3 comments about Labradoodles (Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

1. Very highper dogs but very loving and SUPER smart. It's important to work with these dogs they are way too intelligent and need something to do.



2. This book is a sound book on anyone who is interested in owning a Labradoodle. It explains clearly the differences between the Australian Labradoodle and the Labradoodle -- and the problems associated with them. This book goes into great length to explain the differences and also the potential problems when dealing with a multigenerational versus a first generation dog. Check it out. I think you'll find it useful.



3. The biggest hurdle in working with this breed is trying to help consumers understand that there is a difference between the first generation, second and later generations. A difference between Australian Labradoodle and Labradoodle, a difference between those of healthy, good conformation/coat, laid back temperament lines and those of high drive, poor coat, and unhealthy lines. There are those families that want the first (lab to poodle) and second (first generation to poodle) generation labradoodles, however when inexperienced or new breeders attempt to sell the first generation(lab to poodle) and second generation labradoodles (first to poodle) as the later generations (labradoodle to labradoodle) or Australian Labradoodle (Labradoodle with English or American Cocker Spaniel), those breeders that have no idea what they are producing and selling puppies faster than they are learning, consumers are losing and the breed (Labradoodle and Australian Labradoodle) is losing. And in some cases these dogs are ending up in shelters because a family purchased a wonderful low shedding, higher drive, first generation Labradoodle, but wanted, a fleece coated, non shedding Australian Labradoodle.
   
   
   Education is the key to getting the correct Labradoodle or Australian Labradoodle for each family.
   
   This book, in my opinion is a step backward in education since it represents to many a valuable source, and it is incorrect.
   
   It does however have beautiful pictures and shows the variety of looks, but does not state what each generation or type each dog is that is pictured, so again the consumer has no real education.

5 comments about Cancer and Your Pet: The Complete Guide to the Latest Research, Treatments, and Options.

1. Good information for people going through the struggle of cancer with their pet.



2. looks at both conventional and alternative options. I did not find alot on what I was looking for: lung tumours in dogs but on the general topic this book was very informative .



3. A clear, comprehensive, sensible introduction and overview--as much information as the non-professional needs. There's one area that may set off unnecessary alarms. The author gives encouraging news and advice concerning pets with cancer, treatments, and prognosis with one notable exception: cancer that has been caused by vaccination, for which, the author says, there is no cure. This led me to do a Google search and discover similar grim information, except magnified and multiplied.
   
   The truth appears to be that the problem--although a cause-effect connection has been established in some instances--is extremely rare and that worse harm may be inflicted upon a pet by not vaccinating it. I learned the foregoing not from my local vet but by driving kitty across state to the University of Wisconsin Veterinary School--which in addition to addressing the concern about vaccinations was able to determine that my local vet's diagnosis of cancer was a misdiagnosis (common bacterial infections can lead to limping, bone erosion and other symptoms of cancer).



4. My cat way diagnosed with cancer about 5 months ago. I found this book to be the most helpful in understanding her cancer (GI lymphoma) without being overly filled with jargon. It was also the best on helping me understand the treatments available (and why some weren't for my cat) but I wish it had gone into more technical detail about the various medications and what they do for chemotherapy. Unfortunately, none of the books I found provided that information. I like the fact that the book separates out discussion on dogs and cats. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone with a pet with cancer.



5. Hi there, this is Margaret H Bonham, the co-author of Cancer and Your Pet. Unlike some authors who have a secret agenda when it comes to treating cancer, both Deb and I wanted you to get all the information out there when it comes to cancer and your pet.
   
   When your pet has cancer, it's a scary time for you. You don't know who to turn to for advice. Quite frankly, most cancer is curable or we can do something about it. It's very important to understand the options, whether conventional or holistic.
   
   This book gives a good overview to each of the cancers you're likely to run across in dogs and cats and the modes of treatment currently available. We talk about cancer research -- what's the latest thing out there and how you can get involved in cutting-edge studies. We also about decision-making -- is this something you can afford and how far do you wish to go when treating the cancer? We talk about care for the cancer patient and how to recognize an emergency versus whether this is really a problem. We even cover holistic options -- something most books either don't cover or cover to the point of excluding other highly successful conventional treatments.
   
   Both Deb and I have had dogs who died from cancer. We know what you're going through. Check out our book. You'll be glad you did.

5 comments about Maran Illustrated Dog Training (Maran Illustrated).

1. This is perfect for a new dog owner to learn the basics, or for experienced dog owners to brush up and refining their technique. With simple illustrations and explanations that are easy to understand, this book makes dog training simple and fun. It covers all areas from basic sit, stand, to how to teach it how to not jump on furniture. Plus it has tricks to train your dog.



2. Unlike many other training books, this book gets to the point. I hate some of the others that waste fifty pages on the philosophy of dog training. The various sections are color coded and easy to navigate. This is nice when you need to refer back to a page while working with your dog.
   
   The illustrations are by far the best i've seen. Each step is shown clearly with real people and dogs to demonstrate how to do things.
   
   My favorite thing this book covers is that it gives extra help and tips on what to do if your dog isn't learning something. For example, your puppy is having trouble staying in the down position. Alternative methods are given or you are directed to master a previous command first before moving on.



3. This is a general dog training book. I guess the people that wrote this just read some books and rewrote their book from that. This is not a #1 dog training book...at least that is my opinion.



4. As a certified pet dog trainer (CPDT), I'm always looking for better dog training books for pet owners. Unfortunately, most are cheaply produced and lack appealing, clear layout, much less beautiful, detailed photographs. These logically progressed serial photos that show movement are brilliant -- they show at a glance what takes too many words to say. Of course, the photos wouldn't matter if they got the science of animal training wrong, a.k.a. learning theory. But they got it all right! This is a gem, a one-of-a-kind resource in dog training publications today. It's now the first book I recommend and give as gifts to clients, friends and family.



5. This book is easy to read and provides great instruction for various points in training a new puppy. My only "beef" with the book is that, like the DK books, it puts information in pictorial form and in paragraph form in each section, but unlike DK, the information provided is identical in the two areas. For me, I may start out reading the pictorial description, but if I've then decided to read more in the paragraph portion, I'm looking for more indepth info or to read something different. It isn't helpful to have the same exact words written two times on each page. I actually preferred the "Keep it Simple Series"--puppy training book from DK that I purchased (unfortunately loaned out and not returned) when we got our other dog 4 years ago.

5 comments about The Howell Book of Dogs: The Definitive Reference to 300 Breeds and Varieties.

1. The photos in this book for the most part to depict the average breed of each dog. The book does include several mixed breeds and designer breeds. The captions of the breed's general characteristics are highly inaccurate. Example the Greyhound is described as easy to train but difficult to motivate. As a professional trainer my experience has been that dogs who are difficult to motivate are not easy to train. The activity levels on several breeds are inaccurate, ie. the Havanese. Average life span on most breeds is incorrect.



2. Good illustrations overall, I like that its not all about the AKC. Not as a complete as I thought it would be ( got it as a gift for my dog trainer husband ) For example shar pei's and dutch shephard's are not included



3. The pictures and articles are entertaining, and the care and behavioral information on each breed is invaluable to anyone working with dogs or looking for a pet.



4. It's wonderful to see such a complete and well illustrated full color book on dog breeds . In addition to the normally included Labradors and Yorkies, this book covers some of the rarest breeds like Thai Ridgbacks, Silken Windhounds, and the Chart Polski. Very impressive!



5. Liz Palika's new book really gives you the best of her years of experience as a dog trainer and writer. Her up-close-and personal experience with so many breeds translates into an informative and interesting book. The photography and layout are beautiful, and many rare and non-AKC breeds are discussed. Even designer dogs- purposely mixed breeds- get a nod. You'll spend hours enjoying this book.

5 comments about Discus Fish (Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

1. Very good starting point for raising discus.Well laid out, easy read, good value. I have two other books by Degen but this is the one i keep picking up to browse.



2. I BOUGHT THIS BOOK MANY YEARS AGO AND WENT TO BUY IT AGAIN AND ENDED UP WITH THE LATEST EDITION. THE LATEST EDITION IS MISSING ALOT OF IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT THIS BOOK HAS. IF YOU ARE IN THE BUSINESS OF DISCUS FISH THIS IS A GREAT BOOK. THE NEW EDITION HAS BETTER PICTURES BUT THAT IS WHERE IT ENDS. BUY THIS BOOK



3. A good book for the beginning to think about keeping Discus. It provided enough information for me to make the decision to give it a try. Two years later, I still have 4 of my orgininal 6 dicus purchased, so I think it helped get me on the right track. Other books can be had with more detailed information on discus if your intent is to keep many of them and even trying your hand at breeding them.



4. Did not appreciate a book from a library. Will be contacting the library is see if book was stolen!!!!!



5. So far, one of the best books I have read for a beginner just like me. It is easy to read and very informative, though it may come short on some subjects.

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

1. book is very informant with plenty of pictures. Had information in it that other parakeet books I've read did not have in them. Very helpful. Great book to have if you have parakeets or thinking of getting one.



2. I'm new to parakeets and have been relying on the expertise of others in books. This book is one of the better ones. It's written by experienced bird handlers who know of what they write. The information here is easy to access and written in a clear, understandable syle.



3. As far as I am concerned, when it comes to books on pet birds, Barron's books are the best. BUDGERIGARS by Immanuel Birmelin (translated by Matthew Vriends) falls into this category, although it is somewhat condensed compared with a few other books on the market. However, Birmelin covers all the important issues, such as caging, food, and other aspects of maintenance that you need to know to get started taking care of a pet Budgie.
   
   My favorite section is about "playing" with your pet Budgie. Budgies are intelligent little parrots and you can have hours of fun if you choose to by providing them with sources of amusement. Birmelin lists `The 10 Most Popular Games' you can play with your Budgie and "How-To: Fun and Games." Did you know you could play card games with Budgies?
   
   Although we never want to think about the possibility, sometimes a Budgie gets sick. Birmelin includes a section "If Your Bird Gets Sick" that gives you some ideas of what you can do besides get upset. In this section he includes a `Checklist - Preventing Illness' which is helpful especially if this is your first bird. Keeping his cage clean is a good thing to do, and spending time with him every day will keep him happy. A happy Budgie is a healthy Budgie.



4. I recently acquired 2 gregarious parakeets (Budgies, more specifically) and have found this book to be a wonderful resource regarding the proper care of my new friends. It also offers a wealth of information about behavior (why they do some of the crazy things they do) and health propblems to be on the lookout for.

   I feel like a much better prepared bird owner having read this book, it was a great place to start.




5. Very informative book. I decided to buy 2 birds after reading it! The author is extremely thorough in guiding the reader through all aspects of owning and caring for parakeets. She does, however, tend to be very open with her opinion on having a minimum of 2 birds, but not pushy about it either. I compared this book with several others from the library, and this is the most concise and easy to follow.

5 comments about Disposable Dogs: Heartwarming, True Stories of Courage and Compassion.

1. These stories show the way dogs think, love, forgive, learn to trust again after horrible abuse and that there is more to dogs than we think. This book touched me, made me angry, made me cry, and made me cherish and look at my four dogs in a completely different way. I thank the author for showing me that the bond of love between humans and animals is something I had been taking for granted. And for those who haven't experienced it, they are missing something more precious than any gem on Earth.



2. To think that these dogs were disposed! How many more have died suffering or been euthanazed - what wasted lives! But their luck turned around and for it, both people and these dogs lives were enriched; some even saved their saviours.
   
   I think the message this book tries to send out is: next time you see a stray, don't think of it as a nuisance but a life that has value and deserves to be on this planet; a life that could have given so much love and care, if only his/her circumstances were different.
   
   It's a good read, if only just to enlighten people.



3. I found the stories touching and at the same time heartwarming. In a time when the world as we know it can be cruel to mans best friend, it lets the readers know how kindness and compassion is still prevalent. It makes you realize how much hope and love abandoned dogs and cats can still give us after their hard and sometimes heartbreaking events.



4. For the dog lover - an insight in to the stories and lives of very special dogs.A must read for dog lovers.



5. The precious face on the cover of this book sets the tone perfectly. And the description beneath the picture says it all. Heartwarming, True Stories of COURAGE and COMPASSION. Seventy dogs are written about and you'll feel like you've known each one of them. You'll laugh and you'll cry about them and for them. A particular favorite is Keeley who was shot and left for dead, but she always had the will to live, and did. "Humans could take a lesson from dogs who have suffered but refused to give up. They never look back. They just pick up and go forward." Amen to that.

1 comments about How to Train Your Golden Retriever (Tr-101).

1. Easy to read book with lots of color pictures of goldens in every day life. Well organized. Helpful hints in blue boxes that catch your attention. Goldens are smart dogs who can easily think of things to do when bored; book has helpful information on counteracting this problem. Would recommend this book as a good first book for anyone interested in goldens.

5 comments about Dancing with Horses.

1. I enjoyed this video very much. It gives some interesting perspectives on handling horses. I loved the footage of Mr. Ferdinand riding his horses without saddle or bridle. A good starting point if you are interested in this man's written materials, which you really would need to read to get the most out of his teachings. It has some philosophical ideas that I don't particularly subscribe to but I would Definitely recommend the DVD.



2. Best and most informitive horse book I've read! Gives detailed information on how to train your horse in the most humane way and techniques that are invaluable when it comes to communicationg with your horse.



3. If you never buy another horse book in your life, this is the one to buy before you stop.



4. This is an excellent book. It really makes you view how you relate to horses and people.
   
   Lovely illustrations - it would be good to go on one of his courses



5. When I look at this book on my shelf I wish I had my money back. I paid a lot more than the Amazon list price for it. The photos are beautiful but the text is sorely lacking. If you are looking for methods, you won't find it here. It only promises what you will find and never do, page after page- right to the end. I already have a wonderful relationship with my horses (at liberty) and I thought that I might learn about someone else's methods and possibly improve my own. It is more mystery and alure, no real how to info ever given. I guess something was lost in the translation.

5 comments about Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy, Second Edition: Theoretical Foundations and Guidelines for Practice.

1. Seeing eye dogs for the blind are the best known example of animal assisted therapy. But this book describes several other cases, that are perhaps not so familiar. Like the theraputic effect on humans of watching a fish tank. Or interacting with chimpanzees. Or, in some instances, with snakes. The book describes how for many people, there is a stress reduction effect of touching these animals.
   
   Other aspects covered in the book include listing stress signs in dogs or cats. As possible warnings that they might not be useful as companions. Another topic is the difference between a child and an adult having a pet companion.
   
   The book is a good guide for those health care professionals seeking to match animals with humans.



2. I found it to be a helpful resource. I will probably refer back to it as I continue learning about animal assisted therapy.



3. This tome features a number of various case study articles on different subjects pertaing to not only animal-assisted therapy, but also to service animals (there is a significant difference). One area (service animals)is for disabled individuals who have an animal-usually a dog-to assist them. The other area is for those interested in Biophilia, how clients benefit from exposure to animals from a therapeutic stance, where handlers bring their animals into long-term facilities, and the like.
   I enjoyed this book so much I loaned my copy to a psychiatrist at a neighboring mental health clinc that I know who was conducting a group. She wanted to talk to them about the benefits of service animals for those with mental and emotional disorders, but didn't have the background on the subject. This book was indispensible for her. I plan to add more volumes like it to my library.



4. This book contains bonafide information to help AAT professionals in everything from forming a practice, zoonotic disease charts, guidelines for AAT in a variety of settings (hospitals, schools etc.), and with a variety of clients to Nature therapy and animal abuse issues.

   Additionally, it offers information on assessment tools that can be applied to research in this area. It explains different statistical methods and how to use them.

   This book is a 'must have' reference. It is encouraging to see good literature emerging in this field. As a practitioner in this area, I am encouraged by works like this.




5. The Hanbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy is a useful resource on the topic of anthrozoology and animal-assisted therapy. The sections of the book are written by many of the most prominant researchers in the field. The book is interesting, as well as informative.