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

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 It has mistakes and much of the information is out of date.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 The discussion on classification is out of date as DNA studies have caused many changes to the whole sytem.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 Rat Terrier: A Comprehensive Owner's Guide (Kennel Club Dog Breed Series).

1. This book is great, and I would highly recommend it to any Rat Terrier owners or those looking to become one. I can tell that I am going to refer to it for a long time to come. The pictures are very helpful, and the book is well organized to find the information you need. Well worth the money!



2. It was helpful in overall content with plenty of supplimental pictures. it seemed to be written by quite a terrier expert and had tons of good advice (not full of Nylabone adds like reviews on other books). I was pleased and refer to it often.



3. I felt this book was very helpful in helping me decide on the Rat Terrier breed. It also helped me get prepare for the puppy and gave me ideas for training the puppy.



4. As a breeder, I own all of the available books, and this is by far the best book for new owners of Rat Terriers. Definitely worth the price it sells for at Amazon.



5. This book covers everything from training to raising and caring for your Rat Terrier. Well written. Is a book for anyone interested in Rat Terriers. Even goes into detail about the types of toys they like to play with.

5 comments about The Well Adjusted Dog: Canine Chiropractic Methods You Can Do.

1. As a show dog owner of an active dog that needed chiropractic care as a pup, I am pleased to know that I can now maintain my dog's health with maintenance adjustments. I have been able to avoid 7 hour round trips to a chiropractic veterinarian by using the simple techniques that Dr. Daniel Kamen illustrates in this book.
   
   Every serious pet owner and veterinarian should have this book.



2. I was disappointed by this book, and I'm still not exactly sure why. It was definitely informative, and did show several good methods for adjusting my dogs. But it assumed a lot of technical and anatomical knowledge that I'm sure the majority of potential readers does not have, and in fact even with my own fairly in-depth canine knowledge I felt uncomfortable with many of the techniques, especially the one that starts with a disclaimer about how risky it is, says "do not attempt this at home" and then goes right on to detail how to do it.
   
   I guess my impression was that the book was really written by a vet for other vets, under the guise of being aimed at the general public. There is a lot of soapboxing in it, too, about how vets aren't allowed to practice chiropractic and chiropractors aren't allowed to practice on animals... and while this, if still true, definitely sucks - I didn't buy the book to read about it!



3. This book has saved my dog's dignity on more than one occasion. There truly is nothing more gratifying than finding the trouble spot, based solely on observing my dog's behavior, and then being able to refer to this wonderful book for stretching and therapeutic techniques that allow my dog to feel wonderful, almost instantly. I have bought this book for at least 3 of my dog owning friends who swear by it.



4. Good, thorough explanation of chiropractic in relation to dogs. Good illustrations that help you understand the mechanism of the adjustment. As a chiropractor, I appreciate the detail Dr. Kamen goes into regarding adjustments; however, the typical dog owner may not be able to identify serious medical conditions that would be aggravated by performing a chiropractic adjustment versus a simple malalignment or "subluxation" that would respond very well. Good basic book to look at if you're thinking of taking your dog to an animal chiropractor. Great book to understand what it's all about and how your pet may benefit.



5. This book was chose to be on the prestigious 'DogRead' as a book selection of the month. We only do 12 books a year and this was August 2000. The author comes on line for the whole month to answer questions on the book. It was very well received by our 3000 member email group. The author was very knowledgeable and easy to understand even though also very in depth.

   treshell owner DogRead
   ...

4 comments about Dachshund (Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

1. This book is written by a vet and has a large amount of advice on health items. It starts out with feeding and then covers diseases and injuries and first aid. It also covers mental health issues such as how to potty train and also how to help social development. It gives advice for correcting bad behavior.
   
   There are many color photos of different types of the breed.



2. My fiance and I are considering getting a dachshund. Before committing ourselves financially, we wanted to know what we were getting ourselves into. We purchased this book along with Dachshunds for Dummies and I feel like both of these books gave us a great window into the lives of Doxie owners. Neither of these books are written generically so that the publisher can just insert the next breed name into the title and publish it. The information was very dachshund specific. This book is full of great info from personality quirks to grooming tips to how to show your doxie to what to look for in a vet. After reading this book, my fiance and I decided that now was not the best time to bring a dachshund into our home. We'll wait until the conditions will be ideal for both us AND the dog!! BUY THIS BOOK if you want to know about dachshunds!!!!!!



3. Straightforward insight and usefull directions into owning a Dachshund.
   
   The book has helped my entire family, especially my kids, understand and learn how to take care of our new pet.
   
   ¡¡¡Highly recommended!!!



4. An easily read and understood guide for the special cares and requirements of those most lovable of dogs, THE DACHSHUND. Succint, yet comprehensive and immediately of practical use. Every DOXIE owner should consider purchasing this book.

5 comments about Training Your Pet Rat (Training Your Pet Series).

1. I really enjoy this book & find it a very useful reference. Highly worth the price. Easy to read tone, with a lot of humor, while still telling you everything you need to know about pet rats. It covers all the basics of pet rat care as well as tips on training.



2. I found this book to be helpful for how to train your rats. It has different tricks and games, and is full of interesting advice. The author's voice is humourous while informative. While it is not a rat care book - I would get Debbie Ducommun's rat book for that - it also has information on looking after and caring for your rat though not as detailed. It's a must-have for those who are interested in training your rats and playing games with them.



3. I love it... haven't finished it yet but expect to soon. The half+ that I've already covered includes all the fine points of how to prepare for your new pet(s) and how to select them - GOOD advice! Now I'm at the fun part and am looking forward to implement the easy and straightforward ideas on training. In addition - it's a light read, sprinkled w/ humor... makes it even more enjoyable.



4. First page out, reminded us to get an aquarium not a wire cage to keep the babies from escaping!



5. I bought this hoping to learn more about the training of rats. It does have some on training. More than most books, however I would have liked more. For those beginners it also includes a very complete chapters on selection, care, housing and medical. I was dissapointed it didn't include anthing on litter-box training. I have heard some about litter-box training and believe it could be a usefull adition to this book. All in all a good care and maintance guide, with some ideas for training.

5 comments about Reef Secrets: Starting Right, Selecting Fishes & Invertebrates, Advanced Biotope Techniques.

1. What a great cut-to-the-chase reference for the reef hobiest. The selection guide is very helpful, especially if you are concerned about compatability or just want to develop a specific region in your own reef tank.



2. As a beginning reef aquarist, I enjoyed reading this book, but I am not sure it is a practical book for the novice.
   
   Some of the advice it gives seems designed for the advanced hobbiest who has little need for the book. For example, it advises no more than about a 10% water change each year. That is probably enough for an established, well-maintained aquarium in service for a couple of years already, but I doubt it is a regime suitable for someone just starting.
   
   The authors' advise seems to defy conventional wisdom in other areas. The suggested Ph paramaters, for example, vary from anything I have seen elsewhere. Perhaps that's why they are called reef "secrets". Or perhaps they are just "typos"
   
   Interestingly, the book presents a photo of what it bills as one of the finest amateur marine aquariums anywhere. I went on-line to learn more about that system and learned that the owner has a maintenance regime and water paramaters at odds with the recommendations in this book!
   
   Still, all in all, an enjoyable and well-informed read. It's just not a suitable "how to" book for most of us. On the other hand, the section at the end on species selection was very useful.



3. Very good for beginners. Covers all important topics. Very simple language, without technical jargon which is often overwhelming people who just starting with hobby. Very nice stocking guide and chapter about biotops which is not found often in similar position.
   
   I recommend it to anyone who thinks to start with reefkeeping hobby.



4. Loved it! Has some of the best reefing information available, without the over-technical mumbo jumbo! The stocking guide is excellent; just lacking on a few species.



5. One can appreciated the authors' long experience with marine aquaria who elegantly and with simple language explained larger biological concepts yet provide detailed instructions on how do to what and why. Very inspiring are the suggested biotopes that include among others "seagrass aquarium", "reef gorge aquarium", "pizza anemone aquarium", "rubble zone aquarium" as well as the standard reef tank. These are refreshing ideas that are needed with the current predominance of grocery store shelf-like stocked, overcrowded best-of-the-month SPS tanks. Also contains a comprehensive guide about most creatures possible in a reef tank and essentially makes e.g. Sprung's "Quick" guides unnecessary in one's library.

5 comments about The Pug Handbook (Barron's Pet Handbooks).

1. I have two pugs (11 and 2) This book is the BEST!



2. I found this book a good reference for taking care of pugs. With their little noses pugs use their paws a lot, much like cats to fell around. Their paws are sensitive. Generally pugs are good natured. Like all pure breeds they have their individual needs so this book is a good way to learn about them.



3. Our pug puppy was supposed to come 2 weeks later, then he showed up 24 hours later (long story). We bought this book on our 1st trip to the pet store with the dog in tow. Very helpful information about pug puppies, the history of the pug, grooming, etc etc. This book has helped me relax and feel confident that we are doing everything right for our puppy.



4. I can't say enough about this very informative Pug Handbook. It touches on everything you would ever want to know about pugs and more. This IS the book you want to get, most definitely, if you have a pug, or if you are thinking about getting a pug.
   Thank you Brenda Belmonte for taking the time, to care enough about our pugs, to write such an exceptional Pug Handbook.



5. Having been researching this breed for the past few months, I found this book to be the best. Just about every question you could have about this breed is covered in basic terms that are easy to understand.

   Of particular intrest was the chapter related to the health of the dog. I now feel I am more aware of the needs for pugs, and what type of problems to watch for.

   If you want to learn about pugs, this is a MUST.

5 comments about The Doberman Pinscher.

1. Excellent content but the photos are not the best. Most photos are in black and white. The information though is top notch. Would recommend this book highly for all!!!!!



2. Excellent book that gives a mostly objective overview of an amazing breed. Not the right book if your looking for a detailed training guide but can be helpful for someone researching their next pet.



3. Good, thorough history of the development of the breed. Great pictures. Could have gone into more detail on temperament.



4. This is a great book for any one who currently owns a doberman or is wanting to get a doberman. I highly recommend you read this book. It covers everything from training to proper diet to health care for the animal. It also gives you a nice history of the doberman, and the photos in the book are gorgeous. Yes I am a doberman lover and breeder, and after many years of searching for a good reference book I have found it, this is the one. It doesn't cover 100% everything, but it gives you a lot of pertinent and necessry information.



5. I found that this book has lots of descriptive pictures and answers all questions that I had about the breed. The book elaborates on thorough history of the breed, standards and care, including the care of an elderly Doberman. This is a very helpful handbook about the Doberman breed.

5 comments about Queen Must Die and Other Affairs of Bees and Men.

1. This author speaks to the scientist, philosopher and naturalist in all of us! My family bought this book to determine whether we wanted to start a beekeeping hobby but received much more from it. It's brilliant and not only guides and instructs but encourages one to reflect on the mysteries, miracles and humor in nature, one's own life and society. This is one author I'd love to invite to a dinner party!



2. What a great read about all things bees - and our interaction with them. I discovered this gem on a search at the library and recognizing it as the book frequently quoted in "The Secret Life of Bees", and thought it might be interesting. Well it was much more than interesting. Mr. Longwood presents his insights and information in a delightful, informal manner. Even if you have little interest in bees or their "affairs", you will still be entertained and enlightened. I highly recommend this book.



3. I found this book by chance and what a delight it is. This guy can really write! I have read many books about bees and beekeeping and this is one of the best--he brings the bees to life and clearly explains bee behavior, anatomy, etc. in vivid, entertaining prose. His observations are wide-ranging and generous. Highly recommended!



4. This delightful book was the inspiration I needed in deciding to take up the hobby of beekeeping. Mr. Longood has a kind way of bringing the yearly life of beekeeping to a warm and understandable level. I have taught beginer introductory beekeeping courses, and require this book as course reading.
   As president of the Maine State Beekeepers Association, I personally recommend this fine book.



5. I purchased this title after reading "The Secret Life of Bees," where it was liberally quoted at the beginning of each chapter. Wow! It's so good, I didn't want it to be over when I finished it.
   
   William Longgood offers lots of information about life and habits of honeybees, but also gives delightful insights into the intimate enjoyment of beekeeping. It is a great read -- highly recommended!