Reviews (18)

Best book on dogs I've read!
I own five dogs and am always looking for new books on training and issues concerning dogs.Jon Katz is one of the best authors on dogs I've read!This book really inspired me!I've read all his books (which are all very good), but this was excellent!He's actually made me really want to work with my dogs so that we can all exist happily ever after.I've also thought about emailing him just to let him know how much I value this book - and I've never felt that way about anyone before!If you have dogs you can't go wrong with this book!!

My living is 100% from my relationship with my dogs...
And I've felt like Katz is on my trip every day.I've read his other books and when I heard him on NPR talking about this book I thought "I've GOT to get that."
Very practical and heartwarming
I became a Jon Katz fan last year after losing our beloved dog(through a painful choice of euthanasia).My very favorite book is the one that started him on his series of dog books--A Dog Year.This helped my husband and I greatly as we grieved for our dog.It is absolutely wonderful.However, this recent book is incredibly useful.My family adopted a rescue dog several months after losing our first dog. We carefully thought about what type of dog to choose and love her dearly. However, I think we got very lucky!I feel I would be much better informed to choose a dog in the future after reading this book.In the meantime, we have and are continuing to implement many of the suggestions to help our dog.One of the main things I have finally understood is how the training needs to continue and how important it is to make our dog fit into our lives, rather than letting things revolve around her(after 2 kids that wasn't too possible anymore anyhow!).I highly recommend this book to anyone with a dog or even thinking of getting one.How much easier it would be to really start off with a well thought out plan when you get your dog!I can't wait for the next Jon Katz book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals / Pets    2. Dogs    3. Dogs - Care/Health    4. Dogs - General    5. Dogs - Training    6. Pets    7. Training    8. Pets / Dogs / General   

Editorial Review

A classic natural pet-care book from two celebrated veterinary specialists in chemical-free nutrition, treatment, and natural healing for pets, Read more

Reviews (78)

The best book to improve your pets health and keep them healthy!
I can't praise this book enough. It has literally saved me hundreds of dollars in pet care costs and more importantly saved at least one of my pets' life. I've owned my copy for at least eight years. I have a Weimaraner with allergies which this book has kept her allergy free without the prescriptions recommended by the vet.
Inaccurate advice and some expensive suggestions
I read this book hoping to find another way to try and treat my dogs skin problems and with the interest to start feeding him more rare food (less kibble).
The Must-Have Go To Guide for Natural Pet Health
Every aspect of caring for your companion dogs and cats health is covered here. The sheer volume of topics addressed make this book an invaluable resource that any dog or cat owner interested in their animal's health and longevity and quality of life will use again and again. From preventative health maintenance to injury treatment, to better choices in real nutrition and supplements, to natural pest control tips, proper environment and other care concerns and much, much more, it is all here in easy to follow ancedotes and instructions.
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Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Cats    3. Cats - Care/Health    4. Cats - General    5. Diseases    6. Dogs    7. Dogs - Care/Health    8. Dogs - General    9. General    10. Health    11. Pets    12. Pets / Dogs / General   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (5)

Helpful Primer.
I previewed this book via the library and then opted to purchase a copy for myself.Learning T-Touch isn't something that I have done quickly but it does seem to be helping me to help my dogs relax.

Getting in TTouch With Your Dog: A Gentle Approach to Influencing Behavior, Health, and Performance
Very useful read for anyone who has dogs.

Most HELPFUL Book I've Bought!
This book not only has good insight to dogs needs but illustrates the tTouch.It very much compliments the tape on this same subject.I'm sure happy I got it.So are my 3 dogs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Behavior    3. Dogs    4. Dogs - Care/Health    5. Dogs - General    6. Dogs - Training    7. Health    8. Human-animal communication    9. Pets    10. Training    11. DOGS_TRAINING    12. Pets / Dogs / General   

Reviews (2)

Not for Dummies -- a note from the author
This is my newest book out and I hope you take a look at it.Unlike a lot of grooming books, this one is the most conprehensive when it comes to grooming your dog.Whether it's training your dog to accept grooming, handling bad-hair days, getting your dog ready for the show ring, or dealing with medical conditions or real hair emergencies, this book handles it all in a friendly, fun and conversational tone.
"dummies" r the best
I learn so much from these books-have about6 different ones. The index in this is the best to look up anything you want to know about taking care-good care of your dog. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Dogs - Care/Health    3. Dogs - General    4. Pets    5. Dogs    6. Pets / Dogs / General   

Reviews (1)

I Went From Feeling Helpless to Empowered
My beagle suffers from hip dysplasia and arthritis.The medication the vet prescribed helped, but my dog was still in a lot of pain.Out of desperation I decided to check out books on dog message and canine acupressure.The techniques outlined in this book worked miracles.My dog is now able to move with greater ease and with a lot less pain; in fact, at times he has the energy and stamina of a puppy again.I highly recommend this book for any one who can't sit back and watch a loved one suffer.It is a common sense, easy-to-understand approach to canine health. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative treatment    2. Diseases    3. Dogs    4. Dogs - Care/Health    5. Dogs - General    6. Massage & Reflexotherapy    7. Massage for animals    8. Pets   

Reviews (16)

Dog training must have
This book teaches all aspects of competitive dog training using positive methods.Excellent resource guide for both the experienced and or novice trainer.I have given it to my friends as a gift and they were delighted.

Dog training book that's in a league of its own
Diane Bauman's book is one of the best books in its genre. It is not at all surprising that the author's a winning trainer of up to four breeds in obedience trails.The recommendations in this book, like its title, go beyond basic training (clicker or otherwise), taking owners one step further into tweaking and polishing oftentimes assumed basic but nonetheless important commands like HEELING for dogs. Its succint chapters make it convenient for the reader to pause and assimilate some of best (but not necessarily the easiest for less experienced handlers like myself) tried and tested methods to teaching dogs how to think and even preempt(!).The book's only drawback is one that is purely aesthetics (lack of colored photos) but one that is overcomed by the author's highly motivational style of writing.This is a book for owners with an aim to cultivating a deeper relationship with their dogs via the systematic construction of a repertoire of common vocabulary.While I have no wish to put my three dogs through obedience trails, Bauman's book still scores very highly in the must-read list of dog training books as it will help anyone who's keen to hone their skills in dealing with their dogs in a loving yet firm basis.5 stars for readability, effectiveness and excellence in being in a league of its own!

Fantastic for Anyone
This book is well written, well thought out, and addresses the needs of many kinds of dog owners!There is frequent use of show dog terminology, but, other than that, I found this book a great supplement to dog training.It describes this experienced trainer's methods for ending up with a great relationship with your dog as well as a happy, well trained dog.Anyone who actually cares about their dog's mental and emotional health will benefit greatly from this book, whether you want a show dog or simply a well trained animal.The author is well-read and cites other works where appropriate- it's just a wonderfully put together reference. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dogs    2. Dogs - Breeds    3. Dogs - Care/Health    4. Dogs - General    5. Pets    6. Training    7. Pets / Dogs / Breeds   

Reviews (6)

Some other books that might help, too
I liked this book and feel it will help. Some other resources for some specific types of aggression not mentioned in the other reviews are "Fight!" by Jean Donaldson, for dogs that aggress toward other dogs, "Mine!" by Jean Donaldson, for dogs that guard their food bowl or other items of value (to the dog), and "Feisty Fido! Help for the Leash Aggressive Dog" by Patricia B. McConnell and Karen B. London. The techniques in these practical, reasonably-priced pamphlets would mesh well with the other resources mentioned.

Also try Sunshine Books (Karen Pryor)
Although its been suggested in a review here, Aggression in Dogs: Practical Management, Prevention & Behaviour Modification (Paperback) by Brenda Aloff is rather expensive.I like Karen Pryor's books because they emphasize positive, reward driven training and behavior modification.

How to Right a Dog Gone Wrong
Book is decently written and information logically presented. However, it does not really provide adequate details for application of techniques.It indicates that basic obedience is the fundamental method of correcting dogs who show aggression, but does not give adequate in-depth specifics to support the title's promise. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aggressive behavior in animals    2. Behavior    3. Dogs    4. Dogs - Care/Health    5. Dogs - General    6. Pets    7. Training   

Reviews (20)

good but not great
This book is generally good and effective at explaining a good relationship between a dog and his or her owner.But, there are a few things that i have learned from my experience in numerous training classes and from working a boarding kennel that I disagree with.

Leader of the Pack
I thought this was an excellent book. My boyfriend and I adopted a jack russell terrier. It was an older dog with some pretty severe dominance/aggression issues.This book was recommended twice to me. I think the two biggest reasons that this dog is still in our family is because of the size of our hearts and this book! We learned that our dog will always have problems, but we also learned that he can be controlled. He still slips into dominant/aggressive mode, but with the book in mind, we put him(humanely)right back into his place.

This book saved our lives!
My husband and I became the reluctant parents of a bulldog lab mix.Devoted as she was to us she was unruly, hyperactive, and randomly aggressive toward other dogs.At the end of our ropes, we bought this book.It helped us realize that we had been unknowingly giving our dog the message that she was the leader of our pack.When we assumed leadership positions she not only behaved better, she seemed relieved that she no longer had to fill a role that she did not want.She is now a relaxed, obedient dog that we have grown to love and cherish more and more.Most wonderful of all she no longer displays aggression towards other dogs.No matter how happy and relaxed she is...we are much more.This book is worth far more than we paid for it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animal behavior    2. Animals    3. Behavior    4. Dogs    5. Dogs - Care/Health    6. Dogs - Training    7. Human-animal communication    8. Nature/Ecology    9. Pets    10. Training    11. Nature / Animals   

Reviews (4)

A Bible for new Airedale owners
I have owned Airedale Terriers since 1979 and have bred them since 1985.This book captures all the essential information about Airedales and organizes it in a very readable manner.I send the book home with every Airedale puppy that I sell.This book gets my highest recommendation.

Airedale Terriers . . . Everything You Need to Know
"Take equal parts of intelligence, strength, heart, and loyalty. Add a generous portion of humor, sensitivity, and high energy. Throw in a pinch of stubborness and feistiness. Pack this inside a handsome 50- to 70-pound dog . . . and you have the Airedale Terrier." Good Information, Especially for the Price
I was pleasantly surprised by this book on Airedales.For an inexpensive book, it contained great "breed specific" information on raising and training an Airedale.It also had lots of great photographs.It is,however, written in a manner which scared off my wife from the breed --sort of no-nonsense, this is a big decision, don't take it lightly, anAiredale is not for everyone -- kind of way. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Airedale terrier    2. Dogs - Breeds    3. Dogs - Care/Health    4. Dogs - Training    5. Pets    6. Dogs    7. Pets / Dogs / Breeds   

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

Reviews (1)

Helped me keep my sanity while helping my best friend!
This is one of the more recent and thorough books on skin problems in dogs.Incidentally, skin problems are the most common problem for canines.The book is laid out like an encyclopedia by technical name of problem. It shows pictures of severe cases of many problems, and lists the mostcommon problems by breed.The useful appendices allow you to crossreference your information to be sure you've uncovered all that youcan.Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals / Pets    2. Diseases    3. Dogs    4. Dogs - Care/Health    5. Dogs - General    6. Pets    7. Veterinary Medicine - Small Animal    8. Veterinary dermatology   

Reviews (17)

It'll be a good reference....
I compared it to another guide, and it will do the trick!I just wanted a way to treat my dogs beofre taking them to the vet...

Excellent reference for Dogs and Cats
I can recommend this book to anyone that wants to improve the health of their dog or cat. I have a special needs dog and I needed information on the proper supplements and food to feed him.
Lacking substance
Save your money, this book will just give you the briefest of overviews.If you are interested in dog health or have a dog with an allergy problem, this is not the book to buy.Even the overviews are incomplete, a fluff piece.You would do better looking up animal allergies on the internet. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative treatment    2. Alternative veterinary medicin    3. Alternative veterinary medicine    4. Cats    5. Cats - Care/Health    6. Cats - General    7. Diseases    8. Dogs    9. Dogs - Care/Health    10. Dogs - General    11. General    12. Pets    13. Family & Health    14. Pets / General   

Reviews (3)

Immense knowledgebase of info on K9 behavior
I got a new puppy about 6 months ago.This was just about a 2 year process that involved searching out a specific breed that fit my personality and lifestyle and reading piles (Probably $500 worth) of books about raising puppies, training, specific breed books, etc.Mainly because I have always been deathly afraid of owning that unruly dog would be a nightmare to have around the house. Highly recommended
The author succesfully tries to offer a thorough and detailed view of what is known and what isn't known about dog behavior and learning. His approach is above all scientific, which doesn't mean he avoids phenomena like ESP etc., nor does he simply give a description of the autorities' viewpoints. Lindsay also carefully analyses everything commonly accepted by laymen and experts, without resorting to emotional arguments. His systematic and straightforward 'nothing to hide' approach as well as his concern to include all practices and opinions certainly makes this book an authoritative study which counterbalances a lot of 'extreme' bookson dog training (like Jean Donaldsons controversial book 'the culture clash' or the Koehler books). most complete book yet on training and behavior
I am a "pet dog owner" who became fascinated by training and how dogs learn. Lindsay's book is a godsend. Having read a lot of the dog literature over the last 15 years, including struggling through some of the classicslike Scott and Fuller, I was left with questions about what theories andpractices were valid, and which had been superceded by further researchthat perhaps I hadn't discovered yet.Read more

Subjects:  1. Animal Behavior (Ethology)    2. Animal Psychology    3. Behavior    4. Dogs    5. Dogs - Care/Health    6. Dogs - Training    7. Life Sciences - Zoology - General    8. Medical    9. Pets    10. Science    11. Training    12. Veterinary Medicine - Small Animal    13. Veterinary science: large animals (domestic / farm)   

Reviews (9)

Disappointed
If we had received this book I could review it.Still waiting for it to arrive in the mail.

More Than You Asked For
This book is way more than tips on how to keep your dog young.The test on determining your dog's "real age" is just the teaser to draw you into it.It's a wonderful overall reference on everything from how to choose the right kind of dog for your family to training to nutrition and exercise, with lots of personal stories thrown in.Lots of fun!

Required reading for all dog owners
This is the book that every dog owner, or potential dog owners, should read. DogAge covers the gamut of dog care, from puppies to senior dogs, diet, training, exercise, and obedience; it's all here. While the DogAge quiz provided some really great tips for keeping my dogs healthy, active, and youthful, the rest of the book is filled with really great tips and facts that I had never really even thought about: dangers such as frisbee catching, puppy mills, and chicken bones. With this book on my shelf, I feel much more prepared to be a better dog owner. This is definitely required reading for all dog owners! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Age    2. Diseases    3. Dogs    4. Dogs - Care/Health    5. General    6. Health    7. Pets    8. Pets / Dogs / General   

Editorial Review

Revised for the '90s, the second edition of Read more

Reviews (15)

Good Dog, Dead Dog
Before I give my review, a few facts. Dogs are the first domesticated animal, with humans selectively "designing" canis familiaris, beginning somewhere around 14,000 to 200,000 years ago. So it should come as no surprise that with that kind of conjoint relationship, we selected for attentive behavior.They've helped us hunt our food, herd and protect our flocksand us,and acted as companions.
Do not purchase
These books relies entirely on the use of aversives (collar choking) with dog training and does not use strong positive reinforcers like food.The methods are 50 years outdated and did not work at all with my dog.If you really want to know how your dog learns and how to teach him what you want him to do, buy Jean Donaldson's Culture Clash, perhaps the best book ever written about dogs.

Out dated methods
There is some basic good information in this book, but there are many out dated methods also.I like using positive techniques and this book suggests otherwise for some dogs.It also fails to mention many more of the techniques that we are using today.I would not recommend this book unless you have more background knowledge in dog training and can tell the good from the bad. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dog breeds    2. Dogs    3. Dogs - Care/Health    4. Dogs - General    5. Dogs - Training    6. Pets    7. Training    8. Pets / Reference   

Reviews (4)

OVERPRICED
This book looks like a free publication that you would pick up at your vet. It does have very good information but I wouldn't pay over $5 (total) for it.

Get this book as soon as you think of having a baby!
Excellent book.We have two Rhodesian Ridgebacks that were the focus of our universe for five years until our son was born.They are well trained but we had no idea how they would react to a new addition.We wanted to respect their feelings and not have any problems because of things we did wrong.This book was really helpful.We took a lot of advice from this book and we have not had any problems.Our son is two and he loves the dogs.The dogs are very tolerant of his antics and seem to love him too. I think dogs and kids can be great friends if their owners facilitate this process.

Great advice- real world and positive!
This book had the best advice.She really understands the importance of positive interactions between parents, babies and dogs.She gives specific answers to specific problems that are doable.I highly recommend this book.It's an easy read, and packed with useful information.She takes the positive approach to working with your dog and your kids too.It has helped me and our 7 y.o. "baby" poodle, who was the big baby before my son came along.This book was essential in helping to make a smoother transition.I couldn't find even close to the amount of information in this book in other sources.The vet gave us a one-page flyer, and Dr. Sears recommends finding another home for your dog!I use it as a reference, and highly recommend it to every parent with a dog, wether you have a "problem" dog or not, it helps you to know what to do to teach your dog how to handle the big changes and not make mistakes even with the best of intentions (like giving your dog extra attention when the baby isn't around- gives the dog the message that when the baby isn't there, she gets attention, so the baby is a bad thing). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children and animals    2. Dogs    3. Dogs - Care/Health    4. Dogs - General    5. Pets    6. Social aspects    7. Training   

Reviews (6)

very useful
If you read all the reviews, you will see that one misguided person entered a low ranking 4 times to unfairly negatively impact the results.(It appears that that person may be a self-styled expert, but not a veterinarian.)Other reviews attest to how useful a book like this can be.

Quick answers to urgent questions
Other veterinary guides to canine health are more comprehensive, but this one is perfect for those times when you need to know something right away.The chapters are organized broadly by symptom; within each chapter, charts enable you to quickly determine 1) the possible cause(s) of your dog's problem and 2) if this is a condition that needs immediate or eventual vet care.The information is organized to help you narrow the field of possible conditions by evaluating associated symptoms.A previous reviewer has apparently tried to decrease the overall rating of this book by submitting their negative review repeatedly, an unfair practice in itself, but I think the reveiw itself is off base as well.Many conditions are described as non-urgent, and for those, useful home remedies are suggested.(The remedies I've tried work.)This book doesn't offer in-depth information on canine illnesses or disorders, but it is very helpful as a first-aid, first-place-to-look resource. It's possible that there are better guides out there--I haven't read them all.But this is the best one I've seen for quickly answering the questions, What do my dog's symptoms mean? and Do I need to see the vet?

One of the Must Haves!!
This book is a great reference for any owner and is so easy to use. It has saved me a couple trips to the emergency animal centers in the middle of the night. It is written simply to help you know what you can handle and what is a true emergency to take to the vet. If your looking for a more indepth explanation to different diseases and illnesses this isn't an encycolpedia of information, but if you want something that you can easily look up a symptom or multiple symptoms in chart form with a simple solution this is it! It is also wonderful that it tells you what breeds of dogs are prone to what problems to give you a better picture of what could be happening to your dog. Just last week my dog was sneezing very labored and constant and after 10 minutes he wouldn't stop and you could clearly see he was starting to panic but I could see nothing was in his nose but he kept on. After 15 minutes we knew something was wrong he was pacing, and wouldn't calm down and since it was 11:00pm we would have to drive a 1/2 hour to the emergency animal hospital so we had decide something quick. My husbend remembered this book and he looked it up and he had what was called reverse sneezing and it said to give him wet food. We did and he stopped sneezing almost immediately. Just this morning my friend called me to say her dog was lame and had a fever and asked me to look it up and see what this book had said about it. I can't tell you enough how wonderful a book this is! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Diagnosis    2. Diseases    3. Dogs    4. Dogs - Care/Health    5. Medical    6. Pets    7. Small Animal Medicine    8. Symptoms in animals    9. Veterinary Diagnosis    10. Veterinary Medicine - Small Animal    11. Pets / Dogs / General   

Reviews (2)

Worth the money and your time!
This is a good book that covers a wide range of subjects in aclear & concise manner.The beginner will learn a lot and the more advanced reader will still benefit from reading this book.
A comprehensive book forDog Breeders
I have many books on dog breeding on my shelves. This one is different in several ways. It is written in textbook fashion with a FAQ section at the front of and a "Test your understanding" quiz at the end of each chapter. It uses color photographs to show you what the author is talking about when describing specific conditions or situations. It is written in laymans language making it easy to understand and yet it is comprehensive enough for the long time breeder to learn something new.
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Subjects:  1. Breeding    2. Diseases    3. Dogs    4. Dogs - Care/Health    5. Medical    6. Pets    7. Reproduction    8. Veterinary Medicine - General    9. Veterinary Medicine - Small Animal    10. Medical / Veterinary Medicine / General    11. Veterinary science: small animals (pets)   

Reviews (11)

Home-Cooking for Dogs is a Real Hit
I recently ordered this book and the first recipe I tried was a real hit in our household.One of our dogs just sits by the refrigerator because he knows the good stuff is in the refrigerator!The recipes are very easy to follow.

Good place to start
We just got this book recently, after finally deciding to go with home-cooked food for our pets, a 30lb terrier-something mix, and a fairly standard neurotic housecat.I've looked into it before, and been overwhelmed by conflicting information, obscure but necessary supplements, and the obscene cost of said supplements.I'm still overwhelmed by all that, actually, but I'm trying again anyhow.I was looking for something that would have recipes for both dogs and cats, and would be more along the lines of my Betty Crocker cookbook in terms of the number and variety of recipes, but alas, I couldn't find one.This was all I could get, and though it wasn't my first choice, it was on the vet's suggested list.
Loved it, but impractical for multiple large dogs
The author provides excellent information as to why commercial foods are not the healthiest diet for your dog. She also gave me the confidence to try this as I am not comfortable in the kitchen. Making meals for my dogs took some of the pressure off since I knew they would like everything I made! Plus, the recipes are very easy, though the prep work is time-consuming if you're not an experienced cook.
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Subjects:  1. Dogs    2. Dogs - Care/Health    3. Dogs - General    4. Food    5. Nutrition    6. Pets    7. Recipes    8. Pets / Dogs / General   

Reviews (1)

Great for anyone wanting a life change for both yourself and your pet.
After reading the book, I feel empowered to start a new life that focuses on really becoming the best I can be. Having my dog involved in the process even further fuels my push to get into shape.The book includes personality test and diet tips as well as fitness tips for getting into shape.By working out with my pet, I found not only a greater motivation to work out, but I actually found my fitness routine go from blah to vibrant.I highly recommend this book for any pet lover looking for a life change of fitness and health. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals / Pets    2. Dog owners    3. Dogs - Care/Health    4. Dogs - General    5. Exercise    6. Health and hygiene    7. Health/Fitness    8. Pets    9. Physical fitness    10. Weight loss    11. Pets / Dogs / General