should be on all Bichon owners' bookshelves.

No comments about Legendary Northwoods Animals.

1 comments about Cattery Design.

1. When I heard that Our Cats book department was going to be stocking this fabulous new book, I begged Our Cats MD, Vince Hogan, to let me review it!
   
   What a superb tome David Key has produced. It is simply bursting with over 400 photographs and it contains a wealth of realistic and valuable information.
   
   Whether you want to redesign or update your existing cattery, start from scratch or you are simply looking for inspiration as to how to enrich the lives of your indoor cats, then this book is for you!
   
   There are 17 chapters to keep you glued to the pages. These range from `Cattery Raison d'etre' - the reasons why cat housing is wanted to `Project Management' - looking at planning, development and costs.
   
   What I particularly like are the Case Studies. These feature real and existing establishments, alongside wonderful photographs.
   
   The book contains a Foreword by Helen Ralston, Chief Executive of Cats Protection. Helen says she is "delighted to introduce a book which has, at its heart, the welfare of cats."
   
   The photographs of many of the catteries featured are accompanied by actual plans, so the reader can decide what will work best for their needs. This is then supported by a template for a Project Development Cost sheet - no surprises in store if you follow the breakdown of everything you will need to consider when working out a budget for a project.
   
   The indoor cats are not overlooked in this comprehensive manual, there are great suggestions for indoor furniture and ideas for environmental stimulation via ramps, ledges, play stations etc.
   
   Cat behaviour is related to practical solutions for keeping cats happy, entertained and stimulated by using the correct equipment to ensure they are not bored during their confinement.
   
   Put this book on your "Wish List" now or decide to treat yourself to a fascinating and useful book to treasure forever! The photos alone make this a beautiful book and the text will fill you with inspiration.
   
   Review by Chris Stalker, Our Cats Newspaper

1 comments about Eliminate Your Pet's Allergies.

1. It's a useful book to understand the theory behind the treatment but doesn't really provide techniques for home use.

2 comments about The Guide to Owning a Corn Snake (Guide to Owning A...).

1. This is easily the least-informed and the worst-written of the corn snake manuals in print today. Those needing a book on keeping corn snakes in captivity would be better off buying one of the following: Corn Snakes, by R. D. Bartlett and Patricia Bartlett; Corn Snakes and Other Rat Snakes, also by Bartlett and Bartlett; and especially The Corn Snake Manual, by Bill and Kathy Love. The first of these is excellent for beginners, the last, by the Loves, is the definitive book on the species. Better yet, buy all three of them, learn, and enjoy.



2. I read this book when I first decided to buy a corn
   snake. This book gave me a good impression of how
   to care for my corn snake. As a beginner with snakes, it served
   as adequate background information. However,if
   you are seriously considering buying and
   caring for a corn snake, it would behoove you to
   consult another source as well. Do not use this book
   as the bible on how to care for your snake. Since reading
   this book, I have discovered many discrepancies in the text. The book is not necessarily wrong, but it suggests that there
   are certain ways to care for your snake that are
   preferable,whereas in reality, there are many other ways, some
   of which are preferable over the ways the book suggests.
   However, this book is a very interesting source for
   background information on corn and red rat snakes.

No comments about Sit, Down, Stay: Dog Training so Easy a Human can do it.

3 comments about Eastern Coyote.

1. This is thorough review of the literature on the eastern coyote. It is quite scientific, and not light reading by any stretch of the imagination, but so well written and well organized that it is readable by the intelligent, educated non-biologist. Parker's reasoning is always tight, logical and well presented....How refreshing that is!
   
   He discusses in great detail the ability of the eastern coyote to adapt to ever changing environmental pressures. Now larger than the western coyote, possibly due to introgression of wolf genes, the eastern coyote exhibits increased sociality, pack hunting, and, consequently, the ability to take much larger prey than the smaller, more solitary western coyote.
   
   The subject of the relationship between the eastern coyote and white tailed deer is covered in appropriate depth. Parker explains that this is not a static system, and we can expect the eastern coyote to continue to adapt to meet the challenges of the northeast, which the eastern coyote only recently colonized.



2. After searching for years for a book specifically about the EASTERN Coyote, I've finally come across it. I picked this book up several years ago, after becoming fascinated by the eastern coyote that roams in my local area of the Pocono Mts. Mr Parker has done an excellent job of laying out the facts of where these wild predators came from, their physical characteristics, and their natural history. Highly recommended!!



3. Gerry Parker has written a wonderful review of the state of the eastern coyote. His organization and exhaustive coverage of an elusive subject is much appreciated by those of us who strive to understand this animal and its ecological and economic impact.

2 comments about Baensch Aquarium Atlas, Vol. 4.

1. Just as many other tropical fish hobbyists, I have quite a few books-primarily reference books-that I use to identify and learn some essential information about the biology, habitats, and behavior of the fish that I choose to keep.
   
   The Axelrod Encyclopedias are excellent, The Amano books on planted freshwater aquariums are also very good. When it comes to the one reference that I refer to most frequently-it is the Baensch series. They are throrough, contain much more info than any equivalent book, often in the articles that open each volume, and have the best combination of photos, habitat info, and scientific taxonomy on the individual fish specimens than are to be found in any other reference for the general public.
   
   Each new volume expands their usefulness, and although pricey-especially in hardback-they are worth every penny. They are a quality product and not only are indispensible in a practical sense of fish keeping, but add a range of information and credible knowledge that increases anyone's appreciation of this fascinating hobby.
   
   If you are a tropical fish hobbyist, beginner or expert, buy these books!



2. Although the preface of Vol. 4 says the species included may not, for the most part, be encountered by the average aquarist, I found several loaches included that we are currently keeping. What I love about the Baensch Atlases is the combination of beautiful pictures and comprehensive text descriptions. Anyone who is truly interested in keeping tropical fish, and learning about them, should have these atlases. Vol. 4 includes a large section on kilifish.

1 comments about The Complete Bichon Frise.

1. This book is just great for anyone who is searching for all the current and correct information on this breed. Whether you are looking for a family pet or a show dog, Barbara steers you in the right direction so that you can make an educated decision in selecting your newest family member! It is so important to go to the right breeder and know what you are looking at, and what questions to ask.Barbara's book educates you to do this. The photos are lovely, the history is accurate and interesting and the cover dog is just beautiful. Who wouldn't want to own one! Or be owned by one, after reading this book.! Barbara is a long time breeder and one of the original people in this country to own this breed and to bring this breed to its current level of quality. You can't own a Bichon without reading this book first

4 comments about KISS Guide to Living with a Dog.

1. Put off by the K.I.S.S. branding? Don't be. They hired the right guy to write this book.

   You will enjoy it. The book is filled with quality images, colorful subtitles, and negative space--resulting in a visually stimulating read.

   I bought this book for the couple who adopted Honey, a wonderful stray I rescued. But in actuality, I gave it to the people mainly for the dog's benefit. (Those of you who regularly place dogs in new homes may want to consider using this book for that same purpose.)

   Fogle demonstrates obvious concern for the physical and emotional welfare of dogs. A great part of Fogle's motivation is to make people better owners--for their dogs' sake.

   The book is thorough. From genetics to adoption dog temperment testing. From grooming and accessorizing to dog-proofing your home, garden, and yard. From playing to training to dealing with aggression. Then there are several chapters on veterinary care: things like giving your dog a physical with details like how to take your dog's temperature, pulse, and heart rates--and what to do if they are off by varying amounts. There's also a chapter on the special concerns of associated with aging canines.

   Veteran dog owners will also find the book interesting. Fogle begins with a plausible--but unsupported--opinion on the evolution of dog from wolf. Why do dogs have floppy ears, crowded teeth, and smaller brains than wolves? Fogle believes he knows.

   He moves logically into a discussion of how the breed types came about and how their original purpose shaped their builds and temperments.

   He discusses picking the right breed or mix and picking the right individual dog, whether a puppy from a breeder or an adult dog from a shelter. (I think he falls short in discussing breeds' drawbacks. For example, he doesn't mention that many people find the cute little Jack Russel terrier to be a terror.)

   He goes on to thoroughly, yet succinctly, discuss most of the issues a dog owner is likely to worry or wonder about. Being a vet himself, he devotes a lot of detailed attention to safety and health concerns, some of which will be new to even experienced dog owners.

   If you want to a give a book to dog owners, a book that will make them better care takers, a book that they will actually read, this is the one.

   Jeff




2. Put off by the K.I.S.S. branding? Don't be. They hired the right guy to write this book.

   You will enjoy it. The book is filled with quality images, subtitles, and negative space--resulting in a visually stimulating read.

   It begins with the author's very interesting opinion on the evolution of dog from wolf. Why do dogs have floppy ears, crowded teeth, and smaller brains than wolves? Fogle believes he knows. His explanation is very plausible. It's a little lacking in its understanding of the interrelation of genetic traits, but still good.

   He moves logically into a discussion of how the breed types came about and how their original purpose shaped their builds and temperments.

   He discusses picking the right breed or mix and picking the right individual dog, whether a puppy from a breeder or an adult dog from a shelter. (I think he falls short in discussing breeds' drawbacks. For example, he doesn't mention that many people find the cute little Jack Russel terrier to be a terror.)

   He goes on to thoroughly, yet succinctly, discuss most of the issues a dog owner is likely to worry or wonder about, and a few more to boot. Of course, being a vet himself, he devotes a lot of attention to safety and health concerns.

   It also seems that part of Fogle's motivation is to make people better owners FOR THIER DOGS' SAKE. I like his advice to owners that they let their dogs be dogs.

   All in all, this book is quite fine book and an especially good one to give to a new dog owner.




3. I bought this book for a friend (new puppy owner) and ended up going back to the bookstore a week later to get one for myself (owner of a 7 year-old Boston Terrier). This book covers everything you need to know, from training to grooming to feeding habits. The author, Bruce Fogle, has a great, reassuring tone to his writing that will make reading about your best friend fun and helpful!



4. My family and I are planning on purchasing a dog within the next 3 weeks and I felt it necessary to gain as much knowledge as possible before then. In searching for a book that would give me all the information I could need before and after the purchase, I narrowed my choices down to two books (this one and Dogs for Dummies). In comparing both books side by side at a local bookstore, I determined that this is the better book. In my opinion this book is easier to understand, is easier to look at (love the color pictures), gives more information (even gives websites where you gain more knowledge), has general characterisics of the dog breeds, has a "Info Sheet" for your dog, and is overall a higher quality book that the Dogs for Dummies. This has everything that you could ever need from a "Dog Reference" book, especially if you are new to the responsibilities of owning a dog. This book has it all. Without it, I would have never been prepared to give my dog everything it needs.