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 Benjamin also perpetuates the terribly outdated notion that you can end a bad behavior by punishing the dog after the behavior has happened as long as there is a "reminder" you can show the dog.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.

5 comments about The Doggy Bone Cookbook, Second Edition.

1. I bought the 1st edition of this book several years ago and it is a great little book. The recipes are easy and the ingredients are readily available. You can even customize the recipes; try adding a little cooked bone marrow or ground up bits of cooked meat (you know the stuff that you don't eat, like gristle) grind it up in a food processor and add it to the dough. Just remember to store the biscuits in the fridge (short term) or the freezer.
   
   The only problem with this book is that when I don't have time to make homemade dog biscuits and I buy store bought-my dogs spit them out! Even the gourmet kind! They'll just spit them out and start trying to "shake" and if that doesn't work they'll try "down" and then "down & shake" at the same time. They think that if they do enough tricks I'll fork over the homemade cookies! And when they realize that there are no homemade cookies in the house, they'll pick up their "crummy" store bought cookie and take it to their bed and pout!
   
   So, remember to always keep some in the freezer, or else things could get ugly!



2. There are only a few recipes in this book but they are simple and the dogs seem to like them well enough.



3. This is such a great, fun cookbook! I bought this book before Christmas to make some treats for family and friend's pets, and all the ones I had leftover I ended up feeding to my two dogs! I must say the downsides were some of the recipes made the dough flimsy and hard to work with, and it was extremely difficult keeping my dogs out of the kitchen. With recipes like the peanut butter one, I found out the more you add to the mixture, the more it stays together. I'm not saying go overboard, but a spoonful here and there won't hurt. Wheat flour is hard to work with, so if I added more ingredients it actually worked out better. I love this book! My neighbors have been begging me to borrow it!



4. I purchased this book to start my doggy bag barkery business and the biscuits really sell. I recommend this book for anyone starting out in the business. Be careful with the Minty Bones because they mold quickly.



5. very good book though not many recipes (I think about 10) but very simple ingredients and easy to follow instructions. My copy also came with a bone shaped cookie cutter! very good though short and card pages so robust enough for kids etc... my dog loves the peanut biscuits

5 comments about Guide to the Senegal Parrot and Its Family.

1. If you are looking for a excellent guide to Senegal parrots, this is the one. I did my research and everything I found gave this book high ratings. After reading it, I know why! I utilized the information to aquire, hand feed and raise two Senegal parrots. The depth of knowledge this author gives can't be measured. I would definately buy from her again.



2. A very informative book on the Senegal parrot. Sometimes the information given seems to be the author's opinion not always fact. But it gives you a lot of information on the breed.



3. exuse me splling.it hard to tipe with just 4 tose..I now 75 year old..never had frend just human master..but now with internet I slowly learn how to buy everything onlin by waching my master. finaly I made my run for freedom..I gorged my master eyes out and then i extrectrecuted him when he went to wash his blood off...then i buy a senegal..them is hot hot birds..finally i going to get some with a reel bird and not no arm after 75 years. this book get me ready for day my lovely senegals arrives. I didnt know senegal likes to lie on back..hehehehe



4. This book gives great insight of not only the personalities, but the care and what to expect if you are wanting a Senegal. This book answered all my questions and more.



5. Excellent source of information. Easy to read.

1 comments about Bandit: The Heart-Warming True Story of One Dog's Rescue from Death Row.

1. Just like her other book, Animal Happiness, Vicki Hearne really makes you care for Bandit another animal outcast that she rescues. Hearne goes to court and fights for this dog. This is a great, heart-warming tale that any animal lover will fall in love with.

1 comments about Starting from Scratch: How to Correct Behavior Problems in Your Adult Cat.

1. Some of her methods are fine for a cat behaviorist or someone who has plenty of time (and no job) to spend catering to their kitty. I am a busy person who needs to socialize a rather "psycho" kitty to my already established one cat household. It has not gone well and if I practiced what this lady preaches I would be at this for years. It's a bit frustrating. Also I do not have a local cat behaviorist in my area to consult and my vet is more of the mind of - well just let the cats figure it out. I am still looking for advice. She seems dead set against using drug therapy on high-strung cats but if you cannot even handle the cat how can you practice all of these great techniques?

5 comments about Ultimate Marine Aquariums: Saltwater Dream Systems and How They Are Created.

1. Ultimate Marine Aquariums: Saltwater Dream Systems and How They Are Created
   This Saltwater How To Book was very informative and interesting. It's full of beautiful color photos. It's easy to read, understand and follow.
   It's great for beginners as well as intermediate hobbyists such as myself. It has unique advice and point of views on certain topics. I got a lot of good ideas for setups and use in my own saltwater aquariums. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to start a Saltwater Aquarium or expand their horizons for their current Marine setup!



2. This book is very nice in content but poor picture quality, would be nice if the new edition or next volume of this title comes with more equipment and arquitectural photos and diagrams as well.



3. This is an interesting picture book to compare how other aquarists keep their tank. However, most of the aquariums included in the book are pretty average in today's standard. There are numerous more matured and better looking tanks over the internet forums not to mention almost all tanks are in the USA only. Many of the pictures are also very blur. I would be very interested to buy a second book of the serie covering more "Ultimate" aquariums and with better picture quality.



4. This is an excellent book for those that just want to look at some incredible marine aquariums or those looking for information on starting their own masterpiece.



5. A nice book with some good information and lots of pictures. But only of real use if you are putting together a big system. Like over 200 gallons!

5 comments about Good Bird! A Guide to Solving Behavioral Problems in Companion Parrots.

1. This book, along with Ms. Heidenreich's other book, The Parrot Problem Solver, are the best books I've come across dealing with companion parrots. If you understood why your bird is behaving as it does, you can deal with it more effectively. Kindness and reward go far with a companion bird (and, even though Ms. Heidenreich didn't mention it, 11-12 hours of covered cage/darkness a day does, too) than all the reprimanding in the world (which a parrot does not understand). A parrot, much like a cat, is not going to do anything he doesn't want to do, but unlike a cat, you can convince a parrot to want what you want, too. Tell him he's a good bird when he's quiet. Give him a reward when he says something nice. Understand you are his teacher, not his mate and not his slave. Punish him by turning your back, reward him by giving attention and praise. Parrots are a lot like toddlers - they need to be constantly taught how to be good and their companions need to be able to recognize the behaviors (sometimes extremely hard to see) that signal overexcitement, frustration and anger. Excellent book I'd recommend to any bird "owner."



2. Although the arrival/condition of the book was perfect, the content was very limited. I learned nothing new and feel I wasted my money. My parrot is still obnoxious. I had so hoped I would learn techniques to change his behavior.



3. To preface, I'm a bit biased as I am seemingly more in-tune with my birds than most folks are with theirs. Most birds seem to like me, and the behavior solutions in this book are mostly second nature to me. A good book for the flustered who need reassurance to follow the right path.



4. This is a good book for advanced bird owners. Its not really clear enough alot of the time to understand from a beginners perspective. I would highly recommend this book to someone who already has some knowledge of companion birds.



5. A must read for all parrot owners. The advice in this book works. Barbara Heidenreich is one of the very best behavioral consultants in the world. Get this book so you can have the best relationship possible with your companion parrot.Even if you think the relationship is good now, it will become better after you read the book.

3 comments about Understanding Equine Nutrition, Revised Edition (Horse Health Care Library).

1. Understanding Equine Nutrition, Revised Edition (Horse Health Care Library)
   
   I teach Equine Science and require this book for my students. It is easy to read but just as informative as a textbook. This book would be great for the long-time horse owner or someone just starting out. I highly recommend this book.



2. This is a great book, and is a very easy read & well organized. I would definitely suggest this book be on every horse owner's shelf.



3. This is a complete book on horse nutrition, including the newest trends. Covers the new debate over whether grain is best for your horse or not. Short discussions on nutritionally related diseases, such as polysaccharide storage myopathy and laminitis. Written by a nutritionist. Check it out, and check out Horse Illustrated magazine too!

5 comments about Cockatoos Complete Owner's Manual.

1. This was just the book I was looking for. I am contemplating adding a Cockatoo to my family, (I already have two Macaws)....and this book was very informative and gave me alot to consider before adding one to my family.



2. I have a goffin cockatoo and I thought this book was great. Very easy to read, good advise, worth the money.



3. This is a great book if you need a quick summary and synopsis about cockatoo ownership. In my case it helped me to see that while I am an experienced bird owner, a cockatoo is not an appropriate pet for me at this time in my life.



4. A great introduction to cockatoos and how to care for them, and it's honest about the challenges as well as the benefits of sharing your life with one of these guys. It has up-to-date information on how to house them, feed them, and keep them busy, and a very helpful section of brief descriptions of each spieces, which lets you compare the sizes, care, and temperaments--read before you choose a 'too! There's lots more to know, but this is a good place to start.



5. This book although fairly short is very informative. Weither your a first time cockatoo owner or have owned them for years this book is for everyone. It goes into detail of complete care for these birds, and mainly anything you need to know about them is there. I enjoyed it, and think any bird lover and cockatoo owner would as well.

4 comments about Siberian Huskies Complete Owner's Manual.

1. 
   
   
   book was excellant, came quickly, and was in great condition.



2. Although relatively small (75 pages), this paperback covers a little bit of everything pertaining to Sibes. From breed standards to training to breeding. For it's price it covers a lot of ground but might not go into the detail one might expect from a larger book. However, for it's size and price I feel it is an excellent book worthy of purchase for any owner of the Siberian Husky.



3. Exellent! Out of all the Siberian Husky books I have read, which is about 6, this one was the most helpful. I have a Husky of my own and if I could say something about this book is that it was so helpful! I recomend it for all want to be and all owners of Siberian Huskies!



4. This small book could not have hoped to cover "Everything..." as it claims, but I have found it to be useful on many occasions. It provides a general guide to almost every conceivable situation and concern, providing the quality of advice a new owner needs. An owner of a new sibe puppy will want to supplement this book, so they should consult their breeder-use an established husky kennel, not a backyard breeder-other texts, and their vet. Other topics, like medical/health and diet, will likewise be covered in more detail in other places. Don't stop with this book but do get it if you are with sibe. And hang on to that leash!