Pet Books

This is one of those books you do not want to miss. If you ever doubted that your dog clearly understands you and knows you better than you know yourself, this is the book to read. I could not put it down and was totally "taken" by Enzo. I cried, laughed, and genuinely enjoyed every part of the book. I read constantly but never felt compelled to write a review or send an email to the author. With this book, I did both. Everyone that i have passed the book on to has agreed with me. Now, I can continue to "talk" to every dog I meet and feel comfortable that they "get me". Enjoy the read..

This has got to be one the best books ever written about a dog (by a dog). It works on so many different levels. The author's insight into how a dog thinks & reacts is right on the money. There's not a fake moment in the entire book. You'll laugh, and cry, & the ending is just perfect. I couldn't put it down, but didn't want to finish it at the same time. Enzo's story will stick with you long after you finished reading it. I've have given copies to all my friends & they all love it as well. If you ever had a dog, or wanted one, you must read this book. Garth Stein is my new favorite author.

This is my favorite book that I have read in 2008 (and I have read A LOT)!!! I originally bought this book for my husband for our recent vacation but I finished all of the books I brought and stole his copy of this book. I raced through the first 200 pages the day that I began reading it and then had to pace myself through the remainder because it was so good that I did not want it to end. The ending was so moving and I felt the need to email the author to tell him how much I loved book. He took the time to respond which made me enjoy the book that much more. I want everyone I know to read this! I am a huge dog lover and I gained a new perspective on my own dogs after reading The Art of Racing In The Rain. All I can say is BUY IT NOW!!! And buy an extra copy to give to someone you love.

I was so moved by this book! I just couldn't put it down. Ironically, I have a black lab with a similar name--Izmo instead of Enzo. I've often wondered what my dog might be thinking. This book captured the essence of what I think a dog might be thinking so well! Garth Stein has done a tremendous job of creating a very vivid image and dialogue in the form of an animal. The emotion that transpires as a result is really amazing and will catch you by surprise. LOVED this book!!

Kathy in Kirkland, WA

I am a dog lover so I fell in love with Enzo, the dog narrating the story, from the very beginning. Although this was a fictional work, the
"Enzo-isms" were inspirational and made the character even more endearing. As you are drawn into the life of an extremely likeable guy, Denny and his charming and very intelligent dog Enzo you will be led down a road of seemingly insurmountable challenges that will leave you asking what could possibly happen next and how can one person endure so much? It's almost impossible to read on but even more impossible not to. Despite all of the disappointments faced by Denny and Enzo, there is a heart-warming ending that is guaranteed to make you smile if not cry. I have a new favorite book that I honestly did not want to finish reading because I wanted MORE ENZO!!! This book will make you laugh, cry and especially wonder the next time you look at a dog, just what they are really thinking. Thank you Garth Stein for writing such a wonderfully charming and insightful book.

Maureen and Gary Ross wrote the nothing short of incredible TRAIN YOUR DOG, CHANGE YOUR LIFE, using insights from the Delta Society, which uses dog training in human therapy. (Available on Amazon and Kindle).

Cesar's popular training method of exercise, discipline (now called positive reward, gentle training, whispering, etc.), and then love, as well as insights about the energy we radiate, are truly innovative. NOW, he's likely read or seen the Ross's work, or read up on the Delta Society, and is actively writing/ speaking about HUMAN interaction as it relates to dog training. The key human insight in all this is: We TEACH others how we want to be treated.

If our dogs (or our human companions!) treat us badly, it's because we are teaching them, often unconsciously, to do so. The insight, learned a decade ago with birds and dolphins who can simply swim or fly away, is that negative reinforcement doesn't work, but only TEACHES the student to treat US badly. Positive energy, plenteous rewards, and not reinforcing the negative treat the student to treat us well, and behave well.

We train many species in our petcarelicense.com programs and at our clinics, and are learning with the Rosses that HUMAN relationships can benefit from understanding Dog training. A dog is a creature molded out of pure love, but to understand behavior problems, radiating calm energy is reassuring to start, lots of play and exercise is a path to showing our gentle but alpha status, and "discipline" is about giving lots of string cheese for the times we're treated right (the behavior is appropriate).

Prediction: Cesar will be coming out with more and more books that show how learning dog training can help with every aspect of ALL our relationships, including human!

I bought this book for my daughter who just adopted a 5 year old Chihuahua, Lulu from a puppymill. I know Cesar's knowledge will be a great help to them because Lulu is afraid of everything. She's never been socialized and will need a lot of patience. My daughter needs training too.

this book is an inspiration and insight into the life of cesar and the work he does, if you like watchinig his shows you have to read this book. it is one of those books you just can't put down you have to read it to the end.

I have to admit, I was skeptical about Ceasars methods. No that he could do it, but that we would be able to read a book and get results like on his TV series. I just did not believe, we could make his magic work for us as well. We have 3 Shih Tzus, and they get on very well, but my wife read this book, and they are now a pack :)

I never could walk them together on leashes, as a matter a fact I never used leashes. We just went out into the yard and they did thier Business. Well my wife has adpoted Ceasars methods, which include walking the dogs, and exercise as well as affection. It works, even for a simple guy like me who just wants a lap dog :)

Page 57 sums up the relationship, I had with my favorite pet. All love and affection. I lost her in a tragic accident, at my own hand. After time, we added two more for a total of 3 Shh Tzu's. I still wanted that "all love and affection" dog Trixie was, but realized I had to take Ceasar's words to heart. From page 57...."please open your mind to the possiblilty that your dog may be missing some of the things she needs to be happy in and fufilled as a dog". Well I opened my mind (with my wifes help :)) and I really beilieve the dogs are happier.

That line would be my best advice for anyone to read this book. Open your mind, to what Ceasar is teaching and you will find that with some time and patience this book, his work, will give you a better relationship with your dog or dogs.

Thank you Ceasar, you may have saved my marriage as well. LOL :)
Bill Gonzalez

I purchased this product after viewing a collection of Cesar's dvd's. They don't provide "How to..." for training a dog to do "Things"(sit, down, etc.) but they are very insightful in understanding how to have a good relationship with your pet as dog and master. The book has helped us get off to a good start with our new puppy.

This is a book I kept seeing in the stores and passing by, and finally recently picked it up and read a few pages. Right then I was hooked. I took it home and read the entire thing that night. I laughed out loud, and I cried too with this book. It takes you on this entire journey with this hilarious and loving dog. I also have a yellow lab, so I related to this book also very much. They're definitely different, and Grogan really captures that with this book.

This is a wonderful book. I couldn't put it down! It's a great book!! Highly reccomended!!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading John Grogans thoughtful book! What a treasure it is when an author manages to inspire, engage, and enlighten their reader all in one writing. You'll have a constant tickle in your throat, whether from giggling one page reading about Marleys salt-water antics, or tearing up on the next reading about the challenges jenny faced. No matter which way you cut it, it is a book you won't want to put down, and you'll be a better person because of it. In the end grogan reminds us of the resilliance of the human spirit. Even while penning memories with the 'worlds worst dog' he laces them with humor, understanding, and warmth of the love of a friend. The reviews were right, it would truly take a heart of stone to resist Marley and Me.

P.S. - For those who are sentimental-- would reccomend not reading in public, in the last third of the book, once the tears start they won't stop!

Reading this book, there's little doubt in my mind why its become a #1 best seller...
Because its cute, funny, poignant, heartwarming, engaging... and is written in a really smooth page-turner/chuckle out loud style...
And how can any book go wrong with a goofy bucket of mischief and drool as its key character?
I really mean it...
and a book I could see being made into an HBO movie...
I have severe ADHD... yet managed to get half way through before... realizing that my own dog was wreaking some havoc of his own.
Most interestingly, my own dog is the polar opposite of Marley... well trained/well behaved... affectionate, yet quite reserved compared to Marley... in addition, mine is a 3.5 kg. toy poodle, whereas Marley was a 100 lb. lab (I love watching labs play at the dog parks... they definitely epitomize the word "silly"!)
While reading this book, however, I couldn't help but feel jealous... Why is my dog so GOOD... why can't he stir up a little fun by rebel rousing now and then. (Oh, because he knows if he goes in the bathroom and goes anywhere near the toilet role he's gonna get it!)
All this said, a number of reviewers have give the book one star rating because of concern for the message...
I personally have issues with a lot of the training methods, however, this book is a narrative about a young couple, their new family, and the role of a very exuberant dog as they faced many of the day to day life cycle challenges and experiences that many of us do as well... It is not meant to be a training manual...
If, however, you're looking for "role model" owners, my advice is: emulate their love ONLY, but get your hands on some real books on dog training and behavior... (I personally am biased towards Ian Dunbar, Jean Donadlson, Patricia McConnell - - I also like Cys Frankel's book on raising a dog in the city...)
Even if ideologically speaking you're on the "other side" of the great "all positive" vs. "dominance/obedience" training divide, even Cesar Milan would have a message for you: about owners being RESPONSIBLE for the behavior of their dog...
That said... this is a really real funny, engaging and heartwarming book who's charm is guaranteed to work on virtually any self confessed (or in the closet) dog lover.
The read is not too "heavy" - - though not without its poignant moments.
A classic that I suspect will be on various reading lists for years to come!

This book was a delightful read. It made me laugh outloud and cry at times. I would read this book again. GREAT BOOK! Very well deserving of 5 stars.

I had really been looking forward to reading this book. When I read it I was very disappointed. Cesar Milan doesn't offer anything new, he reiterates the whole energy thing yet doesn't provide step by step instructions on dealing with difficult behaviors like aggression, leash pulling, nipping etc. There's also too much filler, for example stories and testimonials from his show and an entire chapter devoted to breed types. That info can be found over the internet for free. I've found better information on the web and it didn't cost me twenty five bucks. The book is just too abstract and doesn't offer any remedies. I'd advise anyone who wants to read this book to wait until they have it at their local library, don't spend good money on it.

again cesar proves that it is not the dogs that have the problems it is the humans that cause them through our lack of information and experience and also our actions of assuming we can treat a dog like a human and it still behave like a dog and picking the wrong breed of dog for our own lifestyle. excellent read a must buy

Cesar's method of training is called Dominance Training. It is based on flawed wolf research from the 1940's. There where three majors flaws and they were:
A) Very little time was spent observing wolves and what was watched was mostly hunting
B) The researchers misinterpreted rituals such as alpha rolling. They thought that the dominate wolf would physically roll the other in reality a lower wolf would offer his muzzle and when the alpha mouthed it the subordinate would willingly roll.
C) The researchers made a huge leap from wolf-wolf to wolf-dog to dog-human.

Wolves are not dogs and dogs should not be treated as a wolf. Treating a dog like a wolf is akin to treating a child like a Chimp. Sure they are similar but there are enough differences that it is not a good idea to treat them the same.

I have three dogs. One was trained using only positive training and two that started out being trained with dominance training then were switched to positive. The one that was comply positively trained is possibly the best worker I have ever seen who will do anything he is asked. One of my other dogs' dog aggression was cured via the positive training method after years of dominance training tactics.

I would recommenced that people read Patricia McConnell's book "The Other End Of The Leash" and try out the suggested techniques in that instead of using out date ideas in Cesar's books.

There is nothing new in Milan's training methods. He has just rehashed the outdated stuff of the '80s and earlier. Truly modern dog training seeks to form a relationship between dog and human, one based on mutual respect.

Yes, one can get results with his methods, but response based on fear is shallow and fleeting at best. That is, unless one keeps the poor dog terrorized. He appeals to people because of his emphasis on human dominance over dogs. There are dozens--make that hundreds--of trainers with more worthwhile advice to offer. I suggest that the person who wants a friend and companion instead of a cringing syncophant listen to them.

Millan's methods are both outdated and dangerous, the alpha roll being one of the better known and more dangerous of them. The term was first coined by the Monks of New Skete, who (as well as Millan) base the technique on wolf research. However that research has since been disproved, and even the Monks of New Skete have retracted this method and discourage people from doing it. Yet Millan continues, in spite of current research on behavior and learning processes in animals. An alpha roll is a very good method for getting your face bit off by a dog. That and scaring a dog.

His dominance centered methods sound great, but fall far short of reality. Dogs do not live in rigid structures, but rather dominance is fluid and highly situational. Again, current wolf research from the last several years supports this and debunks previous beliefs of how wolf society works. In addition, its problematic when you attempt to take wolf society and apply it to a human-dog pack - its not a cookie cutter mold that can be applied everywhere.

Millan does get some things right, because he is accurate that you do need to be a leader to your dog. Its his methods that are dangerous and harmful. You need not dominate your dog in order to lead. For more information on methods that work better and without the pitfalls of dominance and punishment based training, refer to trainers and actual PhD behaviorists such as Patricia McConnell, Pat Miller, Ian Dunbar, Karen Pryor, Victoria Stilwell (who has a show on Animal Planet,) Nicholas Dodman, and so many more who advance both science based training, and methods that foster cooperation and respect as well as joy between your dog and you.

Clearcut instructions with photos to teach your dog some cute tricks. The best book that I have seen.A very positive approach to learning.

I AM JUST DISAPPOINTED BECAUSE THIS BOOK HAS A LOT THAT ONLY BIGGER DOGS CAN DO. MY DOG IS A 3LB POODLE AND WOULD NEED A LADDER TO OPEN THE DOOR,IT CANT GET THE TELEPHONE BECAUSE ITS TOO HEAVY, I WOULD NEVER HAVE IT LEARN TO WALK ON A LADDER..THERES JUST A LOT OF BIG DOG TRICKS N NOT THE SMALL DOG TRICKS

This is the best tricks book i have ever seen, and I have looked a lot. the instructions are clear and the pictures help you know what you need to be looking for. I also love the fact that the more complicated tricks tell you what easier tricks you need to learn first. That makes teaching the complicated ones less stressful for you and your dogs. I have 3 dogs, they range from 35-65 lbs, and there is not one trick they have not been able to do with alot of practice.

I recommed this book to any person who enjoys spending time with their pet any pet who loves to learn.

Thanks for best book I have found

My mini dachshund and I have had a blast learning the tricks in this book- they're easy and fun to teach and make dog training so much easier! And my puppy loves learning them too.

While I am a many time author and know it's proven that the "101..." titles sell, I usually shy away from them. But thanks to the reviews on Amazon I bought this book. As reviewers wrote, this book is excellent.
It's the "Dog Tricks" part that suggested it isn't a serious dog training book; but serious it is. Yes, some of these could be called "tricks", but all of the basics that are so necessary to teach one's dog to get along in the human world are there: sit, down, stay, come, etc.
The way the book is laid out with two pages for each exercise and the clear writing and backup information makes it super easy for a complete novice to understand and teach themselves and then their dog these exercises.
Dogs love to please us and doing these positive training exercises truly works. Do him or her a favor and stick to a daily training plan.

This may very well be one of the most important books I have read this year ... or the past few years.

I purchased "Last Child in the Woods" right after I heard Richard Louv interviewed on a local radio program. I was so moved by his message and impressed with the breadth of his knowledge and depth of experience. And it all translates well in the book.

"Last Child..." feels more like a conversation a text. It's just that comfortable and open. Yet it very strikingly paints a picture of what is currently happening to children and our world as well as what may yet happen if nothing is done to reverse "nature deficit disorder". But, more importantly, there are also bright examples of hope and suggestions as to what we can do, as individuals and in larger groups, to cultivate appreciation of -- and cooperation with -- the natural world.

Anyone who wants to awaken a love of nature in their kids, or simply deepen their own nature walk, should give this inspiring book a chance.

I whole-heartedly recommend this important book. Richard Louv's book sparked a movement that had been simmering under the surface for some time -- with the rapid growth of technology in recent years, our children are spending less and less time outside.

I work with Green Hour, a campaign of the National Wildlife Federation, that aims to inspire parents to encourage their kids to turn off the computer, IPod and TV and GET OUTSIDE! Check out www.greenhour.org to find the tools you need as a parent to help fight nature deficit disorder.

Childhood obesity, ADHD, and basic developmental problems have been associated to this broken link with the outdoors.

The new edition is great -- there are ideas in the back for getting kids outdoors...

Anne Keisman
Green Hour

Louv claims that children spend less and less time outdoors because of parental fears, electronic toys and a variety of other reasons. He explains what the implications are for children and adults: attention problems, disconnectedness with the world, lower productivity. Louv makes the case for why and how parents, teachers and others should help children connect with nature. I really liked the book overall, although I felt like some of the chapters could have been more concise. The second addition has an appendix with a concise practical list of things parents can do.

From the first chapter, this book has had a tangible impact on my life. I grew up in a rural area but now live in NYC and had sensed, but did not fully realize how important being in nature is for my physical, spiritual and mental health. This book has re-opened my senses to the truth that I am a part of nature and even though I live in a city, I have the obligation to care for the nature around me. I also work with children and am newly inspired to incorporate nature into all aspects of education.

The only critique I have is that at times it feels like Louv is repetitive, and the directives about what can be done are sometimes broad, but the overall effect has been to inspire me to get out and DO something about the problem.

I'm young enough that I still get called "kid" by my friends' parents, and when I saw the cover of this book in the store, with the kid holding a frog, I instantly felt like this book was about me. When I started reading, I felt so even more.

My parents are outdoorsy (even though my dad worked at Microsoft and there were always computer games available to me, and I still love technology) and we lived in forests and next to creeks all my life. But today, I look around at my friends and I see that most of my generation wasn't as lucky as me. They're scared of bugs, (even moths!) they adamantly refuse to swim in the lake, (won't even touch salt water) they pick their way slowly and clumsily through the bushes as if every branch causes them pain... one friend brings an entire fold-out kitchen with her whenever we go camping. (At least she actually goes.) They call me "extreme", when all I did to become this way was catch some frogs, build some stick forts and flip over a few rocks to see what lived underneath.

It took the contrast of moving to the city (where I've lived for 4 years now) to show me that there was a problem. I'm not a parental person, but looking around at my friends and peers and seeing them nature-handicapped breaks my heart... I don't want more people to have this problem. And though I haven't finished the book, every sentence has really resonated with me. This is extremely valuable information.
Kids have to know what frogs smell like, where to find snails and snakes, how to hop down a wet trail without getting muddy, or climb up a steep slope in the forest; they have to feed squirrels in the park and learn to fall down and not notice they've scraped their elbow.

If they don't learn how now, they'll be too afraid to try later! And afraid of the world, they'll stay in their play-pens until the day they die.

Children like a repetitive structure because it helps them understand what's going on and predict what will happen next. (For that matter, adults like it too! Repetition is a crucial part of traditional storytelling and modern-day speechifying.)

This one is about a child who wrote to the zoo for a pet and, being a zoo, they sent him/her all manner of exotic, but unsuitable animals before finally hitting on a puppy. Each animal is hidden inside a box of some sort, that's where the flaps come in.

It's great fun (at least the first thousand times, then it's only a little fun) to lift the flaps and adlib some animal sounds to describe whatever's hiding. And, as a plus, the flaps on this book are actually fairly sturdy - we haven't had a rip yet, and we've had this book a few years.

Definitely a keeper.

My 1 yr old loves it and so does my almost 4 yr old nephew. keeps attn.

My two year old son loves this book. The pages have flaps you lift and then you can see the animals. He loves that. We read this book every night repeatedly before bed.

I introduced this book to my 9-month old son, who immediately took to lifting the flaps like a pro. This cooperative reading of the book, makes the required multiple readings entertaining rather than tedious. We've never had a concern about the sturdiness of the flaps, as these are a bit thicker than some other books we've run across us. Although, please note, my son hasn't figured out that ripping pages might be fun and is appropriately gentle with books. He is now 21 months old and still requests this book often. This was also the first book, I saw him browsing by himself, at about 12 months old.

I just bought this book for my 22 month old daughter. She LOVES it! We have read this book everyday since I gave it to her. She is also very careful with lift the flaps which could be a problem with some toddlers.

Excellently written book! And this one's not just for dog lovers but for anyone that is looking for a better understanding.... I will read this over and over again.

I have so far read this book twice and unlike several reviewers I am not in the least bothered by style or content or flow or hidden angst (dirty old man indeed).

The fact of the matter is that Mr. Kersotes wrote a book about his best friend. He did it how he did it and to me it was great. The elements of a life lived aren't about linear flow, they have twists & turns and digressions. This book does too and given the subject matter I'd be kind of disappointed if it didn't.

The book was about the both of them, how they interacted and lived the expanse of a lifetime. The choices throughout the book were made by someone who loved his dog greatly and with the best intent weighed by his experiences and lifestyle. I can't and won't judge those decisions, I'm just glad he took the time to share such an adventure with the rest of us.

I would highly recommend this to anyone who has ever loved their dog through thick and thin. It will touch you in places that may still hurt and will remind you of what it means to be family with your pup.

Lastly, my dog Sam loves Big Bug Shuffle too (look up Merles dance music and you'll know what I mean)

I found this book to be information packed yet very readable and sometimes hard to put down. I would recommend it to anyone who owns a dog! Very good Read...
Denise Neilson

All dog lovers will rejoice, smile and shed tears after reading this: "the way a fabulous dog thinks" book.
Terry

When I bought this book I had just finished a bestselling dog book it was a great book funny sad touching book intertwinded with the writers life,well I was in a book store and this one caught my eye ok I thought I'll give it a read....... Well I just loved the book from start to the last page.I'm wishing as I'm halfway thru the book "gee I wished I could have know Merle" I have 2 dogs myself and have always had dogs however,Ted opened my eyes on how to give a dog more freedom not less.I do wish my dogs could live and play with no leashes,no fenced in yard but,when you live in suburbia it's hard to do so. So I saw this wonderful smart dog thru free eyes of a dog it really made me think.

I was also touched by Brower a wonderful dog not limited by his illness in the end and ,how much he loved being around Merle and Ted.
We all hope when it's our time for our dearly loved pets to die we will be there for them, say all the right words,and comfort there last moments. Ted was lucky enough to be able to spend the last days of Merle life with being with him. That was a gift within itself. I'm so glad Ted did not have to endure the terrible experience of euthanasia.Having to put down 1 dog (my two year old black chow form leukemia) and 1 cat so ill from cyrstals formed in his bladder surgery could not save him.The guilt you feel from euthanasia is terrible. I glad Merle and Ted escaped this and Merle could fly away on his own time and terms.

IF YOU HAVE A DOG YOU LOVE YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK. It should be mandatory i belive,if you plan to be a Vet.

Fancy Nancy is delightful & this book does not disappoint. One very clever note I wanted to point out to all of you parents reading this book to your daughters...Nancy's dad says the dog is a LaSalle Spaniel - if you turn back a couple of pages you'll see that the animal shelter is the "LaSalle Street Animal Shelter" - TOO cute (I missed it the first few reads ;-))

I was a little disappointed with Bonjour Butterfly so I was hesitant to buy this one however upon reading it, I was quickly relieved!! It is adorable and has a good message too.

It's not bed time without hearing my four year-old beg for Fancy Nancy. Delightfully written, these books introduce great vocabulary and the illustrations are beautiful. We have spent a lot of time getting "fancy" at our house, which has truly helped develop my daughter's creativity and imagination. Makes a great gift paired with an outfit for dress up!

Or Fancy Nancy goes to the animal shelter

...but not until she "tries out" a posh puppy. Writer Jane O'Connor and illustrator Robin Preiss Glasser have teamed again to create another winner in the Fancy Nancy series, a personal favorite. (Meaning: I buy a copy for my school library with library money and for me with my money and another copy for my great-niece!)

Fancy Nancy Clancy establishes herself in the first book, Fancy Nancy: 2009 Wall Calendar as the only member of her family who likes to dress "fancy." Nancy's neighbor Mrs. DeVine is also fancy, revealing the possible source of the posh-ity. (Pardon the use of the wall calendar to exemplify the first book. I used it because the little product insertion button did not produce a copy of the first book but instead a calendar based on the book. Go figure.)

At any rate this fascination with poshness is a wonderful opportunity for detailed artwork created by the talented Robin Preiss Glasser, who uses the most feminine art to represent Fancy Nancy. As a former ballet dancer, she injects so many little ballet items into the story. I delight in this story as much for the art as the story. Little girls feel the same way. It's a popular and beloved series.

In this story Fancy Nancy wants a papillon just like Mrs. DeVine's Jewel. She lets Nancy puppysit to test her out. What a disappointment. This is not a dog--it's a pampered little living doll. After Jewel excretes her stomach contents onto Nancy's dress, they take her back to Mrs. DeVine. Nancy's parents take a bedraggled, disappointed Nancy to the local King's Crown for dinner. Nancy is so sad she cannot even walk on her toes.

But Mom has a surprise. After dinner they go to the local animal shelter to get a real puppy. Of course, Nancy asks for a fancy dog--and gets one. This perfect dog satisfies everyone: curly hair for fancy, medium size and lively for everyone else. She is Frenchie, a LaSalle Spaniel and is the perfect "fancy" dog.

I rarely summarize the entire story, but decided this series is just right for such a move. Every message is perfect. Nothing fancy here--just supportive and thoughtful parents, a favorite older neighbor, diverse friends, and acceptance of people for who and what they are. And in this particular story, a visit to the animal shelter for adoption. What a grand series! Nothing fancy there except this delightful little girl!

Fancy Nancy is about to get a new dog! Of course, her dog must be the fanciest -- a really Posh Puppy. When Nancy dog-sits a really Posh Pup, she realizes that he's not the right dog for her. (I guess those visits to the salon can get pretty old!)

There's a great lesson here when Nancy and her family go to the animal shelter to find a dog to rescue. Oh, his name is Fancy because it's Frenchy, and all's well that ends well.

Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy is a wonderful example of the beautiful writing and illustrations that make this series so popular with young readers. Very, very recommended!

This book was the first one I read when we got our new lab puppy. It started a bit sloggishly, but then started describing things I could relate to and caught my interest as I read on. The author's love of dogs shines through. Pictures would have helped me at some points, like when the author is describing the commissure of dogs, I could not visualize what she meant as she described the tale tell signs of a dog ready to bite based on the description of commissure. Perhaps more experienced dog handlers are used to this term, I could only guess what she meant.

PLEASE read this book!!! I would recommend this to anyone wanting to understand dogs better and become a better dog owner!

I have learned a lot about the way my two pups think. The author explains how to use their thought process to make them modify their behavior and how to get them to accept differant situations. I have learned how to quite my dogs when they are barking at nothing and I have learned how to get them to come almost effortlessly. I would highly recommend this book to any dog owner that would like a better behaved dog.

This book provides truly wonderful insight into the human/dog relationship. It is a must read for all those who love dogs. I am humbled by Dr. McConnell's wisdom. This is one book it was a privilege to read!

Don't go into this book expecting a manual and you will not be disappointed. It's a conversationally delivered comparisson of primates and canid behaviors, and how they sometimes (often) conflict, with some stories that make it all seem more relevant to real life, mixed in. I enjoyed this book because I find this topic fascinating. The next time I trained a dog after reading this book, I was more aware of what I was doing, and the training went much more easily. When studying Ethology, I've found that people don't like to think of themselves as animals, and not necessarily controlling absolutely every signal other animals perceive, so it may offend some people to compare primates to humans, but I think the comparissons are helpful and find them extremely relevant.

If you are looking for a manual on training, I suggest Beginning Family Dog Training, also written by Patricial McConnell. It IS a manual, and the majority of the dissatisfied reviews about this book I've seen would probably have been eliminated if they'd read that book too. Having trained animals for a while now, I would suggest reading both of them, but not having expectations of a manual from The Other End of the Leash.

If you're interested in communicating with animals, dogs in particular, this can be a very interesting read. Using bodily signals you aren't really aware of, you're communicating all of the time. This book helps to point them out, make you aware of them, and gives advice on increasing the helpful ones and eliminating the not-so-helpful ones. You end up training yourself, and really helping your dog understand what you want communicate, and not just what they've seen you communicating.