Pet Books

Book arrived in a timely fashion and was in great shape - keep up the good work!

I have had the good fortune to get to know Sally Swift and I can say first hand that she leads a Centered Life. Her books have been life changing for thousands and thousands of people. Ever once in a while someone rights a negative review but it is the person not the material that is off base. They haven't allowed Sally's work to work within themselves. Sally gets hundreds of thank you notes from people all over the world thanking her for her work.Sports people other than horse people find her work amazing. If you haven't already read her books hurry and order them. At 94 Sally is actively involved in making a difference. Sally was just given the United States Dressage Federation's highest award for her writing and her riding. Need I say more.

Sally Swift proved to be an excellent teacher in her last book, and she maintains the title throughout the second edition. I find the illustrations and analogies to be excellent for my own use as well as teaching others. So many concepts are broken down and compared to every day events and mechanical workings that they are almost impossible to forget. Sally helps you understand the mechanincs of your own body as well as your horse's and helps us understand why our instructors tell us to do the things they do.

I love her first book, and highly recommend both books to my students. This book has the same easy to understand format. Sally breaks down how our bodies function when we are riding. I really like the exercises that she uses on the ground. I frequently use the "monkey position" with my students. It really helps to explain use of the hip joint. I also find the "monkey position" helpful when introducing a student to the sitting trot. I cannot say enough awesome things about this book. I also do not fully agree with the first review. This book really shows a rider how their body affects the horse, regardless of your learning styles. The illustrations and pictures are very clear and easy to understand. They have helped many of my students to really gain perspective on how every little movement, or tense muscle affects the horse in some way. I feel that every rider should have a copy of both Centered Riding, and Centered Riding 2 Further Exploration. I hope that this review is helpful.

If you aren't a fan of Sally Swift's methods (analogies and metaphors) and the first book drove you to despair this second one is slightly better. There are some helpful texts and photos but she is still my least favourite writer. I simply find that I cannot learn from her teaching style and her descriptions do nothing to help me to understand what I must DO. Of course, AFTER I have learned something (on my own) I can often relate what I feel to what she describes but because I am unable to transfer her descriptions initially I am unable to LEARN to ride from her books.

You MUST know your learning style before buying Sally Swift - if 'grow like a tree' doesn't help you with your riding, avoid her like the plague. If on the other hand you have the type of brain that responds well to these sorts of descriptions, dancers\actors etc who can understand what their bodies need to do in response to imagery - then buy her books and avoid the others who use more mechanistic descriptions.

I guess I was mistakenly expecting the book to impart some great wisdom upon me or something, but 90 percent of it is about the history of pitbulls, where they came from, and the bad image they have received. there's a partial chapter about actual dog training, which basically just says that repitition is the key to success...kinda already knew that...so it was a complete waste of money, I let my kids take scissors to the book and they made a poster with the pictures that were in it, since that was the best part of the entire thing anyways.

Excellent item... however it does not state what is the best age to start your training. So far i think i have a good buy

I was able to follow the instructions for the training in this book step by step. I have been training my dogs in a more old fashion way. But my dogs and I seem to enjoy the fun and results. I have 5 Pit bulls they learn quickly already had the Basics down, but now im getting into the cool tricks and the dogs get a treat now I didn't give one before. I rate this book 4 out of 5 its a must read.

I bought this book AFTER I got a pitbull. The book even teaches you how to choose a pitbull, so a small part of it was not useful for me. I didn't finish it yet, I bought it recently, but I must say I already learned a lot from it. Stuff normal people told me to do, were not allowed. Like putting my dog with its nose in its "dirt" if he does it on the carpet, or playing tug of war with it. Well, A LOT! I truly recommend it.

A little long winded for the info included. Lots of personal examples of how she trains.

I love this book. I have had it for about 4 years and still pick it up and read a few chapters. It is a tenderly written book by someone who is wise and understands that we would like to live with our dogs in the richest way possible.

While reading a wonderful business book - "Why Dogs Wag Their Tails - Lessons for Leaders..." by Sherri McArdle and Jim Ramerman, I hauled out my dog-eared copy of Bones and was deeply impressed by Suzanne Clothiers understanding of leadership. Real leaders, like leaders of a pack, always act in the best interests of those they lead.

This book will have you looking deep into your soul, which is always a good thing.

This book is one of my all time favorites. One of my wife's friends gave it to her, and I read decided to read it, because I like the title.

I'm glad it did. This has turned out to be one of my all time favorite books.

This isn't a dog training book. It is much more than that. There are several key sections that echo in my brain, whenever I am out on the training field working with my dog, or watching others interact with their dogs, or just quietly observing my dogs going about their day.

If you love dogs, this book is a must read.

I read the very low star reviews.
Then I read the 5 star reviews.
It seems to me that the 1 star people, sadly, just don't get it.
The book's about LIVING.

In my opinion, no one should ever even think about owning a dog before owning this book. For me, the main thrust was this: when trying to get our dogs to behave in certain ways, we keep expecting them to think like we do, when in fact, the key to success is learning how to think like they do. It's the difference between creating harmonious relationships with them or frustrating ones. This book will get you into your dog's head.

An excellent oveview for starting a pointing dog puppy. Uses techniques from various trainers. Highly recommend.. It works too!

The basics of this book are exellent although sections of book such as callback pens are not applicable to new zealand

I ordered this book in hopes of receiving an up to date training book. I was somewhat disappointed. The book looks like it is a new updated training book; and even states inside that it contains the authors older material with new updated training methods, but I found it to be only dated marerial. The pictures are from the 70's, and not good ones at that. I do feel like the methods would work for a person training a pointer; I was trying to obtain information in the training of a lab for upland game, and this book was lacking in that reguards. If you are looking for a newer material, you may want to check other sources. I am trying The Labrador Shooting Dog next.

This book is good. It provides some basic technics on methods of training. I personally prefered "how to help gun dogs train themselves". But, this was a good book with good training ideas.

This book is GREAT! My husband got me interested in training bird dogs after going on a quail hunt recently. I reviewed the books on Amazon that were available on the subject and chose this one to get an idea of what bird dog training would entail. I was skeptical that I could actually do this. I am hooked. This book made so much since to me! I am ready to get started with a puppy today. It is a lot of work I know but this book is an excellent way to get started. I know it will be an excellent resource after I get my pup. I have talked with a few folks that actually raise and train pointing dogs and they say I'm on the right track. I highly recommend this book.

Nice overview and great photography of the different chicken breeds. Has details on how chickens produce for eggs, meat of show.

I love the book the photos are great and I found the information helpful. I would recommend this book the first time chicken owner or someone who has then for a while.

This book has really great information about the many different breeds of chicken and answers many questions, such as:

-Which breeds are gentle and docile/best for children?
-Which breeds are aggressive or avoid humans?
-Which are noisy or quiet?
-Best or poor layers?
-Difficult to breed?
-Have special husbandry requirements (fencing, footing, housing, etc.)?

This is a great book for those new to chickens or those considering a new breed. As we all know, "you can't judge a book by its cover"-- the same idea applies to chickens! This book can help families avoid choosing a breed for the wrong reasons (and thus avoid a negative experience with chickens). It also helps those new to chickens understand that not all breeds can live under the same conditions-- e.g. while some are happy in relative confinement, others will harm each other or be miserable when in close confinement and need to be allowed to range freely. Some chickens are cold-hardy while others are not suited to freezing winters. Etc. etc.!

This book can help families find what they are looking for (a friendly pet, a great layer, a hen that will be happy being confined, etc.) in an interesting and appropriate breed.

I really love the layout and color of this book. But some of the info is just plain crazy -- like the overly complex method the author suggests when using a broody hen. That's the whole point of USING a broody -- making it simple -- mama does the work. Their instructions are just nutty on it.

A lot of the more interesting breeds were not listed, like Araucana and Ameraucana.

Several photos were very obviously mislabeled as hens when they were very much roosters.

But overall a nice book for beginner-to-intermediate poultry hobbyists.

This is my second favorite chicken book. Great basic info. on setting up for chickens, keeping them, and, most importantly, on what breeds are best for your particular needs/desires. Nice photos, and good descriptions. Unfortunately, it is a British book, so it doesn't include a few American breeds I wanted to read about, but that's a pretty minor fault... All in all, a very concise, useful book.

Ask the Cow concerns the spiritual quest of Rita Reynolds and her teacher, a serene yet keenly clever Hereford heifer named Christina. Through everyday events and encounters with a wide variety of species--donkeys and chickens, hornets and ladybugs, dogs and cats, horses and occasional swarms of flies--Rita and Christina engage each other in discussions that range from the highly humorous to the patiently profound. Beautifully written and offering a wealth of spiritual awareness, Ask the Cow reminds us that as we deepen our connection to nature, animals and all of life, we also awaken to ourselves.

This book is a pure delight to read.
Rita Reynolds has put some profound and beautiful concepts in a format that is totally captivating. Images she and Cristina the teaching cow and philosopher put forth stay with me throughout my day. Christina gives her student lessons and "work" to do on the quest for inner peace but LOVE is the lesson and it is pursued in beautiful metaphors. The love of all things the earth has to offer is a strong theme that resonated with me. I love this book.
Sue Parker

Although revered by the Hindus of India, the typical cow is not regarded as a terribly intelligent animal. Nonetheless, some here in the United States have formed a seemingly unlikely bond with the cow. "Ask the Cow: A Gentle Guide to Finding Peace" is Rita Reynold's examination of her relationship with her treasured cow Christina. Developing an understanding with her bovine friend, Rita began to better know the world around her and developed much insight. "Ask The Cow" is Rita articulately sharing the knowledge and wisdom she gained from her time with Christina.

Review: Ask the Cow

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I've always considered Rita Reynolds as one of those people who walks and writes between the worlds. Rita's intuitive association with the animal kingdom has surfaced once again in her new book, ASK THE COW. She has brought us all a little closer to the mystical side of life in her philosophical exchanges with her companion cow, Christina.

ASK THE COW is a compendium of lively dialog, and sometimes, a sparring match between Rita and "Her Cowness," Christine.

Those of us who know Rita's, BLESSING THE BRIDGE have been waiting patiently for ASK THE COW to be published, and the teachings Christina offers are founded on deep transcendental wisdom that rises from an overflowing spring of truth and compassion. But don't think you are reading this book merely for its brilliant insights on life from the mundane to the metaphysical, because you will find yourself laughing out loud at the comical descriptions, real and surreal ,that happen between them. Christina and Rita jostle between the worlds of form and imagination in their day-to-day encounters on the farm. This combination of reverent and irreverent offers some of the most intimate and endearing glimpses into the very Heart of their friendship.

Christina is the equivalent of a Zen Cow Master, and this book is a treasure of wisdom, humor and plain old everyday sense, at a time when our fragile world needs one more voice of love and peace, even if it is spoken by a sagacious and sometimes cantankerous cow.


From "Lavender Earthworms" to "Still Life with Clutter," each chapter offers something to chew and "ruminate" over when the unfathomable chemistry of Rita and Christine comes together.

"Imagine," Christina said softly, "The implications for the planet if human beings were sensitive to the nature of night crawlers."

Anyone who has ever looked to the animal kingdom in an attempt to understand the bigger picture will find all the answers they'll ever need to get through life's lessons in the funny, thoughtful, inspiring pages of ASK THE COW.

In the Chapter, "Living with Gandhi" Christina says to Rita, " I was meant to come here to protect and teach you." After reading this wonderful book, there isn't a doubt in my mind that Christina is doing just that for every one of us.

In her new book, Ask the Cow, Rita Reynolds writes about a time when her spiritual footing was less than stable and then reveals the question that Christina the cow seemed to be asking: "So, when are you going to ask for help?" Rita admits that it took her a while to be ready to receive guidance from her beloved bovine, but when she did the receiving was more than she could have imagined.

This book offers, in a delightfully readable manner, a look at common distractions on the spiritual path, including clutter in our lives and minds, focus on goals instead of the process, and becoming distressed by matters outside of our control. Answers to these situations come during the many discourses with Christina, about whom Rita says, "...in her cowish ways, she was probably the finest therapist a confused individual could ever have." As someone who has met Rita, I can attest to the fact that she does not appear to be a confused individual at all! She is clearly focused on attaining inner peace. Confusion can sometimes result--in anyone--from observing the apparent lack of peace in the world while seeking inner peace for oneself.

Rita loves and respects all life, and it shows in her daily life as well as in her writings. She is open to learning from animals and, as this book clearly indicates, it was her willingness to receive that aided her personal search for inner peace. Rita's style of writing, including creative imagery and sense of humor, offers readers a glimpse of what all animals have to offer and what is, in Rita's words, "timeless, universal wisdom that is freely, readily available to any who asks to learn."

by Marie Mead, author (with collaborator Nancy LaRoche) of Rabbits: Gentle Hearts, Valiant Spirits - Inspirational Stories of Rescue, Triumph, and Joy

I tried this once, where I left the kids with the cat while I went to see my parents (who definitely didn't want to see their grandkids), it didn't work as well as a Rottweiler because when I got home the kids were crying because that stupid cat didn't even feed them. Their diapers hadn't even been changed. This book gives a false impression that if you leave your kids alone with your pet they will go all sorts of places and be taken care of, let me tell you maybe Carl is really special but I have know just a select few who can leave their kids with their pets, and actually have their kids provided for.

Excellent illustrations - allows prereading skills to develop before connection to print is made.

Carl is a big dog who baby sits his family's baby and they have lots of fun adventures. You have to figure out what is going on by the pictures because only the first page has words. You will like this book. Carl is cool and we wish we had a dog like him.

The fantasy story in this book is delightful, as are the illustrations. However, the book repeatedly shows a baby riding on a dog. There is no way I'm going to give the idea of riding a dog to my 2-year-old, especially because we have a dog in our household. This book would be better suited for older children who are able to recognize the difference between real and pretend.

In spite of the reservations of some earlier reviewers, I'd say our kids love the Carl books precisely BECAUSE nobody would use a rottweiler as a babysitter or as a pint-sized saddle horse for a toddler! We laughed and made a big deal to our kids that nobody would ever do any of this.

It is a bit over the top to consider this a dangerous book. If you've ever read the stories made up by very young children, in fact, these are quite tame. They enjoy thinking about being in control and what wild things they could do if the grown-ups weren't around. It's not as if your kids are going to try balancing a cake in the air while standing on a ball or will try flying a kite indoors after reading "Cat in the Hat." Although the pictures are realistic, these books are in that league.

PS The art in these books is beautifully and lovingly done, almost love letters to dogs and young children. They are a pleasure to look at, regardless of your age.

We have owned horse for many years. I used to think that there were good ones and bad ones, hated Arabs and didn't care for mares all that much. After I read Mark's books I changed my mind. Each book is a delightful story that teaches through example. One the points I learned that, though very simple, is that horses can and usually will do anything they are physically capable of if introduced to it properly. I highly recommend this series of books to anyone with horses, novice or seasoned veteran. You won't be disappointed unless you can't admit that you don't know it all.

I have so many wonderful things to say about this book and yet none of them do it justice. I've been a rider my entire life, mostly riding dressage, and this book really brought it all together for me. If you want a deeper relationship with your horse, and by that, I mean you really want to put in the mindfulness and discipline to really see what an amazing relationship you can have, then get this book. Now. Mark, with his wonderful story telling ability, takes us through a journey that I think many of us can apply to our own lives. He has so many important things to say. While he can help people with techniques, perhaps his greatest gift is in going farther, deeper, in expressing those concepts that can not only change a person's relationship with his/her horse, but can change his/her life as well.

In our frenetic world, with so many showy horsepeople who don't truly know horses at all, it's good to know that Mark is sharing his wisdom. He is such a gift to horses - and humans - and every person owes it to his or her horse to go out and get this book and really learn from it.

I am very pleased with this book and all the others I have read by Mark Rashid. He writes in a manner that is very easy to read. He has a lovely way of sharing information with the reader without it feeling like a text book. I would highly recommend his books to anyone who loves horses and wants to learn more about them.

I was introduced to Mark's works several years ago by a friend who said our lives were very similiar. I have read all of Mark's books and highly recommend them. As I found out, Mark's writing is simple in it's common sense approach for achievement, will more than likely stimulate your memory for pleasurable moments, and put quite a few smiles on your face as you read. You will learn a lot about horses, a lot about life and a major key ingredient for success in both: Patience. Patience breeds success and I doubt there are many, if any, horseman with more patience than Mark. I recommend Kathleen Lindley's book "In the Company of Horses" as well.

Having been a student of Natural Horsemanship, and and avid reader, few trainers have made more sense to me...and my horse...than Mark Rashid. His work is highly approachable, very no-nonsense, and very empowering.

Horsemanship Through Life provided a unique opportunity to see inside a strong transition in Mark's career which occurred when he became a student of another art. Learning how to learn is a respectible, and difficult, process. Giving yourself permission to be a 'beginner' again is not easy in our culture of instant gratification, but this book illustrates how valuable it can truly be.

If you love beautiful and unique photos of flowers, then this is the book for you. I purchased it for inspiration as I am an amateur photographer and believe me, I am inspired!!!! You won't be disappointed.

This pictorial book is totally outstanding in it's presentation of a perfectionists view of many beautific flowers. Just stunning!

Christopher Beane's new book, Flower, is a floral autobiography.

Beginning with traditional, abstract, black & white compositions in the 1990s, Beane's early works make reference to a number of noted photographers but also reveal how he developed his own eye for presenting unusual floral shapes and textures.

In the late 1990s, Beane left the b&w world behind and dove head-first into vibrant colour. In the words of Anthony Janson, who narrates the book: "Fortunately, in 1997 Beane began to experiment with color photography."

"Fortunately" is an understatement: right from the first few photographs in Beane's aptly titled "orgy" series, we see a whole new world of color within his macro subjects, and Beane's explorations quickly depart from whatever preconceptions you may have of floral macro photography. Beane's colour work is truly his own: creative and evocative in a manner not as obvious as one usually finds in the sensual photography of pistils and stamens and pretty petals. In his representations you will find more abstract emotion, perhaps evoking flames and mysterious sea creatures... as well as gasp-worthy ultramacro depictions of familiar subjects.

The cover of the Flower is itself a flamelike depiction of tulips; fortunately, an unadorned version can be found inside (plate 40). The book continues through the evolution of his macro photography, with each subject a new step forward for Beane. After mastering a particular motif, Beane deconstructs and reinvents his approach and summons up entirely new perspectives, new ways to infuse form with colour.

While it is impossible not to marvel at the intricacies of his macro subjects, from the Coral Charm Peony (plate 51) to the sensual Bearded Iris Blue (plate 42), his latter work moves forward ever more progressively and ultimately departs the ultramacro realm in the direction of abstract art. Particularly striking to my eye are the Fritillaria (plates 127 and 128) which play with a reduced colour palette in an entirely new way, departing from the natural colours of the flowers themselves but somehow remaining true to them in abstract impression.

In addition to plate after plate of masterful 4x5 colour photography, the reader will find details of Beane's battle with stage-4 lymphoma, how this affected his mood and vision, and how he returned, triumphantly, to his craft. Beane's adventure is inspiring and not only in the visual sense.

I very highly recommend this book. It is truly inspirational and provocative.

A disclaimer up front - Christopher Beane is our son!

For over 40 years we have watched Christopher grow and develop - both as an extraordinary human being and as an exceptionally talented artist. His creativity has always been evident - whether in the things young kids make in school; in his water colored paintings; as he advised his mother how to decorate our home; in his landscaping of our yard; through his intriguing work during freshman year in the Rhode Island School of Design's challenging one, two and three dimention design studios; and finally, as his photographic career has evolved the past fifteen years.

But, as parents, perhaps we are most proud of how he battled near fatal cancer, diagnosed just three years ago, including the eight months Christopher spent in New York City's Mount Sinai Hospital. He never lost his will to live. And with his engaging personality he brought out love and support from all those around him.

Perhaps the greatest fear Christopher had during his long illness was that his talent might somehow desert him. As all can see this concern has been fully relieved and his newest work exibits both continued artistic growth and his amazing creativity.

Some thoughts from Christopher's proud parents Rosemary & Frank Beane

We just finished our first reading and viewing of Christopher Beane's "Flower". What a beautiful prose and photography volume this is.

The essay reads with warmth, knowledge, and critical praise for the photographic plates that adorn the book, not to mention the affection communicated for the photographer and his professional development. The author's grasp of the essence of art history including photography builds a firm foundation for the complex interpretations and lucid explanations he provides.

The crowning elements of the book are, of course, the photographic plates. Grouped by Christopher's evolving periods and changing forms of expression, many of the plates will evoke a gasp, a sigh, a tear, or a smile upon turning the page. One in particular caught my eye, Plate 112, Bloomed Clemantis, as appearing almost human in the blossoms struggle against the wind. The author, we later found, also saw that strength and aligned that with Christopher's own strength in dealing with his health issues over the past two years.

We highly recommend the book to anyone interested in art, photography, or life, since the essay and the plates create a valuable life story of strength and beauty.

In my opinion, this is one of the best starter book for raising a puppy, I wish I know about this book 3 months ago when we get our first ever puppy. I now know that we have spoiled the little guy and will need a much longer training to bring him back to true family pet.

The reason it does not get a 5 stars is the book missing detail on some of the training technique or process. But overall, I recommand this to all new dog owners.

I am a rescuer, and I have purchased many copies of this book to give to new adopters-- and I ALWAYS recommend it to every dog owner. This book offers great instruction for training obedience-- AND lots of useful information on dog behavior.

this is a good book when you first get your puppy and i really like her techniques but i was looking for more tricks.

I have had dogs all my life, and though I thought I knew dogs pretty well and how to train them, I learned a lot from this book. I recognized that some of my methods were out of date. I tried these new and improved methods on a new dog I just got who is 1.5 years old. It has been amazing how quickly our bond grew from these both sensible and respectful methods of teaching. I learned not to be quite so forceful with my new friend. I learned that being Alpha in the pack did not mean having to intimidate my dogs. I highly recommend it for those who are not getting the behaviors they want and need from their dog companions, and also, for those who are considering getting or just have added a new dog of any age to the family. Knowledge like this can really save many if not most of these beautiful and loving animals from being dumped at our shelters or elsewhere.

This book goes over the basics of puppy and dog training using positive methods. It's a great introduction to positive training methods and describes how to teach your dog a number of important behaviors. It has definitely helped me train my new puppy. My only complaint is that there are a few training descriptions that don't really tell you how to finish the exercise with your dog. For example, the book goes over the difference between "wait" and "stay" and describes how to do both, but focuses on "stay." It didn't really tell how you tell your dog he can stop the "wait." I'm going to be looking for more information to help me continue training my puppy, but I still would definitely recommend it for anyone new to dog ownership.