5 comments about The Beginner's Guide to Dog Agility.

1. We bought this book on the suggestion of an agility dog trainer that we met at an agility trial. This book gives you all the ins and outs to dog agility as well as great training tips. I also loved all the color pictures showing dogs in action. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in getting into dog agility.



2. A very easy to understand book for the beginner written in plain english. Plenty of highlighted boxes and tables to explain key points.
   
   The book gives you information on each obstacle as well as how events are run and what to do if you want to enter an event.
   
   There is also a chapter on etiquette that a lot more people need to read!



3. This is a great first book for people who want to learn how to do agility with their dogs. It is insightful, thoughtful and thorough. The author writes as though she is talking to a real person. You can tell she really enjoys working with her dogs and sharing the world of agility with others.



4. I have a little toy poodle who seems to fit the bill for an agility dog. Even his caveat about poodles having a sense of humor and doing the unexpected in the show ring is right on the mark.
   
   We bought this book just for something to have fun with our poodle with. We're going to set up a little agility ring in the backyard to channel some of this pup's energy.



5. Easy to use book for getting started with agility.Nice tips for building your own course rather than spending hundreds on pre made. I would definately recommend it.

5 comments about The Everything Dog Training and Tricks Book.

1. I was disappointed with the content of this book. I expected a step by step how to book based on the title. I subsequently ordered a book by Cesar Milan - dog whisperer, but still no how to tips.



2. This book was just ok. very boring. Uses clicker training throughout the entire book. Does not give any alternative methods. Not the best book.



3. What a fun book! It is what it says "the everything dog training and tricks book"--I wish they'd make a DVD showing how to do it also.
   
   Although, the way the tricks are broken down into steps make them very easy to do, so good book--doggies, it's play time!



4. This is the book to have. Very complete, lots and lots of good information.



5. This is a wonderful book full of great information.
   
   The author begins by giving instruction on basic dog behavior and how to work WITH the dog to train them. Then she teaches you how to train the dog to have basic "good manners".
   
   The next section is on teaching many different kinds of tricks - from easy "kindergarten tricks" to retrieving tricks to advanced tricks to "go put this in the trash!" and everything in between. She gives very clear step by step instructions on how to train the dog to do each of these tricks.
   
   The last 60-70% of the book deals with behavior problems and how to correct them. While this section is lacking in many other "how to train your dog" books, it is actually the most important information contained in the whole volume. Unless an owner can teach their dog not to engage in destructive or aggressive behaviors, it isn't going to matter whether the dog can sit on command or not - the owner is still going to be unhappy. She includes a wealth of tips and ideas for helping with all the common behavior problems.
   
   This lady really knows her dogs. In addition, her writing style is engaging and easy to read - very enjoyable. I've read a ton of dog training books and I think this one is by far the best and most practical. You won't regret buying this book!

5 comments about Canine Body Language: A Photographic Guide Interpreting the Native Language of the Domestic Dog.

1. I used Aloff's pictures and descriptions of dog body language to try to understand an adopted dog that I thought was showing signs of owner-directed aggression. He wasn't. He was trying to tell me a lot, but I hadn't understood it. After I studied the book, I changed my reactions and behaviors. We developed a very good and positive relationship. He "mellowed" according to other people. Actually, I think he finally felt that he belonged in this strange human pack. A very helpful and interesting book for anyone who deals with dogs.



2. Good, but could be a lot more professionally written and photographed for the price. The quality of the photos is only very average. The explanations for each picture are at times too brief leaving the reader a bit confused. For example, I found it frustrating to be told some behavior is a displacement signal or a negotiation signal, but not define what the author means by the term displacement, etc. I was rather disappointed in this book.



3. I originally borrowed this book from the library and quickly realized it is a book that I should own. The book is full of photographs detailing the body language of dogs. As one who fosters dogs, I found this information helpful and worth having on hand. I have also purchased Turid Rugaas's book on Calming Signals but would suggest that if a person is only going to get one book, that they get CANINE BODY LANGUAGE because it does a good job of covering the calming signals as well.



4. I love learning new things about my dogs, and this book taught me a lot!



5. We rescued an abused Great Dane puppy 3-4 months ago. She had been mistreated by 2 females in her short 6 month life, so she hated women. Within a month, I had been to the local ER twice with dog bites(not puppy mouthing, but snarl/lunge/attack bites). A behaviorist recommended this book as a way to identify the triggers and expressions that would tell me that the pup's very low fear aggression threshold was about to be crossed. With knowledge from this book along with many exercises and activities, the pup, now 85 lbs. is starting to calm down. This book has probably saved her life as we had to get her volatile and frenzied behaviors under control before she gained another 50 lbs.
   
   A must read for all dog owners. Now we feel sad about how previous pups had communicated with us, and we were too dumb to catch the messages they were sending!

5 comments about Chicken Coops: 45 Building Plans for Housing Your Flock.

1. I agree, a waste of money. There are no plans in this book, some lovely photos at the back and some pencil drawings of the coops, but no actual building plans and no list of materials. If you are already an experienced builder - no problem. If not, don't waste your money. Oh, there is a web site listed to have the plans and materials list for one of the coops mailed to you - that will cost $35.00.



2. Very useful and I think I can do it myself now! Loved the color pictures also.



3. This book is just a collection of photos of oddball chicken coops. Very little useful information (or plans!) about what factors to consider when designing and building your own. Barnyard in Your BackyardBarnyard in Your Backyard: A Beginner's Guide to Raising Chickens, Ducks, Geese, Rabbits, Goats, Sheep, and Cows has much better information.



4. We just received our copy of Judy Pangman's book. I was hesitant about ordering it after reading the reviews, but because there were some good ones in the mix I figured I'd take a chance. While I agree that it lacks the formal plans that the title seems to promise, it does include photos, sketches and dimensions, and offers a lot of interesting ideas, often with diagrams, for a variety of poultry-keeping needs.
   
   Most people who raise poultry would not choose a chicken coop as their first carpentry project anyway, and the book assumes a certain level of expertise and of comfort with tools, materials, and knowledge of the ways that floors, walls, and rafters go together. We've built numerous sheds and outbuildings so we're comfortable melding concepts from several styles to tailor a coop - or any other structure - to our own needs. But we have lived on our place for many years, have a typical repository of building supplies, new and used, and this book is perfect for people like us. If the reader is in his or her twenties and lacks both the experience and the treasure trove of raw materials it might be a different story.
   
   Except for the confusion over the word "plans" in the title, which seems to have bothered a lot of readers, I would have awarded this five stars.



5. Hmm...
   I'm not sure why all the sour grapes from so many reviewers. Did they not bother to read the reviews and book description before purchasing?
   
   This is a nice book for the person dreaming or scheming about building a chicken coop, chicken tractor, or many other types of housing. From the simple/primitive to the fancy/whimsical, this book is designed to spark the imagination. It doesn't have construction plans, just shows many designs and APPROACHES to housing poultry.
   
   What it tries to do it does very well!

5 comments about The Only Dog Tricks Book You'll Ever Need: Impress Friends, Family--and Other Dogs!.

1. Book in perfect shape. Arrived in very timely manor. Thank you for your great service.



2. It is definitely for beginners. The authors explains every detail about everything so you will be succesful in teaching which tricks you want and doing it correctly and efficiently. It displays a few pictures of dogs performing the tricks but its not a visual book, but more of a guide book that you have to read most of to understand who to do things properly. All in all its an amazing book if you want to teach your dog great, fun things.



3. I've purchased many dog behavior and trick books over the years. This little gem is definitely the best trick book. My golden and I have had many great times learning some of the tricks. Easy to follow and the progressive technique makes great sense. I'm amazed at how fast he can learn following the simple directions. Patience and consistency as always is the key.



4. This is a very good book. It has may good points about tricks and teaching your dog.



5. This was a great book. Easy to follow steps. Needs more pictures. A DVD to go along with it would be better.

5 comments about Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.

1. I agree with another reviewer --- I rarely classify anything as "must have" but this book should be owned by every dog owner. It has saved us a great deal of money over the years, calmed our nerves, and also sent us to the emergency clinic in time to save a life.



2. After my puppy getting sick for the first time, I was in a rush to get a medical book or two to have on hand. This was an excellent choice. It has so many topics.



3. This would be the best home owners dog book I have read. Friends have read it and also and agree.It will give them peace of mind when they are not sure what is going on with their dog and when to take them to the vet and possibly save their dogs life. I have no hesitation in recommending this book to all dog owners.



4. A must have for all dog owners!!!!!! Don't wait to get this book - your dog's health may depend on it.



5. I have been looking for a book of this type for sometime.
   It is easily referenced, and the terminology is very understandable.
   Pictures are placed in the right areas, so it does not become confusing,
   esp. if there really is an emergency.

5 comments about Animal Reiki: Using Energy to Heal the Animals in Your Life.

1. Excellent book, exactly what I thought it would be. Lots of help for anyone, basic and easy to follow.



2. Animal Reiki: Using Energy to Heal the Animals in Your Life
   I am only half way throught the book,but find it very interesting.I used some of the information on a relative's dog and he really did respond to the energy.I like the little side stories about the animals Elizabeth and Kathleen have treated.
   I recommend this book.



3. This is a valuable book for any Reiki practitioner who wants to learn more about helping animals to heal.



4. Another excellent book by Elizabeth Fulton,and fellow emapth! She is very knowledge and full of wisdom as a psychic healer for the animals. This is my second book of her's,and most easy to fellow and understand. I talked with her few times,and felt her loving energy,pure in heart. She is Always in my heart the BEST!



5. Not what I expected. I wanted a hands-on instruction book. This is a nice story book. I would not recommend this as a "techniques" book.

5 comments about Good Dog. Stay..

1. This is a 45 minute short story about Anna's dog, Beau. I am not a fan of animal stories as they usually either end up getting hurt or dying. The same is true in this one. It is the life story of Beau and as all life stories, the end is death. That brings tears to me which is why I don't like these types of stories.
   
   I believe Anna wrote this as a way to heal from her lost of Beau more than trying to tell a readable story. This is not to say the story doesn't make sense. It does. I just hear in Anna's own words how much she and her family cared for Beau and how much his loss meant to them.
   
   As with all stories, there are the good times and the "bad dog" times, laughs and tears and general day-to-day life. If you want to hear about a good dog's life, this CD will provide that.



2. I bought this book for my husband as part of the grieving process after our 14-year-old black lab died. I expected Anna Quindlen's usual wisdom and frankly I was disappointed. The text was very short; not enough in quantity or quality to justify a book in my opinion. Worse, every page featured those awful cutesy stockhouse dog photos that seem the antithesis of the honest and straight style I expected based on reading her wise columns in the NY Times for many years. The book came across as a celebrity milking something very thin for some extra cash. Come on, Anna, you can do a lot better than this!



3. I think she is such a wonderful author and love her books. This was yet another treasure.



4. Loved this book - sounded just like what we went through with our yellow lab. Quick read - heartwarming.



5. The daycare I take my lab to recommended this book in a newsletter. This is a book that all dog lovers/owners should read. It's a great book to pick up for a quick coffee break read. I'd recommend it as a great gift for the dog lovers in your life.

5 comments about Redemption: The Myth of Pet Overpopulation and the No Kill Revolution in America.

1. I am on the board for an animal shelter and I have had the sense that something was wrong in the way my questions and suggestions have been responded to. This book address everything, and has set off a domino effect in my thinking. Thank you Nathan for your courage and conviction. I will do all I can to ensure our board implements your No Kill blueprint.



2. This book is absolutely shocking! Every page I turn, I ask why?! What can I do? How an I stop this? Thank you, Nathan Winograd for opening my eyes!



3. I have always personally been appalled at the Kill ratio in shelters, but didn't realize how easy it is to fix the situation. I am disgusted at how PETA and HSUS believes that killing animals in shelters is "more humane" than placing them in homes. This book was an eye-opener for me, and I will definately STOP giving my money to HSUS and volunteering at kill shelters. I can't wait until the day when I can open a No Kill Shelter of my own, where each and every animal will be treated the same, not shelled out to the back to be killed because they weren't loved enough by their previous owners.



4. This book blew me away. Just understanding the history alone blew me away. We were trying to get a no kill shelter in our community in Palm Beach County. A bunch of us sent this book to our commissioners to no avail. Mine is long gone-lent to a friend who lent it to a friend. This book is totally inspirational to anyone who rescues. learn the truth -then put together a community



5. Formerly the director of a Humane Society this book is a must read for EVERY single dog and cat lover and anyone who supports their local shelter. We can and must change the way we approach our unwanted pet population in this world. This book can change the mindset in the US; that we have no option but to kill millions of healthy animals a year. We have long attached the blame for our actions onto the "irresponsibile public." It is time that we who take the lives of animals and the millions of supports of these so called "humane" socities, shelters, etc., take full responsibility for our actions -- stop the killing and work for change. There is no difference between the person that sticks the needle into the animal and the person who gives the money to buy the drug that goes into the needle, that goes into and kills the animal. People need to realize that when you donate to your local humane society or shelter that you are helping to kill more animals than you are saving (unless you are the fortunate few that has a no kill for space shelter). This book is a blue print for change and an inspiration for a new future for millions of animals in this country. READ IT AND GO TO WORK. STOP GIVING MONEY TO KILL AND START FINDING WAYS TO SAVE. There are millions of pet owners and lovers in this country. We can do this!!! Read the book and take action.

5 comments about The Dangerous Book for Dogs: A Parody by Rex and Sparky.

1. This book is an endless source of levity and promotes enough loud laughter to scare your dog out of the room! It's so great I've already gotten 3 other folks hooked on it.
   
   My husband and I were reading one of these stories aloud the other day - the one about "How to Make Your Owner Look Like an Idiot" while Scottie slept at our feet. Or so we thought he was sleeping. The next day on his walk, Scottie executed the instructions from the book to a 'T', thus turning both of us into - well, startled and laughing - but idiots nonetheless! Read page 119 for the full story, but read it silently. They listen to this book and you might be the next victim!!!
   
   Priceless. Don't think twice -- I recommend to buy it now!



2. This dog is great for the canine looking to break free of the urban lifestyle and reconnect with his or her roots. Few dogs know of the rich oral traditions and ancient culture of mans best friend. Get this book if you need reassurance that you are a good dog and those feelings you have about the cat are completely natural.



3. The first dangerous thing about this book is that it WILL make you laugh out loud, which will cause other "humans" to think you might indeed be crazy. But what difference does that really make? Your dog already knows you're crazy. Probably the most dangerous thing about this book is that it's true. Any dog owner will adore this read as they see hints of themselves in the vivid descriptions within its pages. But don't say you haven't been warned. After reading this book you may find yourself watching your best friend just a little bit closer.



4. We love it, can't find enough copies to send to everyone in the family! I'd heard of the books for girls and boys, but this one is too funny. We have 11 month old pups, and believe me, they've already read it. I especially love the question and answer chapter, "who's a good boy"? Yes, if you want to understand your best friend, check out this quick read. No kids required, just the love of a good canine.



5. I gave this to my son for Christmas, who is an animal lover, and he really enojyed it very much.