5 comments about Tug of War: Classical Versus "Modern" Dressage: Why Classical Training Works and How Incorrect Riding Negatively Affects Horses' Health.

1. I would that every rider, regardless of discipline, would read this book. It relates excellent information that goes against the grain of much commonly held training. Our horses would move with more freedom and pleasure and have long careers instead of early retirements. Well illustrated and explained. It's actually a quick read. The principles are simple and consistent. Very accessible.



2. This book is great for riders, judges, and anyone interested in the good of their horse. Pictures are very informative to show correct & incorrect riding, training.



3. There aren't enough superlatives to praise this book. It is a must read in my view for anyone who owns, rides, trains, or works with horses.



4. Horses are amazing animals so it is up to us as riders to be educated from all points of view. This book explains in extreme depth and anatomically why rollkur and other harsh methods do nothing for the horse except give them a pain in the neck, poor muscling and other problems. If you are sick of being told that "modern dressage" is the way to go then read and be educated, take a stand for your horse.



5. I refer to this book again and again. I am learning dressage to help my horse be strong and healthy and relaxed, and this book shows me what "right" looks like and what "wrong" looks like and why which is which. Interestingly, most of the "wrongs" show high level dressage horses, which reminded me to remain objective, and to not be impressed by "impressive show dressage horses/riders," but to look carefully at the movements and ask if that training builds up the horse or breaks it down. I learned a lot about conformation, too, in this book, and how much we can help our horses. And the "why" of right vs. wrong isn't explained with "because I said so" or sycophantic genuflection at "The Masters." It's explained clearly and anatomically, so that you can see how incorrect riding breaks down and hurts your horse, leading to lamenesses and injury and stress, and how thoughtful riding helps your horse AND your dressage scores. I am so glad to have this book -- as the one responsible for my horse's health, longevity and happiness, this book helps me take good common-sense care of her, even though I am not a vet and can't afford regular lessons/clinics with top trainers. Truly, finding this book is a relief. Now that I see the big picture, I can just practice and try to improve her body and mind with lots of gentle bending and better riding.

5 comments about How to Build Animal Housing: 60 Plans for Coops, Hutches, Barns, Sheds, Pens, Nestboxes, Feeders, Stanchions, and Much More.

1. This book is more for the professional builder then for the do it yourself. I would bother with this one unless you have the skills to build it.



2. I bought Carol's book about two years ago; now it's battered and ragged because it's been hauled around the farm so much, propped up on things as we use its designs to make new stuff. This is one of my all-time favorites. If you live on a small farm and you're a do-it-yourselfer, you NEED this book!



3. This book is absolutely fantastic for those who are just starting out. There are plans and pictures for every style and taste you may be searching for. It's easy to read...with great graphics.



4. As a hobby, I enjoy capturing wild animals and putting them in cages. But I am fairly new to this hobby, so I do not own many cages. This book has helped me learn how to build my own animal cages.
   
   As a child, I enjoyed going to the zoo. But something was always missing in the zoo experience. Now that I am an adult, and capturing my own wild animals, I feel more fulfilled.
   
   When I see an animal in a cage, it makes me feel important and powerful, especially if I'm the one who captured the animal.



5. This is a great book for ideas. It falls very short on important details.
   
   This book is about building animal shelters, but none of these plans
   have a listing of the parts needed. This is doubly important because
   these are complicated plans. I would like to build the rabbit house,
   but now I am having to approximate what I need. The author needs to
   remember that someone wanting to use this book might live 20 miles away
   from the hardware store.

5 comments about How to Think Like A Horse: The Essential Handbook for Understanding Why Horses Do What They Do.

1. Really liked this book, lots of helpful information, some things I already knew and some things didn't know or think of before.



2. The buyer of this book was so disappointed and appalled to see that the book was actually printed in China that he has refused to own it, nor to read it, and has returned the book.



3. Cheryl Hill is a new hero of mine. Her grasp of the equine species is tremendous and she has a beautiful and easy way of communicating her deep knowledge to us in this book. I now require all my children to read it (cover to cover) as it will help them understand why horses do what they do, and how, in our becoming better horsemen, we will bring out the amazing horse inside each one of ours. The layout is excellent, photography spectacular, and the format so easy to follow and read. Five stars for sure.



4. Not everything I have read so far in this book was new to me, but it is an excellent book nonetheless. I'd highly recommend it to new riders. It is also an easy enough read that young people would also enjoy it. I certainly would have loved it as a child (of course I read the dictionary and the encyclopoedia, too. . .:>).
   
   In my long history as an animal philanthropist (much to the dismay of my mother!), one of the most critical components of appropriate care is understanding the physiology, the mental processes and the inherent behavior of an animal, be it a gerbil, dog or hippopotmus--no, I never had one of these. This book presents all of that and more on horses. It is also written in an engaging style, which makes the information more interesting than it could have been.
   
   Highly recommended.



5. Excellant book a must have for any horse owner. Right on the money and greatly priced. Highly recommend this book for any horse person.

5 comments about For Every Dog an Angel.

1. I purchased this book for a friend who had just lost her beloved dog. I took the opportunity to read it before sending it to her and instantly fell in love with it. What a wonderful, comforting book for anyone whether they be a child or adult. It gives us all hope that there really is a special place for our pets after they have passed on.



2. I was told about this book when I was in a group for dog lovers whose animals had cushings disease which is a serious disease that can be ultimately fatal. Many of the dog owners told of the way it was written so simply and yet stated the obvious that if you love your dog or any animal that you want to know you will see them again in the next life and that they will be watched over by an angel till that time. That is what I was concerned about that my beloved dog Rags would be alone and scared but then again when they go to dog heaven as I call it and not the rainbow bridge I believe that they are well again and having fun with all the other animals that have preceeded them in death. This book makes you feel better if that is possible and I recommend it for anyone. I have a copy and when my friends dog died recently I sent a copy to her and she loved it. Cried but loved it.. So buy the book and keep a copy for any other animal lovers you are close to. It is not a depressing book but one that will give you hope at a time that you might not think there is hope. In my case my dog was truly a mommys boy and so I missed him far more then my husband did and so this book was the comfort to me that I needed and I read it time and again. So try it and see...!!!!



3. I found my "Forever Dog". His name was Bruno and I lost him on December 20th, 2007. That day was the worst day ever. I can not even begin to describe the loss that I feel. This book and others like it, give me hope that I will see him again...that we'll be reunited forever. I just have to wait. This book came at a critical time and helped to give me some peace. I'd recommend this book to anyone having lost a beloved pet...but mostly to anyone who had to say goodbye to their Forever Pet. Know that you will be together again... Trust in that. It helps a bit.



4. This is great for young or old. My sister recently lost a special pup, and found this very helpful. Her husband, who lost a dog in his childhood and never let himself get close to another animal, read the book and is finally starting his healing process. Especially like the part that says it is ok to share your love with another pet. All very positive, very sensitive, very intuitive to the feelings that accompany such a great loss.



5. For Every Dog An Angel is a deeply moving and heart touching book for anyone who has ever lost their "one in a million" best friend. I really did cry deeply the first time I read it and I found the words to be quite healing and comforting for me. I am so thankful I found this wonderfully written book and highly recommend it to anyone looking for comfort and healing in the loss of their pet.

5 comments about What Your Horse Wants You to Know: What Horses' "Bad" Behavior Means, and How to Correct It.

1. I really enjoyed the book. I am a new horse owner and found the book to be very helpful.



2. Very good reference book. Author presents from the horse's point of view which is how the title reads. As usual, however, the one problem that my hose developed is missing. But that may be expected since horses don't often read.



3. Whether you're a beginning horse trainer or more advanced, and no matter what kind of training you are into, this important reference guide will teach you to communicate with your horse.



4. Gincy has provided a wonderful resource for all horse owners whether beginners or seasoned experts. No matter what discipline you are involved with, this book will become a favourite. It applies to horses beginning their education as well as seasoned competitors, ridden or driven, and just much loved family pets.
   
   The basis for all relationships with our horses is communication. Gincy explains clearly how to read what your horse is saying to you and how to clearly communicate your instructions to him.
   
   This book, like Gincy's others, is full of Gincy's very perceptive insights into equine behavior and motivation. At the same time, she generously cites highlights from the work of other successful trainers and instructors. She totally understands and loves her subject. She isolates each 'problem' or unwanted behavior, explains what it means and not only tells us how to change it but also what not to do.
   
   For the beginner, this book provides a ready reference to cover hundreds of situations that arise in our day to day association with our horse or pony. For the experienced horse person, it is a compendium of knowledge that is so far unequaled in training literature.
   
   Aside from all that, it is an entertaining read.
   
   Jessie and ponies



5. A good read, in dot point form. Good as a quick reference or a long read.

5 comments about Real Food for Dogs: 50 Vet-Approved Recipes to Please the Canine Gastronome.

1. Simply stated, dogs are carnivores. They would never eat rice or wheat or cheese{!} in the wild. I advocate for home made diets but not anything with grains. You could be making your dog just as sick. Don't feed grains!



2. Finally, a decent book on real food for dogs! It is a good start on the proper way to feed your dog meat and veggies. Within a week, my dogs stopped scratching from the alergies from dog food. I recommend this book to anyone who wants real food for their pets.



3. This book isn't exactly what I thought it would be...its really just a cookbook. It has some basic and some complex recipes - most of which would be for special occasions or maybe doable if your only cooking for small dogs (that don't eat that much)(I have 2 big dogs and most of these recipes are not feasible on a budget.) There are a few tips about dog health and nutrition but this is not a good guide for that. I recomend you use it as a cookbook companion to "The nature of animal healing."



4. It has some good recipes, but I thought a lot of the serving sizes were way too big. I ended up throwing away much of what I made. I use the book more of as a starting point and add/remove things.
   
   Many of the recipes you can find online for free.



5. This book was a total waste of time and money. Information is the same in hundreds of books and articles. Nothing new here except a cute cover.

5 comments about Puppy Whisperer: A Compassionate, Non Violent Guide to Early Training and Care.

1. I loved this book. It is very helpful and easy to read. I highly recommend it!



2. This book is it! Five stars quality!
   We got "The Puppy Whisperer" with the hope of getting an overall guide to training our new puppy full of energy. We were amazed at how detailed and full of great advice this book is. Paul Owens explains the bare bones of dog training technique while maintaining a style full of warmth and compassion which makes for a perfect combination helping to train the puppy to be an obedient and loving companion.
   Definitely recommended for people who want an easy to use tool and a serious method.
   Ruy Folguera



3. I am not a professional dog trainer and found this book to be very helpful in dealing with some basic behavioral issues I have been having with my goldendoodle. It gives good direct instructions on how to deal with specific problems. It is far better than a few other books I have read rectently, but you may want to look at "Puppy Perfect" by Sarah Hodgson as some of its training methods seemed more practical than this one.



4. I thought that the book was very good. I have been using the training guides on our new puppys. It is a slow process but we are getting there.
   So I guess you can say we are a work in process.
   I know you will enjoy this book very much.And has some very helpful advise on working with your dog.
   When I have a problem I refer back to it often.
   Kathleen



5. The Puppy Whisperer is the only book you need to raise a happy, well-adjusted and well-trained puppy. Paul and Terry have made this book so simple and easy to follow. They take you step by step through the whole "Puppy Experience" from selecting the right pup for your lifestyle, setting up your household, choosing and training the behaviors you want your dog to exhibit, problem-solving and health, safety and nutrition issues. The best part is that Paul's methods come from a place of compassion, understanding and kindness. There's no yelling, harsh corrections or nasty choke chains- just basic common sense. This book makes it so easy to help you help your puppy become the dog you've always wanted. I highly recommend The Puppy Whisperer and the Dog Whisperer.

5 comments about Divine Canine: The Monks' Way to a Happy, Obedient Dog.

1. I was having sushi with a good friend and we were discussing pets and the difference between dogs and cats. Being a cat lover from the time I can remember I was not too interested in hearing about dogs, who I perceived as basically big dirty dumb animals. My friend had a different take; she said, "cats are nature's serial killers, but dogs were put here to teach us how to love."
   
   When my husband and I moved to the Caribbean I brought three cats over with me. One night a local stray dog, a "potcake" as we say, came to visit. "Don't feed it!", I yelled, "or it will keep coming back!" Well, he did feed her and she did come back and now we have no cats but are the proud owner of a 65 pound potcake named Smiley (the best dog in the world). Hmmm....
   
   She came housebroken and relatively social, but liked to run off, was overprotective, and did not play well with other dogs. Luckily I found a great dog trainer and groomer, and Smiley entered doggie day care with training and socialization. Our trainer, as it turned out, used the principles taught by The Monks of New Skete. An Eastern Orthodox order based in Cambridge, New York, the monks train dogs as part of their "monastic witness. For example, since we live on land that is steep and rocky, it is totally unsuitable for farming. This reality led us to begin breeding German Shepherd Dogs early on, and boarding and training dogs of all breeds." The Monks also train dogs and their owners to lead happier, more productive lives together.
   
   Their latest book, Divine Canine: The Monks' Way to a Happy, Obedient Dog, is a clear and easy-to-understand guide to training "difficult" dogs using the examples of actual clients. This is a beautiful book with color photos of the dogs, owners, and Brother Christopher. We see the dogs misbehaving and behaving with clear explanations of how they walked the path. The book is grounded in the monks sense that relationships with dogs help deepen our relationships with God. "God speaks to us through our dogs -- indeed through all life -- and woe to us if we're deaf to that voice."
   
   Divine Canine is organized around the five basic obedience commands: Sit, Stay, Heel, Down, and Come. Each dog story focuses on how teaching the dog these basic commands leads ultimately to a calmer, happier dog and therefore calmer, happier humans. So we watch as Tessie the mini bull terrier with obedience issues learns that she is not the "alpha" of the family and must listen, as Hugo the bulldog learns to not jump up, and as Boomer the rottweiler mix learns that aggression will not be tolerated and is not necessary. But what we also learn is what we as humans must give to the dog -human relationship; what our companion dogs should expect from us.
   
   While all of the Monks' dog books are wonderful, I especially enjoyed The Monks' Way to a Happy, Obedient Dog because of the personal stories. We see the good, bad, and the ugly when it comes to the dogs and their owners and learn about ourselves as much as about our pets.



2. I raise puppies for a guide dog school and I also teach other raisers how to train their dogs. I always suggest any books by the Monks of New Skete. They teach love and consistency, exactly what a puppy needs.



3. This is the 3rd book I have purchased from the books authored by the monks of New Skete,and I continue to be amazed at their incredible insight into the world of training dogs.
   
   Having read the first 2 books,, I felt it time to re -read them due to the fact that I am obtaining a new labrador puppy.
   Unlike many of the other how to train books this book offers more details on training dogs which will help me key in more to the personality of my dog, and the relationship I hope to be building with him ~ and that is ultimately,,,,,to help him to achieve what he was born to achieve.
   There are many authors and trainers that give little credence to the visual part of training ,and do not have much to offer about the fact that dogs do indeed have different personalities.
   
   I am also of the school of thought that I do not want to offer treats to train, but rather train my dog and offer praise from ME,,,(his owner)~ I think that bonding the relationship a lot better without food even tho the trainer I have worked with before is very food oriented.
   I need to train my dog to come when called,, an example would be to STOP him from a potentially bad situation( we live on a counrty road) and I may not happen to have a treat in my pocket at that time! Praise can be easily given instead.
   
   I used to enjoy watching " The Dog Whisperer",,,and ,,,not to say that his techniques are all wrong, but I feel there is a HUGE difference in the training techniques AND relationship techniques that occour during training ( or re training ) of a dog.
   
   I prefer the New Skete method ~ it worked very well on my last labrador so I can say that their method is good without doubt.
   ( and, we had a great dog/owner relationship~ with lots of visual contact!)
   
   This book offers examples of dogs that are older , have problems, and need to be re-trained~
   Each has a unique personality or something they must get past, so for me,,,,,seeing the fact that they try hard to re- think ways of working with those dogs is a huge help. There may be a time I may have to do this myself.
   The last section of this beautifully photographed book ,has a nice section on basic dog training,, but I would advise any owner to get their other books as well, as there is a lot more involved in those books( that go into lots of detail) which can really help the owner and dog achieve goals they have set before them.
   I will be taking my dog in for obedience classes as soon as I can,, and I plan to continue as long as it takes to get the Canine Good Citizen certification.
   My lab will grow to be about 80 lbs or so , therefore all the more reason to be well schooled in obedience as we have small children over to our home all the time. (In other words, I probably will want my dog on a down stay for a bit of time unil all the excitement is over~ and THEN let puppy mingle with the toddlers while I watch)
   That said, I believe all dogs, large or small, should be obedience trained irregardless of their size.
   I look forward to more books authored by these remarkable trainers and while other big name trainers ( re-trainers actually) have made it big on the TV circuit, these monks do what they do for the sheer love of the animal. This is evident throughtout the entire book.
   This is a lovely book, and I plan to buy one of their hardcover books to place on my coffee table next.



4. Brother Christopher and the Monks of New Skete pay homage to the dogs who are thought by their owners to be disobedient, stubborn, or unruly. Perhaps it is the slower pace the brothers enjoy in their rustic, secluded setting. Where they not only listen to the voice of God, but they listen to the needs of the many dogs who come under their care.
   
   Using only a firm hand and voice or hand commands, Brother Christopher begins an intensive four week training course with the newest arrivals to New Skete. With apprehensive owners needing to be comforted as they release their companions into the brother's care there is quite a bit of chaos on the arrival day, for this normally quiet setting.
   
   The training method is simple. Understand the pack dynamics. Treat every dog with the respect and love and start building a relationship towards understanding and communication. With vibrant photographs of not only the visiting dogs, but also of the breeding dogs of New Skete (German Shepherds). Divine Canine walks you step by step through the process of their proven training by presenting each dog in a case-by-case matter.
   
   Exercise is important, basic obedience a must and respect for these creatures are essential in order to channel the highly energetic and sometimes spoiled dogs that arrive for training. Interspersed between the training sessions are references and more gorgeous photographs of the German Shepherds the Brothers raise. The sale of the puppies helps to fund the Brothers way of life and their charitable causes.
   
   Brother Christopher writes: "We are sometimes asked what sets us apart as trainers and breeders and why we do it in the first place. The answer may sound simple, but it is the very essence of all we are about. We look for the divine in all God's creatures. We are here, we believe, to find and foster this awareness in all of us."
   
   Thank God for the Brothers of New Skete and the inspiration behind putting this wonderful book together.
   
   their website http://www.newsketemonks.com/



5. A good book for understanding your dog even if he is perfect. Learn loving discipline that is geared to the nature of our beloved pets. Easy to understand and a joy to read for any dog lover.

5 comments about When Pigs Fly!: Training Success with Impossible Dogs.

1. Bought this cuz I loved the title. Has some really good ideas and helped in many ways.



2. I LOVE THIS BOOK! It was given to me from a friend that knew I was having "issues" with training my Italian Greyhounds. I read through the whole book the day I got it. Started the basics the next day. I love Janes' style of writing; found it to be entertaining and was pleased that she made it easy to understand the way your dog thinks and also gives examples. I'm only on day 3 of powering up the clicker, but the dogs are loving it! I am looking forward to getting further into the exercises and having fun with my dogs.



3. When Pigs Fly could describe many people's experiences in training their dogs. Certainly, it was mine trying to train my Elkhounds. Then I came across this awesome book. Jane Killion's warm, witty and right on descriptions explain why her method of clicker training works so well with "impossible dogs". The methods she uses are humane; no yelling, poking fingers, hissing or jerking of collars. And... it works! Your impossible dog (like mine) will be a social asset when you've accomplished your goals using Jane's methods. Try it! Its fun! You'll like it... and so will your dog.



4. I bought this book because I am the owner of a "non biddable" dog, a terrier. I train for obedience and the techniques used in the book are great for this kinds of dogs. I see such a difference in the attitude of my dog since using the methods described in this book. Excellent book for those training their "difficult" dogs for performance events!



5. I've read about a thousand training books, some really good, but none good enough to inspire me to write a review. Until this one. I'm raising my first Pigs Fly dog, and even though I'd read a lot about positive training techniques and nothing in this book is really new to me, the focus on this KIND of dog is so helpful. Over and over again Killion would write "I bet your dog does this," or "I bet you've had a hard time training that," and I would think "Yes! That's totally my dog! Someone understands!" Killion leaves out the stuff that doesn't work on these dogs (any approach that relies on their desire to please you, since that's not a huge motivation for them), which helps to avoid the frustration of trying that stuff and failing. She really emphasizes how to figure out what does motivate them (and why) and work with that. The result is effective, but more than that, it's an attitude readjustment. Instead of having a dog who "just doesn't get it," I now have a dog who works differently from my previous ones, and the tools to figure out how he works, and the ability to appreciate his creativity and sense of humor and independence so much more fully now that I'm not fighting them all the time. This book brought a whole new level of harmony and enthusiasm to my relationship with my crazy new coonhound-mix puppy, and we can't thank Jane Killion enough for that.

5 comments about The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health: The complete pet health resource for your dog, cat, horse or other pets - in everyday language..

1. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMEND THIS BOOK FOR ANY PET OWNER OR LOVER. VERY INSIGHTFUL AND EASY TO FOLLOW FOR THE AVERAGE PERSON WITHOUT A CARRIER IN THE MEDICAL FIELD.



2. A book that should be in the library of every pet owner and pet lover: The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health is an outstanding resource. Written by veterinarians and animal health specialists, the book is still aimed at the public at large. It's easy to understand and also easy to find information quickly.
   
   The book covers health issues in common and exotic pets, but there are also some unusual and interesting special subjects. I found the chapter on diseases spread from animals to people (zoonoses) fascinating because I like this sort of off the wall stuff.
   
   Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health is a book I will keep handy and will refer to often for the well being of my pets.



3. I'm a college pre-vet student and I bought this because I figured it would be a great resource both for class and at home. Used it many times when family has questions and it has proved very valuable for school work. Great Manual, tons of info from dogs to sugar gliders,easy to use, highly recommend



4. This is a great book for pet owners who are interested in their pet's health. It is easy to follow, and once you start reading it, it's difficult to put down.



5. This book is a long time in coming. I have always had the "official" copy of the Merck Veterinarian Manual and refer to it often. But this book is really good for the layman who wants to understand what is going on with their pet, and doesn't have the time to figure out the medical jargon in the "big book." Very thorough and all inclusive. An excellent resource and must have for people who have animals.