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 One at a Time: A Week in an American Animal Shelter.

1. It is rare that I find a book that I cannot put down - and I read this book in one sitting. It teaches the reader about life in an animal shelter through the short stories written about the animals the writers came to know during a week at a shelter. It gives you pause, describing shelters from the animals' perspective, as well as from the perspective of the humans that interact with the shelter (volunteers, shelter staff, adoptive pet parents, and pet owners who resign ownership). It gives interesting and surprising statistics. It talks about foster parenting shelter dogs, and it touches on visiting pet programs (for nursing homes, etc.). It gave me ideas that I might use the improve my local shelter as a volunteer. I thought I knew everything there was to know until I read this book. It is so well written, and it opens your heart and your mind to the realities of life and death for shelter animals.



2. I purchased this book as I have done many other books about shelter dogs,abandoned dogs etc. I love animals-all animals,but especially dogs.There were some wonderful stories in this book, there were also stories that totally broke my heart, seeing two large bins full with little bodies that the sanctuary found it necessary to euthanzise. ,I didn't expect to see a photo like that,but as much as it broke my heart,people need to be made aware. Animals are precious, they are like children, I have a daughter and I have three dogs, I love them all equally,my dogs are part of my family and are treated as such. People seem to think they can pick animals up and toss them out when they get fed up with them- it makes my blood boil.There was one story in particular that really got to me where a dog named Kelly had been so let down, she just gave up, she wouldn't even lift her head, the sanctuary- rightly or wrongly-decided that she could not be re-homed so they put her to sleep,there is a photo of them doing so, with a young guy holding up the her beautiful head and she is looking straight into the camera, the sadness in her eyes will haunt me forever, I just wish I had known about her, I would have given her a home and worked with her to help her to trust again.,and to show her boundless love.
   There are many atrocities in this world, to me, cruelty to animals is one of them.
   If anyone reading this is thinking about getting a dog, please think carefully before you do- they take a lot of your time and commitment but the love they give you in return is immeasurable.If only people were more responsible,these poor animals ,who only ever wanted love from someone, would never end up in this situation.
   I hope that particular little dog is in Rainbow Bridge, and is healed now.
   God Bless her, and all the other animals that have suffered and are suffering the same fate through no fault of their own.
   It just isn't right.



3. This is a must read for everyone who has had a pet, has a pet, or is thinking of getting a pet. The authors do a wonderful job of revealing the plight of animals in shelters today. I bawled the whole way through the book, but it's because it's the truth. And something needs to be done.



4. It's such a good book. Many stories are sad, but it also offers real hope as to what we as individuals can do. Highly recommended. You'll go back to it when you find you need inspiration.



5. As someone who has adopted 3 animals from a shelter, I appreciated this book thoroughly. This book puts names and faces together while also educating the reader about the importance of adopting from your local animal shelter. The theme of this book is you can actually save a life. There are heartwarming stories alongside tragic ones. If you want to learn more about the animals at the shelter and their stories this book is for you.

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

1. I purchased this book as I wanted to learn about tracking and also teach my year-old basset/coonhound mix about tracking.
   
   While the title says it's for "puppies," the cover also has a blurb saying it works with adult dogs, too--which is what caused me to pick it.
   
   Well, this is a fantastic book. The author lays out very clear and easy steps for the beginner to follow and also offers suggestions on how training a puppy would be different from training an adult. The author also precisely lays out what is needed, in terms of gear, for both the dog and the human, for summer tracking vs. winter tracking, suggestions on how to be allowed to use a neighbor's unused farmland for tracking, and so forth.
   
   The author also points out how tracking, as both a sport and a casual exercise, builds the relationship between you and your dog. My basset mix and I have always been close; he bonded with me on the drive home from the "breeder's" (long story). We've been inseparable since. Learning and practicing tracking, however, has brought our relationship to another level. We respect each other and he *really* listens to me now, thanks to the tracking exercises we're doing. I can even call him off a prey scent--which I could never do before!
   
   So I highly recommend this book for all beginner trackers and also for anyone wanting to do a sport other than agility--or even for anyone wanting to improve their relationship with their dog(s).



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



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



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

5 comments about Tracking Dog: Theory & Methods.

1. Great book on tracking. I discoverd I needed an air scenting book, not tracking for SAR k9 work but if your into tracking its a great book.



2. For those of you looking to train a serious working dog, this is the book for you.
   
   I have a police service K-9 and utilized the training found here to help my dog (German Shepherd).
   
   But not all dogs can do this so, the selection tests at the begining of the book were a great help.



3. This book was interesting and easy to read. Good ideas for training a tracking dog.



4. This book was writtten by the guru himself.All thruout the book which is easy to understand the writer is very confident and shares his knowledge and expieriences.This book is very informative and great for the beginner to the expert.



5. This book is an excellent resource and a very interesting read. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in tracking.

2 comments about The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship: Intermediate Horsemanship (C Level) (Howell Reference Books).

1. As a begging rider, I was wandering through a local tack shop when I saw the USPCA's Manuals for Horsemanship, D level and C level. I picked up the C level manual and was overwhelmed with the information, so I asked my mom to buy me the D level book. I read the book cover to cover in three days, although I was only ten years old at the time. I was surprised at how much I had been doing wrong (I have a great instructor who doesn't like to overwhelm begginers with directions). Six months later I was capable of completing all the requirments of the D manual, so my mom bought me the C manual. About a year later I joined a local Pony Club, and was very glad that I had read the manuals when I became a D-3 shortly after joining. Three years later, I am still very thankful to Susan E. Harris for writing the manuals. I am now a C-3, and hope to advance to the B level by next spring. I would recommend the manuals to anyone who rides english, however, remember to read them in order, or you will feel as if you are missing information. I have not read the B-A manual yet, but I do think that the C manual is the best of the three for building a sound riding career. P.S. I'm also in 4-H, and have found that Grooming to Win, also by Susan E. Harris, is extremely useful when preparing for Pony Club rallies or inspections, 4-H shows, and just about any other shows. It is also a great guide to daily grooming, trimming, and conditioning of your horse.



2. Like Susan's first volume, this is a marvelous combination of clear language, straight-forward presentation, and logical organization, topped by many wonderful drawings. Once you've read and digested the "D" volume, go on to this one and continue your equestrian education in the most logical way I've found. I'm a long-time riding instructor, especially for the US Pony Clubs, and recommend this book to riders of any age. I also own about 900 horse books and Susan Harris's Manuals are, by far, the ones I consult most often.

4 comments about Purr More, Hiss Less: Heavenly Lessons I Learned from My Cat.

1. "Purr More, Hiss Less Heavenly Lessons I Learned from My Cat by Allia Zobel is an aptly titled book for the cat lover in all of us. At 222 pages long, it's an enjoyable romp through watercolor pages that are little works of art, each accompanying a thought provoking saying penned by Ms. Zobel. Gratifiying for kids and adults alike, it contains large doses of the ahh and ha ha factor. Each page w/ saying could be a framable work of art but then, you'd have to buy another book....better to have restraint and just look at the book often. Ms. Zobel is the definitive authority on the humor of cats and the life lessons they share."



2. Purr More, Hiss Less is one of those wonderful books that will delight people of all ages. If life is getting you down, or you think things are rough, Allia Zobel Nolan has provided the perfect comfort and encouragement - a book of wisdom gleaned from felines.
   
   The watercolor illustrations are beyond charming. They're exquisite, making this a book to display as well as enjoy.



3. Purr More, Hiss Less overflows with heartfelt thoughts on how to live a joyous life, based on kitty wisdom. Author Allia Zobel Nolan has perfectly captured the magical eyes through which cats see the world. The enchantment continues with Erika Oller's beautiful illustrations.
   
   All of the insights in this charming book will bring a smile, but two that really touched me are "Do the right thing...even when there's no one watching" and "Retain a kitten-like sense of wonder." Imagine how the world might be if we lived by those ideas?
   
   This book will be treasured by cat lovers of all ages!



4. This book is chock full of wisdom - kitty and otherwise. 'Take the good fleas with the bad,' bestselling author Allia Zobel Nolan advises readers of Purr More, Hiss Less: Heavenly Lessons I Learned from My Cat.
   
   If I had to pick my favorite it would be, 'Don't stick your paws where they don't belong.' There are smiles to be had on all 224 pages. This gem of a book is lovingly illustrated by Erika Oller. The combination of Allia's wit and Erika's watercolors is a winning match.
   
   Buy this just-released book as a gift for anyone (young or old) in your life who adores cats. As Allia says, 'It's okay to be hooked on a feline.' ... So while you're at it, why not pick up a copy for your neighborhood cat lady?
   
   [...]

No comments about A Member of the Family: Cesar Millan's Guide to a Lifetime of Fulfillment with Your Dog.

5 comments about True Unity: Willing Communication Between Horse and Human.

1. Tom Dorrance was never a "how to" kind of "trainer." He often disliked being too specific because he felt that it focused people too narrowly, and kept them from reaching for the "bigger picture," or a broader feel and awareness of the horse and their environment. His book is no different. It is not poorly written in the slightest. It was never intended as a how-to on training horses, but an acknowledgement of what real rapport between horse and human feels like, the mindfulness it takes to get inside, and the willingness to live in a world somewhat different than the one we've been taught to see and experience. The CD of his book is very helpful to anyone having difficulty understanding the way he presents his ideas on the page.



2. Next time, I will take the time to read the reviews. If you were standing there with Tom as he was talking, it might of made sense. But I wasn't so therefore it was vague and frustrating. I have a hunger for Natural ways versus old school and like to pass my books to others with the same heart. I can't even pass the book to someone else. Maybe it was Milly's first book?



3. Let's agree, first off, on one important thing: riding horses is not the same as riding motorcycles or four-wheelers. Many of the people I know who ride expect to get on a horse--any horse--and control it as they would a machine. Every horse the same. Every signal with the reins nothing more than steering with handle bars. Right?
   
   Wrong! The essence of Dorrance's book, TRUE UNITY, is really quite simple: horses are individuals, complete with personalities as varied as their human counterparts and realizing this fact is the beginning of finding the unity that Dorrance espouses.
   
   TRUE UNITY, like the process of achieving it with a horse, is not easy. It's easily one of the most complex books I have ever read. I found that I had to read and reread sections several times in order to get the gist of Dorrance's lessons. I had to act as if Dorrance was in the room with me, explaining his experiences and I had to listen as carefully as I could and "feel" his ideas. In the end, I found that the content was exceptional and the fact remains that dealing with horses is an exercise in shared feelings between two individuals--the rider and the horse.
   
   Some have noted that this book doesn't follow enough of a lock-step process to handling horses. What they seem to have wanted was an owners manual for horses. Step 1: Find a horse. Step 2: Climb aboard. Step 3: Ride and ride and ride. Step 4: Put horse away. Again, Dorrance makes it clear that this book was never meant to be a set of steps to take with guaranteed results. Those who feel otherwise should stick to machines.
   
   I have to take exception, though, with the editing. The job of an editor, being one myself, is to help communicate the meaning of the writer as concisely and as clearly as possible. Given this fact, Milly Hunt Porter, the editor here falls flat on her face and the readability problems with this book, such as they are, arise, in my opinion, from Ms. Porter's ineptitude as a communicator. It becomes readily apparent that Ms. Porter was nothing more in the process than a glorified secretary, taking down, verbatim, Dorrance's sometimes rambling reminiscences about handling horses. It's apparent that she didn't take time, as she should have, to ask clarifying questions and then communicate her findings to the reader. As my title indicates, I don't blame Dorrance; I blame Porter.
   
   Handle this one with care. If your expecting a well-written, flowing, easy read you will be sorely disappointed.
   
   For me, now that Tom Dorrance is gone, I wanted, whether clear or not, to read his thoughts about getting into the heads of horses and, in the end, the read was well worth it.
   
   THE HORSEMAN



4. I liked this book because Dorrance tries to explain how a horse thinks. This is not an easy task and he gives lots of examples of this. Horses think in pictures. It all comes down to that. If we can see them doing what we want consistently, then it can happen. It's all about understanding the horse. Not an easy book to read but worth taking the time to try and understand what a true horseman is telling us.



5. This is not a how-to book and Tom Dorrance said up front that it was not. This is the next step in the journey and I can see how it would be a disappointment for those that are looking for the equine version of mapquest to get where Tom's going to go.
   
   He does repeat himself several times, but based on several of the reviews for apparently obvious reasons. The senses are unique to each person based on their backgrounds and their beliefs. The feel between myself and my horse and how we get there is not going to be the same journey as my friend and her horse.
   
   This book was designed for the person who is ready to take their equine relationship to the next level.

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

1. Don't expect much text, but the photos portray a great history of a unusual man "Picasso". It is worth the price!



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



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



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



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

No comments about Koi For Dummies (For Dummies (Pets)).