5 comments about The Working Retrievers: The Classic Book for the Training, Care, and Handling of Retrievers for Hunting and Field Trials.

1. Good book I think. My grandson seemed happy to get it but I have not checked since he received it to see if it was helpful. Since it was a Christmas present I wish it had been hardback.



2. The book starts out great and continues into valuable information. It is great information for any owner of a retriever.



3. this was a good book with a mix of training for hunting and field trials.... if your interested in just training for hunting and dont want extra garbage thrown in, go with game dog



4. This is one of the best books I have read about the labrador retriever. From start to finish this book is a good reference for the total labrador retriever experience. If you have a lab or or thinking about getting a lab, this is an excellent reference.



5. A must read for anyone desiring a hunting companion and a friend for life. From the initial chapters, I felt I was having a conversation with a friend regarding how to properly train and care for a life long companion.

5 comments about Horse Conformation: Structure, Soundness, and Performance.

1. If you are interested in getting a well described picture of the author's idea of good conformation, you will probably be dissatisfied with this book. As an example, on page 200 (paperback) figure 8-20, the explanation of a profile of the rear portion of a horse says, " If the croup and thigh are fairly long, the hindquarters have a triangular shape." Certainly drawing straight lines between three points (the point of the hip to the point of the buttock to the stifle) forms a triangle. In order to be of any value however, it is important that the type triangle formed be named (possibly an equilateral triangle?).
   
   The point I would like to make is that the book seems to be thrown together from different sources in what, to me, seems a slipshod manner. Some areas are helpful, but overall, in my opinion, the lack of attention to detail by either the author or the editor, or both is problematic.
   
   An example of a book on the subject, which I think was prepared to be truly useful, is "The Horse Conformation Handbook" by Heather Smith Thomas.



2. I purchased several of these books to use as gifts for my horsey friends. Each one loved it. It's loaded with useful information and is well written. I highly recommend it.



3. This is probably the best conformation book I have ever owned. It is detailed and has more information than I will ever need. The pictures are very informative and really help with understanding what is written.



4. I thought this book was great it has a ton of info.



5. This is a great book for the beginner or the expert horseman! Explains in detail not only a horse's conformation but also the skeletal, muscle and nerve structure. Even better there are TONS of awesome photos and drawings.
   I am very happy with this book and would reccomend it to anyone interested in learning more about horses!

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 Training Pointing Dogs, Second Edition.

1. I read this book in no time at all and was looking for some training techniques that would help my dog and I become better hunters. The book was informative although it was somewhat outdated and should be updated. If you could overlook the idea of burning your dogs nose with a cigar,cigarette or a lighter to get him to release a bird, then the book may be an asset. After I read that I was kind of turned off by the author for even suggesting such an idea. Was that the best idea that he could come up with to get the dog to release a bird? Other than that the book was helpful



2. This book is the worst training guide I have ever read. Suggested training techniques, such as applying burning cigars and cigarette lighters to a dogs nostril, are unnecessary, cruel, and illegal in most countries. I am a South African field trialist and have acted as field steward and learner judge, and can confidently state that if even the more reasonable of the techniques advocated in this book were applied at any Field Trial club or trial (or organized hunt) in South Africa the handler would be summarily expelled, his dogs confiscated, and he would be reported to the police. Ironically, most of the techniques suggested are sure to be counterproductive and break the dogs spirit. Pointers and setters do require a certain amount of discipline, but respond far better to positive reinforcement.
   
   
   There are a number of far better training guides, which will provide you with a wide ranging yet responsive dog. Probably the best of these is a book entitled "Dog Breaking", written by a General W.N Hutchinson in 1850. Despite the title, the General advocates what later came to be termed positive reinforement and writes that "(The) brutal usage of a fine high couraged dog (by) Men who had a strong arm and a hard heart to punish - but no temper and no head to instruct (has) made my blood boil." He would probably have used a horsewhip on Paul Long.



3. I bought this book on Amazon and literally read the whole text in about an hour.
   It offers solid advice that is based on fundamental techniques to training a
   pointer. I have applied SOME of the techniques to the training of my new Vizsla
   puppy with solid results. He is coming along very well. If you notice....I used
   the word SOME. Readers don't have to do everything Long writes about. The author
   writes about what has worked for him in the past and works the majority of time.
   What works for Long may or may not work with your dog. With this book, a few
   DVD's on training, hours of time and patience working with your dog, you should
   be successful. Just remember, Rome wasn't built in a day..training your dog should be approached the exact same way.



4. This book is an o.k. read and offers some good information if you don't mind sifting through the outdated advice. (First Copyright in 1974).



5. Had I known that the book was written for bird hunters I would have saved myself the trouble.

5 comments about Brussels Griffons (Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

1. This book is the best present and guide for person, for whom the DOG means Brussels Griffon.



2. I purchased this book when I became interested in the breed. I knew nothing about the breed before purchasing. Several weeks later I became the owner of a griffon puppy. I went back to the book over and over again to learn more how to raise this little puppy. It has been a wonderful resource. And a wonderful dog to own.



3. This is a wonderful book if you are seriously interested in Brussels Griffons. The author is one of the top breeders of show Brussels Griffons, but she really knows EVERYTHING about how to keep a Brussels Griffon as a pet. When you buy this book, you are probably already in love with the breed, but this book explains all their little quirks. All the things that work well when training Griffons. Things they need, funny things they do, like smush their faces into pillows, how to train them. This book is very specifically about Brussels Griffons. The only criticism might be that it does not get into breeding them. But as a book for an owner of a Brussels Griffon, this is the best book on the market.



4. Ever notice how the majority of "breed specific" books contain 90% material that applies to just about all dogs, with just 10% actually being relevant to the breed? Not this one! A great, comprehensive, griffon specific book!



5. I am lucky enough to have a Brussels for just over a year now and this is the best information source I have found, both prior to ownership and after. It is written by an individual that really cares for the breed and has extensive knowledge. And it reads like you are sitting across the kitchen table from the author absorbing her knowledge. And believe me...I should know what a great experience this is as I am fortunate enough to have as part of my family a wonderful baby girl from the author. I waited a long time for this book....thank you ...

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 Newfoundland (Kennel Club Dog Breed Series).

1. The first chapter of this book on this history of the Newfoundland was good, but after that I felt like the authors used pretty much the same material, inserting the name of the breed they were writing about. There was a lot of generic info on dogs, with mentions that Newfoundlands are big (duh). The pictures were nice, but I didn't really buy the book for the pictures. I was not impressed.



2. For those who have owned dogs it give fabulous insitght to understanding this giant breed (Newfoundland) nuainces.



3. I can't belive how long it took to get this book. It was a nice book and I'm glad I got it but I will most likely not be purchasing a book through Amazon again. Postage on used itams was way to high. And the new items form Amazon took weeks to get to me.



4. I found this book very well written with a lot of very good basic information for reference on the breed. If you need to know the basics about Newfoundlands I'd recomend it highly..........Tim Brennan - Tempe, AZ



5. I thought that for someone who is learning and researching the breed of the Newfoundland for the first time, that this book could be a very helpful and practical handbook in the A-Z art of owning a Newfie. The language and how-to-steps of everything from crate training a pup to bathing and clipping the breed's claws is very accessible and I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who is considering owning one of these highly intelligent and loyal breed of pedigree.

5 comments about The Bearded Dragon: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet.

1. I find it hard to believe that the Author has ever owned a Bearded Dragon. If he did or does he never spent any time observing them. This author gives contrary information to just about every other source out there. This book would be better titled "How to care for your short lived dragon"



2. Again as usual Amazon has come through for me ... the book a learning device for my son came in the knick of time ... his bearded dragon seems to like it too... not sure if thats a good thing but ty Amazon as always a wonderful delivery and very efficiently done ...



3. I found this review to be very helpful. It breaks down different areas, such as feeding, breeding, health, etc in a detailed manner. Very reassuring for a nervous, first-time owner who loves their bearded dragon!



4. I love bearded dragons and have been doing research on them for a long time. Many of my friends and family have beardies and i hope to get one soon.My friend has this book and it provides alot of useful informacion.



5. I hate to be the only one who has a problem with this book, but I can't keep my mouth shut. This book was poorly written at best, containing information that was erroneous and possibly detrimental to the health of pet beardies. The author relied on what I basically refer to as "guesswork" rather than actual documented bearded dragon information. Just enough information to be ignorant is a dangerous thing. If you value your pet beardie, don't invest in this book. If you are interested in a book with a lot of good (correct) information, I would recommend: "The Bearded Dragon Manual" by Phillippe De Vosjoli/Robert Mailloux/et al. It is by far the most comprehensive guide to the care of bearded dragons at all stages of growth and development.

5 comments about Dogs Behaving Badly: An A-Z Guide to Understanding and Curing Behavorial Problems in Dogs.

1. The book was so general that I found it quite unhelpful, at least for what I thought it would be useful for: helping me find a strategy for curbing excessive dog barking.



2. This was an intersting book that covers many common behavior problems in dogs. As a strength, I thought it offered insight into why dogs commonly engage in these types of behaviors.
   
   As a weakeness though, the book wasn't organized very helpfully. A better index would be more useful in times of looking for help. In addition there wasn't clear solutions to each of the behavior problems mentioned. He offers ideas of what one could do, but doesn't explain it well.
   
   The main thing I disliked in this book was Dodman's seemingly high use of medications. Not that the use of medications is bad in certain dogs, but Dodman makes it seem like most dogs should be medicated from the get go. I am sure he does not do so in practice, but it comes across as such in his book.
   
   However, this was an interesting reading and one I will keep in my collection.



3. While I found the stories and chapters very informative and interesting, this book was almost utterly useless as a tool to help those with the problems. The actual appendix in the back was really short and that's where the solutions were. Bad placement. I found the book hard to use, hard to find your problem, and even harder to figure out what Dodman was "sort of, kind of" recommending. The title was very misleading A-Z, more like alphabet soup see if you can find it...

   I found the chapter on prey drive particularly useless. I was so terribly disappointed. This was the one problem for which the author offered absolutely no solutions or recommendations at all. Of course this was my problem.

   I loved THE DOG WHO LOVED TOO MUCH, and found it helpful, but this book was not as useful. And a lot of time was spent expounding on Bull Terriers which while very interesting didn't really fit into the title.

   I'm glad I read the book, but disappointed that I expected help and didn't get it.




4. I recently adopted a 9 year-old dog from a shelter who would chew my front door trim. I couldn't understand why. I read this book and it really helped, not to mention answered the "why" part of my questions. This book has helped enormously. For people who had a hard time with getting answers from this book, all you have to do is go to the index in the back and look up your topic. It's right there.
   If you're having a hard time with a new puppy or a "new" older dog, this book should help you. It helped us.



5. I was quite disappointed in this book. It is full of interesting stories of dogs and their troubles (like Maggie the German short-haired pointer and her false pregnancies), but I was looking for solutions to specific behavior problems. As another reviewer pointed out, some of the topics were quite bizarre and weren't intuitive (X-Files?) so I had to read the entire book to find what I was looking for. Based on the title (A-to-Z Guide), I was expecting quicker look-ups. In fact, the behavior-modification techniques are actually in the appendix, which is less than 20 pages long.

5 comments about Cat Getting Out of a Bag and Other Observations.

1. If you have ever lived with a cat, you will recognize these scenes. If there is another cat person in the room while you read it, you will find yourself sharing just about every page until you're reading it together. If there's a non-cat person in the room, that person may be confused by what the fuss is about. But that person just doesn't understand.



2. This 'book' is totally inane and isn't worth the paper it's printed on ... a total disappointment!



3. A fun and wonderful book for anyone who has or had a cat. Illustrated observations of the artists cats, snoozing, running, playing, and more. A quick flip through the book will almost always elicit an "awwwww" or a "my cat does that, too!" Beautifully designed little hardcover as well - a perfect gift.



4. I'm actually a dog person and not a cat person, but picked up this little book for my son's fiancee. We have been adopted by a cat, as has she, and ALL of this little book rang true. I was surprised, being a dog person, that it made me laugh out loud loads of times. I've since purchased three more copies for other cat people. Garfield it isn't; quirky, funny and observant it is.



5. I saw this book on an Amazon best list and checked it out. It looked cute and just like the kind of book my sweet daughter in law would like. In real life it is cute and just the kind of book anyone who loves to watch their cat climb in and out of the grocery bag would enjoy.