5 comments about Straight from the Horse's Mouth: How to Talk to Animals and Get Answers.

1. I suppose I ought to have paid more attention before ordering this book to the reviews to understand the tenor of it. I got it as a gift for a dog mad friend, but then perusing the back cover realized it might be a little too crazy for him, or me, so I decided the best thing to do was to crack it open before giving it to him.
   
   This book is really for people who are ready to believe just about anything, if you have any critical faculty whatsoever, this book is not for you! It's not only about communicating with animals IT'S ALSO ABOUT COMMUNICATING WITH DEAD ANIMALS AND DEAD PEOPLE AND DEAD PEOPLE'S ANIMALS AND DEAD ANIMAL'S PEOPLES etc. I mean, basically, it's off the wall! And FLUFFY GETS CANCER ONLY TO MAKE HER MISTRESS GIVE UP HER BAD BOYFRIEND!!! I mean, it's out there!
   
   I give it 2 stars cause it's not as though reading some of it isn't amusing but to read all of it? No way!!



2. This book shares stories from Ms. Kinkade's experience of communicating with animals. And each chapter delves into specific areas, where you can also learn how to communicate with animals especially your pets. I've tried it myself and it works but it needs practice. But the great benefit of this book is that you learn how to "talk" to your animals even in just a one-way communication, how you could tell (for example) your cat to stop scratching your sofa. Very helpful, funny, and very touching.



3. Interesting book. I think it was a good overview of what the author does and a good attempt at describing how she does it. I wonder if it would be possible to commmunicate with animals without involving all the spirit guides, goddesses and guided imagery she deems necessary? Sometimes I questioned whom she was communicating with: the animal or the contacted spirit guide talking for the animal . I'm truly not sure communication with animals is something you can learn from a book. I appreciated the lists in the back on recommended foods and products that are not tested on animals.



4. I loved this book because the author clearly loves what she is able to do, takes us step-by-step through her processes and is a personable writer. Concepts like these can go "airy-fairy" pretty quickly but Ms. Kinkade's humor keeps us rooted to an earthy plane as our hearts and minds soar into the quantum possibilities beyond the realm of our 5 senses.
   
   I highly recommend this book for it easy to put into use methods and optimistic musings of its upbeat author.



5. This was a very informative book - Amelia Kinkade did a very good job at explaining how to talk with animals. A lot of what she said I could relate to, and with her style of writing, easy to put in focus. Her chapter on "crossing over" was especially well written and informative. This is one of the only books on this subject I've read from cover to cover, and I would recommend this book to anyone interested in understanding and trying to "talk" with your pet. I have not been able to "talk" with my animals, but that's my problem - I have difficulty finding "quite" time in my life. After reading this book, I would be very interested in attending one of her training sessions, if she comes to a town nearby.

5 comments about What Is My Cat Thinking?: The Essential Guide to Understanding Pet Behavior.

1. What a fun little book! As a cat fanatic, I appreciated reading behaviorist details about the furry little buggers. Ms. Bailey admits in the introduction that these are based soley on observation, but I feel that is as valid as anything else. She covers all the big areas of cat behavior, from hunting to human interaction. The set-up is wonderful, photograph-based with captions explaining what the cat is doing and why. Beautifully organized and easy-to-read. Great for all cat lovers.



2. While much of the content of this book would be common sense to long-time cat owners, it's a great starting point for someone who hasn't had a feline in their life before. I really enjoyed the read and it's packed with really nice full-color photos. Best of all, the author doesn't overly anthropomorphise her subject but obviously loves cats as much as her audience.



3. I'm glad there was information in this book I didn't know before. I'm glad I bought it.



4. This was good if you want to have a basic understanding of what your cat's body movements mean and how they translate to how they are feeling. I recommend to read it with your children as there are many good pictures and it will better help them understand when to pet the cat and when to let it alone!



5. I bought this after reading other reviews, but I was extremely disapponted in this book. The title is very misleading. I've had cats for years and wanted to learn more about their behavior and the differnt types of meows. This book does NOT do this. It's very basic and they write about behavior most children could figure out after being around their cat for a while. It mostly addresses cats behavior with other cats which an idiot can figure out without having to read about it. Not worth the money.

5 comments about Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul: Stories About Pets as Teachers, Healers, Heroes and Friends (Chicken Soup for the Soul).

1. This book is really relatable for pet lovers. make sure you have a tissue handy, though. I bought this book for my mom after her dog passed away, and have also read it myself. I know the understanding she is able to get from these stories has helped her. there are some very memorable stories, and the short story format lets you read at your own pace. don't get me wrong- not all the stories are sad!



2. As both a dog and cat owner, and a would-be everything-else owner, too, I love this book! I have several "Chicken Soup" books, plan to add several more to my collection, but this one is probably my favorite so far. It keeps you between tears and laughter from beginning to end. All pet lovers will see themselves and their furry, feathered or finned friends somewhere in here, I'm sure!



3. I didn't quite know if I was going to make it through this book. Through about the first 8-9 stories, I kept on crying. I was thinking "This is ridiculous. I can't read one doggone story without crying after I read it." I kept thinking of my dog, Shep, who died a couple years ago at the age of 91 and how badly I want another dog. There is a dog beach by my house so usually everytime I see a dog, Shep pops up to mind. I pretty much had sunglasses on when I read this book in public so people wouldn't think I was completely crazy. Somewhere towards the middle, I hardened up and was ready to read this book without blinking a thousand times.
   These were wonderful stories about everything from cats, dogs, snakes, bears, gorillas, and birds. I enjoyed every last one of them except for the one about Bush's dog. It was very impersonal and told the whole story like it was some sort of nursery rhyme. That was the only reason the book got four stars. I don't even understand how that story made it past submissions.



4. Most of the series of 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' has the kind of warm and fuzzy story that many find endearing and sweet. They are not 'deep' most of the time, but do point to things beyond themselves; for my own use, I often find sermon illustrations and stories within the pages of volumes of Chicken Soup -- as chaplain at a retirement centre, many of the stories help people to recall happier times, and help them deal with their present situation.

   This particular volume involves stories with animals. The relationship between animals and people of all ages can make for some of the funniest, most heart-warming, most sad, and most meaningful stories. There are contributing authors of some note (Barbara Bush, James Herriot, Jimmy Stewart, Gilda Radner, Art Linkletter) among other authors who had stories to tell and volunteered them. Much in the manner that Readers Digest accepts unsolicited stories from amateur authors, so does the Chicken Soup series. Often the most meaningful stories are those that happen to people who are not professional writers.

   Few animals are left out here, as many animals have come to be companions with humans over the centuries. Dogs and cats feature prominently, as do horses and other farm animals, but there are also wolves, birds, dolphins, deer, wild turkeys, gorillas and even a Christmas mouse. The stories cover a wide range of topics, including pets as friends and healers, animals as rescuers and performers of other amazing feats, animals whose companionship meant a lot, and finally on the sadness and meaning of saying goodbye to an important family member.

   Each of this stories can easily be read in a short time. This makes it a good source for 'falling-asleep reading', for use in public speaking and preaching opportunites, for shared reading-aloud times, and for simple enjoyment and entertainment. Many of the stories here are ones that stay with you; the story about the wild turkeys and the story of the Christmas mouse are stories I use again and again in my chaplaincy, and they are always appreciated.

   The editors of the primary series 'Chicken Soup' are Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen; for purposes of this volume, they are joined by Marty Becker and Carol Kline, authors and animal-professionals in various capacities.

   My cats give their paws-up to this!




5. Most of the series of 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' has the kind of warm and fuzzy story that many find endearing and sweet. They are not 'deep' most of the time, but do point to things beyond themselves; for my own use, I often find sermon illustrations and stories within the pages of volumes of Chicken Soup -- as chaplain at a retirement centre, many of the stories help people to recall happier times, and help them deal with their present situation.

   This particular volume involves stories with animals. The relationship between animals and people of all ages can make for some of the funniest, most heart-warming, most sad, and most meaningful stories. There are contributing authors of some note (Barbara Bush, James Herriot, Jimmy Stewart, Gilda Radner, Art Linkletter) among other authors who had stories to tell and volunteered them. Much in the manner that Readers Digest accepts unsolicited stories from amateur authors, so does the Chicken Soup series. Often the most meaningful stories are those that happen to people who are not professional writers.

   Few animals are left out here, as many animals have come to be companions with humans over the centuries. Dogs and cats feature prominently, as do horses and other farm animals, but there are also wolves, birds, dolphins, deer, wild turkeys, gorillas and even a Christmas mouse. The stories cover a wide range of topics, including pets as friends and healers, animals as rescuers and performers of other amazing feats, animals whose companionship meant a lot, and finally on the sadness and meaning of saying goodbye to an important family member.

   Each of this stories can easily be read in a short time. This makes it a good source for 'falling-asleep reading', for use in public speaking and preaching opportunites, for shared reading-aloud times, and for simple enjoyment and entertainment. Many of the stories here are ones that stay with you; the story about the wild turkeys and the story of the Christmas mouse are stories I use again and again in my chaplaincy, and they are always appreciated.

   The editors of the primary series 'Chicken Soup' are Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen; for purposes of this volume, they are joined by Marty Becker and Carol Kline, authors and animal-professionals in various capacities.

   My cats give their paws-up to this!

5 comments about Dogs: A New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior and Evolution.

1. This is an excellent book, interesting, easy to read, and convincing. My interest in reading the book was in the "origin" of dogs and of dog breeds, and I am convinced by the explanations in this book. Lots of dog stories, lots of biology and ethology. Altogether superb.



2. I found this book loaded with inaccuracies, leaps to conclusions not scientifically supported, poor understanding of the science of evolution, unfair comparisons of natural selection with artificial selection, misinterpretaion, incorrect definition of the science of psychology, lack of positive peer review as evidenced by the source of recommendations on the back cover and generally frustrated reading for even a Master degree dog behaviorist. I'm sorry, but I found it difficult to believe these folks are biologists. It is clear they are not behaviorists although they freely infer that their opinions and statements are related to science based facts.
   
   I am upset that I spent my hard earned money on this book.
   
   I liked the "stories" and personal experience. The authors go against not only the current trends in well-researched theory but against the better judgment of thoughtful dog lovers. It's a wonder to me that people can make a small fortune printing this stuff.



3. After getting my first dog, I went through at least a dozen dog books in a short time, and this was the best of all of them. The author presents well-thought through arguments to present theories in dog evolution, and doesn't rely on common assumptions of dog behavior. If you are tired of dog books that lack a strong biological foundation, this is the book for you.



4. Heard Dr. Coppinger speak at the APDT conference and was fascinated by his theories, and the fact that he's able to change his opinions as insights, training and knowledge evolves. Not someone that's afraid to say he was wrong or has changed his opinion. Some VERY interesting arguments and absolute bolts of insight that should be obvious, but sometimes isn't, things like why infant, puppy, adolescent and adult dogs have different behaviors and why those behaviors aren't carried from one stage of life to the next, heat exchange principles in working dogs (primarily sled dogs, but applies to all dogs), cognitive vs. inherent behaviors, and the argument as to why we wouldn't be thinking of dogs with regard to their "wolf" ancestry, but that they've evolved so far past that the analogy is no longer applicable. A little "wonky" and research"y" in tone, but totally worth the effort for the insights! Scholar meets technician, clearly someone with real world dog experience.



5. Although this is a superb book written by a knowledgeable author I would not know how to rate it as I HAVE NOT RECEIVED IT!

5 comments about Blessed Are The Brood Mares (Howell Reference Books).

1. I really enjoyed this book, especially because it went into detail about what to look for in the neo-natal foal and post-partum mare. It gave distinct things to look for which helped enable me to make the decision to call my vet in the middle of the night, and eventually saved my colt's life. Indispensible book to have on the book shelf if you breed and foal your own mares. Another great thing about this book, is that it goes into detail about when to re-breed after foaling, when not to, and what steps you will go thru (explained) on how to get her pregnant. Not quite enough information for me on follicle size measurements, edema measurements, short cycling, etc., but for the most part, this is a must have book.



2. Provides people new to breeding a good overall view of the process. It is easy to read and a good reference. This is not the highly technical manual that would turn away the amatuer. At the same time it lacks depth to be a truly serious resource.



3. A must have for the average horse person. This book is extrememly informative, written in a lively way that keeps you reading from start to finish, and is understandable by the layman. I would recommend it highly.



4. This book is a great resource for novice breeders. There is great information and knowledge will help you put your mind at ease. I recommend this book for everyone who is hoping for their first foal.



5. Honestly, I have not read these professional advice books by Dr. Lose. However, If I ever have cause to need advice or mares, foals, or any other health advice on horses, I will be sure to consult her teachings on the subject. I just want to take this opportunity tell anyone interested in her current publications to please read the one book that really gives us the opportunity to have an inside look into what her world is really all about, and to see how she grew into that world. That book is "No Job For A Lady". See where it all started! What a charming and engrossing viewpoint projected by a great veterinarian in the making. Thanks, Phyllis. I read this when I was 10 years old, and 22 years later, I still remeber what I saw.

5 comments about 97 Ways to Make Your Dog Smile.

1. Many of the 97 ways to make a dog smile are variations on massage -- i don't know about smiling but these are nice ways to help your dog zone out -- good for both of you. My caution about this book, however, is the potentially dangerous suggestions that involve getting your face close to the dog's face -- for example, sniffing him when he sniffs you. Dogs are individuals -- some are used to our dopey behavior and some take strong exception to it. For some dogs, invading their sense of personal space is very dangerous -- many dogs have a strong sense of personal space and don't want anyone hanging over them, kissing them, sniffing them, etc. Many people and children have been bitten very badly in the face and head by not knowing this -- the person is hurt and sometimes the dogs are put down because of a foolish thing a person has done or what an adult has let a child do. Dogs go through a ritual before they get to the point of sniffing each other. For more information on this topic, i STRONGLY recommend the book,"On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals," by Turid Rugaas. This, and books by Ian Dunbar and Patricia McConnell, are basic education for those of us who love to be around dogs -- the information in these books will improve your relationship with your dogs -- and strange dogs you encounter -- and help to keep everyone safe and happy to be around each other.



2. 
   This is a delightful little book that celebrates the pleasure of owning a dog.Anyone who has spent any time around a dog,immediately understands why they are called "man's best friends". They show the ultimate in patience and devotion to anyone who gives them attention.They seem to understand when the people around them are busy and will simply wait endlessly until you "can get around to them". At any time you decide to give them a bit of attention,they actively become involved as if you are the most important thing in the world.Then they want to show how much they appreciate and love you.The only thing they want,is to please you.
   I have had a dog ever since I was a kid and every one of them has been a cherished member of the family and a friend to all.I must admit that there was little new to me in this book;and probably not much new to anyone who has a dog. However;I thoroughly enjoyed every page,photo and technigue covered in the book,along with the countless other things we do with our dog to relate to each other.
   To even suggest that a dog can't smile leaves me speechless. They not only smile,but also,love,tease,plead,enjoy,pine,get restless,get bored,worry,anticipate,remember,forget,conjole,get tired out,and enjoy everything around them and love it when you share any time with them. When they have had an enjoyable encounter ,they look you straight in the eye,wag their tail,and tell you that they are game for more ,if you are. Afterwards,they are content to settle down and wait until you want to do something again.
   This little book would be a wonderfol gift for any person who has a dog as well as for someone who is just getting a dog and preparing to make it part of the family.



3. Ninety-seven handy suggestions to improve the quality of your best friend's life with fun and games and the occasional good-spirited prank.
   
   My mom has this book and her kind-natured, if slightly dim three-year-old Chessie-Collie mix, Fergus, loves some of the suggestions in here. One of the ones I've tried with him is number eighty-two: slingshooting treats for him to catch using a plastic spoon as a catapult. Another one that seems particularly enjoyed is number eighteen: juggling. I've always been a good juggler and when I juggle things Fergus wants, like a trio of rolled-up socks or tennis balls, he goes NUTZ trying to leap up and get what I'm keeping right out of his reach. It's a hoot.
   
   The one suggestion that really tripped me out, though, and had me laughing was number thirty-two: "The Three Little Bears routine" which involves sneaking into your pet's bed and letting him catch you there for a change. Ha!!! Haven't tried that one yet but maybe I will when the time is right. Justice for all the times he's sneaked up onto Mom's furniture and stuff.
   
   This cheerful little book is great not only for the ideas it gives you but for its ninety-seven pages of smiling, happy doggies!



4. There are some good ideas in here to make your dog happy. Although, if you are a true dog lover, you probably have already implemented many of these suggestions. The only one I disagree with is howling with your dog in the back yard. That might not make your neighbors happy. The pictures of the dogs included in this book are some of the best I've ever seen. A fun book for dog lovers of every breed.



5. I often use this book in my animal assisted therapy work with at-risk children- it has been a wonderful tool and has made many children smile as well! A very happy book - with the ability to make a lasting impact when incorporated in therapeutic work. Kate Nicoll, MSW, author of Soul Friends

5 comments about When Only the Love Remains: The Pain of Pet Loss.

1. The words are so beautiful and so real. Very good to read when you've lost a love so deep your heart could stop beating.



2. Finally, a book written by somebody who has been there and experienced the pain, the grief,and heartbreak of losing a much beloved companion. After losing my much loved Golden suddenly at the age of only 7 years, the pain was so overwhelming, and people so understanding that made us feel so alone in our grief. Emily's book makes us see we are not alone. I highly recommend it for anybody who has lost a furbaby. You will cry rivers, but your heart will be lifted.



3. A beautifully written book of poems about the life, loss, and love of a sweet rabbit. Whether you are mourning the loss of a rabbit, cat, or dog, this book will allow you to laugh, cry, and most importantly cherish the memories of your lost friend.



4. Emily's exquisite heartfelt feelings written in "When Only The Love Remains" continue to help me deal with the tragic death of my beloved 5-1/2 year old Golden Retriever Seajay several years ago. Thank you Emily as you encourage those who are experiencing the pain of loss of a beloved pet know that the love remains, forever in their heart. Jeri



5. For anyone who has loved and lost a beloved pet, I highly recommend "When Only the Love Remains" by Emily Margaret Stuparyk. Her words will heal a broken heart and connect your soul eternally with your pet's soul. She understands the pain of pet loss because she has experienced it. I was devastated at the loss of my bunny, a Dwarf girl named Cinderella Rubi, who lived for only two years. Emily's writing lifted my broken spirit like the wings of an angel and reflect hope and belief in the afterlife. I have learned that although my beloved Cinderella is with her Creator now, she left me a legacy of love that lives on as my inheritance. This love will continue to grow for I will always remember my precious rabbit friend. I treasure this book and also you, Emily.

5 comments about The Enchanted Cat: Feline Fascinations, Spells and Magick.

1. I love love love Ellen Dugan, but I'm afraid this book is a little sparse for me. Upon looking back, maybe they're all sparse. Although I own almost every one of her books, so no, I do like her style and content- I just always seem to wish there was more of it! In this one, there is some stuff I can't really use- a whole section on names? But I am glad to own it and will take from it what I can.



2. I just finished the book and it was a good read although i wouldnt do most of the spells.



3. Like all the rest of Ellen Dugan's books, this one is a mix of the practical and the fun, with lots of great information thrown in. If you're interested in Witchcraft or cats or both, this is the book for you. Then check out the rest of her books!



4. This book is a perfect one to read, snuggled up with your cat or your familiar. I know that when I pull my copy out to read, my familiar likes to be near me. Coincidence? I think not...
   
   I absolutely adore Dugan's books. Her writing style and personal stories are never boring, and they always add to the magic of the books. Some of the spells inside include: working with cat deities to enhance your life, spells to help you bond with your familiar, protection and negativity-removal spells, and a pet-memorial/passing spell to help ease the heartbreak that we all feel when we lose a pet cat.
   
   If you're a cat lover, or have a cat as your familiar, there is no better book than this to get! Its simply "purrfect."



5. I am most definitely a cat person, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I found "The Enchanted Cat," by Ellen Dugan to be a delightful exploration of the feline persuasion and a fun book to explore. Geared toward Wiccans, the book details feline fascination, spells and magick.
   
   Starting with the history of cats and their influence on our lives, then examining the cat Deities, are wonderful introductions to feline whiles and ways. Then a look at feline folklore and divination, and a wonderful chapter on cat magick bring readers deeper into the embrace of feline affection and admiration. Guides to feline power animals, and selecting a name for your own familiar, round out the book that is jam packed with spells, incantations, quotations of feline fancy, and so much more.
   
   Ellen Dugan is gifted when it comes to writing in a personally outreaching way. When reading her work, it is like reading a letter from your favorite witchy friend. You won't want it to end. But with this particular title, the delight keeps going as you take your new knowledge and apply it to your life. Of course, you may be inspired to add to your cat family, and at the least, you'll be enticed to cuddle up with the one or two you already have, gaze into their eyes and embrace the magick!

5 comments about Sheep: Small-Scale Sheep Keeping for Pleasure and Profit (Hobby Farms).

1. If you want a quick introduction to keeping sheep then this is a really nice book which touches all subjects related to the topic.
   
   After culling the pages about eating sheep and sheep history there are only about 85 pages of quite compact and very useful information on sheep keeping. In parts of the book, every little sentence seem to contain at least one good advice for the sheperd. However, I wish it would have covered topics in a little more detail. I sometimes asked myself "why?" or "then what?", but picked up so many good ideas from the book it was absolutely worth reading. Whether new to sheperding, or an experienced sheperd, there should be plenty of snacks for you. I bought this book along with "Living With Sheep" by Chuck Wooster, and found this one an excellent supplimentary.



2. I received this book from the breeder when I got my first sheep. I really enjoyed information in the book. I love the extra bits of information about things like the history of domestic sheep and bottle lambs. The pictures are supurb. It is great to have a book that looks at sheep raising from a homesteading or pet persepective instead of a commercial operation. This is an easy read, with great tone and flow.



3. I bought this book in hopes of having a "catch all" reference for our new adventures as shepherds. The book is packed with information in an easy to read format. I will still have to supplement the book with other publications, but it does cover the basics and would serve as a beginner's manual. One thing we have begun doing recently is printing off extension publications and compiling them in a 3 ring binder, arranged by topic. This book is easy to read and would be a good reference for 4H students.



4. I have read alot of books on sheep for years, because I own sheep and what to do my best at it. This book was probably the best book on sheep I have ever read. The information was great and easy to understand this book is right on. I have told alot of sheep people I know to get this book



5. I read this book being a complete novice on raising sheep. After reading this book, I really feel I have enough knowledge to raise my own sheep on my hobby farm.
   
   The author (Sue Weaver) writes in a wonderful down-to-earth and very easy to understand style. She covers everything sheep such as: choosing the right sheep breed for your needs, sheep disposition & behavior, sheep housing, nutritional needs, shearing & selling fleece, hoof trimming, delivering lambs, common sheep diseases and how to vaccinate your sheep. Whether you're a total novice like me or an old pro, I think you could learn a lot from this book.
   
   This book is put together on nice glossy paper stock. It also has tons of excellent photos. What I love most is that the author shows many photo's on how to correctly do many procedures w/sheep, such as vaccinations. Also this book sports an excellent resource directory. The directory includes an online directory, sheep organizations, sheep suppliers, state & university resources and my favorite the book and periodical guide to all sheep.
   
   The only thing I would've liked in here (tho, I know it goes way beyond the scope of this book) is a chapter that had every sheep breed with photos and characteristics listed. Tho, the author does go a bit into what breeds are best for milk and for wool.
   
   This book is a great investment. I also have Sue Weaver's other book on raising chickens and it is wonderful as well. If you're reading this Sue, how about a book on raising Ducks and one on raising Alpacas next? :)

5 comments about Expert Obedience Training for Dogs, Fourth Edition.

1. If you happen upon this book or feel the need to purchase it, PLEASE read it with a grain of salt (or lots). I would pass on this book...for sure! No one should treat animals they have taken into their homes the way Strickland recommends at times.
   
   First off, the author seems to brag about her own dogs and her own work with them through the years a little too much to be objective or even necessary. For instance, she has four pages (mostly pictures of her dogs doing things most dogs will never have the opportunity to do with four large paragraphs of text) about the importance of teaching your dog to swim, but yet only has three small sentences (less than a third of a page with the subtitle) about teaching your dog to come when called. The section about TEACHING YOUR DOG TO RIDE IN A CAR is a full page long without any pictures, but sections on biting and jumping up are half that and really only for those who may have never owned a dog--not necessarily for those who have a dog or puppy who need work in those areas. I think she has her priorities WAY out of wack!
   
   Secondly, she actually goes so far as to tell readers not to use any other training methods but hers mentioned in the book, implying that her ways are the best. Well, I have been told by many experienced dog trainers and dog owners that you need to do what works FOR YOUR DOG while also being consistent. She mentions her great success has to do with her being so consistent; however, many of her methods have big red flags on them as far as I am concerned. There is so much in the first part of this book that I actually found offensive. For example, under TEACHING YOUR DOG TO STAY AT HOME OR IN THE CAR, she actually tells readers to "slap him (your young puppy) with your hand, saying 'No, shame.' Repeat this as often as necessary." She also recommends that you have your dog in the front seat with you of your vehicle, but does not mention any proper safety restraining for the dog's safety. Strickland even contradicts herself by badmouthing handlers in dog training rings who yell at their dogs and such, then tells readers to "scold" and "reprimand him (your dog) with your voice" in the Preliminary Training Chapter. Lastly, the author also recommends squirting your dog in the face with a squirt gun if he/she misbehaves. Therefore, I think there must be WAY better training methods and books available out there.
   
   The only reason why this book got a star was because of all the information on AKC Obedience Regulations. However, I would think that such information could be found through the AKC on-line somewhere or at least in a better hardcopy book somewhere. I have not gotten through all of the formal training section because the beginning stuff was so useless, but the little I have tried to look up was not easy to follow and/or not very helpful. I am sure I will find something useful in this book if not just bad examples as to what not to do!
   
   Best wishes to you and your dog(s).



2. This woman "knows her onions." Detailed discussion of and techniques for training for each obedience exercise. Very specific, very detailed, very applicable, very everything! No stone left unturned or unexplained. Also info on tracking, brace work, etc., which is very hard to come by. Truly superb. This is an absolute must if you are doing (or starting) obedience work. If you look at the picture of her sitting in front of a bookcase, it's wall-to-wall sterling - - all the prizes she's won. I can't remember now, but maybe she's titled 80 dogs in obedience. Impressive, whatever the number is. Impressive also describes this book. Get it. Better than any of the others I've bought and read. And I have a bookshelf full of them, all waiting for me to read so I could be disappointed, keep looking, and finally find Strickland's book. mb



3. I bought this because I love German Shepherds, but Strickland is an old time trainer who hasn't changed. The old pictures make the book dated as it is. If youv'e been training at all or have read more updated material don't waist time or money on this.



4. This is a good training book. Her methods are loving yet firm. I found it especially helpful with providing information on training a dog to heel. This book is very technical and geared towards those who wish to compete at elite level obedience competition. Those of us who own ordinary dogs can also benefit.



5. Two main comments. Firstly, the book is mistitled or I misread the meaning of the title and I would be delighted to return it. This is a book devoted primarily on how to make your dog perform "tricks" with much on showmanship. I have no interest in that but I do have an acute interest in dog obedience relative to the master's care of their puppy and mature dog. Problems handlers encounter in "greeting" of your dog with other dogs and people.
   
   Secondly, the book, as written, talks down to the reader and unless you have had some professional experience with dogs, you feel very unqualified to read on. I felt intimidated by it.