Breeds Books

The translation is a little rough because it is about fifty years old. But overall this book is hands down the best book for training a dog to listen every time. If you are tired of the positive pet programs that both you and your pet are sick of then this book will put you on the path to a happier dog owner and pet. But listen be careful because if you read this and then only put part of it into practice then the results are your fault.

My adopted Malamute (very difficult dogs at times) only listened to my commands (sit, down, stay) when he was on a leash and when he felt like it. "Come here"? Forget it, leash or no leash, he didn't listen to that one at all. Oh, and he always jumped on counters, yes, even while I was in the room at times.

6 months of problems I've had with this dog practically disappeared in the one week I've been putting this book in practice, and he's still learning.

He was a spoiled princess who couldn't be trained with "positive" methods, but by following the stricter methods in this book, he actually took things more seriously. He's now more attentive than ever before, comes when called and responds to orders. A bit slow on responding to the orders sometimes, but the transformation alone is enough for me to want to put this book on some kind of alter though. Honestly. Hahaha.

I did have difficulties understanding some parts in the book straight away, but I really do recommend this book.

5+ stars, man.

Konrad Most is famous worldwide for his theory and principles of dog training which is still used widely today, even though many dog training methods has changed, the principles are still very much the same. This book is excellent for those that wish to learn more about their dogs and those that are studying the principles of how to train a dog. Col. Konrad Most is also known as the father of modern dog training and understanding his philosophy of dog training would be very beneficial for those that are keen in such discipline.

this book is for the serious dog trainer and should be the bible of dog training. The translation from german to english is a little rough but worth the effort.

I have been a Police Dog Handler with the Australian Air Force for over 23 years and this book still remains my bible. Other training books tell you 'how', this book explains the 'how' AND the 'why'. The fact that it was written so long ago misleads a lot of people into thinking it may be out of date.... It's no more out of date than the Constitution or the Bill of Rights. Other new age training methods may come and go but the methodology described by Konrad Most has been taken up by many others like William Koehler and is still used in over 90% of Police & Service Dog agencies around the world.

I highly recommend this book to any professional trainer or enthusiast who wishes to really understand the psychological principles behind how and why a dog works. By understanding these techniques you will be able to look at other less efficient methods and see why they fall short when it comes to speed, reliability of response and the ability of a dog to work at peak performance under duress situations.

Ron Alexander has written a very funny, poignant and altogether great page-turner. It reads like a breeze and the characters, abetted by Alexander's sharp and flawless ear for dialog and satire, are always engrossing and immediately endearing. One loves them all-warts and all. The author has managed effortlessly to juggle the disparate themes of dog-loving, AIDS, small-town bombastic politics, opera, muscle-obsessed gym addicts, cross-dressing Divas and strippers, and has accomplished this without ever resorting to condescension or ridicule--no mean task. This is my first read of a work by Ronald Alexander. It will not be my last. A really terrific novel that I recommend without reservation.

A special "Bravo" must be awarded for the wonderfully witty illustrations by Nathan Greene that add aptly wry comments on the proceedings.

This is a big-hearted, comic page-turner with multiple layers. Among them, there's a family melodrama that would make Douglas Sirk proud. There's a send-up of local law-and-order politics. There's even a story-within-a-story, a drag cabaret take on the Wilde/Strauss opera, "Salome" (re-tooled to "Salami" in this version). The sub-plots and character arcs are interwoven in a clever structure reminiscent of Russian nesting dolls.

The three main characters open in a joyless, in-between universe of mundane, small-stakes tragedy, disappointment, and fear of ending up alone, all drifting to oblivion. Sergeant Smeltzkoff is finishing his LAPD career on dog duty, viewing himself a personal and professional failure. The Sergeant's son Bobby, HIV positive, and fleeing an unsatisfying relationship, returns to LA from NY to stage his opera Salami, while feuding privately and publicly with his inflexible father. Bobby quickly befriends his father's beautiful stripper girlfriend, Violet, who has a dark past, and a strong, unfulfilled need for stability.

Bitchy, witty dialog and multiple plot lines speed the story along, but also perform sleight-of-hand, amusing the reader, while the characters draw us in with their all-too-authentic longing for acceptance and connection. The high visibility plot lines are great fun: the Sergeant's zero tolerance policy towards dogs on Venice Beach is operatic and media-drenched, and Bobby's cock-opera literally incites a riot. But all three characters face real threats, and the danger doesn't just come from the deadly diseases that loom over them (AIDS and Cancer). They're also all infected by their pasts, which initially seem to doom them, and test the limits of forgiveness.

At key moments, the book switches tone to great effect. At the height of the story's comic absurdity, the Sergeant says, "Bobby Smelzkoff is my son." This simple line is spoken, uninflected, to a desert stranger, by a character who has mostly behaved as a likable, macho buffoon. But it comes out as both a confession and a surprisingly touching epiphany. As in all good comedy, the depth and humanity of the story sneaks up on the reader, shielded by irony. Very satisfying.

The War on Dogs is a fascinating novel that often forces the reader to enjoy and sympathize with a character that at first seems unlikeable. The depth of Smeltzkoff is especially impressive. His struggle with his son Bobby, and the issues he has with his homosexuality, is in turns amusing and touching.

Alexander's satire is a great read for those looking for an emotional, character-driven novel as well as those looking to laugh. His prose is accessible and witty in the style of Ian McEwan and William Trevor.

Ron Alexander's "War on Dogs in Venice Beach" is a great social satire that digs much deeper than a dog problem in Venice Beach,California.It is full and rich, funny and sad. It is a very intelligent and intorospective read.Enjoy!

In Venice Beach, California the owners of beachfront property are livid as the once immaculate sand and spotless parks are being destroyed by dogs. One cannot walk let alone jog without stepping on canine crap. Pet owners seem indifferent to the plight of the affluent while the wealthy homeowners demand the city takes the dogs and their owners to the pound.

LAPD Police Sergeant Smelzkoff is assigned the canine caper case. He feels this is fitting as his life has been one toilet bowl of sh*t after another. Before he begins in total earnest THE WAR ON DOGS IN VENICE BEACH, he is in Manhattan helping his gay son Bobby pack to move in with him in California. Bobby, who suffers from HIV positive, and his dad may love one another, but the continent separation was good for both of them. In Venice Beach, Smelzhoff's campaign is one of stealth and precise military operations as he and his animal control squad arrest offenders (human and dog - no prejudice with this group) who leave their dogs to wander the beach unleashed or fail to pick up after their canine takes a crap. Meanwhile Bobby finds his dad's sh**ty case amusing and with the help of his father's stripper girlfriend Violet writes an opera that satires the war on dogs.

This is a terrific humorous parody on societal struggles between no compromise groups; in this case dog owners and beachfront property owners as the former claim pooping is God's natural way of fertilizing while the latter insists not for their feet. Fans will appreciate this well written satire that spoofs "ism" wars culminating with Bobby writing Salami the opera lampooning how far his once proud John Wayne like dad has fallen when he became the five star general leading THE WAR ON DOGS IN VENICE BEACH.

Harriet Klausner

I found the book quite complete, except it teaches nothing about an important subject as stripping the Welsh Terrier, which was one of my basic reasons to buy it! Besides that, it has a lot of general info about the breed, how to take care of your dog, etc. It also has half a dozen very nice pictures of good examples of this breed.

this is a better then usual book on the welsh terrier. I have looked for a long while to get a good book on them. I liked it very much.

A must have book for every Welsh Terrier parents, he, he. Excellent book to read.

To the author, thank you! Hudson's just 18 months old, and we've had your book only a week, already we have learned so much we have a happier house and feel more confident that we can have a happier more productive relationship with this breed.

The book is breed specific and each section covers important aspects of the Welsh Terrier. I've seen books like this for other breeds where as much as half the book was the same information found in other books on other breeds.

This one is specific and filled with enough information to help you understand and care for the Welsh Terrier breed.

Very nicely done, great pix, for the Welsh Terrier owner or fan

Quick read - fun and interesting - used for party game, was a big hit!

I had such fun with this book. I would have never known that I was a Germain Shorthaired Pointer, but when I took a look at the characterists of GSPs - yep, I think I actually am one! The whole family enjoyed this book, I would definately recommend it to dog lovers everywhere.

This is a really fun book! You answer questions about what you like and are like. Based on the points from the question you can determine the dog breed you are most like. With this breed you see what group you fall in and it tells you the personality and characteristics of that group. You can let your family take the tests and see what breed they are and look at personality and compatibility. :-) Really fun!

Fun quick read! The book provided insight to you "inner pooch", I found out that I'm a mix of Doberman Pincher, Boxer, Cocker Spaniel, and a Basset Hound overall. The results were very accurate in that I love to communicate, guard my family, and be an "on the go" type of person. We've been passing it around the family and gaining insights to each other. I would reccomend this as a fun read that you can share with a group...lots of fun for a girls weekend! Buy it, read it, and enjoy!

I love this book and highly recommend it to dog lovers! It is a fun interactive book that tests you on 3 different aspects to come up with your overall breed. I love it and have given the quiz to my friends and family members to discover what dog breed they are. It also has great descriptions of the different dog breeds, great illustrations and goes a bit into astrological signs. It is an all around entertaining book.

i have actually read this book 3 times....what an enjoyable read and a time to reflect....want to feel better---buy a copy and you will immediately cheer up (with a few tears shed along the way). of course i'm a bit prejudice, believing that golden retrievers are our gift from heaven....

Anyone who owns a Golden Retriever will see a little bit of Bailey in him/her. Patricia Burlin Kennedy has been able to put into words what so many of us feel in our hearts. Anyone who reads this book will "feel" the connection that these four legged creatures have with us. You will smile, you will cry and hopefully, you will pause to think about these life lessons and promise to be a better person because of these reminders. Please buy this book for your children and encourage them to live by Bailey's example.

Bravo! Kennedy and Christie have done it again. "Bailey Bymyside" is not simply a book about the amazing life of a fine Golden. It is a spiritual journey that will teach the reader some of the most important lessons life has to offer. Each page carries a profound statement with a glorious accompanying illustration, that will make you pause and reflect sometimes sirring a tear or a "dog earred" grin. For example, the lesson "that compromise allows us to move forward together" with a picture of 2 dogs swimming upstream with a shared stick in their mouths. What an profound message in today's world! This book is really for the young and old. Pair this book with their first book, "Through Otis' Eyes: Lessons from a Guide Dog Puppy" and you will be giving the best holiday or birthday gift a dog lover has ever received!

I received a copy of this book hot off the presses; and, I imagine that it will always remain a treasured part of my personal library. Not only are the Golden photos and situations universally recognizable, but the accompanying Golden "lessons" are truly therapeutic.

As a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, Private Clinician, and Graduate School Instructor, I utilize a cognitive-behavioral style such as that noted in Ellis' Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy [REBT]. And, it is that same kind of rational thinking that shouts out from this book. You see, sometimes us human folks fail to watch our Golden Retrievers close enough and we consequently miss the big picture. We fail to understand how our furry companions are so proficient at managing the ups and downs of life. Patty Kennedy's precious "Golden Lessons" do just that. They set out to help people think in a better more healthy way. And, in REBT, it is only when we are able to THINK better, that we will come to FEEL better.

This FEEL BETTER book has an incredible 106 pages with 52 full-color Golden Retriever illustrations & lessons. One scene typifies what Goldens continually do for us, rain or shine. It shows Golden Bailey smiling at the family's front door as it is being opened due to someone returning home. This illustration is accompanied by the lesson: "that it's not the size of the house that matters, but the love that dwells within." A deceptively simple statement, but one that is so often ignored. How much we worry about what others think about our homes -- whether they are big enough, have the best furnishings, or are in the best of neighborhoods. Yet, when it comes down to what truly matters, it's whether you have made this house into a warm, loving 'home,' appreciating the strength and well-being that can come from such a place of love.

Do yourself a favor and get this book. You certainly don't want to miss learning about Bailey's other 50+ lessons!

Mrs Jackie Ransom's latest book `The Bichon Frisé Today' maintains her excellent standard of presentation which is to be found in all her previous titles. The current book is undoubtedly an essential for those who are new to the breed. It not only gives a short history of the origins of the breed it also gives advice on the choosing, rearing and training the first puppy and then talks the new owner through the facets of bathing, grooming, and eventually, showing their new acquisition. This is a must for all new comers; it also has a lot to interest those already in the breed. A well produced volume with a profusion of lovely photographs of past and present champions, which should be on all Bichon owners' bookshelves.

Jackie Ransom is always a pleasure to read. She writes in a straightforward way, easy to follow and without any of those flowery phrases so beloved by some writers but which so often are meaningless. And this is certainly true of her latest book THE BICHON FRISE TODAY. Her chapter on the history of the breed will interest all lovers of the Barbichon group of breeds-the Maltese, Bolognese, Havenese, Coton du Tulear and Lowchen, as well as the Bichon. Another highlight of the book for me was the comparison of the British, American and FCI Standards, which is well laid out and helped by some very good drawings. In this chapter is also given the breed's first standard in French, which was published in 1935 as part of an article in a magazine called L`Eleveur and headed "Bichons, Maltais, Havanais et Cie". I found this fascinating. Explicit pictures also add greatly to the chapter on grooming and show presentation. Today the badly presented Bichon does not stand much success in the show ring so this should be invaluable to the beginner and also help those who are just missing that little expertise to get to the top. There is in addition a very full explanation of the various show systems and I particularly note that show training, obedience, agility and juniors are not forgotten. In this section I love the pictures of Am. Ch./OT Ch. Sea Star's Sandpiper UDX. NA in action. Apparently in his spare time he was also a licensed and working therapy dog, one of a very few allowed to work with paralysed and comatose patients. S there are a lot of roles for our Bichon to play, apart from the devoted pet and fun dog. Mrs Ransom covers all aspects of owning Bichons, including the thoughts that must go into breeding. She takes us carefully through the whelping and rearing of puppies, while there is also an important chapter on health care and hereditary diseases by vet Trevor Turner. Barbara Stubbs has contributed an interesting chapter on the Bichon in the US and then Mrs Ransom covers the show scene in Britain and other countries. There is also a valuable glossary of terms and list of abbreviations and a bibliography. The book is profusely illustrated with pictures of top winning and producing Bichons world-wide and in all is a publication which no Bichon lover anywhere will want to miss. Mrs Ransom, who introduced the breed to the British show ring and was the founder, first president and secretary of the Bichon Frisé Club of Great Britain, has done a great deal for her breed, and this book will I am sure be a prime focal point of her work.

This book by Jackie Ransom was my favorite choice when looking for a book on Bichons. I first borrowed it, along with other books, from a local library. I liked it because it was the newest book that I found, and it also had many great pictures, including a section that shows how to bathe, comb out, and properly trim a Bichon. I also learned alot about breeding, and the birth process. The only thing in the book that I don't think that I agree with is on page 96. It starts out "Dogs do not understand words", and refers to using different tones of voice for praise and reprimanding. Overall though, the section on training was good, and also the chapter on health care and possible diseases was enlightening. Of all of the books I have seen, this one is my favorite by far. The biggest reason I purchased the book was the colored picture section on how to bathe, comb, and trim, with step-by-step instructions. It's a winner!!!!

Jackie Ransom is always a pleasure to read. She writes in a straightforward way, easy to follow and without any of those flowery phrases so beloved by some writers but which so often are meaningless. And this is certainly true of her latest book THE BICHON FRISE TODAY. Her chapter on the history of the breed will interest all lovers of the Barbichon group of breeds-the Maltese, Bolognese, Havenese, Coton du Tulear and Lowchen, as well as the Bichon. Another highlight of the book for me was the comparison of the British, American and FCI Standards, which is well laid out and helped by some very good drawings. In this chapter is also given the breed's first standard in French, which was published in 1935 as part of an article in a magazine called L`Eleveur and headed "Bichons, Maltais, Havanais et Cie". I found this fascinating. Explicit pictures also add greatly to the chapter on grooming and show presentation. Today the badly presented Bichon does not stand much success in the show ring so this should be invaluable to the beginner and also help those who are just missing that little expertise to get to the top. There is in addition a very full explanation of the various show systems and I particularly note that show training, obedience, agility and juniors are not forgotten. In this section I love the pictures of Am. Ch./OT Ch. Sea Star's Sandpiper UDX. NA in action. Apparently in his spare time he was also a licensed and working therapy dog, one of a very few allowed to work with paralysed and comatose patients. S there are a lot of roles for our Bichon to play, apart from the devoted pet and fun dog. Mrs Ransom covers all aspects of owning Bichons, including the thoughts that must go into breeding. She takes us carefully through the whelping and rearing of puppies, while there is also an important chapter on health care and hereditary diseases by vet Trevor Turner. Barbara Stubbs has contributed an interesting chapter on the Bichon in the US and then Mrs Ransom covers the show scene in Britain and other countries. There is also a valuable glossary of terms and list of abbreviations and a bibliography. The book is profusely illustrated with pictures of top winning and producing Bichons world-wide and in all is a publication which no Bichon lover anywhere will want to miss. Mrs Ransom, who introduced the breed to the British show ring and was the founder, first president and secretary of the Bichon Frisé Club of Great Britain, has done a great deal for her breed, and this book will I am sure be a prime focal point of her work.

I found this book to be very informative, especially about the day to day management of a cattery which is what I was looking for. The advice is practical and based on the author's experience. I feel that this is the best book on the subject of cattery management that I have found so far.

Breeding cats is not easy and this book gives the exact idea of what it means. This book is precious for both new and experienced cat breeders. Interesting, easy to read and full of absolutely essential tips and suggestions. A "must" for all cat breeders!

"Breeding Purebred Cats" walks you through the entire process beginning with purchasing your first purebred cat through, housing, breeding, birthing and placing kittens. Filled with loads of practical advice this book is a must for first time breeders.

"Breeding Purebred Cats" was a lifeline for us when we decided to purchase and breed a Maine Coon female. As the author says in her introduction, "It's a simple matter to throw two cats together and hope for the best. But somewhere down the road, disaster and disappointment await the person who believes that 'nature' will take care of everything."

In the exclusive world of the Cat Fancy, it's not even a simple matter to 'throw two cats together'. Everything has to be arranged for in advance (most catteries won't allow their males to breed an unknown female, even one with papers, because of the chance of disease). At any rate, suppose you earn the trust of a cattery owner, or purchase your own male. Then what? Your queen is pregnant. What should you do to ensure that she gives birth to and raises a healthy litter?

This is when "Breeding Purebred Cats" will become indispensible. The author explains in clear, succinct terms how the queen should be handled, how to determine whether she is indeed pregnant, how to figure out when she's going to give birth, how to assist at the kittening, and when to call for help. And "Breeding Purebred Cats" isn't just about breeding and giving birth. It covers all aspects of breeding practices, raising kittens and selling them, and cattery management. We found Anne S. Moore's book essential for the proper care and upbringing of a healthy litter of Maine Coons.

Wells' book can be read just for the story of her life with corgis or it can be read for the inner journey she takes in understanding motherhood. Short, but much food for thought. Well worth reading twice.

This book is moving, scrupulously honest, and sharply--perfectly--written. And it is original. I've never read another book quite like it.

The book impresses me as a spiritual autobiography, "spiritual" being, like most words, a metaphor, but gesturing toward the sacred in the widest sense. Life is sacred in that sense, and this book is about life and death. It reads as if the author has journeyed all her adulthood to find the sources of life, freedom, and joy, until she and those sources at last find each other.

The author seems to be inviting all her readers to share this deep discovery with her, whether they be family or friends or strangers. The concepts of "mothering" and "maternal" can often take on so much cultural baggage that their vital reality becomes obscured. In Brood Bitch: A Mother's Reflection, Celia Townsend Wells re-discovers bedrock realities through innovative and courageous introspection-and through fine writing.

A great tale for those committed to (=in love with) dogs and the trials and tribulations of life with them

A graceful and poignant meditation on mother love, mother work, the parent-child relationship, and the human-animal relationship. With great sensitivity and insight and no self pity, Wells reveals her own experiences first as a married and then single mother of a daughter, and as the surrogate mother of puppies who survive the death of their mother minutes after the puppies' birth. This book will move readers interested in the bonds between parents and children or humans and animals and the complexes of emotions and attitudes associated with these bonds.

A MUST read for anyone considering this breed. A wonderful and very informative book. Very helpful to me in understanding many behaviors of this particular breed, although too much emphasis on AKC opinions, functions etc. Not everyone is interested in the almighty AKC opinions and standards for showing. Sometimes a pet is just that, a beloved pet, not a show dog!

For the price, this book gives a fair amount of info on the breed and some great pictures, good beginning book when first learning on the breed, definately recomend.

my husband and I had been thinking of getting a Bull Terrier. From the beginning of this book, we kept learning more and more about this wonderful, spunky breed. Well detailed information to include pictures of the different colors of breed, health issues, needs, wants, even showed a picture of the best toy for this dog: a kong. Recommend for anyone who is interested in this breed whether they're buying one soon or just want more knowledge on this "clown dog" :)

What a wonderful and beautifully put together book! I know the author is very knowledgable, but this was even more then I expected.
The organization seemed to flow very well and the pictures were beautiful. This is a must have for all Bull Terrier owners, perspective owners and dog lovers.
Thank you Mrs. Alexander for all of your hard work to give us this great book!

this book is adorable! as a chihuahua parent, i love them to death. they're my favorite breed of dog. one of the reasons why i love chihuahuas is because you can bring them around with you almost everywhere you go.

it was interesting reading about other owners and other chihuahuas. the pictures are wonderfully done as well, great angles and the style is great. it was focused on the dogs themselves. highly recommended for all chi parents!

This book makes a fabulous gift for all people who love Chihuahuas! The author, a professional photographer, does a superb job of showcasing the personalities and adventures of these adorable "carry-ons." The photographs are artistic, edgy, and fun! Unlike most other pet books, this one is prime coffee table material! Several full-color pages are devoted to each pooch hanging out in their favorite haunting grounds (Venice Beach, a flat in Paris, the laundromat, cockpit of a plane, etc.). Highly recommended for all Chi lovers...I already bought two copies - one for me and one for a friend.

THIS IS SUCH A CUTE BOOK FILLED WITH PICTURES OF CHIHUAHUA'S AND THEIR DAILY "FAVORITES". MY DAUGHTER AND I JUST LOVE THIS BOOK AND LOOK THROUGH IT ALMOST EVERY NIGHT BEFORE GOING TO BED. IT IS REALLY A UNIQUE BOOK TO HAVE IF YOU LOVE CHIHUAHUA'S LIKE WE DO!

I bought two copies of this book on Amazon...one for myself and one as a gift. This is a great coffee table book on Chihuahuas! The book presents several pages of full-page photos on each Chi and features them doing their favorite things (hanging out at Venice Beach, being a co-pilot of their owner's plane, visiting Hollywood,etc.) Montrose, a professional photographer, has a knack for capturing the vibrant personalities of each dog. The photos are artsy, funky, and fun! Definitely not your typical book on dogs in which every picture is posed. I would definitely recommend this for any Chihuahua fan!