Pet Books

This book is written by a vet and has a large amount of advice on health items. It starts out with feeding and then covers diseases and injuries and first aid. It also covers mental health issues such as how to potty train and also how to help social development. It gives advice for correcting bad behavior.

There are many color photos of different types of the breed.

Straightforward insight and usefull directions into owning a Dachshund.

The book has helped my entire family, especially my kids, understand and learn how to take care of our new pet.

¡¡¡Highly recommended!!!

An easily read and understood guide for the special cares and requirements of those most lovable of dogs, THE DACHSHUND. Succint, yet comprehensive and immediately of practical use. Every DOXIE owner should consider purchasing this book.

My fiance and I are considering getting a dachshund. Before committing ourselves financially, we wanted to know what we were getting ourselves into. We purchased this book along with Dachshunds for Dummies and I feel like both of these books gave us a great window into the lives of Doxie owners. Neither of these books are written generically so that the publisher can just insert the next breed name into the title and publish it. The information was very dachshund specific. This book is full of great info from personality quirks to grooming tips to how to show your doxie to what to look for in a vet. After reading this book, my fiance and I decided that now was not the best time to bring a dachshund into our home. We'll wait until the conditions will be ideal for both us AND the dog!! BUY THIS BOOK if you want to know about dachshunds!!!!!!

The book about Boxers has lots of information about the breed. Those of us who are unfamiliar with the breed, gathered lots of things that will help us in the care and nuturing of this wonderful animal! Who knew that big old grizzly looking Boxer was a sweetheart, full of affection and devotion! Great reference book to have on handle, especially if you're rearing a pup.

We've just become the owners of a boxer pup, and used this book before and after he joined our family. The book is very easy to understand and contains a wealth of useful material. It also has a lot of general sections that would be relevant to any new pet owner. This isn't a book you would use for hard-core research, but I recommend it for the average new pet owner as an easy to read reference. It was well worth the price.

I agree with one of the preceding reviews. Substitute beagle or French poodle for boxer and you have 90% the same book. I was looking for a little more insight.

Like most for dummies books, this is essentially a cut and paste of all of their other dog books with the word boxer inserted in place of dog. In a few cases it has stories of the writers experiences with boxers but this book is really nothing special. Try culture clash to get a better understanding of your companion.

I really enjoyed reading this book on Boxers. I am researching dog breeds before I commit to a new family member. There was a careful balance of enthusiasm for the Boxer and warnings of their specialized needs AND the responsibilites of Boxer ownership.
I especially enjoyed the observations he made between male and female boxers, puppy training, and problematic behaviors.
Even if I don't decide to own a Boxer in the future, this was an entertaining educational read that I would recommend to all.

I used this in Kenya, and got to know a lot of the animals there pretty well. If you are going to Africa, I highly suggest getting this, but also supplementing your research with more local resources. The book is now on the coffee table, and is pretty cool to flip through.

Probably this is the best field guide, the drawings are beautiful but strangely, the Dromedary is missing from this book albeit it is native to Northern Africa.

It is a good book...diagrams are detailed well and descriptions are good of the animals....good guide book for college classes.

This guide was an excellent reference on Safari, small size and well organized format made The Kingdon Pocket Guide to Africa easy to use in the field.

Excellent information if studying. Kingdon is an excellent source of CORRECT information when it comes to African animals.

This book is an absolute necessity for any cat (or dog) lover. This book was given to me over 4 years ago by my cousin who was studying Veterinarian Medicine. This book has helped me in many many ways. From first aid for one my cats to preparing them healthy snacks and treats. I still use this book today and would simply not live with out it. I would highly recommend this book. I love hoe detailed this book is, especially on important subjects like vaccinations. Although this book should be more of a guide than anything else really. This book is not meant to replace any veterinarian advice or care for your beloved animal.

This was the first book I purchased in the field of nutrition for my dog.
I am happy I did buy it, but it turned out that my dog was not doing well on grains. The recipes in the book (I am not sure if the newer edition contains more grainless recipes) all contained a lot of grains and ground meat. I found out later that a dog, as well as a cat, needs to use his teeth and jaws and that he needs to chew and tear. I still have the book and regularly consult it when I want to look up what to do in case of illness (I missed information on problems with the thyroid there).
So: diet-wise I can't give it a good review, but I like the list of ailments and cures, as well as the first aid part!

Many people swear by this book, but I don't find it that essential. Most of the information was not especially useful or was common knowledge. Mainly I disagree with Pitcairn's use of grains in a dogs diet. Instead, I recommend New Choices in Natural Healing Dogs & Cats and The Nature of Animal Healing.

Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a forum for questions that can be asked concerning Dr. Pitcairn's latest edition of his book, so I am
hesitating to purchase it. I own the 1982 edition and wonder if it has been updated as far as recommendations of diet- specifically foods that have been deemed dangerous to dogs and cats- as one reviewer mentioned, raisins. I have recently heard of onions and garlic included as dangerous foods for dogs and cats, and Dr. Pitcairn's earlier book is laced with encouragement for feeding them to our pets. As someone who is severely allergic to onions myself, I have learned that they lurk in MANY places and in various forms. Onion powder is just as detrimental for me as raw onion, and is found in chili powder and many other spice combinations, soy sauce, ketchup, mayonnaise, chicken broth, vegetable broths, bouillon, tomato sauce, even canned beans, especially the organic varieties. I avoid feeding anything that might contain these to my dogs. I wonder if the revised edition of Dr. Pitcairn's book includes cautions about feeding onions and garlic to pets? Since I cannot find an answer to my question without purchasing the book, I will continue to hesitate to do so.

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.
More recently I had a cat with a blocked urethra, common in male cats, which can also lead to a rapid and painful death if they are completely blocked. The emergency vet wanted $1500 to catheter and care for the cat for two days with antibiotics etc. I opted to have them do the catheter ($300) and took him home to care for him. I followed the books instructions. He did great right away by giving him the vitamins the book suggests and the prescription food the vet suggested. But after two weeks of being 100% well he started to have blood in his urine again, the first sign of the problem. Then I realized that I had slacked off on the vitamins the book suggests, (vitamin C, and some others). I had mistakenly assumed the "prescription" food would be good enough. I immediately gave him the books homeopathic remedy followed by the books recommended vitamins and their "Healthy Powder" (recipe in the book) and his problem cleared up the next day and he has had no signs of any problem since. He is in the best health he's ever known! And I'm being smarter about his needs.
If you care about your pets, believe in their own abilities to heal, and natural and holistic approaches to pet health, this book is the best; it's the one I go to first to find the answers to my pet's problems.

Don't expect a book of ornithological trivia. This book dabbles a little into the specifics of each bird (each chapter is about a different bird) but is mainly a set of stories about the author's life and how birds effected it. Nice colored drawings and the stories are short and mostly sweet.

Just a very special little book to have by a favorite chair or to tuck in a bag when waiting somewhere. As a world birder, mountainer, philosopher and someone constantly IN nature, this was an added treat to my collection of "reflection" books--no pedagogy here, just appreciation!!

According to Sam Keen, the author of this fine little book, birders are, "unusually susceptible to the emotion of awe." Perhaps that is why I like it so much. It is a little book about a large subject. The book is a search for wisdom. Mr. Keen has collected many moments from his life when birds opened for him vistas into metaphysical realities. Occasional sightings of birds opened what he calls the sacred to his view. Indigo Buntings, Cardinals, Turkey Vultures, Wild Turkeys, Mourning Doves, Owls and Wood Thrushes are just a few of the birds which have carried him-- and will carry his readers --to moments of joy.

From the brief introduction on the cover, I was expecting a different experience. A nature sighting is sacred, and can be compared to a religious experience, but not devoid of religion. The author is agnostic and I got the feeling that he was minimizing and discounting Christ in his nature sightings. I am NOT a holy roller, but as a practicing Christian and nature lover, I was turned off because I felt the message had more to do with the author's beliefs than the nature sightings.

Birder recipient immediately dived into it and it kept him occupied while everything else swirled around him---a good sign.

This book has been nothing but helpful to me. Considering I am a devoted cat slave and regularly take my kitties to the vet this book has helped me immensely on everything (so far) that has been prescribed for my little fur babies. This book is a must for any animal lover

I was disappointed because the book was described as brand new and arrived with a torn cover.Other than this it was what I ordered.

I've had this book for a couple of years and it has truly saved the day!! I find it most useful for OTC medications for my pets. Sometime the vet is not available and I don't want my pets to be uncomfortable while waiting for the doctor. So, I give them OTC meds and know that I have not given them a thing that can harm them. Also, dosage being so important, I am assured that they are not being overmedicated (which can make them worse or even kill them.) I have such faith in this publication that I sent one to several relatives and friends for their animals safety. Doesn't get a much better recommendation than that!!

This is a very good and handy reference. However, the author should consider to put all medicine's brand name, scientific name to the index. Otherwise, it is difficult for a layman like me to check.

Up to date and informative. Being a rescuer I see my fair share of the Vet's office. New medications always get a once over to check for signs of allergic reactions. This book is a great source. It also helped once when a friend's dog snatched a pill. While waiting for Animal Poison Control I was able to let her know the dog was not in trouble. Every rescuer, breeder and exhibitor should have a copy. The average owner may not need it unless they make a lot of vet visits for medications.
-S
Redwood Siberians

this book is greAT FOR a first time dog owner thAT DOESNT KNOW MUCH about dog trAINING and hAS A DOG THat is eASILY TRained.it is ALSO GOOD FOR TRainers thAT Have been in prACTICE FOR Many yeARS, as it offers insight on AMERICan trAINING TECHNIQUES VERSUS FOREIGN DOG TRaining. otherwise, dont expect much help with the section thAT IS SUPPOSED TO COVER SPECIal issues AND advANCED TRaining techniques. they just refer you to cALL THEIR agents or contACT a dog trAINER, WHICH NOT all of us hAVE MONEY FOR. THERE IS NO SECRET about dog trAINING, anyone AND EVERYONE Can train A DOG, Man or womAN. ITS all in the knowledge AND THE DESIRE TO Want to do it. once you aRE REady to be consistANT and follow A SCHEDULE as A DOG NEEDS Many issues ARE FIXED RIGHT THERE.
THERE are ALSO DIFFERENT METHODS IN HOW TO TRain A DOG, as i believe, different strokes for different folks. it hAS TO BE a method you cAN FOLLOW and believe in to work. ALTHOUGH I DONT BELIEVE IN BEating A DOG INTO SUBMISSION OR VIOLENCE TO HELP IN Any wAY. I DONT BELIEVE IN FREE FEEDING TREats without discipline will help with ALL ISSUES EITHER. THERE MUST BE a bALance. think ABOUT IT. WHO GIVES THEIR CHILD a treAT FOR EVERYTHING THEY DO GOOD, and ignore them when they ARE Bad, does thAT WORK all the time? no. there must be other wAYS TO REach these children becAUSE NOT all methods work for one personALITY.

I've read a lot of dog books and have to say this method makes a lot of sense to me. It's written in a way that is clear and concise. And I loved all the real life examples. Wish I found this book about 7 years ago. It would have saved my poor dog from having to go through all kinds of blundering mistakes and methods. From the first day of using these methods I saw results. Who knew it could be so easy? And best of all I could toss the treats and e collars out of sight and work with just me and him.
Sign me artie, a very happy dog owner

Book Report:
Training Dogs The Aussie Way - A practical guide for dog owners by the founders of the world's largest dog training company.
By Danny and Sylvia Wilson

Among the worst dog training methods I have read.

They present themselves as "Bark Busters Grand Master Dog Behavioral Therapists" but never use ANY scientifically "peer-reviewed" terms or cite any sources for their point of views. And what is a "Grand Master" beside a marketing gimmick anyway? Neither are there any references to ANY internationally recognized Association of Dog Trainers.

In this book there are many sections on how to discipline/correct (punish) the dog, and it uses many "punishers" as tools (water balloons, limited slip choke collars, spray bottles, leash pops, hand claps, growling BAH, and bean bags to throw, metal pots, metal colanders), but very little is written on how to reward the dog.

They state that "positive training" presupposes "the dog knows good from bad", which means they know nothing at all about the subject of operant conditioning.

And there are many many areas of double standards and inconsistency. They state that using treats is a bad method, but proceed to use them anyway. That the use of "physical force" is never used, but go on to explain how jerking the dog on the leash, forcing sits and downs (at painful pressure points), frightening the dog with hand claps and throwing things at the dog are all ok. That "Using the correct form of discipline (punishers) to teach your dog what is wrong is one of the best ways to care for and love your pet" (p14,pp3)

They advocate throwing things and startling dogs with separation anxiety (p133,pp4), and startling puppies with hand claps at 6 weeks old (p49,pp2) to get them to stop barking. In fact any and all dog problems of the world can be "cured" by saying the magic word "BAH" and throwing stuff at the dog.

They state in several locations that "dogs can't reason, but you can teach them to think". I believe dogs reason quiet well as dogs... I can't understand what they allude to with this "double speak", but they have not convinced me that they are an authority on dogs of any kind. This book is 80% punishment, and I would much prefer to have a PETsMART trainer than a Bark Buster trainer work with my dog hands down.

Thumbs down - Bark Busters? BAH-humbug

Tom Deluca
Paw-Lite Dog Training Services

Having adopted an Australian Cattle dog from a shelter and researching all that I could on the breed on the Internet I settled on reading the book Training Dogs the Aussie Way.
Not only is this book well written and very informative but it is also very entertaining and easy to read. I have read some literature on training that managed to either put me asleep or be so self indulgent that I wasn't sure if it was a biography about the trainer as opposed to a training manual. This book not only didn't put me asleep but kept me very entertained and the methods work.
My "Heeler" had a terrible habit of nipping which is a trait that is inbreed. Using the methods sited in this book I managed to get my dog to stop biting within a day.
Do yourself and your dog a favour and train your dog The Aussie Way.
A great book at a great price.

This is a great book. My husband and I have always trained our dogs as if we were all part of a pack. This book uses the same training and it works. We are getting ready for a new puppy and we wanted to see what this book was all about. Many of the techniques in the book we already use, but there were a few things that we learned and are planning on using when our new pup arrives. Sound and gentle techniques to train your new puppy or aging dog alike. Don't pass this book up!

Dr. Loving has done it again with this comprehensive horse owner's "survival' guide. There is nothing left untouched and every horse owner needs to have this book in their library. I read it cover to cover and have dragged it out on many occasions for answers to questions. Dr. Loving converts equine science into lay terms with outstanding photographs illustrating the topic of discussion. I can't thank her enough for her concern for the horse and the years spent compiling this amazing book. I just wish I lived closer to her clinic in Colorado to utilize her vet skills 'hands-on'.

This book I have found to be very valuable as a reference book particularly for people who take their horse sport seriously. I myself am into endurance, and have found absolutely everything I needed to know about what can possibly go wrong with an endurance horse, whether it be training techniques, nutrition, lameness, etc etc. The detail is immnense, and I have not found any veterinary condition not written about, and yet it is easy to understand, and very readable. There are photos and diagrams on almost every page, and the book is 565 pages long, plus has a huge appendix, and bibliography section at the end. I would strongly recommend this book to any competitive horse owner.

This is an exceptionally good reference book, a must-have for horse owners. The photographs are extremely well done. Many are by Dr. Loving herself, and illustrate exactly the points made in the text. I gave this book only 4 of 5 stars because the information on infectious diseases and vaccines is not up to par.

Every horse owner should have a copy of this book. And with the price being less than a vet's farm call, it will pay for itself many times over. What I really appreciated about the book was that it isn't so technical that you need a medical degree to understand it, yet at the same time it is very thorough and the pictures, wow the pictures! For example not only are you told how to care for a deep wound, but how it should look at various staging of healing. How many times have you treated a wound and called the vet daily wondering if it's healing o.k. or getting worse?

The only thing that I was a tad disappointed in was most of the hoof shots showed shod horses and I am practicing natural hoof care and barefoot trimmning. But if you want a book on Barefoot Hoof Care, you should order a book specific to that topic. This book, it covers everything else you will ever wonder about with your horse and health related problems.

I don't call many of my 1000 books a "bible" of whatever subject, but this is my "bible" of horse health.

If only one comprehensive horse care 'bible' were to be chosen for a library, it should be the extensive and well-illustrated reference ALL HORSE SYSTEMS GO: THE HORSE OWNER'S FULL-COLOR VETERINARY CARE AND CONDITIONING RESOURCE FOR MODERN PERFORMANCE, SPORT AND PLEASURE HORSES. Written by a horse vet specialist, it packs in not only the anticipated horse care and health solutions chapters, but includes tips on fitness, conditioning, and much more. Small color photos throughout add interest but the meat is in the chapters of medical insights backed by a practicing vet's long-time experience: chapters which can save a horse's life whether consulted quickly in an emergency or used as preventative points. Over 600 pages of facts and a clear organizational structure makes it quick and easy for horse owners to gain immediate access and insights - or for library patrons to use it as an instant reference.

Diane C. Donovan, Editor
California Bookwatch

In the 12th book in The Cat Who...mystery series with KoKo and Yum Yum, James Qwilleran and his two Siamese cats move into their newly converted apple barn, and are celebrating the successful first run production by the Pickax Theatre Club. When the entire cast (except for one) shows up at Qwilleran's new home for a wrap-party and informal housewarming, he is happy to entertain many of his close friends. The party lasts well into the early morning hours, and when the last guest drives away, KoKo starts his impressive "death howl". Walking outdoors, Qwilleran learns there has been a shooting on his property, and the controversial high school principle has been murdered. Qwilleran and his amazing cats begin to investigate, and quickly dig into some truths buried in the nearby town of Lockmaster. And when Polly returns a day late from a wedding she attended in the town, Qwilleran starts to get suspicious about what is happening in Lockmaster. In between bird watching with KoKo, a cat pageant to find a look-alike for Tippy's beloved mascot, and a steeplechase, Qwilleran puts the pieces together on another murder in sleepy Moose County.

This is my favorite cozy mystery series! I had read all of the books in the past, and wanted to read them again for a second time. This time around, I have chosen to listen to them on CD, as I love the voice of George Guidall. The stories are charming, and I have fallen in love with Moose County and all of its residents. The mysteries themselves are not always very difficult to figure out...but that is not the allure of the series for many. The characters are endearing, and as you read the books in the series, you will feel like you know each one. The books are also a great read for pre-teens or those that have read and enjoyed the Nancy Drew series. I feel this series is the benchmark for many cozy mysteries today, and hope to enjoy this series for years to come. I highly recommend any (and all) of the books in this series.


The 1st book in the series is called "The Cat Who Could Read Backwards". Enjoy!

Qwill and the Siamese move into the apple barn. It is spectacular! The cats and Qwill seem to be very cozy. Qwill gets ready for bed and looks out the window to see a caravan of carlights heading his way. It happens to be the cast of Henry VIII, dropping by for a barn warming party.

The party lasts quite late. After they leave the cats get jumpy and look out the window to see a leftover car. After several minutes, Qwill decides to go investigate. He discovers the dead body of the high school principal. Qwill and Koko work to solve the crime.

Qwill comments about Polly being jealous. Read this book to see if, in fact, Qwill is the jealous party.

This was a very enjoyable book. You will enjoy it too.

Another enjoyable quick reading mystery story by Lilian Jackson Braun featuring Qwilleran and his two Siamese cats Koko and Yum-Yum. In this episode, Hilary VanBrook, the disliked Principle of PickAx is found murdered in Qwilleran's orchard the morning after a cast party is thrown. Koko was the one to find the body and Qwilleran begins to piece together the clues. A cardinal singing outside the window holds the key to the suspect.

The 12th book of this series starts with Qwilleran settled into his new home, an old apple barn that has been restored and turned into living quarters. The upper beams are about forty feet above the ground and the cats are in seventh heaven. Qwilleran's other project, building a community theater, has also been completed and a successful run of "Henry VIII" has just finished. When the director, school principal Hilary VanBrook had proposed this play nobody thought it would fly, but the unpopular director had pulled it off in high fashion.

Following the final performance the cast and crew descended on Qwilleran's barn for the cast party. As was normal, the much-maligned VanBrook kept pretty much to himself but for some reason Koko found him very interesting. Once the party guests had all departed, Koko called Qwilleran's attention to a single car that was still outside. Going out to investigate, Qwilleran found a body with a very fresh gunshot wound inside the abandoned car. Determined to mind his own business this time the former reporter called the police and tried to stay out of the investigation. Koko however would have none of that and started leaving clues.

Despite Koko's clues however, Qwilleran continued his hands off approach except for sniffing around the victim's house looking for an old book. Finally though, Qwilleran gave in and started to sniff around because a friend of his was being falsely accused of the crime. This time our amateur sleuth solves the mystery on his own, not picking up on Koko's clues until it was all over. Yum Yum actually provides the most important clue, although completely by accident and once again the cats rush in to save the day when Qwilleran gets into deep trouble.

Along the road to solving this murder Qwilleran runs into several sub-plots that add a great deal to the story. There is a suicide that may or may not be connected to the murder, a cat beauty pageant that turns into a riot and a horse race down in Lockmaster. On top of everything else, Qwilleran and Polly seem to be on the outs and Qwilleran is sure that the librarian has a new love interest.

Like the previous books in this series, this book is filled with quirky and fun characters and features the wonderful backdrop of Moose County. The interaction between the characters is cleaver and imaginative and the cats are superbly portrayed. I am also happy to report that the mystery, while not always the center of the plot, is interesting and it is solvable. The clues are all there and if the reader pays close attention he/she can solve the mystery before Qwilleran.

On the negative side, there are some questions involving the victim that are never answered. Maybe however, these questions will be answered in a future book because Qwilleran is thinking about doing a biography of the deceased. Given what he has already found out he just might have a best seller on his hands.

Jim Qwilleran, the star of this series, is the heir to the vast Klingenschoen fortune. He lives with his two Siamese cats, Koko and Yum Yum in Moose County, 400 miles north of everywhere.

The action opens with the Qwill and the cats settling in to their latest residence, the newly remodeled apple barn. The peace is shattered as the Theater Club drops by for a house (barn) warming party. When the last of the party goers leave Qwill discovers that one is unable to go on his own power, he has been murdered just outside Qwill's door! The story then focuses on the deceased, Hilary VanBrook, principal of Pickax High School and director of the latest Theater Club production. When a fellow actor disappears he becomes the chief suspect. Qwill, of course, believes that the answer lies elsewhere and, aided by the cats, begins to investigate.

His attention is divided however, his latest lady friend, Polly Duncan, is acting strangely - perhaps he has a rival for her affections. Koko and Yum Yum are similiarly distracted by a new activity - bird watching, especially cardinals. The trio presses on, even traveling out of Moose County looking for answers. In the end the mysteries are solved and life in Moose County continues.

I found this one of the less satisfying books in the series. The action begins nearly a year after the end of the previous book. The character of the second victim, Dennis Hough, who was Iris Cobb's son - introduced in The Cat Who Talked to Ghosts - has changed character slightly, and earned Qwill's trust and respect since we first met him. The motive for his death is weak and there is no real explanation given for the breakup of his family.

Qwill's relationship with Polly is one of the themes of this story and though it is given quite a bit of attention I felt that it was more of a tease. Also, as with the previous novel, I felt that the ending had been rushed with some of the threads left a bit loose.

If you are a devotee of the series you will want to read this one, especially for the Polly and Qwill story. If you are new to series perhaps starting elsewhere would be better, but if you a just looking for a good mystery this may not be your best choice.

I love the illustration in this book however I do not like the text... Too much puppy puppy please.

Next to "please baby please"..this is my 2yr old's favorite book. We have read it so much that she knows what comes next on each page. It is the best. I'm waiting for the next book !!!!!

This is a great book for any family to share together! Spkie Lee is my favorite director and now our daughter's favorite author! Since buying this book, we have bought the other book by Spkie Lee, which was a great hit!

My two year old cannot get enough of this book, he can hardly wait to get into his pajamas, "Puppy, Puppy", is all he can manage to say. The illustrations are beautiful, rich color, wonderful perspectives, the repeated phrases, which include a lot of "Please", can only be of great benefit.
In addition to being a great artist Kadir Nelson's work appears in some of the very best children's books.

My overly active 20 month old loves this book and will sit still quietly for an entire reading...until we finish at which point she will throw a tantrum because the story is over. The illustrations are beautiful and captivating and the rhythm of the text is delightful. My next purchase will be "Please, Baby, Please." Great work, Lees. I will be keeping my eye out for more from you guys in the future.