5 comments about The Healthy Bird Cookbook: A Lifesaving Nutritional Guide and Recipe Collection.

1. This book taught me a lot about bird nutrition. I own three different parrots with three different nutritional needs and this book described each and helped me pick those recipes that will take care of them. I learned which fruits and veggies have the proper vitamins needed for each.
   
   I have tried several recipes at the time of this review and they did not fail to please at least one of my birds. I plan on trying many more and then I plan on foing back and altering some of the others to please the tastes of my clan.
   
   This book is a must if you want your bird to have a great and healthy life.



2. We raise and sell parrots and every baby goes home with this book. I think it is a wonderful book and very educational with lots of great recipes. I have had the opportunity to meet Robin and she is a great lady that has done a wonderful thing with this book! Thanks Robin!!! From the birdies at Jolley Feathers.



3. My Senegal has enjoyed the foods made from this book. I feel I'm finally giving him the nutrition he needs to stay healthy.
   We've been having problems with feather picking and when we ruled out exercise, toys, humidity and attention deficits one of the last things we could attribute it to was diet. Since I've started to make him varied foods from this book I've noticed a distinct change in his attitude and energy level...he just seems happier. Guess I would be too if I didn't have to eat the same thing everyday.
   
   Anyway, thanks to the author for thinking these recipes up.



4. I thought this was going to be a good recipe book but it is actually one of the best recipe books I have ever owned. It is a must have for anyone that owns birds and would like to provide them with a healthy varied diet.
   I am extremely happy with this book. I highly recommend it.



5. EASY RECEPIES .... GREAT IDEAS !! YOUR BIRDS WILL THANK YOU !!

5 comments about Vizslas (Barron's Complete Pet Owner's Manuals).

1. This book was pretty good for general information. If I was going to buy just one book, however I would buy Versatile Vizsla by Marion Coffman. It is very detailed and full of good information. It does cost a little more but it is well worth it. This book is also good for general info if you dont have the money to spend on Versatile Vizsla.



2. This book is a very accurate, helpful tool for anyone getting or looking at getting a vizsla. Talks about the history of the breed, personality, training and care. We give it to all our new puppy owners.



3. This is a well conceived and well written book. It is concise but contains more than ample expert information and opinion on raising and owning this breed of dog. I have compared it with other "dog-advice" works and recommend it highly.



4. Great book. Fast shipment.



5. This is a good book for someone who wants to learn more about the breed! It may seem to be small, but it's packed with information-a great value for the price. If you want to learn more about training your dog, then you may want to purchase another book for more specifics.

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

1. This book was written by a veterinarian and is recommended by my veterinarian. It offers great guidelines for medical care and makes medical conditions easy to understand which helps me work better with my veterinarian. In addition, there is valuable information on behavior, training, diet and housing.



2. I thought this book was great. I read all about the rabbit diseases, so when this book said that a certain symptom was normal I ignored. Now my rabbit is dead, and I know to go to my vet. Good as a starter book, but only that.



3. I bought this book before I adopted my first rabbit, just to make sure that I could handle whatever responsibilities come along with having a pet rabbit. The book gives you advice on which breed is best for you, what to expect as your bunny grows, what to feed, what not to feed, recommended toys, behavior interpretations, common rabbit diseases, symptoms and treatments. I still refer to it whenever I have any concerns. Nothing will substitute a vet visit when your bunny is sick, but you can at least have an idea when a vet visit is necessary. I also refer to this book as my bible. The information is concise and easy to understand, and also easy to find, as the book is very well organized. The only suggestion I would make is to inclue a picture of a Flemish Giant, because that is fast becoming a very popular pet breed. Other than that, the book is perfect.



4. I bought this book before I adopted my first rabbit, just to make sure that I could handle whatever responsibilities come along with having a pet rabbit. The book gives you advice on which breed is best for you, what to expect as your bunny grows, what to feed, what not to feed, recommended toys, behavior interpretations, common rabbit diseases, symptoms and treatments. I still refer to it whenever I have any concerns. Nothing will substitute a vet visit when your bunny is sick, but you can at least have an idea when a vet visit is necessary. I also refer to this book as my bible. The information is concise and easy to understand, and also easy to find, as the book is very well organized. The only suggestion I would make is to inclue a picture of a Flemish Giant, because that is fast becoming a very popular pet breed. Other than that, the book is perfect.



5. I received this book a few days ago and have basically read it from cover to cover.
   I feel the information in this book is for the most part accurate. One thing that I think should be added into all companion animal informative books (whether it be a book such as this, made for the average pet owner, or a book as a tutorial for beginning breeders) is more information on reasons to NOT breed your pet. The overpopulation of companion animals in this country is outstanding. By educating the uneducated regarding breeding this problem can be brought under control. I was happy to see that it was mentioned to not breed your pet, however I think a more in depth discussion of it should have been added.
   I thought the feeding guidelines were a little off as well, but I have seen much worse.

   4 stars to Karen Gendron and Michele Earle-Bridges for a great book!

5 comments about Rottweilers for Dummies.

1. I recommend this book for all rottweiler (and or mix breed) dog owners. The history of the breed will give you a good understanding of the dogs nature. It is quite interesting. The training hints and tips are very helpful. I injoyed reading and following the tips in the margins of the pages. Training will only inhance the dogs loyalty and companionship.



2. This book is well written and contains more than enough information for beginners and most advanced dog owners. If you are considering getting a Rottweiler and want to know what to expect, get this book. If you already own a Rottweiler, this book has excellent tips and hints on the care and well-being of your dog. Thank you to Richard G. Beauchamp for an excellent book.



3. I have a small number of dog books, and this is the most fun one to read! Sure, I totally reccomend it to anyone who owns or is interested in getting a rottie. They are great dogs with wonderful personalities if given the proper environment to grow up in. This book helps you to do that for them, so it is a plus for you and your dog. Easy and fun, that is the best way to learn.



4. I must say that I stumbled upon this book ... about a month and a half ago. A thorough examination of the book provided me with an absolutely great read. Unfortunately, It does not cover every aspect of raising the breed in great detail. However, if you are just beginning research on Rottweilers, reading this book will give you a VERY SOLID FOUNDATION to support your future reading. Your understanding of breed characteristics, history, specific training methods, and even terminology will increase by leaps and bounds. For prospective Rottie owners, this book is a "must have!"

   Best wishes and happy reading,

   Will Marple




5. I just got a seven week old Rottweiler puppy and I needed a reference to help me learn about the breed and to learn basic information to teach the dog certain rituals. I found this book and it is a true gem. This book will teach you about the breed, whether or not the dog is right for you, and a plethora of other useful information about the dog. Rottweilers are actually one of the most loving breeds of dog that there is and one part of the book will help people to realize that these dog are great dogs that are good with children and people if they are treated and taught well from the first day that you bring your dog home.

   This superlative reference is broken up into is broken up into four parts with numerous chapters that fall under that specific topic. The main things that are discussed in this great book are getting to know Rottweilers, where you find out about the dog and whether or not the dog is right for you; the next part is called searching for a soulmate where you get information on knowing what you are looking for in the dog and how to choose what to get; part three of the book discusses how you can keep your Rottweiler in good health by learning about the dog's basic anatomy, feeding and exercise rituals, and health problems; the final part lists ten reasons to own or not to own a Rottweiler, and training and traveling tips. This is a handy reference because of the multitude of topics that are discussed in this book.

   I detracted one star from the book because I felt that the training information in the book was not specific and that I didn't get a great deal of information regarding my dog's habits for doing bathroom rituals. I didn't get a lot of information as to how many times a day I should take my dog out and how often my dog should be fed. Because of this I recommend another book in the "Dummies" series on training dogs.

   As with all "Dummies" books the information that is found here is concise and to the point, written in an easy-to-read manner. I recommend this great reference to anybody that is looking for information on the Rottweiler breed of dogs. These dogs are one of the most loving creatures to walk the planet but this book is very neccesary. If you do not read this book you may be letting your dog do things that may result in long term problems, behavioral or physical. I will be sure to use this book in the future to take care of my Rottweiler. This is a great reference that is worth buying.

   Happy Reading!

5 comments about After You Get Your Puppy.

1. This is the best book I have ever found for the new puppy owner. It is a must have for anyone who wants to "do right" by his/her new addition!



2. I am on the verge of getting a puppy, so all this is in theory as of right now, but the book was very informative. The author delivered the information in a easy to read format The socialization and bite inhibition sections were particularly useful. After reading this book I feel like I am better prepared to be a new dog owner.



3. This is a book I read cover to cover and took many reference notes. It deals with understanding the new puppy and preparing him for socialization with people, vets and other pets. With the skills taught in the book, the puppy can grow into a well-trained adolescent and into a well-mannered adult.



4. I bought this book because it was referenced on the Dog Scouts of America website, which is a site dedicated to developing positive relationships between owner/dog. I was so disappointed when I received the book, from the moment I got a good look at it's cover and read the subtitle ("...The Clock Is Ticking!"), which I had missed when ordering the book, or I would have thought twice about buying it... This book turned having a delightful puppy into a race against time to prevent having an evil, rotten dog. It took all the fun and optimism out of raising my puppy. I'm glad I stopped reading it, and looked to more upbeat sources for advice on raising my puppy. Many of these sources I found on the internet. I looked to Karen Pryor and her clicker training theories, as well as such books as "Boxers for Dummies" and "The Boxer Handbook" and "I Just Got A Puppy What Do I Do." All these emphasize the power of bonding with your dog, the pleasures of socializing your puppy, and while they don't downplay the significance of socialization, etc. they don't turn the cute puppy you have just made a part of your family into some ticking timebomb set to go off and bring nothing but pain and misery if not socialized absolutely correctly. I grew up with dogs, in a time before "socialization," in a time where you just loved your puppy, and took him places, and tried your best with him/her, and those dogs all turned out fine. I am grateful for all the information that we have these days on how to better raise a puppy to be a happy well adjusted pet, and am doing my best to put that information to good use on my own Boxer puppy.



5. This book was very helpful with my new German Shepherd puppy, evn though I already have 3 other dogs, it's nice to read new/different styles and ideas for giving your BIG dog the right start.

5 comments about Ferrets For Dummies (For Dummies (Pets)).

1. We had just rescued a ferret and needed information quick. So we started with Ferrets for Dummies. It's a good book and it answered all our questions. Easy to read and understand.



2. I am so happy I bought this book! It was recommneded by some users on a ferret forum. What a good idea! So much information, I've referenced it a few times about my problematic ferret: he's a biter! Some useful information about switching diets, some recipes, ferret-proofing, etc. Good to have, excellend place to check for questions, and if you still have more- take what you learned to a ferret forum and they can answer your question more detailed! This is a must-have for any ferrent!



3. I love this book just as much as the first one. Everything was excellent. The seller was terrific as well couldn't have been better.



4. This book has lots of good information and it's easy to find. It works for the beginner or the experienced owner. It's my favorite ferret book.



5. I think the other reviewers have said it all. This is the most comprehensive introduction to ferrets I've seen yet in the several years that I have owned fuzzies. In response to other reviewers saying it is outdated: yes, it was. However, the latest edition is only a few months old. Even the newest edition may not contain every nitty gritty detail you need or want to know, but it is a great place to start so that you at least have some idea of how to identify a good source on the internet and what you should be searching for. If you are getting fuzzies, have fuzzies, or are thinking about getting fuzzies, you should read this book. You owe it to your little ones to have a basic idea of how to care for them, as ferrets are "exotic" pets and cannot be treated as other common household pets.

5 comments about Tarantula Keeper's Guide, The.

1. This book was recommended to me by several people who are into tarantulas. I had no interest in reading any more than the care of tarantulas, but I've now read the whole book, simply because it was so interesting.
   
   I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about the critters, and especially to anyone considering keeping one as a pet, or breeding them.



2. As a psychologist specializing in treating people for spider phobia, I found this book brilliant in teaching how to look after the tarantulas I own. As time is an issue for me, I wanted a book that would cut to the chase about keeping tarantulas so I could learn quickly about how to keep them so I could use them in therapy. This book delivered the goods and has allowed me to happily keep tarantulas so as to treat spider phobics. A must for anyone interested in keeping tarantulas.
   
   Anthony Gunn, psychologist and author of Fear Is Power: Turn Your Fears Into Success



3. a very useful and understandable book. An essential text for the lovers of the tarantulas



4. Being new to the tarantula keeping world I found Mr. Stanley's book an excellent source of information on all aspects of spider keeping. Especially helpful was the chapter on raising spider babies when my pet store bought Chilian Rose Hair decided she wanted to suddenly and quite unexpectedly give birth! If you are thinking about raising tarantulas I urge you to read this book first; you will enjoy the hobby so much more if you do.



5. Best reference on Tarantula's I've found. Answers most questions. Will be the most used book on my reference shelf.

5 comments about I & Dog.

1. You have only to peruse the pages of this book to understand why it is possible to fall in love with a dog. The pages are simple, sensitive pictures and comment on the human/dog relationship. I have just gotten my first dog, or she has gotten me, and I will never be without one again:)



2. This book is full of wonderful images, clear and heartwarming.
   The genuine love and dedication that the Monks have to these dogs, is clearly demonstrated by the expression on all the faces.
   With insightful phrases and these wonderful pictures, this book is a gem to own.



3. This is a lovely picture book with wonderful inspiring bits of writing interspersed which showcases the outstanding work the monks are doing with their dogs. However, those seeking hard-core how-to info on dog training will benefit more from the monks' other books: "How to be your Dog's Best Friend" and "The Art of Raising a Puppy."



4. This book, "I & Dog", makes one aware of the special relationship between dog and man. The pictures are fantastic and the tidbits of understanding are insightful. Investigating these photographs and contemplating these prose leads one to the realization that man is the one getting the lions share out of these relationships. This is a "warm and fuzzy" book. It just makes you feel good.



5. It seems the Monks of New Skete can do no wrong when it comes to writing great books. This book is of the inspirational variety, and contains some very thought provoking statements. I found myself thinking "duh; that is 100% true! Why didn't I think of it like that?" The photography is excellent also. Some very true words of wisdom can be found in the pages of I & Dog.

5 comments about The Koehler Method of Guard Dog Training; An Effective & Authoritative Guide for Selecting, Training & Maintaining Dogs in Home Protection, Plant Security, Police, & Military Work.

1. I brought this book originally back in 1980 and used it as a standard training text (with some slight alterations) to train several man stoppers. After loosing the original copy I recently purchased it again from Amazon (great resource for books not readily available here in Aus). Mr. Koehler presents a book that is excellent for any time, nothing is new about its acceptance and its criticisms, it was misrepresented when it was first published and is still so today. His writing style is light and humorous getting you to look at the light side of the craft of dog handling but he never toys with the serious nature of preparing the working dog for duty. Koehler is master at making humans feel completely stupid for expecting Rover (the dog) to understand that their pointless vain prattling heel, heel, heel and coaxing when they don't speaks the dogs language.
   
   This is book that as more to do with training people than dogs and Mr. Koehler's fervent and rigorous style destroys any notion in the handlers mind that the dog is somehow human and can simply be reasoned with to conform. If you are intending to train dogs for living and need a good and lasting result in efficient time this book is an excellent to get you started and keep you on the track in spite of the myriad of "new" opinions. Mr. Koehler assumes that a department or service will have developed their own training system and protocols but he gives sound and logical argument for why his method is well worth considering as a standard of practice.
   
   Using series of concentric areas created with long and short leads combined with juicy distractions inducing Rover go his own way Mr. Koehler teaches you to begin to limit the dog's world making yourself the center of Rover's attention. Having Rover's attention you can begin to teach Rover some useful and new "tricks". This book is for any person who wants to cut through the bull and the pandering feminine pulse of modern "marketeers". The obedience section is for anyone who is serious and the manwork section is for those who need it on a daily basis to turn out serviceable and saleable dogs
   
   When the book was first published it was definitely one for its time and filled a huge gap in the field of it intended audiences and despite all of the critics and fans, both then and now, it has stood the test of time.
   
   Mr. Koehler is precise and straight to the point and if your are the type whose ego is easily offend you will not like this book as Mr. Koehler delights in making the handler feel more foolish and more in need of training than the dog. As with the training of most animals from horses to dogs Mr. Koehler teaches the fundamentals of gaining control by producing attentive dog without a pocket of rewards.
   
   If the book has a down side and it is two fold firstly, the obedience section should have been at the beginning or part one instead of part two this is a blaring inconsistency given the nature and approach of Mr. Koehler. However understanding the times and the need for such a book it is easy to see why it was marketed as it was. Secondly the style of writing binds much of the technical information with Mr. Koehler's sense of humor and keen sense of wit as he curbs the innate instinct in handlers to humanize their dog. This book is note a step one do this and step two do this style of book like training you have to work at it to get the good out of it. You will read it several times if you want the good oil.
   
   The book is good read and you will no doubt get a laugh from this work as well as serious info as Mr. Koehler's portrays the antics of Rover and his handler competing for pole position. If you like to be wooed and made a fuss over then Koehler is not for you, if you want "nitty gritty" no bull approach without reference to popular illusions then buy it's before its banned.
   
   It is also very obvious that many of the critics of this book were not around when there was a lot less available to trainers. There was a much smaller market to drive publication and only the best for its time made it to publication due to high expense of publishing,this by default, gives this work a unique place in the history and development of dog handling. This book will make a welcome addition to your collection and like so many whom have owned it you will refer to it often.



2. I have had Koehler's guard dog training book for about 5 years and have used the obedience section to train 3 of my own personal dogs. I am not a dog trainer but I understand the importance Koehler puts into his training in obedience. There is NOTHING worse than an ill behaved dog... especially since I am a fan of the GSD!!! Koehler is strange and perhaps a bit too strict in some of his training but when push comes to shove... his training works!!! The only book I've read that is equilivent or better is "Dog training for law enforcement" by R.S. Eden!!!! As a police officer I plan to use Koehler's book to further train my personal dog for home protection.



3. This was the book that I used to train my own dogs successfully and to start my own small dog training business decades ago when the book was first published. I reordered this book because my original copy was tattered shreds from repeated use and continual reference. These methods are well explained and effective. That being said, given modern animal behavior and psychology, some say these methods of training are dated and unnecessary.



4. Lots of people who call themselves dog trainers still suffer from the same fatal belief that dogs are like humans and therefore the training techniques used must be deployed as if training humans. I have trained thousands of dogs over the past 26 years most of them after so called dog trainers have stuffed it up. I can say with all honesty that if the dogs that I had to re-train had been brought up in their rightful place 'beneath the pecking order of their owner with discipline and then love', most would never need some of the more dramatic techniques Koehler mentions in the book. Dogs cannot be reasoned with like humans, let's face it, some humans can't be reasoned with either but reasoning is not a capability of canines, they do not possess reasoning skills, ask a scientist.
   Koehler's methods support the proactive position that prevention is better than a cure. His tough tactics are left only for the hard cases and only then for those worth keeping. If Koehler had his way, they would never get this way in the first place. If every person who called themselves a dog trainer could understand the dogs' psychology like Koehler, the world would be a better place for dogs.
   Don't discount Koehler's book, old as it is, it is still the final word for training dogs. It has never failed me or my customers or the dogs I have had to retrain. The method has been responsible for saving the life of at least 27 dogs that would have otherwise been put down by the local council.



5. 9 years ago, I trained my problematic adopted Dalmatian using the guidance that this book provided. Prior to the training she nipped incessantly, our hands were near bloody, and we were very close to having her put down.
   
   When the training was complete, it was like the difference between night and day. The "attentiveness" that Koehler mentions is present to this very day, 9 years after the training was completed. The dog watches our every move, is responsive to verbal and physical cues, and our life with her has been fantastic. I could not recommend this book more wholeheartedly.

5 comments about Surviving Your Dog's Adolescence: A Positive Training Program (Howell Reference Books).

1. This is an excellent book that discourages treat training and encourages understanding and praise. It covers the differences between puppies and adolescents, winning your dog's respect, having an appropriate relationship with your dog, tools you do and don't need, understanding how breed and character affects behavior, trade secrets, how to train basic commands, rules for rehabbing a problem dog, dealing with problems, and how to 'build' the dog of your dreams. Behaviors covered range from aggression to grooming problems to wildness. Although it is geared for the adolescent dog, this book would also be suitable for someone adopting a dog or just needing to retrain his or her own difficult pet.



2. I picked up this book looking to learn more about the adolescent stage of dogs. What I found instead was bad information, some of it downright dangerous.
   
   The first chapter I turned to was on behavior problems, and here I read something that horrified me. Ms. Benjamin says that you should punish a dog if it growls at you to defend its food. This is, unfortunately, the perfect recipe to create a dog that bites without warning. If you do this, you don't punish the dog for being aggressive around its food -- you punish the dog for warning you that it is uncomfortable and will bite if pushed further. You stop the growling, but not the "feeling of threat" that the dog has. If you punish other warning signs, such as snapping, you will also cause those signs to disappear. Without the warnings, you will not know that your dog is not comfortable with what you are doing until it feels threatened enough that it has to bite -- and it will bite without warning.
   
   Ms. Benjamin also perpetuates the terribly outdated notion that you can end a bad behavior by punishing the dog after the behavior has happened as long as there is a "reminder" you can show the dog. Reminder or not, punishment never works unless it is timed correctly -- that means that you have to punish during the behavior itself. If the dog has already stopped, it's too late, and you're punishing something else entirely.
   
   Finally, Ms. Benjamin says that "positive training," that is, training without physical punishment, does not work. That is absolutely false. Considering that this book was written over a decade ago, I don't find this attitude surprising at all, but it is wrong. "Positive" traditional training works when used properly. Modern "positive" training works when used properly. Both sides can point to examples of failures from the other group, but that doesn't mean the methods don't work.
   
   There is a little bit of good information, such as "anger has no place in dog training" and "dogs don't act out of spite." But the average dog owner cannot distinguish between the good information and the bad, and the bad is bad enough that I have to strongly recommend than an owner or novice dog trainer avoid this book altogether.
   
   If you are looking for positive traditional training, find another author, one who understands the proper way to use punishment and understands how dogs learn. If you are looking for modern positive training, I recommend Dr. Ian Dunbar's books. He uses only non-physical punishment, and clearly explains how to be a benevolent leader for your dog. His methods debunk the false-but-popular myth that positive = permissive (as another reviewer mistakenly believes). His methods are strict but fair and without physical punishment. The results are amazing to watch and can be seen in his off-leash work with his malamute in one of his videos -- he has great control of his dog. (As an aside, his book "Before and After Getting Your Puppy" will prevent a lot of the problems dealt with in this book.)



3. I survived my dog's adolescence thanks to this book. Aside from good training tips and practical information on dealing with adolescent dogs, this book also gave me encouragement to keep working with my dog and let me know that I was not alone. Now I know almost every dog owner goes through this...



4. 12 years ago, I remember sitting on my bed in tears. My adorable Golden Retriever puppy had hit a point where she was really hard to handle, and I felt overwhelmed-- like a failure as a dog owner! I knew I needed some good advice, and I ended up finding this book at the library.
   
   It was incredibly helpful, reassuring, and positive. Needless to say, my Golden eventually grew into a lovely, kind, and affectionate dog. This book helped us get through a rocky point in our relationship, and I am really greatful to Carol Lea Benjamin for helping me to handle this stage of my best friend's development effectively/helping me to understand my dog better.
   
   A year after reading this book, I adopted an elderly Irish Setter. Benajamin's book "Secondhand Dog" was helpful to us.
   
   If you like the Monks of New Skete and Brian Kilcommons you will find Carol Lea Banjamin's approach to be slightly different (but similar) and very helpful. You may also want to check out Patricia McConnell's humane, wise dog books (The Other End of the Leash, Beginning Family Dog Training, etc.).



5. I have read about a dozen books on training and caring for dogs, and while some were pretty good none of them alerted me to the fact that dogs go through an adolescence phase just like human teenagers. I read this book when my puppy was 7 months old and not displaying any "bratty" behaviour, but I implemented many of the author's suggestions anyway as a precautionary measure. A couple of months later he was showing just slight signs of adolescence (thinking things over for a couple of seconds before obeying commands) but none of the extreme stubbornness that miniature schnauzers are known for, and I'm sure it is thanks at least in part to the precautionary measures I took after reading this book. I re-read this book and applied the advice, and my puppy is back to making immediate responses to my commands.
   
   I highly recommend this book to any dog owner, preferably before your dog enters adolescence, but definitely as soon as he or she starts displaying problem behaviours.