5 comments about The Intelligence of Dogs: A Guide to the Thoughts, Emotions, and Inner Lives of Our Canine Companions.

1. If you go to Dr. Coren's site you may notice he lists his credentials twice in the first three paragraphs, and if you look at his published papers they have nothing to do with dogs. If you want to know the effects of being a left-handed person he may be the guy to talk with - but dog intelligence? He certainly writes a lot of material. Makes you wonder how he has the time to properly research things. He certainly claims to be an expert on a huge number of topics!! I don't see any peer reviewed articles on dogs anywhere. So how is it possible that he has become the most quoted person on the internet on dog intelligence? It's the horribly flawed list included in this book. Every pet food site looking for material to make their site look more legitimate quotes this nonsense. A research scientist (opinions of trainers and human psychologists do not count as animal intelligence research scientists) would never produce a list on dog intelligence using the data and sample sizes this "expert" obviously used. This guy is not an animal behavioralist. Does he have the credentials to judge the breeds and what their level of intelligence is. I say no he does not. Proof of this is just the statistical sample sizes needed to come to real conclusions when making claims like he has. Does anyone believe he sampled enough individual dogs to come up with dependable results?
   Dog breeds were developed to do very specific things. They have very different traits. If anyone has ever worked with a number of Australian Shepherds, for example, they'd have to just laugh at where the good doctor has placed them on his list. This is an extremely smart breed that is considered by many to be the equal of Border Collies. I live in an area where herding dogs are very common and Australian Shepherds are generally considered among the smartest of breeds. Where they should be on a list of dog intelligence is an interesting question as herding dogs are experts at certain - but not all - jobs. They do need to have high intelligence as they need to be able to take charge of a herd of large dangerous animals. Certainly nothing beats Border Collies at working sheep, but the three main breeds used around where I live are Aust. Shep.s, B. Collies and Aust. Cattle dogs. The Australian Shepherds are becoming more and more popular. So if B. Collies are #1 and Aust. Cattle dogs are #10 why are these breeds being displaced by a dog ranked #42 ? I guess the people that actually use and depend on their dogs for their safety and ability to help make the mortgage payments are just crazy or really not very bright. What really makes this list a joke, though, is the obvious lack of research work it represents. You need to use huge samples of each breed. He has not done this. I question his methods. I question his motives. What value does a list like this represent? Simple. People love lists - so they will buy them.
   How unbelievably egocentric it is to actually produce this list to begin with. And without up to date knowledge about the whole "alpha myth" and social structure of our dogs and wolves. This book is an insult to serious research scientists who could spend a career studying this material before feeling confident in their data set and results. This is just absolutely the worst kind of junk-science that is written to make a buck. I rate it as a step backwards in our understanding and knowledge of the breeds we love and choose. Minus 5 stars.



2. This book was not written to teach you how to train your dog. Rather, it's by far the most authoritative book available on what your dog senses and how he's likely to process and remember what he sees, hears, and smells. It gave me for the first time an understanding of why dogs react as they do and why successful training methods work. As Coren points out in one of his books, almost half of us share our homes with dogs at one time or another, but what we learn about in high-school biology is salamanders, sharks, and the platypus, creatures we never encounter personally. This book addresses that disconnect so well that I think it should be included in basic life-science curricula. Even for someone who has no intention of ever including a dog in his or her household, this book can provide an interesting new slant on understanding animals. That is to say that it has great value for its academic content as well as its practical applicability. I give Coren my highest recommendation among authors writing on the subject of canine psychology.



3. This is an absolutely awful book. It trades in on common misconceptions with dogs, and then goes on to make generalizations about breeds that have no business circulating. Thanks to this fine author, people can parade around their poodles and say they have the second smartest dog in the world... Never mind that they are tethered to a puppy mill inbred. Generalizing that Border Collies are smarter than Poodles are smarter that Rottweilers is just plain asinine. What was the sample size? (I believe it was like 5 dogs.)
   
   Maybe this book was supposed to make some owners feel better or something... Beats me. Read the Wiki on "Dog Intelligence"... Coren's only barometer for "intellect" revolves around the dog's willingness to please, which he still hasn't recognized because he's too busy believing the "Alpha Dog" myth.
   
   Save your money and buy your lil' man some bully chews.



4. Well, I was not that impressed. The book is a rather dull read, not terribly informative, although it gives some pertinent facts about dog barks, growls, sounds and positions as to what they mean. I learned quite a lot from this particular section. I don't know if I totally and quite agree about which particular breed of dog is the absolute most intelligent, as Coren points out, intelligence takes many forms---in dogs as well as in people. The book was all right. It has some good facts, but I was not overly impressed as I said above. He has many stories and tales about different breeds of dogs that underscore his points throughout the book. Again, it's all right, and if anyone wants to buy my copy really cheap, let me know. The book is not a keeper. That's my review of The Intelligence of Dogs!



5. This book is fabulous! Stanley Coren really has a way of bringing it down to the dogs level, giving you a deeper understanding of dog behavior.

5 comments about My Life with George: What I Learned About Joy From One Neurotic (and Very Expensive) Dog.

1. As a trainer, rescuer, fosterer, owner of four dogs and avid reader, I read just about anything on dogs. I'd recommend not to bother with this book which mainly dwells on the author's son and her escapades with lovers after losing her husband in her 40's. I finished the book but was very disappointed as George was not written about for long periods of time. When he was he either ignored, punished, not trained, and wound up with the author's last partner who doesn't like dogs. In defense of the author, she did care for George and take him to the vet. But pleeeeeze, spare me-I don't want to read about a 50 year old woman being obsequious to a man--and barring the dog from the bedroom at his behest and wanting "that animal to find his way home". Thought I'd scream if I read "it's only a dog" one more time. Hate to write a bad review on a dog book but just had to on this one.



2. I'd say this book is more about learning about love than anything else. Summers stumbled into pet ownership while floundering as a single mother after both her husband and her father died a mere two weeks apart. George is not the typical dog, and life with him is far from easy. But struggling through grief, housebreaking and the arrival of adolescence of both boy and dog is both a heartbreaking and uplifting experience that Summers shares with utter candor. This is a very charming book that I wouldn't hesitiate to recommend, especially to folks who liked Marley and Me.



3. Anyone who is going through the process of deciding whether or not to add a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or any other type of dog to their family should read this book! It will help them understand, through the author's experiences, ALL of the requirements and responsibilities plus joys and sorrows that sharing your home with an animal can actually entail. It is proof that the challenges and costs are all worth it in the end.
   
   If one is a type of person who can learn from other people's mistakes, there are some great lessons for potential dog "parents" in this book. Experienced dog people could find themselves relating to but frustrated with the author over her way of handling George's "issues". Fortunately, they will find themselves laughing and crying with her too.
   
   The title of this book is very accurate; it is about her life WITH George, not just about the beautiful little dog on the cover. Reading this would also be helpful to anyone who has lost a spouse to illness. My heart just ached for the author and her son.



4. This story, for the likes of myself, a truly passionate Cavvie owner, is so 'familiar' and yet continually enlightening and heartwarming. This little guy is not an easy subject as he gets himself into so many scrapes over the years, and I found myself regretting reaching the end of the story, wondering what else happened to him afterwards. There is something so special about this breed (not half biased!) that I feel just about any Cavvie lover and owner could write a beatiful story about their own little 'friend' and we would all love reading every page. George's mum has endeared him to so many even that I know of myself who have been so keen to get hold of this book. He's a real winner! Love you George!



5. This book is a must-read for any and all dog lovers.Some of the other reviewers thought that George,the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel,was not in enough.It is true that there are some chapters that he is not in.Many people compared this book with Marley & Me:Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog,and they said that it is better than My Life with George because Marley was in more than George,but Marley was not in some chapters,too.They are both great books.Please come to the Discussions to talk about dogs.Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog

5 comments about The Natural Nutrition No-Cook Book.

1. I was thrilled to find this book. Whether or not the recipes are found elsewhere, they were laid out here in a clear, easy to understand style. I could almost taste the stuffed avocados, and the ceviche is tempting me to a long drive for very fresh fish. Since our Salukis share pretty much everything, it's great to find some safe for the hounds recipes and I might even cast off my chocolate addiction. Maybe.
   Best of all was the feeling of being invited to a healthy dinner at a friend's home. I'll be using some of the recipes for holiday meals!
   Thanks, Kymythy, for another great book.



2. This book is very informative and well written.
   The recipes are inviting and well accepted by my family.
   Glad I found this.



3. The Natural Nutrition No-Cook Book is an impressive compendium of delicious and "kitchen cook friendly" recipes for people and their animal companions. After the opening chapter "In the Kitchen and at the Market", Kymythy Schultze organizes and lays out her recipes into chapters devoted to Beverages; Dressings, Dips, Sauces, and Salsas; Fruit; Meat and Fish; Nuts and Seeds; Soups; and Vegetables. Beautifully illustrated with color photography throughout, the recipes range from the simple "Melon Mania" to the more complex "Great Pumpkin Soup". Of special note are the two appendices: "Shopping List" and "Resources". The Natural Nutrition No-Cook Book is especially and enthusiastically recommended to those who like to prepare delicious meals for themselves, their friends and their families, that their animal companions would also find of interest and nutritional value.



4. I have never written a review, but this time I feel compelled. I purchased this book because I have an interest in nutrition and raw foods for myself and my companion animals. I eagerly awaited this book after having read "Natural Nutrition for dogs and cats" the authors more successful writing. This one I was ready to ship back, except with postage I would have lost most of what I paid. Save your money and put it towards a good raw foods book for humans. If you remember to hold the chocolate, onions, raisins and grapes, you can give your pets what you eat providing your diet is a good one. The recipes aren't anything new. There are some nice photos of people and thier pets though. SAVE YOUR MONEY or check the site, I'll be selling mine.



5. Good recipes. I think it is a good idea to incorporate these into your lifestyle

1 comments about Aquatic Turtles: Sliders, Cooters, Painted, and Map Turtles.

1. This book was helpful for an overview of how to treat and care for our new turtles. My husband loved it.

4 comments about Dog in Action: A Study of Anatomy and Locomotion As Applying to All Breeds.

1. Very informative and easy to read. The author uses 'every day' examples that make understanding muscle movement easy.



2. This is a difficult book to get through. The author tries to compensate for that fact by starting out with some "stories" of his own, but it can't make up for the difficult reading ahead of you. You're going to need a dictionary to read this and don't read it when you're bored, you'll fall asleep!

   The structure information is good, it's just not an easy read.




3. This book is like a bible for those that study the mechanics of animals as they move, especially dogs. It details the coordination of every bone with the corresponding limb as the dog moves and then ties it all together with images of how the whole dog should move as a unit. It justifies every aspect, supporting the information with examples of the survivors in nature. For anyone aspiring to judge dogs or already judging or breeding it is a must. Although written over fifty years ago, the information is still relevent and stands up to recent high tech studies done with slow motion and stop action cameras. The book is presented in a way that makes it easy to understand the mechanics of the dog as it moves, the importance of efficiency, which is such an important part of assessing the value of one dog as compared to another. After reading this book, watching dog shows will become more meaningful, whether one has been breeding and judging for years or is just getting started. Years ago I lent out my copy and never got it back so will order a copy in paperback.
   Gordon Garrett



4. I first saw this book when my friend brought over a library copy. I didn't have time to read it, but I read the chapter on single tracking.

   Let me explain. I'm an engineer. And conformation vs. performance as always been a hobby of mine. Mostly for horses. I always wondered why horses single track. Now I know. Based on that chapter I scoured the used book market until I found my own copy. I found this book to be thought provoking and credible. I bought a copy for a friend of mine who is a professor at one of our state universities and who heads up the collage's judging team (horses again).

   I found that by studying dogs, whose conformation could be much more diverse than horses, I could better understand how more subtle conformation differences affect the horse. I will never give up my copy. They will have to pry it from my cold dead fingers.

5 comments about Dog Problems (Howell Reference Books).

1. I was intrigued by the title of this book, since I come into contact with all sorts of dogs regularly and am often asked advice about issues like possession guarding, dog-on-dog aggression, etc. However, the advice in this book is by no means anything I would ever pass on. Most issues are dealt with by correcting the dog harshly, shaking him, dragging him by the leash, and similar awful methods. The author's 'cure' for a dog that growls and snaps from under the bed is to daftly drag him out by the lead, and if he happens to bang his head on the way out, so much the better! She advises owners of dogs with fear aggression towards strangers to severly reprimand the dog with voice and leash corrections every time he becomes agitated around another person. This is a ridiculous way to 'help' your dog and will most likely only make the aversion worse. I noticed that Ms. Benjamin has also written a book that claims to use positive training methods, but unless her philosophy has changed from one book to the other, I would not recommend any of her material to anyone else. There are plenty of truly humane training guides out there, don't waste your money on this.



2. This is an excellent source for all first time dog owners and should be purchased and read, along with Benjamin's other book--Mother Knows Best--before the dog is purchased. Little problems remain small when dealt with quickly and efficently using methods that dogs understand. Training right from the beginning is the key. Benjamin also tells how to fix a problem before it becomes worse. I have had dogs for over 40 years--terriers--and can testify to the success of Benjamin's methods.



3. This is an excellent book for people who have mild or moderate dog problems. It is well written with a sense of humor, and with insight into the behavior of dogs. It is a book by a professional trainer, not for professional trainers.

   Carol Lea Benjamin does not advocate punishment. In fact, she advises to NEVER hit your dog. Appropriately correcting a dog is not a punishment any more than appropriately correcting a child when they run into a street is a punishment. In addition to describing how to properly correct your dog, she points out human behaviors that inadvertantly encourage dog problems, when and how to use praise to encourage positive behavior, how to redirect behavior, and that sometimes, we can eliminate a bad behavior just by removing the trigger.




4. If you have a aggressive dog who is over 10 pounds and need some seriouse help or advice, I would advise purchasing another book, this trainers advice for everything was grab the dog by the collar and shake it while saying NO NO NO. I have read better books..



5. This was a well-written book aimed more at the novice dog-owner or someone who's experiencing a problem they've not experienced before. The book is written with a good sense of humor; for example, her final comment about ticks. She also recognizes that there are some "problems" that can not be solved, they are just part of being a dog, while other problems that people say are just part of being a dog can be solved. I enjoyed the book and have started trying her method on my German Shepherd, who back-talks as bad as any teenager when told to do something.

5 comments about Iguanas for Dummies.

1. There is a reason that many reptile rescues require iguana adopters to purchase this book. Melissa Kaplan's book is the bible for iguana care. If you read this book and follow it's instructions, your little green friend will live a long and healthy life! The book is also extremely useful if you are debating getting an iguana. You should definitely read it before bringing one home (the level of care an iguana requires might discourage you from getting one).



2. "most", "some"... Facts need to be added to support her views, which is what her writings come down to... her views. Stick with other books if you are looking for the way to properly care for your little green friend. Check out 'Green Iguana: The Ultimate Owner's Manual by James W., III Hatfield' Hatfield relies less on shock value and exaggerations, facts are important.



3. I have had my green iguana for three years and it seems I never stop learning when it comes to whats best for her. I really wasn't aware how poor of care she was receiving until I bought this book. It's helped me help her so many times, and opened my eyes to details I was ignorant about before.
   
   This book is easy to read and understand. The way the topics are divided make it easy to reference anything you want. Though it's not meant to be read cover to cover, I did so anyway.
   
   Melissa Kaplan knows what she's talking about.



4. Excellent information written concisely and with a sense of humor by someone who truly knows, loves, and admires the species.



5. Living in the Florida Keys we have dealt extensively with discarded Iguanas - perhaps 15 or more. People buy them, and get rid of them constantly - and down here, in the semi-tropics, they can survive (with difficulty)in the wild.
   With all the iguana problems we have encountered good information is a necessity, & we have purchased many iguana books including Hatfield's "Green Iguana, the Ultimate Owners Guide" (a great book, but we still prefer Kaplan's "Iguanas for Dummies").
   If you still want addtional technical data you can add "What's Wrong with My Iguana" by John Rossi M.A., D.V.M. and "Understanding Reptile Parasites" by Roger Klingenberg D.V.M.
   Kaplan's book is based on research & a lot of personal experience. It is thorough, and her experience shows through - there are tidbits of information that have been useful to us that we have not found elsewhere. She has long maintained a caring website to help iguana owners and potential iguana buyers - not just to sell books. And the price of this book is reasonable.
   By all means get a good book like Hatfield's or Kaplan's - preferably before you get an iguana. Even if the book talks you out of getting an ig for a pet it will be well worth the price. Proper care for an iguana involves a devoting a lot of time and spending a lot of money. The cost of the animal is nothing in comparison, and they are far more complex to care for than a dog, cat, or hamster. Judging from the number of abandoned iguanas in the Florida Keys a huge number of people do not bother to inform themselves and the animals suffer. It may not be entirely their fault. Many pet stores do not seem to offer the best books or accurate information - often they just want to sell a hapless reptile, and make a few bucks on inadequate (sometimes dangerous) supplies and food. They frequently give bad advice.
   Whatever book you get you will still need to get a good experienced herp vet., and they are hard to find. Things go wrong with iguanas that are not covered with specificity in any of these books. We have been unfortunate enough to encounter some of them.

No comments about Legendary Ranches: The Horses, History and Traditions of North America's Great Contemporary Ranches (Western Horseman Book).

4 comments about The Home Spa Book for Dogs: Nose to Tail Treatments to Soothe the Soul and Age-Proof Your Canine Companion.

1. A Unique book to say the least. Got it for a gift and its pretty interesting. Funny too!



2. This book makes me want to open up my own pet spa. Good information and wonderful ways you can spoil your pooch.



3. Even though this book had "Search Inside" option and I checked it, I thought it would provide more info for our fur baby.



4. If you're a SERIOUS dog parent (and by that I mean you have no human children or you totally love your canine to death) this book is for YOU! I collect Dog books, Dog magazines and this had information I had never found in other Dog books. It was very informative and user friendly. You could easily read this book in less than a week. Doesn't your furbaby deserve the best?!? I think so!
   A MUST READ!

5 comments about The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood.

1. 
   I just finished reading this book minutes ago and I have to tell you it has to be one of the best books I have ever read. I never smiled, laughed or cried so much. The journey that Nadine & Buttons went through was amazing as well as inspirational. I only hope that me and my dog Roxy can experience such special times. I felt like I knew buttons after reading this book. She reminded me a lot of my girl Roxy. Her free spirit, kindness and devotion reminded me a lot of her. Nadine should be a role model for other pet parents. She opened my eyes to so many different things. She made me feel like I am not crazy for loving my baby Roxy as my child. I am so glad to have read her book. It is so informative I never even knew what Holistic pet care was before reading this but believe me I will definately look into it more to assure my baby is as healthy as she can be.I am recommending this book to all my friends especially those who are fellow pet parents. This book will not disappoint you.



2. Not often have I come across a book about the relationship between people and pets that truly speaks to me. The story of Nadine and Buttons is heartwarming and endearing and I feel blessed by having experienced it. In many ways, it's my own. I lost my boy, Malcolm, to bone cancer and know both the depth of loss and the loneliness and isolation one feels from societal preconceptions. It's a brave book and about damn time!
   
   Luke
   2 Dogs 2000 Miles



3. Thoroughly Enjoyed this book! A must read for any pet parent!!
   Buttons will be forever in My Heart!!!
   A very insightful view of the Love and Grief that comes with having and eventually losing our "kids"
   5 Paws Up!!!



4. A loving true story of the bond between a human and a special friend.(her Dog named Buttons) I think of buttons everyday after reading this story.
   What a special read. I would highly recommend this loving true story to anybody with a big heart.
   Sha moran Tucson AZ
   [...]



5. Outstanding book! Not only was this a wonderful memoir to the author's pet, but the book inspired me to look into alternative healing methods for my German Shepherd who is plagued with IBD. And guess what? It has only been 30 days, and my German Shepherd has seen a dramatic improvement, something that conventional medicine has not been able to accomplish in 18 months. If it wasn't for this book, I would not have the special love of my canine friend today. Many thanks to the author for sharing her personal journey.