Editorial Review

Open the front cover and the first two pages you see contain the Index of Signs and Symptoms, from Abdomen (painful, swollen, distended, and tucked up) to Weight loss, Wheezing, and Whining (continual). There's a comprehensive index in back, of course, running the gamut from Abortion to Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis, which is all very useful, but when your pooch is in pain, it's great to be able to turn, with the minimum of folderol, to the page that says to relax, it's nothing a bit of extra grooming won't fix, or alternatively to hightail it over to the vet hospital. It's a wonderful reference for any dog owner, with chapters on emergencies (such as burns, dehydration, and poisoning), as well as worms, infectious diseases, skin care, and canine eyes, ears, and nose. There are chapters on the digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems, the nervous, musculoskeletal, and urinary systems, plus dog sex, whelping, puppy pediatrics, geriatrics, and chapters on cancers and medications. In short, it covers every health dimension a dog owner might want to know more about, identifies the possible causes, helps you determine the severity of the condition, and indicates what treatments or actions to take to best insure your dog's good health.Read more

Reviews (46)

This book saved my dog's life
This is an excellent resource for pet owners because it is logically written, well-organized and goes over broad range of ailments your dog might have. It is set up for quick reference, and information is conveyed succinctly, so the reader is able to retrieve the needed information quickly. This ease of use literally saved my dog's life.
Dog Health Care Bible
Highly informative and very detailed, some may think its too deatiled but its better to know too much about how to care for a dog than too little.I raise a small number of dogs and I might as well not put it on the shelf I use it on a daily basis.

Great Midnight Help
This is a good, well written, and well organized book. There is a whole section on diarreha, including how much Pepto-Bismal to give a dog and other home care. This was invaluable when my dog got into something she shouldn't have eaten. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Diseases    3. Dogs    4. Dogs - Breeds    5. Dogs - Care/Health    6. Dogs - General    7. Handbooks, manuals, etc    8. Pets    9. Pets / Dogs / General   

Reviews (31)

Colorful and informative
This is a great overview of AKC breeds. There are 2 full color photos (not drawings) of the dogs. I refer to this book all the time. It covers the history of the breeds, statistics, temperment,personality, health isuues, and much more. I bought one for me and one for my sister. I highly recommend this book!

Good breed information, but lacking in presentation
I have an older version of The Encyclopedia of the Dog by Bruce Fogle, and here's how they compare: Dr. Fogle's book has many more breeds, but one complaint I heard was that the information it provided on the breeds was not always accurate (I can't verify this, I'm not a vet). This book here by Dr. Coile is supposedly very accurate, but has fewer breeds (only the AKC it seems); however, I knew that before I bought it so I can't complain. Very few people own or can obtain non-AKC breeds, so reading about them would just be for pleasure for most people. That said, Dr. Coile provides more information for each breed, giving 5-scale ratings for 13 different characteristics (tempermant, grooming, heat/cold tolerance, exercise needs, etc), health concerns, breed history, etc. However, the pictures they provide aren't nearly as professional looking as the ones in Dr. Fogle's book, if that matters to you. Also, the binding is cheaper in this book. One important difference, though, is that this book contains no other information aside of about the breeds. Dr. Fogle's book, in contrast, provides the history and use of types of breeds (such as hounds, herding dogs, hunting dogs, etc, not just a particular breed), anatomy, evolution, care, training, etc. Dr. Coile provides none of that. So, if you just want a book to help you pick out an AKC breed and need accurate, more detailed breed information then this book is the better choice; but for general interest and pleasure, Dr. Fogle's book is better.

A Really Informative Book
Even this book only lists about 150 breeds of dogs and it is based on just dog breeds, it is a pretty good book. I am trying to find the right dog for someone and have used the great overall section of each breed to find that the Havanese fits her best. The breed pages include history, AKC ranking, family, area of origin, date of origin, original function, today's function, other name, temperament, upkeep, health (including major concerns, minor concerns, occasionally seen, suggested tests, life span, and a note for some breeds), energy level, excersize requirements, playfulness, affection level, friendliness toward other dogs/other pets/strangers, training, watchdog, protection, grooming, cold/heat tolerance, weight, height, form and function, and fanally, an illustrated standard. It will help you a lot in picking the right breed of dogs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animal Science (Specific Aspects)    2. Dog breeds    3. Dogs - Breeds    4. Encyclopedias    5. Pets    6. Pictorial works    7. Dogs    8. Pets / Dogs / Breeds    9. Reference works   

Reviews (2)

COTONS
Informative book on a little known breed in the states.Covers most areas of information on the breed

Buy this before you adopt the dog!
This is an excellent book.It gives you complete and full rounded information on this breed of dog.I would not adopt into or out to this pet without first having this book read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dogs - Breeds    2. Pets    3. Dogs   

Reviews (24)

The ONLY Puppy Book
Every single thing that we read in this book was useful, and worked too!I would highly recommend this book over any other for training any puppy, any breed.

Terrible book -- not enough detail and too superficial
When I adopted my puppy, this book was recommended to me.I dutifully went out and bought it.As I was reading it, it had many suggestions for what you should do but no tangible examples of implementing those suggestions.For example, they might say "don't hit your puppy with a rolled up newspaper" however they don't necessarily give you a reasonable alternative.I believe this to be more of a function of the editing by the "dummies" staff than a reflection on the author.In what I can only interpret as his own editorial comment on the book, my puppy proceeded to pee on this book -- needless to say, after that we threw it out.
A Good Start, but By No Means A Complete Reference
I just want to lay out that no one book covers everything. A blend of various resources must be examined when venturing out into puppy-ownership-land. This book is good to acquaint you with the basics: assessing your lifestyle, gearing yourself (and family) up for owning a puppy, doing your homework on the breed, where to buy, what to get for the puppy (and your home)puppy stages, common problems, helpful tactics and solutions to said problems and fun stuff: training, games and commands. This book or the Complete Idiot's Guides are fine for this. I also recommend, like others, The Art of Raising a Puppy by the Monks of New Skete.
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Subjects:  1. Dogs    2. Dogs - Breeds    3. Dogs - General    4. Pets    5. Puppies    6. Training    7. Pets / Dogs / General   

Reviews (3)

Easy to understand, complete, scientifically correct.
I like this book because I know the author, the veterinary professor under which she researched, and the scientific studies that support her work. Many of the books on breeding are written by people with far less experience and understanding of the reproductive system and the estrous cycle in bitches, and simply propitiate old, outdated information. This book is not only thorough, written so a complete novice can understand, and covers everything from making the choice to breed to placing the puppies, but it is also dependably ACCURATE. It's the only book I trust from cover to cover. Should be required reading for every dog breeder!

Indispensable!
I always reread Phyllis Holst's wonderful book every time I breed a litter and have it at my side during whelping. Its pages are thick with 'postit' bookmarks. The advice is concise, but still detailed -- the perfect book for the first-time breeder.

Fantastic book!
If you've EVER thought of breeding, THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU! Explains EVERYTING, including problems you may encounter, things you never expected, BUT SURPRISE! and THIS BOOK COVERS THEM! I use it as my bible, and wouldn't have a litter without it by my side.I have the others, and they sit in mylibrary. This book is an absolute MUST. It is a Wonderful, easy tounderstand, most complete guide to breeding. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Breeding    2. Dogs    3. Dogs - Breeds    4. Pets    5. Reproduction   

Reviews (34)

Guess what?
Big suprise, dogs know that we aren't dogs.The gig is up, dogs don't relate to us the way they relate to dogs.Get a book that really teaches you how dogs think and learn.

The best puppy training
The best training book I've ever used.Has easy to use schedules and day-by-day steps for bringing up a healthy, well-trained dog.

Humane, kind, helpful
I love Carol Lea Benjamin's books.Check out Secondhand Dog and Surviving Your Dog's Adolescence, too. :)
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Subjects:  1. Dogs    2. Dogs - Breeds    3. Dogs - Care/Health    4. Dogs - General    5. Dogs - Training    6. Pets    7. Training    8. Pets / Dogs / Breeds   

Reviews (34)

Excellent book on dog behavior
This book is an excellent guide to dog behavior and, although not being a training manual, it includes a lot of information on how to train your dog. Apart from discussing how dogs learn (e.g. by observation, classical conditioning, or operant conditioning), it includes a short list of "canine learning" rules and an appendix that teaches you how to teach commands, as well as how to correct behavior problems by counter-conditioning (training him to do something else instead of its undesirable behavior) and desensitization (teaching him to accept the stimuli that cause unacceptable behavior).
Well written book, enjoyable and informative
This book helps me communicate with my dog better through understanding what my dog's thought process. It's not a training book but what you learn from it is much more valuable than other training books in a lot of ways!

A dogs Mind
I found the book interesting to a degree; however, it was not what I was looking for and therefore did not meet my needs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Behavior    3. Dogs    4. Dogs - Breeds    5. Pets    6. Psychology    7. Pets / Dogs / Breeds   

Reviews (22)

lovers pets

great service-poor product
book was one that i wanted, but because of an error at the printers, many pages were missing.

Photos
The Photography in this volume is excellent.It is rare to find a book that gives photos showing both front and side profile for every breed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dog breeds    2. Dogs - Breeds    3. Pets    4. Dogs    5. Reference works   

Reviews (7)

This book is a 'must' for all Vizsla owners
This book is the best book that I have found on Vizsla's.We orginally purchased the book when we were researching the breed.This helped us to decide the Vizsla was the dog for us.It covers everything from their history, breed characteristics, caring for them, training them, and even breeding them.
Versatile Vizsla
Good reading with plenty of information.Would recommend it for any Vizsla owner or prospective owner.

Best Vizsla book for the serious fancier
Well worth the price when you consider the volumes of information given by Coffman. Compared to other books which are vague on the breed and give only common sense care tips, this book is above and beyond. Every Vizsla lover needs this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals / Pets    2. Dogs - Breeds    3. Dogs - Breeds - Sporting Dogs    4. Pets    5. Vizsla   

Reviews (17)

Schutzhund :by Susan Barwig
Good for a beginner.
Excellent Work
This book is very good in form as well as function. It describes all of the exercises involved in every level of schutzhund competition as well as explains how to train for each. The exercises are broken down into small, goal oriented objectives that provide an easy to understand (and utilize) format. Highly recommended for beginning or advanced trainers.

Fine overall primer on Shutzhund
This is a fine book on Shutzhund if you desire a general overview of each of the 3 phases, general trial requirements, etc.The authors do a good job of presenting the sport, its background, and its requirements in a logical order.Do not look here if you seek depth in training technique. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dogs - Breeds    2. Dogs - Breeds - Working & Herding Dogs    3. Pets    4. Schutzhund dogs    5. Training    6. Dogs    7. Pets / Dogs / Breeds   

Reviews (22)

A good read.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone interested on AB's or dogs in general. Excellent

Excellant
I am soon going to be an AB owner and I have been doing a lot of research trying to find out any information I could. I've spent countless hours gathering information on this breed... If I would have only got this book sooner! It has tons of information that took me days to find, and not only that, but is has help me understand the history of the breed a great deal more than any other source has. Thinkning about buying or already own an AB I would highly highly recommend this book. A+++ all around

AMERICAN BULLDOGGERS MUST READ
This is the most detailed and helpfull book i have read on the Breed to date. Mr. Putman has outdone himself in his research and informative writing style. A true MUST HAVE for any AMERICAN BULLDOG owner. I bought this book several years ago and still crack it open on a pretty regualr basis. BUY THIS BOOK NOW!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals / Pets    2. Dogs - Breeds    3. Dogs - Breeds - Non-Sporting Dogs    4. Pets    5. Pets / Dogs / Breeds    6. Bulldogs    7. Dogs    8. History    9. Pictorial works   

Reviews (1)

Maxwell Award Winner!
Hello everyone!Read more

Subjects:  1. Dogs - Breeds    2. Dogs - Breeds - Sporting Dogs    3. Greyhounds    4. Pets   

Reviews (11)

How to Tame A Jack Russel
This is a great book. The things I read about Jacks,I had no idea about. It fits them to a tee. This is my secound Jack Russel and my daughter has one that chases aliens on the ceiling(shadows).
Excellent Information
This book is written in a 'jump to' format you don't have to read it cover to cover to find information important to you. It gives you great information on selecting, training and basic care of the Jack Russell Terrier bread.

Good owner's manual
This is a basic, no-nonsense guide to owning a Jack Russell. At the very least, you'll know what you're in for. DO take the author's advice seriously. Owning a Jack Russell is serious business! Your dog will need a large yard, lots of love and attention, exercise and *patience*!! I realize I am editorializing over the book here - she pretty much covers everything you need to know. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dogs - Breeds    2. Dogs - Breeds - Sporting Dogs    3. Jack Russell terrier    4. Jack Russell terriers    5. Pets    6. Dogs    7. Pets / Dogs / Breeds   

Reviews (1)

A gem for any dog owner!
I had never seen this book and bought it blind on marketplace and all I can say is WOW!I wish I would have bought it sooner!!
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Subjects:  1. Dogs - Breeds    2. Dogs - Care/Health    3. Dogs - General    4. Pets    5. Dogs    6. Pets / Dogs / Breeds   

Editorial Review

An invaluable language manual for people who need to communicate with dogs, Read more

Reviews (37)

Great Read
I had my doubts about this book. I am a professional dog trainer, and a animal behaviorist. I would not recommened this book for your average reader. However it covers the basics of canine behavior very well and I would recommend it to anyone who trains dogs, or works with groups of dogs and wants a deeper understanding of their social interactions.
Useful
I doubt that some of the examples were true to life.Some dogs were at first presented as knowing as much as a 3 year old human child.These dogs were presented as responding to long sentences and did things that dogs just cannot do.Then the book analysed these impossible canine responses.And I do not accept the book's analysis.These fantastic canine responses could not have happened as the book asserts.
Speak Dog
I don't agree with all that he says, but it is all interesting. Lots of information to integrate with practical learning. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Behavior    3. Dogs    4. Dogs - Breeds    5. Dogs - Care/Health    6. Dogs - General    7. Human-animal communication    8. Pets    9. Pets / Dogs / Breeds   

Reviews (34)

Great Training Ideas!
I've enjoyed this book very much. I do not currently own a greyhound, but I'm doing my research to prepare for a time when my lifestyle is more conducive to owning a dog.
retired racing greyhounds for dummies
Excellent resource. Loved the way it was organized! Made it very easy to find specific topics.

A Must-Have
This book was an excellent resource specific to this kind of dog. We've had dogs for years but greys are a little different.Great advice and tips. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dogs - Breeds    2. Dogs - Breeds - Sporting Dogs    3. Pets    4. Racing greyhound    5. Dogs    6. Pets / Dogs / Breeds   

Reviews (14)

Pretty good.
Honestly, I would have given this book a 4 or 5 star rating if it didn't come included with a section on treating sickly puppies.Her misinformed view on this (and the fact that I didn't seek out a friend of mine who DID know what to do in that situation) caused me to lose a puppy.After reading this section, I was so convinced that "Pittsburgh" (Named because the father was named "Steeler") was too sickly to help.I unfortunately gave into the survival of the fittest mentality, and because of that, I lost the puppy.I did eventually seek help which only made it harder to take.My "sickly puppy" merely had a broken leg and therefore couldn't get to the food, water, milk, etc.He couldn't play, he could just lay there separated from the rest so to not get trampled on too much.I wish I would have listened to my friend.The little guy must have been in constant pain his whole life, and it was against what I'd read in the book to seek out veterinary assistance.Beyond that, this book is pretty good.But please, if you're going to bring a litter of puppies into the world, whether you meant to or not (mine was not a planned preganancy), do the responsible thing and at least figure out what the problem with the puppy is as SOON as you find out that there's a problem.The puppy is counting on you, and you'll never forgive yourself if you're going through what I've gone through with this.You owe it to the puppy to give it a chance at life.Even if it wasn't a "planned" pregnancy, if you never wanted a litter and you didn't get your dog fixed in the first place, you inadvertantly planned on having that litter, and it's time to do the right thing.

The Whelping and Rearing of Puppies: A Complete and Practical Guide
I'm not a breeder but I do foster dogs for a rescue.Recently I was asked to take a pregnant female that had come in.I was very nervous!Growing up on my grandparent's farm I had seen calves, foals, and piglets born but never a dog. Several breeders I talked to recommed this book and it is awesome!I read through it, got my supplies together, and had it in my lap turning the pages as mama dog whelped her pups.It is very thorough and gives a lot of information on what to expect, what's normal, and how to handle problems.Definitely two thumbs up!!

Whelping and Rearing of Puppies
This book is wonderful.I am a first time breeder and this book provided so much information in just the first few pages, it was amazing.The author Muriel Lee is great and gives direct and concise directions on the birthing process and the raising and close watching of the pups.My 10 standand poodle pups are 2 weeks old now and are large and thriving - we almost lost 2 of them, but with our knowledge from this book we were able to revive them.They are all now happy, fat and very healthy.Thanks to the wonderful insite of Muriel Lee, photos and the wonderfully informative book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Dogs - Breeds    3. Dogs - Care/Health    4. Pets    5. Dogs   

Reviews (13)

Knutsons Point the Way
Direct, easy to understand, effective and rewarding.
The Most Detailed Dog Training Book
I bought this book to learn about the breed and training required for them. What I got was a detailed lesson on training any breed of dog. This book really breaks down the training process and helps you understand how a dog thinks. Once you read this book, the light will come on and you'll feel more assured when training you dog.

The Pointing Labrador
This is a no nonsense, practical guide to a very special type of dog, the Pointing Labrador. The book is written by an expert pointing labrador trainer couple with years of experience which they are willing to line out in their book for the average pointing lab owner. Starting with how to pick a puppy,beautiful pictures, to tips on practically everything involved with the rearing and training of this very special breed of dog. Very well written, easy to pick up and read about certain topics of interest, enjoyable and not too wordy or complicated. The emphasis in this book reinforces the idea that the training process can be funfor you and the dog, very positive. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals / Pets    2. Dogs - Breeds    3. Dogs - Breeds - Sporting Dogs    4. Hunting - General    5. Pets    6. Pets / Dogs / Breeds    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Sports & Recreation / Hunting    10. Bird dogs    11. Dogs    12. Dogs - Training    13. Hunting    14. Hunting - Bird Hunting    15. Hunting dogs    16. Labrador retriever    17. Labrador retrievers   

Reviews (5)

If You Love Bouviers...
If you love Bouviers, you will love this book.It is worth every penny!Great history, photos, and packed all the information you need as a potential Bouvier owner or as an admirer of the breed.Pedigrees, puppy selection, grooming... it's all there.A must have if you plan to own a Bouvier.I keep mine on my bedside table... when I'm not carrying it around with me.(Yup, it's heavy.)This is the best Bouvier book I've ever found and definitely the most thorough.

Detailed history of breed, special emphasis on police work
As a new and first time owner of a Bouvier des Flandres puppy, I appreciated many of the details, historical, raising and breeding.The book emphasizes the Bouvier as a Schultzhund dog, which is the author'sperogative.I would have appreciated more information on training of aBouvier for a pet.Many dog owners desire a lovable pet not a championpolice dog.The author is an important breeder of Bouviers and he has manyvalid points to keep the Bouviers to a standard.I myself researchedbreeders for several months as it is a problem.My summary statement isthat the book is worth the money.If there is a revision, I hope theauthor will broaden his interests in the breed for the general dog owner.

The Bouvier book everyone should read
A most informative easy to read book, giving accurate detail and information about the Bouvier des Flandres. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bouvier des Flandres    2. Dogs - Breeds    3. Dogs - Breeds - Working & Herding Dogs    4. Pets    5. Dogs   

Reviews (21)

dachshunds for dummies
Good book and informative.A must buy for anyone who is thinking of adopting/purchasing a dog of this particular breed.

** a must have for every doxie owner **
It's a perfect book for first time doxie owners! For those who really wants to take good care of their dogs plus doing a more effective training: buy the book before having the dog! There are a lot of interesting & fun tips so... sharing your flat with a dog can be a pleasant experience!
Great For Dachshund Owners
This book is a "must have" for first time Dachshund owners and great for any Dachshund owner. It is written in the same format as all the other "for Dummies" books which is easy to read and offers pointers and suggestions along with the text. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals / Pets    2. Dachshunds    3. Dogs - Breeds    4. Dogs - Breeds - Sporting Dogs    5. Pets    6. Dogs    7. Pets / Dogs / Breeds