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.

2 comments about Bach Flower Remedies for Animals: The Definitive Guide to Treating Animals with the Bach Remedies.

1. The book is an excellent source of information if you have pets or are in the pet industry.



2. As a caretaker of six cats and a dog, I have used Bach Remedies for years with my animals but I've always had to refer to books focusing on the use of the remedies with humans. This book has come to my rescue and I especially like that there are separate chapters on cats and dogs. There is also a separate chapter on use of the remedies wih horses.

   The best feature of the book is the second chapter "Using the remedies" where the authors spell out the animal behaviors that can indicate a need for each of the 38 remedies. For example, Crab Apple is the remedy for cleansing and is indicated for a animal who does excessive grooming or chews on its fur or feathers.

   The only negative aspect for me, as an American, is the very British slant in the resources lists and in the case studies. However, that is a small complaint in the overall usefulness of this title.

5 comments about Hip Ideas for Hyper Dogs.

1. 1. This book is great for dog owners who, despite their best intentions and the love they give to their unruly pets, need help in curbing their dogs' troubling habits - like constant barking, growling, chewing, jumping up, straining on the leash, rolling in do-do, ignoring commands, running away, soiling the carpet, and just plain manic behavior. The authors don't offer a magic bullet. They make it clear that if owners want to be the masters they need to be persistent trainers of their dogs. That takes tough, but gentle, love.
   2. The book provides clear, no nonsense techniques to get the job done. Some of these seem counter-intuitive to those of us who may think we can simply rely on innate "feelings" to train and care for our pets. But they are time-tested, and Ms. Ammen promises that they will work. Your dog is trainable. Being a pack animal, it actually seeks direction from someone (that would be you) who knows how to give it. The secret is communication.
   3. I was impressed by the book's upbeat tone. The joy and rewards of having a spirited dog comes through. It talks of the dog, as well as its owner, having fun, even during their training sessions.
   4. Ms. Ammen has owned many dogs, and she's found that once she has invested the time and energy in training them, the ones who started out "hyper" are usually the most fun to be around.
   5. The book also has a lot of other information about dogs, like how to teach them tricks, and how to get them used to a new dog, cat or baby, or to traveling, moving or visiting the vet. And there's plenty of things I didn't know, like:
   * "Come" is the most important command
   * Use the leash, not your hands, to correct bad behavior
   * It's not cruel to crate your dog: many dogs love their crates
   * Dogs need mental direction: physical exercise is not enough
   * Dogs don't experience shame or guilt, despite how they look
   * Repeating an unobeyed command doesn't reinforce it; it teaches the dog to ignore it
   * There are a number of books on doggie massage, but there's much more to winding down the hyper dog than massage.
   
   The book is very useful - even essential - if you have a hyper dog. And I'm thinking it will be a great gift for a friend of mine who's got one of those dogs.



2. I was disappointed. There were very few new obedience games or "attention exercises" within the book's pages. A lot of stuff anybody would already be doing with a hyper dog - throwing the ball, retrieving, walking the dog, throwing the ball up the carpeted stairs to tire out the dog... etc.
   The horseback riding suggestion was over the top. Please give me a break. How many people does this author think have access to a horse nor land to ride, nor a dog well-trained enough to follow along off-lead!?!?! Or even know how to ride? Crazy! If they did, they wouldn't have a hyper dog. I was appalled to see this as a viable solution. Rollerblading with your hyper dog I also found hard to swallow.
   Worth reading, but only a few chapters worthwhile or helpful.



3. I didn't gain a lot of useful information from this book. There are a couple of chapters that make the book worth buying.



4. Let me preface this by saying that I've been working with animals for about 10 years in varying capacities, including working as a sealion trainer, and I have done extensive reading of various training methods. In this book, I expected to find new ideas for training interesting games with my hyper dog. Instead, pretty much every training suggestion given in this book involved "jerking" the dog's leash if they didn't immediately comply with what was being asked. I have always worked with positive training methods, and continually yanking on my dog's throat just doesn't fall in with those methods. Because of their high energy, hyper dogs need even more patience to teach them productive and appropriate ways of using their energy, but instead of patience, the authors of this book recommend routinely punishing the dog for being hyper- exactly the dogs this book was written for.
   
   Sadly, this book was a total waste of my money, and I really can't recommend it for anyone. Thankfully, my dogs won't be subjected to the discomfort suggested by the authors of this book.



5. This manual is a great resource for any dog owner. It breaks down ideas into easy, understandable steps and will work if your dog has lots of energy or even if he/she doesn't. Great how-to photos and common sense manners training for a happy relationship with your best friend.

1 comments about Dog Training: Retrievers and Pointing Dogs (The Complete Hunter).

1. I received the book timely and it was what I wanted. Would use this supplier again.

5 comments about Introduction to Dog Agility.

1. I like the way it is written and the pictures to show what the author is talking about.
   
   Is helping both my dog and I as we start down the Agility Road.



2. If you're interested in competing, this is a very good book to get started with and to use in conjunction with agility classes. If, like me, you just want to know more about the sport and maybe do a bit of backyard agility with your dog for fun and to give her an occupation other than chewing everything in sight, then it's really too advanced!



3. It gives good instruction for teaching a dog the begining of Dog agility. It makes anyone feel as though you can understand and perform any of the tasks written and described. It also teaches all of the basics of the sport. Very informative.



4. I bought this book a 1 1/2 years ago because it was recommended by a local trainer and handler. It sat through my first little class of agility at the local Humane society. But, my dog loved Agility so much, I found a need to look further. What a great book for someone with little time to spend reading and a great deal of learning to be done with an active dog. It has helpful tip boxes. So, if like me, you don't read it by the chapter, but by need you get to what you are looking for fast. Clear easy language. The Contents pages are listed under concise titles and appendixes are straight forward and helpful. The equipment list for simple backyard stuff... I can actually build. The useful info on various National club's focus and their differences; and where to get more info... great stuff. Why write a review now... well, I am buying another book for a friend who is getting into agility and buying the next book too for me. And it's on sale...a bargain especially if you think how little time the class instructor has to instruct you on handling your dog.



5. I read this book a few times, and liked it. It has lots of pictures and does a good job explaining the obstacles. My dog appreciated to book too. She enjoyed learning the tricks and the time we spent together while we were training.

5 comments about Horse Health Care: A Step-By-Step Photographic Guide to Mastering Over 100 Horsekeeping Skills (Horsekeeping Skills Library).

1. This is a good basic book for beginners, but if you have any experience with horses at all it will be WAY to basic for you. it doesn't even mention colic! It should at least list the warning signs. The leg wrapping sections are useful, but really, does anyone really step by step instructions about how to put a blanket on a horse?



2. This is a great book for the new owner who hasn't been brought up aroung horses. It has great pictures and goes into a lot of detail about nutrition, vaccinations, illness/injury, age characteristics ect.



3. This is truly for a first-horse owner or someone who is leasing a horse and who wants to learn the basics of horse health care. I found several of the chapters useful for treatments that I needed to give for the first time, but there are other sections that aren't as practical and there is a lot of space devoted to black and white photographs, which are not too useful either as it's difficult to look for differences in texture or coloration that the text elaborates on. Having said this, for a true beginner it is an adequate foundation and would be appropriate for a younger rider/reader as well.



4. In my opinion, this book is not worth buying, unless you are truly a beginner. And even then, you will quickly outgrow this book. It contains practices that you can quickly pick up at the stable where your lessons are. To learn them from others at your stable will more likely help you, because it will be in more detail and you will watch someone do it.



5. Without Cherry Hill and her books with all the pictures I am sure I would have been panicking at every little scratch on my horses. She explains things so a non-horse person can understand without having to run to dictionaries or other horse reference books to look up her explaination. I buy all her books as I find them and enjoy her friendly way of writing. Thank you Cherry Hill for taking the time to make the explaination interesting and informative.