No comments about Horse Health & Nutrition For Dummies (For Dummies (Pets)).

5 comments about Cats (Smithsonian Handbooks).

1. A good book for a general overview of cat breeds. Great pictures.
   
   I'd have liked a bit more infromation on each breed though, the info given is only very basic.



2. This is a really good book. My daughter 10 years old loves it. She kept checking it out of the library. I found it on line and purchased it. She keeps it in a safe place. A must for all cat lovers.



3. I read the book "cats" by: David Alderton and this book tells everything from kittens being born to the ancestry of these felines. This book has facts about every cat just about and their body weight and lots more. This book has everything on them, whether it's just for your pleasure or for the facts this books got it. I loved this book I thought it was very good, it has a lot of very good information and facts, it also has over 700 colorful pictures.
   This book tells you anything and everything about cats. It's a great book for children to learn about both domestic and exotic cats and kittens. This book helps you with your decision on buying or adopting a cat and picking out which one's right for you. It talks about how to groom them this book even tells you which breeds of cats always win shows and awards and how to win one with your feline. It tells you how many months it takes before a kitten is fully weaned off its mother's milk and doesn't need its mother anymore.
   "BUY THIS BOOK "this is a very good and interesting and factual book. This book is great for children or cat lovers of any age. It is very unique and could tell you just about anything you need and want to know about cats and kittens.



4. I've owned this book (the eyewitness edition, actually) for years, and it's still the best and most comprehensive photographic guide to cat breeds that I've seen. Great, clear photographs featuring both common and some rarer breeds in all the major color variations for each breed, as well as lots of good, interesting info on each breed and its history.
   
   A must have for cat lovers!



5. Ideal for people who like cats, or for people who hate cats but want to know their enemy.

4 comments about The Reign of the Greyhound.

1. This is an excellent book for those who want an in depth look at the history of the greyhound. It doesn't have info. on how to care, treat, or train, but it provides more background than I've found in any other book. The author uses personal references which make it more meaningful. Really, an enjoyable read from a greyhound foster parent, active rescuer, and a 4 time adopter.



2. Being both a sighthound owner and a history buff, I was so delighted to have found this book. I can't recommend it enough.
   I can guarantee that if you haven't had experience with sighthounds, you will want to after reading this! For those of us who know the breed, it is a long overdue salute to one of the most overlooked and unappreciated dog breeds in the world.
   I especially liked the photos that accompanied the text. It was wonderful to see so many representations of greyhounds through the ages.
   I thought that chapter 1, on the Greyhound family, was very informative, and the author managed to put a lot of information that is rarely found all in one place into a very readable and enjoyable format.
   Read this book- You'll love it, even if you don't own a Greyhound! I hope that Cynthia Branigan's book helps many many more retired racing Greyhounds find homes with people who learn about them from her book as well.



3. I thought I knew all there was to know about my Greyhound until I read this book. In it I learned that my dog's ancestors have been delighting humans for literally thousands of years. The book takes you on a tour of the history of civilization with Greyhounds in the leading role. If only history had been so interesting when I was in school! The artwork is breathtaking, the adoption anecdotes are both hilarious and touching and Cynthia Branigan is obviously both a scholar and a person with a big heart. If you own a Greyhound you owe it to your dog to learn more about his contribution to history.



4. I was not really interested in the history of greyhounds, but have been contemplating adopting one. I received this book as a gift, and enjoyed it much more than I expected. She makes it interesting with some amazing stories, with some astronomical numbers in some cases. The most interesting part is her own experiences with these dogs. A good read.

5 comments about How To Speak Dog: Mastering the Art of Dog-Human Communication.

1. This is a fantastic read. I'm reviewing this book about 3/4 of the way complete. It is very interesting for me to read about how dogs communicate with their world. the author also inserts many interesting examples to convey the message. Overall, a very good book for a first-time reader about dog communication. Though the author does a fantastic job introducing the subject, I wish the book was a little more indepth. At least, I find myself wanting to know more about the subject. Perhaps another book by the author....



2. As the owner of an established pet care business, and the parent of a rescue dog with severe aggression issues, I've read just about every book on dogs you can imagine. How To Speak Dog is without a doubt the single most informative and interesting book relating to dogs that I've ever read. Coren's detailed and precise explanation of canine body language has helped me aniticipate and prevent acts of aggression by my troubled dog a countless number of times; the book has opened my eyes to all the communicating our client's dogs have been doing with us and each other, and we've been able to resolve a number of behavioral issues with our clients simply because we are able to understand what the dog is telling us about why it does what it does. The book is also an enjoyable read; remarkably, Coren manages to make reading ultra detailed scientific information pleasant, not tedious. Every dog owner should have this book on their coffee table, and every dog professional should have it in a holster at their hip.



3. I love the fact that I can begin to understand what my dogs are saying! It's like learning sign language...only it's dog language. I have been able to apply a lot of what I've learned in this book to convey what I want from my dogs. They really do seem to understand me better, as well as me understanding them. Wonderful book. Every dog owner needs to read this book. It would make a great gift for a dog owner.



4. Really like this book. I found this book a great read and it gave me a greater understanding and real incite into the canine's mind. For all those things your dog does and you don't know why or maybe you think you do, but you were wrong. This is definetely a MUST READ for any dog owner!



5. With so many dog training books out there, it is refreshing to find one that discusses meaningfully how to communicate with your pet. If you're looking to dive deeper into this issue, check out "Adam's Task: Calling Animals by Name," by Vicki Hearne. Combining animal training with philosophy and literary criticism, it offers excellent insight into how animals communicate and respond to humans. The Atlantic Monthly called it "A fascinating and often surprising discussion of animal-human encounters." If you are an animal trainer-- or even just an animal lover--it's definitely worth reading.

5 comments about 101 Longeing and Longlining Exercises.

1. This is a very good book for beginning training a young horse, because it haves a lot of simple exercises that could be done with an untrained horse. It begins with simple exercises and continues with exercises that are harder and harder.
   It is a very good book because with every exercise it explains how to do it and every other thing that horse can do and how to correct this.
   I find this book very useful for me and my horse. I found out what I did wrong and what I have to do to correct this.
   I strongly recommend this book for every one how want to learn more about how to work a horse in hand and for they how don't have a trainer.



2. Only new to the horse training realm and this book with it's well laid out structure and diagrams has been invaluable. It is also easy enough for my 12 year old daughter to understand and use.



3. I can never get enough of books with exercises that challenge both my horse and I. This book is one that every Equestrian should have, whether for training purposes or just getting back in shape. Half of the Exercises are really basic and a waste for an intermediate to advanced rider, but then again I guess all horses can use a few lessons in the refresher courses. The last 30 Exercises focus on long lining which I use on all my younger horses. They advance from driving a horse in a yin yang pattern to change direction to Figure 8s and Lazy 8s (just a flatten figure 8). Eventually the horse graduates to haunches in and shoulders in. I find that even more advanced school masters benefit from these exercises.



4. Spice up your ground work with this educational guide and develop a better relationship with your horse in the process. There are often days when we perhaps don't have the time to ride, but instead of just longeing around on the circle we could be more constructive - this book can help you. I find this book particulary useful when starting young horses.



5. I thought this book is very helpful in teaching people to use the longline.

5 comments about Katz on Dogs: A Commonsense Guide to Training and Living with Dogs.

1. Katz is not a dog lover. When the dog he says "saved his life" became inconvenient he had it killed. The man has no idea what dogs are all about.



2. The title grabbed me and the book was a great read. So many books about training and living with dogs make it hard to see how it will work for you. There are many things that pull at our time and energy so how are we suppose to fit training, walking, cleaning, feeding, medicating, and playing with our dog into family life. Each one of these areas can be researched in depth with contradictory and overwhelming points of view. This book uses the rational approach to allow you to be good enough. This may be uninspiring to others, but knowing that not all good relationships with dogs are all about the dog, inspires me to develop a realistic ongoing relationship with my dog (one that involves a flawed human and a dog). "Choosing, training, and living with dogs is not, ultimately, only a pragmatic process but a spiritual one. How much are we willing to step out of ourselves? How hard are we willing to work to show these simple but wonderful creatures how to share our lives? How much will our patience be tested and to what degree can we rise above that impatience, find the better parts of ourselves, and have the dogs we want, with the lives they deserve?" from Katz on Dogs



3. I'd recommend reading the reviews for A Good Dog. Jon Katz wrote three books about his issues with his border collies. One dog was given to another home because he couldn't cope with it, or train it appropriately; the second dog - the one he made the most money from by writing about - he euthanized because the dog's behavioral problems had become "unmanageable". Based on Katz's track record and other reviews from this book. I wouldn't waste your money.



4. I find it amazing that Jon Katz is writing a book about dog training considering that he gave away one dog that he was unable to train and euthanized the other. And he makes money dispensing advice with this kind of track record?! Disgusting.



5. I liked this book as I have liked most of the books about his dogs that Jon Katz has written.
   I have trained dogs professionally for over 20 years and while I don't agree with all of the advice given in Mr. Katz's book, I don't usually agree totally with most trainers advice. I take what works for me and the dogs I train and throw the rest out. I do think that as a general guide it is well worth reading.
   Jon Katz is relating his life experiences and how his relationships with his animals is making him a better person. Does he have setbacks? make mistakes? sure he does, as do we all. but unlike most of us he admits his mistakes and hopefully learns from them.
   
   I look forward to many more books from Jon Katz.

5 comments about Becoming an Effective Rider: Developing Your Mind and Body for Balance and Unity.

1. This book was very helpful to me in terms of developing an attitude and approach towards my riding. Not only were the technical aspects of riding covered, the mindset that allows one to gain confidence and control was addressed at length. As a high-beginner rider I found the information in this book very useful for taking the next step, into intermediate riding skills.



2. I am an absolute beginner in horseback riding and I have really appreciated the attention that the Mrs.Hill gives to the mental side of riding.(maybe due to the fact that I am not so young even if I started riding only some months ago...)
   It's very useful to see and understand that beyond your posture in saddle ,also your mind approach is important to get the best from the equestrian activities.
   My personal target in equestrian sports is to have relaxed riding and in this book you may find important suggestions in starting with a relaxed (but not careless) approach to the horse, to the grooming, to the riding etc... having the best , avoiding to transform a anti-stress activity in full-of-doubts-and anxious-one.
   This doesn't mean that also worrying features (like injuries) are not considered: on the contrary there are many parts treating about the potential dangers in riding, the wrong approach to the horse, the best way to ride safely .
   ...To be prepared is the best defence and gives you a stronger and safer confidence when you're going to ride...
   I strongly recommend this book to the beginner-riders who are searching for a good source of suggestions to prepare "their souls" to face without worries and approach with self confidence the"obstacles" in riding horseback.



3. I have read quite a bit of Ms. Hill's books and have found them very helpful. However, I was a little disappointed in this book. It is geared for a beginner and isn't very useful for the more experienced rider who needs improvement. She had a few useful points here and there but I felt like I was reading a motivational and/or human anatomy book. I would recommend Swift's Centered Riding as a wonderful source instead.



4. As a beginning adult rider I really appreciated the value I got with this book. I wanted to make the most of my weekly riding lessons and I feel I really already learned so much from this book. I got it as a gift from my husband but, if you buy it it is definitely worth the money. It prepares me for my lessons and also clarifies things very well. The most astonishing thing about this book is how it addresses every issue in a way that can improve skills and understanding for everybody- Beginner and Advanced, Western and English,etc.). It is very easy to read and understand. I really like Hill's writing style and will try out some of her other books.



5. This was one of the first books I purchased for my riding library five years ago; at age 33 I was a rank beginner just starting lessons, and I wanted to supplement the physical experience with some off-the-horse studying. Today it's pretty dog-eared, which reflects how often I've gone back to it. It covers just about every aspect of riding one can think of(the aids, body awareness, feel, creative imagery to help position, psychology-even proper attire and tack!), and is written clearly and concisely, never getting dull or overly technical(wish I could say the same for some of the others I've shelled out for). It is also very reasonably priced-a good "value for money", as the british say, which is why I've rated it so highly. I would give it as a gift to any novice, adult or otherwise.

5 comments about The Everything Horse Book: Buying, Riding, and Caring for Your Equine Companion..So Complete You'll Think a Horse Wrote It (Everything Series).

1. When I bought this book I honestly didn't think I'd ever read it, let alone read the entire thing. But I gave it a try and now I can't put it down. The advice she gives is very helpful and really lets me know what I'm going to have to do when I buy my own horse. This book really opened my eyes and has prepared me for someday becoming an experienced horsehandler. Cheryl Kimball does a wonderful job with this book!



2. The Everything Horse Book: Buying, Riding, and Caring for Your Equine Companion..So Complete You'll Think a Horse Wrote It (Everything Series)
   by Cheryl Kimball
   This is a complete book of everything you need to know about horses the best descriptions the easiest reading. Would buy any of Cheryl Kimball's books due to the easy reading content.
   Excellant and fully descriptive. My daughter wants to be a horse handler and has had not experience with horses this is a great book that gives a complete guide for beginners.
   
   Excellant service, communication and packaging. Have bought many books and would not hesitate to buy more.



3. When i first got this book i thought it was going to be much better. I thoroughly enjoyed it however. I am 14 years old and when i passed it down to my younger sister (who is 10) to read, she got bored really easily with it. It might be because she is just the type of person who bores easily, but there really is no motavation for someone of her age. there are very little pictures and is not written in a way which younger people understand



4. This is a good book for the person who doesn't own a horse yet but would like to sometime. It is very complete, going over stuff from hoof anatomy to how to introduce your horse to an electric fence for the first time. However, I think that Horses for Dummies by Audrey Pavia is even MORE complete and I liked that better, but overall this is a very, very good book.



5. I think this is a great book for someone who owns a horse. Since I don't yet own one, I found it not as interesting as some horse books. It talks about trailering your horse, what to feed it, ect.... I still enjoyed it though, because I really like reading anything on horses. And someday since I'll be owning a horse someday (I hope!!), I think this book will come in handy. :)

3 comments about AnimalSign TO You. Imagine! Signing Is Not Just For Primates Anymore.

1. 
   "AnimalSign To You" By Sean Senechal has transformed my training of my own therapy dogs, as well as the service dogs I train. An example of how this book has transformed my training is that my dog's can now communicate to me their needs as my co-therapists whether it is that they need water, food, a toy, a break, space, quiet time etc. Communication is key to our relationships with our dogs and this book provides an easy to follow technique that will expand our ability to respect our dogs. I highly recommend it and suggest that it be mandatory reading for ALL dog trainers, behavioral consultants,veterinarians and anyone who shares their life with a dog!
   
   I love this book! Thanks for providing specific tools to help open our eyes to communication with our dogs.



2. This book "goes where no one else has gone" in the field of animal communication. Sean describes methods for teaching your companion (horses and dogs are featured here, but other cooperative species should be able to learn also) to use signs to communicate with you. Yes, you read correctly - the dog or horse uses sign language to ask questions, ask for things, and to respond to your conversation. This is so much more than our critters learning to follow directions or commands - this is the real communication many of us have longed for but have been unable to implement. It will take a good bit of patience to get the process started, but if my rather elderly sheltie is in any way typical, the first signs will quickly be followed with several more - it seems that some of these guys have just been waiting for us to get smart enough to understand them! I highly recommend this book to anyone with a pet, companion, service, or working animal. Sean's enthusiasm will rub off on you, and you and your companion will enjoy a new, higher level of communication. Did I mention that I really like the premise, as well as the book?



3. Excellent for all people interested in canine capabilities, training and communication. We compared Senechal's book scientific content with that of other well founded reports and books and found close agreement on the concluisons and recommendations. The book is written at a level accessible to and can be used and understood by almost anyone from age 5 upwards. The author focuses on domestic horses and canines, a numerous population of intelligences who are in close day to day association with ordinary people, and capable in many cases to communicating to the people associated with them - not merely from people to non-human companions.
   The author provides the extremely rare practical recommendations and procedures that even children (as well as parents and PH D candidate researchers) can use effectively to explore and confirm the observations made by the author.
   The author's emotional excitement indicated in the book we eventually concluded indicated sincerity that did not in any way compromise the scientific significance of the reported findings and recommendations.

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.