5 comments about How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves.

1. How To Behave So Your Dog Behaves--A practical and intelligent guide for dog owners
   
   by E. Kathryn Meyer, VMD
   President, American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
   
   The first thing that engaged me in Sophia Yin's How To Behave So Your Dog Behaves was its title. As a veterinarian who treats behavioral problems in dogs and cats exclusively, I strive to teach my clients that we can't use a magic wand to eradicate unwanted behavior in dogs. We have to first understand the behavior and then devise methods of changing the behavior in a positive way--usually by giving the dog a good reason to engage in an acceptable alternative behavior. If we read our dogs correctly, we can teach them what is desired and then use motivators specific to our individual dog and situation to reinforce the right stuff. Dr. Yin's book is aptly titled and provides a wealth of science-based information translated into witty and easily understood language, accompanied by helpful and charming illustrations.
   
   To build a foundation of basic dog knowledge, Dr. Yin first educates the reader about the origin of dogs, their social behavior, and body language. Then, she introduces and explains the science of learning, its potential and its limitations. But the real gold mine for dog owners lies in the Five-Minute Guides covered in the last two sections of the book on Basic Good Dog Behavior and Solving Common Canine Problems. The first section gives the reader explicit instructions on how to teach very specific behaviors that are incredibly important to having a well-behaved, well-adjusted dog. The recommendations for "Say Please by Sitting" and "Walk Nicely on Leash" are the most effective tools I've encountered for creating a well-mannered dog--substituting specific and acceptable behaviors for unruly behaviors that are often unknowingly reinforced by owners. (Do you look at, speak to, and/or touch your dog when he jumps up on you? Bingo--you're rewarding that behavior!) Methods to train other very important basic behaviors, such as learning to focus on the owner with "Watch Me," coming when called, staying, and going to "your place" are also thoroughly described.
   
   In addition to covering the prevention of problems, Dr. Yin also devotes a section to solving some common behavioral issues encountered by dog owners. The problems are briefly described and recommendations are outlined for such topics as Housetraining, Chew Training, Food Possessiveness, Aggression Toward Non-Family Members, and Barking.
   
   For the intellectually curious, this book provides the reader with a goldmine of information about the natural behavior of dogs, learning theory, and applied animal behavior. Of particular note is the inclusion of two landmark scientific papers on animal learning by Keller and Marian Breland (1951, 1961), in their entirety, in an Appendix. Dr. Yin prefaces these articles by giving a brief historical perspective of "How the Science of Learning Made it to Animal Trainers" and then whets the reader's appetite by providing an interview with Marian and her second husband, Bob Bailey. I would encourage anyone with even a flicker of curiosity about animals and how they interface with their environment to read this section--paying particular attention to how the 10 years of experience training thousands of animals changed the outlook of the authors in terms of the role of instinct and limitations to learning.
   
   If you are more utilitarian in your approach to reading this book, it will still be of great use to you. The reader can simply consult the "Five-Minute Guide" section on common behavioral problems to learn about a specific issue. A glossary is also provided, which will help the reader understand terms that may be unfamiliar. However, I would strongly urge the reader to review the entire Guide to Basic Good Dog Behavior section prior to addressing specific problems for best results.
   
   "How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves" is a fabulous resource for every dog owner. All of the tools you need to allow your dog to be the best dog (and best behaved dog) he can be are at your fingertips. These approaches are truly a "win/win" for dog and owner alike.



2. I'd been hearing good things about Sophia Yin for a while, and since I like to keep up with new trainers who've got innovative ideas, I thought I'd give this book a look-see. Sad to say, I was more than a bit disappointed. Before I go further, I'm an author myself, so I don't want anyone to NOT buy this book based on my review. It's actually a fun, easy to read manual, giving the reader the basic highlights to the methods used by "modern, positive" trainers. I loved the clever, nicely drawn illustrations. The writing is clear and concise. And, as with most "positive" training manuals, if you follow the methods carefully you probably won't screw your dog up too much, at least not like you would by following the advice in books by the Monks of New Skete, or Cesar Millan. I call the kind of approach Yin uses "dog training lite", and give HOW TO BEHAVE SO YOUR DOG BEHAVES a B+ in that arena.
   
   Here's my main criticism: dogs have deep, instinctive needs that Yin and most "positive reinforcement" based trainers don't understand. Their philosophy, and Yin's, is that play is just another way of rewarding good behavior. That's okay, there's nothing wrong with that, but Yin doesn't seem to understand that there's actually a lot more to play than mere positive reinforcement. It's the basis for all learning in dogs, because even though they no longer need to hunt for a living, their instincts still make them need to behave as if they did. That's why most of the games dogs play involve some aspect of their prey drive.
   
   Here's Yin's view: "Both wolves and dogs have a prey drive, but the drive is more dangerous in the wolf. Thus,...tripping and squealing in the presence of a wolf could trigger an attack."
   
   Perhaps it would trigger an attack, but it WOULDN'T trigger the prey drive. What she's describing is more of a fear-based reflex than a predatory motor pattern. And by the way, a dog's prey drive--if not given a proper outlet through play--is actually a lot more dangerous than the wolf's prey drive could ever be. In a later chapter Yin almost says as much, in that she tells us that the prey drive is what causes dogs to chase and bite children, which is partially true. But Yin neglects to mention, or even consider, that the prey drive is also what causes dogs to want to heel, and stay, and come when called. In fact, almost all obedience behaviors have their origins in the predatory motor patterns of wild wolves. Even the very act of obedience is directly related to the way wolves hunt together in a spirit of group harmony and cooperation.
   
   Which brings up another problem: Yin perpetuates the outmoded view that canine social behavior centers around conflicts over who's alpha and who's not. This idea, which has now been disproven, was based on studies done in the 1930s and 40s on wolves living under the stress of captivity. Wild wolves don't form hierarchies. So what we've been taught were "dominant and submissive" behaviors are based on stress, and are not part of a dog's natural social instincts. Yet in HOW TO BEHAVE SO YOUR DOG BEHAVES, Yin frequently refers to dogs wanting to "wear the pants in the family", and has a whole chapter on "Dominance Aggression: A Struggle for Status", making her no different philosophically in this one regard than the Monks & Cesar Millan!
   
   I DO give Dr. Yin points for printing "The Misbehavior of Organisms", a 1961 article from AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGIST, which details some conditioning failures where a group of various species were taught to push a button to get food, but ultimately preferred producing instinctive food-related behaviors even though those behaviors weren't reinforced. In fact, an experiment with a group of pigs had to be stopped or the animals would've starved to death! As a result, the authors of the study, Keller and Marian Breland (now Marian Bailey), wrote, "There are definite weaknesses in the philosophy underlying these techniques." There still are; instincts still trump conditioning, as any dog owner who's tried to lure his dog away from chasing squirrels or the neighbor's cat could tell you.
   
   I don't mean to be too hard on Yin personally. I gave the book 3 stars, and I wish her well. At least her techniques don't usually CREATE behavioral problems like the Monks and Cesar's do (though clicker training has been shown to cause hyper-anxiety, and to increase scavenging and counter-surfing problems in some dogs). And as I said, this is a great version of a "dog training lite" manual. I just think that Yin needs a better understanding of the power of play, and what your dog's prey drive is really all about.



3. This is hands down the best book on training dogs I have read. On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 6. Although I would have preferred actual pictures to the drawings, the drawings are entertaining and effectively illustrate the points being made. Her techniques are kind to the dog, easy to follow and have very effective results. I've begun using the techniques described in this book with a dog I recently adopted who had been badly abused in his prior life. He responds with enthusiasm, and really enjoys his lessons. I would recommend this book to anyone who owns a dog, whether they think their dog needs training or not!



4. I found this book extremely useful in training dogs. The emphasis is on understanding dog behavior so that you can effectively communicate with them. I have seen vast improvements in the dogs I have employed her technique on and I highly recommend this book!



5. Sophia Yin has one of the best approaches I have read to explaining how dog's learn and then applying this to effective, humane training techniques. She not only explains "how to" but "how come." I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has invited a dog to become part of the family.

4 comments about Freshwater Aquariums For Dummies (For Dummies (Pets)).

1. This book is exactly as it should be. A beginners aquarium book. it tells you, step by step, how to set-up an aquarium. It isn't great for an expert, but that's not who it was designed for. I'd recommend it to anyone just starting out in the hobby or who would just like to have a finned friend. If you've purchased any of the other boks in this series, you won't be disappointed. It's in the same style, with pictures, and safety tips, and must knows, to get your hands wet in short enough time.



2. I am very disappointed in this book. It has mistakes and much of the information is out of date. For example, in a discussion of the nitrate cycle, a complex topic for many, the authors have confused nitrate and nitrite. This makes the discussion worthless. The discussion on classification is out of date as DNA studies have caused many changes to the whole sytem.



3. This book isn't too bad, but there's definately better out there. The humor is kind of lame, as it is in all dummy books, but overall the information is sound. However, there are a few exceptions, like who still uses undergravel filters? or even still has a film camera anymore...thats right there's a whole chapter dedicated to photographing your fish. Not to mention there are also a ton of typos in this book, which is kind of ridiculuous for a second edition. Overall it covers just about everything, but not in any great detail....you'd do better to find something else.



4. This is one of the many books I read after "inheriting" a fish. This was a very easy to read and understand while not insulting me for being a rank beginner. I followed many of this book's recommendations and my fish are very happy.

5 comments about Training Your German Shepherd (Training Your Dog Series).

1. I liked this book. It contains lots of good tips on how to educate a GSD. I also enjoyed the many good pictures of GSDs displaying their traits and showing their skills. However, one can follow the advice, attempt to teach the lessons, ask for obedience, beg for mercy, but if the dog wants to follow the car, jump on the cyclist, tear your shirt or hide your socks, he WILL DO IT!! Perhaps I did not pay enough attention to all the details about training, or Bronco (my GSD) has a heart the size of a mountain, capable of expressing immeasurable and unconditional love, plus the strength of a locomotive and the will of bull, but he has proven to be nearly untrainable. He's quit hiding my socks, but I already gave up on things such as "search and rescue" training. Forget also about "bomb and weapon detection". I guess I cannot blame Dan Rice's book.....



2. While the book has a lot of good advice , IMHO too much is dedicated to specialized training (rescue, work, etc.); basic training tips are mentioned in a minimalistic way. Overall I was dissapointed.



3. I find most of Baron's pet series books to be very general



4. I was expecting a basic training manual with a few things directed to the GSD but instead it goes from simple sit and come tricks to how to teach your dog search and tracking. It helps by explaining that if you play certain games or teach certain tricks early on, it would help if you are training them for a more advanced work and tasks, like tracking or search and rescue. It has good pictures that explain much of what they are writing about and lots of info and explaining on tricks, the breed and more advanced jobs the GSDs are known to do. I would recommend for anyone wanting to train their dog basic manners and training or more advanced levels of the training or those that just want to know more about the breed and what it is able to do a learn. It is very helpful and great for first time owners.



5. Not a complete training manuel. Very elementary training. Sit Spot Sit stuff.

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

1. I'm a first time puppy owner and this book was all general common sense knowledge--specifics were lacking and did not find it helpful



2. This is a pretty good poodle book, but it's very short. I'd be happier more information was included. However, for what it contains, it's nice and accurate, and the pictures are great.



3. I purchased this book about 3 months before adopting a standard poodle puppy. I found it to be a very helpful and continue to reference it as I go about training. The photos are great and for its size it's an amazing amount of information. Unlike some books that just swap out the breed names to appear to specialize, this book was clearly written by someone with a passion for the poodle breed.



4. Decent book.
   Good baseline reference.
   Photos, some specifics, and sourcing details could be improved.
   
   Good value for the $$.



5. Save your money!!! I would rate this less than one star if I could. Useless, silly, run of the mill information.

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

1. Great pictures. Limited information. 90% of the information contained in the book is not specific about the breed.



2. i am a havanese owner and breeder. this book is right on! there were many insights into our breed that i know, but had never read before.



3. Good book, answered all the questions I had plus brought to light things I should know about this breed.



4. Being new to Havanese ownership (2 puppies) I found this book to be helpful and informative. I know I will be glad in the months to come that it will be there for reference. You fall in love with these dogs just looking at the pictures. I would recommend this to anyone who has a Havanese or is thinking of getting one.



5. As proud new parents of a Havanese this book is a must for your library.
   If you have an question about the sweet Havanese this book has the answer. Well worth the buy.*****+ stars.

5 comments about Classical Schooling with the Horse in Mind: Gentle Gymnastic Training Techniques.

1. Anja Beran has created a beautiful and comprehensive Classical Schooling Book. Refreshing, professional and with the horses wellbeing in mind. The book reflects her quiet, systematic, consistent and truly classical approach to riding. Her Piaffe shows her refined Portuguese background just as well in the beautiful photos as in real life. A true joy and a must for any rider!



2. I was so disappointed in this book that I returned it, which I have never done before. The philosophy of humane treatment of the dressage horse is great, and the anatomical analysis is good, but I really wanted training techniques and there was little of that in my opinion in this book. I bought Dr. Gerd Heuschmann's "Tug Of War: Classical Versus 'Modern' Dressage" and that is great -- has the philosophy and the anatomy that I need to take good care of and strengthen and improve my horse in training, and it was less expensive. I still need to find a good training manual.



3. Love this book! This book clearly shows how how Dressage SHOULD be ridden. This book along with Anja's video "Elegant Dressage Training" show how a correctly trained horse should look. I have become a great fan of Anja and keep her beautiful images of the horse and rider in mind when training my own. She is a great inspiration to me!



4. A "how-to" book on classical training of the horse and rider.
   This is the most amazing book on classical training/riding and the result of the author's 19 years of experience. Ms Beran first trained with the French Ecuyer Marc de Broissia for 16 years and was a friend of Manuel de Oliveira for over 19 years. This book motivates you to look for the mistakes within yourself - to be hard with yourself and gentle with your horse. This book is intended to open your eyes and help you to find the truth and your ability of being able to feel perfect harmony between rider and horse in all movements. Classical equestrianism is also summed up as "the ability to train horses in such a way that they follow the rider's will with contentment and self-confidence" also "the ability to train the horse according to its individual physical and mental potential". The illustrations are superb and an absolute must-have book for those interested in classical riding and training. The anatomy section helps the reader/trainer understand the how and why of what happens during the horse's movements. Absolutely stunning.Classical Schooling with the Horse in Mind: Gentle Gymnastic Training Techniques



5. First read Dr. Heuschmann's "Tug of War" and then Ms. Beran's "Classical Schooling". Then think. Then get on your horse. Please: in that order.

2 comments about House Cat: How to Keep Your Indoor Cat Sane and Sound.

1. About two years ago, I did a complete 180 and became a cat lover, having previously felt indifferent toward them. In January of this year I adopted a beautiful calico cat from the adoption room at PetSmart (where I purchased this book also, right at the end of the cat food aisle).
   
   I am so grateful to have purchased an independent book on the subject, rather than the equivalent from the "For Dummies" or "Complete Idiots' Guide" series. Christine Church presents her suggestions, her do's and don'ts, in a very engaging and lively way through numerous anecdotes involving her own many cats. She has owned as many as eleven cats (and at least one dog). The book is informative on a number of subjects; I was enlightened to learn, for example, that not only is declawing painful, it can change the personality of some cats for the worse. Previously social and friendly cats sometimes become mean and withdrawn after losing their beloved claws. After reading "House Cat" I can safely say I won't have my cat declawed.
   
   The story of Gillie was both heartbreaking and heartwarming! What an incredible cat, to survive cancer for so long and hop around on three legs! When I see his picture on the dedication page, I regret that I never met this cat in real life.
   
   I was also quite touched by the story of Taffy, the cat who always longed to go outdoors and was granted her wish late in life when she was too frail to possibly run stray. Taffy is one of the several feline dedicatees of the book; Christine Church writes: "For Taffy, whose life brought sunshine to mine and all who knew her. I'm glad I was able to give you sunshine in the end."
   
   With excellent photos to supplement, this is a well-written book indeed.



2. Never before have I seen a non-fiction book with interesting stories to start each chapter and make you want to read more... Like a novel, but unbelievably informative! If you want to know how to care for your indoor cat, or any cat, or are thinking of making your cat an indoor cat, or getting one.... Here's the purrfect reference. Also added, besides good information and interesting antecdotes, are links to excellent and informative web pages. This is truly the cat book for the 21st century!

5 comments about Versatile Vizsla.

1. This book is about 95% perfect for a new Vizsla owner. Higher quality images would be the one improvement I would recommend...



2. This book was highly recommended to me by a Vizsla dog breeder as the authority on raising and training your Vizsla. After reading the book I have to agree that this is an excellent book. It covers all aspects of the breed from birth to death. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in buying this lovely breed of dog or to anyone who is currently the owner of a Vizsla.



3. Vizslas are great dogs, but they have some unique characteristics, that you need to know about before owning one. I would highly recommend this to anyone considering buying a Vizsla or a new owner. I have made notes and noted page numbers and have referred to them often.



4. This book was everything I expected for a good book on the Vizsla breed. Tons of information on Vizslas. Nicely done.



5. This is a great book, full of information! It is very helpful for preparing for this breed.

5 comments about Horse Handling & Grooming: A Step-By-Step Photographic Guide to Mastering over 100 Horsekeeping Skills (Horsekeeping Skills Library).

1. I needed a book for students getting to know horses for the first time.
   This book provided the information they needed in quick and easy slices.
   This laid the ground work for more intensive sessions which they will receive later on in their veterinary and general animal care courses.
   I am very pleased with this book.
   
   
   G.Stratton, SGU.



2. This book is good for folks who have a basic knowledge of horses but want a little further advice. People who haven't had lessons or are just starting to work with horses for the most part will get confused easily. I got this book for a friend and while there is plenty of useful information tha main things we were looking for were hoof care. The most useful information I found was the section on tying the horse and approaching the horse. This book is helpful but definately not a complete source. We actually got Horses for Dummies and THAT book had ALOT of helpful information... including information on what you should consider BEFORE you become a horse owner.



3. I bought this book because I thought it would be just as good as another in this series "Getting the most from Riding Lessons". I was really looking for specifics on grooming with highly detailed photos and step by step highly detailed instructions and tips. This book has some of this.
   
   There's a good section on catching, tying, and handling the horse. There is some basic safety information omitted.
   The hoof care is completely lacking. There is only information on how to lift and support your horses feet. This should be a VERY detailed section of the book considering how important it is to a horse.
   Daily grooming info is only OK.
   Washing section is acceptable to good.
   Clipping section is good but doesnt cover special clipping patterns.
   Mane and tail care and braiding is good.
   No leg wrap information is included.
   No transport of horse information is included.
   
   This all said - it's really hard to find a great grooming book.



4. This book matches exactly what the title says it is providing the beginner with the basics of handling and grooming on a horse that is use to both (in my mind set it pretains to a very gentle well trained horse that is use to a lot of handling, like someone else stated a sound horse).
   The pictures and text appear to be complete on how to do things right and it's my kind of book, no long winded, wasted or unneeded words to make a bigger book thus wasting my time or book shelf space.
   It does just cover the basics on how to do it (not with a horse that is unruley) and on handling you will quickly out-grow the book. It does contain more information on grooming than it does handling so if you are new at that it should be very helpful.



5. I condsider myself a beginner. This book is very simplistic.
   I learned most of these things in the first month of taking lessons. If you have a minimal amount of knowledge, this book would be a waste. Don't waste your time or money. I wish I hadn't.

4 comments about Horses, 3rd Edition: A Guide to Selection, Care, and Enjoyment.

1. Very informative and helpful for a new owner or beginner. It is a textbook worth having.



2. I was expecting a book about the care, feeding, breeding and perhaps some history on the various horse breeds, and I was expecting photos. The care feeding and breeding information is there, but not much on the breeds, and what VERY FEW photos or drawings are included are ALL in black and white. The ONLY color picture is on the cover. This is probably why they don't let you see much from the Look Inside because people might not buy this book after they got to flip through it. I believe the information is helpful but it is sorely lacking in illustrations. We will keep it, but I would not reccomend it to anyone unless they are looking for a dry college text, or possibly an informational reference. It isn't a "fun" book by any means. My family is dissapointed.



3. This is a required text for Equine Science course at our local community college and it covers A LOT of info. Highly recommend as a horse Bible. It is very thick so I wish I had purchased the hard cover for easier handling.



4. I used this book for an animal science class in college. I'm quite familiar with horses, but never the less, this book is definitely recommended for most anyone to have around as a basic horse book. For new horseback riders or owners, I'd definitely recommended it. The author covers essentially every topic imaginable, from behavior, conformation, breeds, stabling, feed, teeth, gaits, handling, conditioning, grooming, illnesses, farriers, diseases, performance, breeding and genetics. Even though I was familiar with most of the material covered, it is extremely handy to have such a book on hand for things like a dental chart for aging, or the wight to energy ratios for various grains. Just a lot of stuff down in writing that you might not always remember off the top of your head.