5 comments about The Shih Tzu Handbook (Barron's Pet Handbooks).

1. Yes, it talks only about Shih Tzus but I was looking for more about their extreme habits. This was all positive and mentions the stubborness in the cutsey way. No emphasis on their negatives which all dogs have, such as the possessive nature toward the dog's master. Tell me the negative. I can handle it.



2. This is an excellent book for the new Shih Tzu owner. It has many helpful tips on what to expect and covers grooming, feeding, diseases, illnesses and training. I got it from the library first and liked it well enough to purchase it.



3. In an attempt to educate myself before bringing my shih tzu puppy home I stumbled onto this book. I have purchased others and this by far provided the most information that was helpful to me. Many others focus on showing these wonderful dogs and that is fine but not what I intend to do. This book gives basic info about this specific breed and their needs. I would highly recommend this book.



4. This book is by far the best to get when you purchase a new Shih Tzu. I bought three books ( including this one ) and this was by far the most useful information without too much fluff. The other books were more into show dog do's and don'ts. As I bought my dog for companionship and to be a great dog for my kids, which he is without question, I didn't need that. Highly recommend it...



5. This book is a great book to own if you own a Shih Tzu! Great Pictures!Very good instructions on how to care for your new addition! Enjoy....

5 comments about The Nano-Reef Handbook.

1. This book is an excellent place for beginners to start learning about keeping a nano-reef. It contains some good basic information about getting started and choosing livestock. Some topics are a little overdone but in my opinion that is better than too little information. If you have already been keeping a nano-reef for some time you will probably find one or two helpful things that you may not have known but for an experiended reefer who is looking to improve their skills I would look elsewhere. But once again if you are new to the hobby I recomend this book as an excellent starting place.



2. The seller that I bought this book was great..no problem there. However this was not the book I thought it would be. While lacking in some major areas the book seemed to "dumb itself down" for lack of better terms. People that are researching reef aquariums would be much better off if information was dumbed down for them. This causes confusion in general. The book while helpful on some points lacked any real "meat" to say the least. If I was going on a point system 1-5 I'd rate it about a 2.



3. all the information that yo need to a succesfull start with nano reef's



4. this book was only helpful to me when selecting which fish I would put in my nano reef aquarium. other than that it was a waste of time. way too much unnecessary information.



5. A "nano-reef" is an aquarium that is less than 15 gallons in total volume and houses reef organisms -- and especially suited for a home, office, or classroom. An aquarium hobbyist for more than 25 years, Christopher Brightwell draws upon his experience and expertise in The Nano-Reef Handbook to provide aspiring aquarium developers with a comprehensive, "user friendly" instructional guide to creating and maintaining their nano-reef aquarium including such factors as filtration, lighting, temperature control, water chemistry, and identifying more than thirty of the most highly recommended fishes and invertebrates for placement into their nano-reef aquarium. Whether a novice or seasoned aquarium enthusiast, The Nano-Reef Handbook will prove to be of exceptional interest, especially with respect to increasing the probability of success through suggested routine maintenance and sensible stock levels, creating a balanced system throughout the entire nano-reef habitat. Anyone considering establishing their own aquarium nano-reef should give Christopher Brightwell's strongly recommended The Nano-Reef Handbook a very careful reading.

5 comments about Why Cats Paint: A Theory of Feline Aesthetics.

1. My husband and I are cat people and were thrilled when we received this interesting book as a gift. At first, we were amazed as we looked over the cat's paintings and read about the "artists" histories. However, as we paid more attention to the fine details in the book (i.e. the index and footnotes, etc.), we realized that this book is purely tongue-in-cheek. For example, on the page with the cat mummies, check out the "Egyptian" names listed. One is something like "Fakt Kat." Get it? Faked cat. My husband and I also went and checked out some of the books listed in the bibliography and surprise, none exist. Go through the book and there are other examples, proving that it's meant to be a humorous read.
   
   That said, we enjoyed this book immensely and found it to be pure genuis -- but not for the reasons we initially thought. I highly recommend it.



2. This is a wonderful book, with very nice photos. The art world jargon is very believable. The cats are presented the way typically artists are shown and described by the art establishment.Abstract expressionsim is covered mostly, also you will have examples of installation art. Deliciuos and heart warming!I trully recommend this book, if you are an aillurophile yourself, or want it as a gift for a cat person, or an artist.



3. Several theories of feline art have been put forward over the years, and this volume may serve as an excellent introduction to the uninitiated. Influential feline artists are discussed and their work reprinted in glorious detail. There is, however, a strong bias towards the mainstream of cat art. Important, indeed vital, underground movements are completely ignored. The street art of alley cats is sadly overlooked, perhaps reflecting the authors deference to the curators of that ivory tower, the Museum of Non Primate Art.
   Also lacking is any serious discussion of Queer Theory, so vital in the deconstruction of any mammalian artistic representations.
   Yet in spite of these flaws, Why Cats Paint remains an important and influential volume that no connaisseur of feline aesthetics can afford to ignore.



4. I thought this was a joke at first, but it does look like the evidence is there to suggest the pussies have a sense of aesthetics. These paintings are certainly more than merely territorial markings. I've had several cats myself but never had a cat who made any attempt to paint or create other forms of art. However, that doesn't necessarily mean it isn't possible. Just as some humans are artists, perhaps some cats are inclined that way too? It makes me wonder if there might be cat musicians and cat writers.



5. Some of the most amusing and artistic photos ever (all in color), highlighted by snappy commentary. Here is a Tabby playing Picasso, or a White Ball of Fire doing his take on Pollack (Check the cover)! No Rembrandts or Vermeers here, but plenty of Abstract Modernists. In short, the perfect gift for artistically inclined feline followers..Please note the cover which also shows the origin of the word "Southpaw".

5 comments about Cats for Dummies.

1. This book is actually for both advanced and beginners. New ideas and has pictures to illustrate those ideas. Would recommend.



2. I've gone from zero knowledge about cats to a wealth of information in a matter of hours. It's given me the confidence to be a first time cat owner soon. Highly recommended.



3. This is a valuable source of information for first time cat owners as well as long time lovers of the furry ones! We knew practically nothing about caring for kitties and now feel that we are enlightened and well informed.



4. Item was in good condition with a crease in the cover that was not noted in its description. Otherwise, the book was great.



5. I'm not a cat lover - I just love our cats. We went to the shelter to pick up one (selected a female kitten), and upon noticing a "two-for-one" weekend, decided to get a second (male kitten - turned out to be the more affectionate and venturesome one). That was an incredibly correct major act - the two keep each other entertained far better than my wife and/or I could. "Cats for Dummies" also recommends having two cats, but buried in the middle of the book it doesn't communicate the importance of this decision.
   
   As for toys, "Cats for Dummies" is absolutely right - their favorite toys are the plastic rings from milk bottles and baby food jars; further, they never tire of a new set of rabbit-fur-covered brightly colored "mice."
   
   However, early in our indoor cats' lives it became apparent that they were getting a bit bored, looking more than a bit longingly outside, and wanting to climb the $600 drapes. So, under the guise of "enrichment," we let them out. It took awhile, but now it is by far their favorite activity, and they no longer threaten the drapes, etc. However, one has to be very careful - a hawk and three coyotes have taken an interest in our house (and cats), so we have to be on the look-out and spend much time outside with them. Getting them back in, of course, is a bit of a challenge - this is impossible with less than an hour outside, and only accomplished (with some difficulty) after that by immediately feeding them baby food. Night-time outside play is an absolute no-no! (None of this good information is in "Cats for Dummies.")
   
   Finally, while both cats love tree-climbing, neither knows that the best way to come down is tail-first. This has led to a few crashes - anyone know how to teach them this? And as for "wildness," the neighbor's Bengal cat is beyond belief - much more athletic and adventuresome than regular cats (contrary to what "Cats for Dummies" seems to say) - unfortunately, the coyotes got it.

5 comments about Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior.

1. I agree with all of the other raving reviews on this book. The book is well organized, the parrots are organized by continent (Africa, Austrailia, Asia, and S. America) and the author draws similarities between the types of birds from each area. As the title would suggest this book focuses on behavior and gives well defined characteristics of each type of bird, while emphasizing that they are generalizations and that each bird might be different. The author reiterates that the owner should not buy a bird with preconcieved ideas of what they will be like, but love each bird for thier individual personality. All over excellent information and the author is clearly an expert in the area.



2. Together with the other parrot-thematic books from the same author it is the hardware of information I have used. I have an african grey for three years now and at the beginning I made a search for every available information about the topic.
   
   So it happens that this books I liked most as they are easy to understand, easy to read and enjoyable illustrated.
   
   African Grey is a parrot which needs time and you have to keep in mind that he may outlive you by years. So what you teach him now will be remembered in 60years when your children will keep him a company.
   It is a responsibility but a nice one:)
   
   Yes, I can recommend to you.



3. For the person interested in different species of pet birds,their care and personalities, this book offers a generic overview. As an experienced bird "person" I was looking for a more in-depth description of a specfic species. I almost put it down without finishing until I paged to the individual stories of the different parrots. I enjoyed reading the stories of the different birds, their experiences, histories and especially how the newer owners understood and created a more fulfilling environment (love,care and concern)for them. I learned new methods of dealing with birds and appreciate any new method for understanding bird behavior. I would recommend this book for the beginner/intermediate bird lover but for the very experienced bird lover, they would do better to find a publication that discribes just one species. However, they would miss the wonderful stories in this book!



4. This book really gives you a good introduction to the various kinds of parrots that are available. It describes their habits and tendencies so that it makes it easier to choose a new parrot or understand your current friend.
   
   I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for their first parrot or for an addition to their family.



5. A well written, informative read, this book should be in all parrot lovers collections.
   
   Informative descriptions covering size, habits and personality traits for most known parrots. A great feature is a wing clipping diagram for most of the breeds covered.
   
   Also covered are some of the psychological aspects of parrots, including known issues such as feather chewing, biting and screaming. Detailed are tips on training, development & bonding with you as a member of it's flock.

5 comments about Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others.

1. Kathy Davis' book is wonderful!
   I am using it, along with one or two others, to train my own Therapy Dog for my office and local hospitals and nursing homes. (Feel free to visit at www.drferraioli.com)
   I think that Ms. Davis was right to structure her book in such a complete manner, including such topics as how to choose a dog that might be good at this kind of work, what constitutes a good therapy dog visit, safety tips, training and handling techniques, the benefits of therapy dogs, and the list goes on!
   Well written and sober, for those who are wanting to do the real thing out there!
   Be well,
   Dr. Ferraioli
   www.drferraioli.com
   Author, "Cobwebs And Ugly Wallpaper"



2. Book arrived quickly and in perfect condition.



3. I am very pleased with this book, it has given me many ideas of what to do as a therapy dog team and how I can help others. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in doing therpay dog work.



4. I purchased this book because the reviews from other shoppers were so good. I was a little disappointed though because the book is more a basic dog training guide than how to get started in the business of therapy dogs. It just wasn't the right book for me.



5. I found this book to be a helpful introduction for people getting started in animal-assisted therapy/activities. One of the other posted reviews almost put me off, but I'm glad that I decided to take it with a grain of salt. In spite of their statement that the book does not adequately define what "pet therapy" is, I found that it did indeed deal with the definition and the different terminology that is used. The book gives many helpful tips and is a good basic guide for new therapy dog teams. I would also recommend it to those who are thinking of getting involved in pet therapy in the future.

5 comments about Cooking the Three Dog Bakery Way.

1. I've only made a couple of the recipes. My spice cake came out great, but beware that a lot of the recipes produce many servings. I ended up throwing away most of the spice cake. I don't give my dog frequent treats. I like the tips they have in the book.



2. This book has a pretty good variety of recipes. They are fairly easy and so far, my dogs have loved every one I've tried. Throughout the book, there are many interesting tips and entertaining anecdotes. Overall, a good buy in my opinion.



3. If you bought this book for personal use then it's a great book but if you bought it to help with a home business, many of the recipes will not last long. A lot of the recipies I didn't think I would use for my personal pet either. But just to say, I like shopping at their stores.



4. I recently purchased this book. Like others, I originally heard about Three Dog Bakery because of the book 'Amazing Gracie,' by the founders of Three Dog Bakery. We don't have a local Bakery so I thought it would be nice to try our four dogs on some of the recipes the Bakery suggested.
   
   My dogs, in a word, SCARFED down everything I made. We've done a number of the cookie recipes thus far - all to the tail wagging delight of our four furry friends. We frequent a local dog park and not a dog turned up his or her nose at these treats.
   
   In addition to the fun, easy and healthy treats and meals in this book there are numerous entertaining and informative snippets of information for the dog lover.
   
   I would recommend this book to others who want to offer a healthy alternative to pre-packaged dog food and treats.



5. I have been making my dogs food for about 5 years now and am always looking for new ideas. My daugter gave me this book as a gift and I have been having a ball with it. But, best of all, my two girls( 9and13 yrs border collies) are loving it!

4 comments about Bulldogs For Dummies (For Dummies (Pets)).

1. This book was very helpful with our new bulldogs. It shares their history, health, behavior, attitude- it covers everything! It even has helpful hints I wasn't expecting to find! I would recomend to any new bulldog owner or to someone who is interested in owning bulldogs.



2. great book. had everything and more than i would ever want to know about my dog. i refer to it over and over again. i love the little stories and tips that are littered throughout the book.



3. I thought the book was just "okay." I was disapointed because it didnt seem to be specifically written about the English Bulldog breed - many comments were just general helpful hints on how to train dogs, etc with just a few known bulldog specific comments like how the breed is prone to overheat. I dont even think the writer, Susan Ewing has owned or does own an english bulldog - her credits read other breeds of dogs she has owned and english bulldog was not listed. I'd get another book or do research online. I've read several bulldog books and still found the best stuff on breeders' websites. Good luck!



4. I liked this book. It was easy to read and I went thru it quickly. I bought several bulldog books and although this wasn't my favorite one I did like the info in it. The dummy line of books are pretty good and this one is too.

5 comments about Stress in Dogs.

1. This book clearly discusses the types of stresses dogs have and helps humans understand and deal with those stresses. A great read for the serious dog person.



2. Stress in Dogs Although this is a very well written book, I found myself asking questions, like why did a longer leash work better? Could have been a little more detailed.



3. Too few people realize the stresses that our domestic dogs face on a daily basis. This book describes what to look for and how to reduce stress in our dogs. Myraid of behavior problems are rooted in stress and this book is an excellent resource for anyone that wants to modify their dogs behavior by identifying and removing stressors from their environment.



4. Written by expert dog trainers Martina Scholz and Clarissa von Reinhardt, Stress in Dogs: Learn How Dogs Show Stress And What You Can Do To Help is a guidebook for professional canine trainers and ordinary pet owners alike about dealing with an overstressed dog. Common symptoms of stress include such harmful behaviors as destroying the house while the owner is away, hyperactivity, over-shedding, or a plethora of medical ills. Straightforward instructions and color photographs walk the reader through basic techniques to help a stressed dog, means to avoid stressors that are specific to male or female dogs, guidelines for how many outings are too many and how much stimulation is too much, and much more. Numerous real-life behavior examples illustrate the points in this practical-minded, problem-solving guide to fostering a better quality of life for both dogs and their owners.



5. This is an excellent book for the novice owner and any person handling dogs who finds some behaviours very puzzling and difficult to manage. it gives a insight into the physiological changes that stress triggers, the behavioural outcomes of these changes and also indicates clearly the various factors that cause stress in dogs. Some case histories are available at the end of the book that illustrate how recognition of stress can point the way to methods of alleviating it and improving the behaviour of the dog. An excellent study of the subject and well worth reading.

5 comments about Labrador Retrievers (Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

1. Short thin little book wasn't worth the money. I didn't learn anything new and the pictures were not very great either. I received the book, read through it cover to cover in 10-15 minutes, placed it on the shelf and it's been there ever since.



2. the chapter 'at home with your labrador' really helps with people that are going to get a lab. It tells you everything from the first day you get it to what needs there are.



3. Having only had Basset Hounds for the past 30 years, the addition of a Lab puppy has been great for our household. Since we didn't have experience with these puppies, however, we needed help. This little book has been very useful. I'd rcommend it to any Lab owner.



4. One of the aspects of this book that drew me in was its premise that the Labrador Retriever is perhaps the single most agreeable and people-oriented of all the domesticated breeds, the author shows the reader how and why to care for God's most perfect earthly creature, the Labrador Retriever! By showing us the degree to which the breed represents a witch's brew of intelligence, honesty and loyalty to its human companions, the author illustrates why the Labrador has become the single most popular breed of dog in the world today. Labradors are sturdy creatures indeed, bred for sporting use along the quicksilver shores of Newfoundland, where the water temperatures and sea conditions require a healthy dollop of strength and endurance, and those are qualities these dogs have in spades.

   For any of us that have seen them at work or play in the fields and in the water, their unique combination of physical attributes and obvious intelligence makes them the ideal human companion. I should know; I live with four of them! The proof of their adaptability to almost any condition and their loyalty, intelligence, and unparalleled work ethic is demonstrated by the wide use of them as guide dogs and as adjunct partners for the physically handicapped. Stories of Labradors crawling out onto the ice to save their masters are legendary, as are the tales of them rescuing children from fires or from underneath rubble. Never has there been a dog superior to them.

   The author has recruited a wide variety of experts to testify as to the qualities and abilities of the dog, and one walks away from a reading of the book much better informed as to the all of the many qualities and capabilities of the breed, which seems to represent an astonishing list of useful and worthwhile attributes. We also get quite critical information as to what to look for when choosing a lab, and how to analyze the quality of the puppy you see before you. The author offers a compendium of information regarding genetics, feeding, health care, and inherited dispositions, as well as some sage advice as to how to ensure your puppy becomes the grown up Labrador companion you will come to view as another family member. This is a great book, and one I heartily recommend! Enjoy!




5. To the person who gave the 2 star review. C'mon, what are you thinking...this is a $10-$15 book, and you are expecting it to go into fine details about the breed.

   I'll tell everybody this...this is an excellent book, and it does go into details about the breed. I'm sure you can go buy a $50 book that goes into more detail, but you get the most bang for your buck with this book. It is highly informative, and I would recommend it to novice/experienced dog owners.

   I guarantee you'll love this book!!!