Amazon.com
Finding nutritional data for dogs can be a difficult business--and while much of the information in Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog is presented by anecdote, there's still plenty of worthwhile reading here. Aimed at dog owners that are already fairly committed to nonallopathic forms of health care for their pets, much of the book is based around author Wendy Volhard's Natural Diet. The Natural Diet is fairly labor intensive, as Volhard is the first to admit, but she provides page after page of testimonials that credit the diet with improved temperaments, better activity levels, and exemplary physical health. Each ingredient in this diet is discussed in depth, so owners not ready to take the step of providing a complete diet from scratch can still learn about potentially valuable supplements, as well as what ingredients to look for in a commercial diet.
Beyond the dietary information provided, there are several chapters that give solid explanations of different types of health care available, including homeopathy, kinesiology, and the five-element theory. For those who still prefer allopathic care for their dogs, the chapters that cover standard lab tests are extremely useful, finally giving a layman's guide for urinalysis, blood serum, liver function, and thyroid testing. A glossary defines various terms such as acidosis and hepatic, and each description is easily understandable, even by those with no medical background whatsoever. For puppy owners, the chapter discussing vaccinations is informative--Volhard questions the necessity of many we take for granted, and suggests several methods for lowering the required number for your pup.
Ultimately, the majority of this book is geared toward folks who are already committed to providing their pooches with alternative health care and homemade food. No matter how interesting the dietary concepts presented here, if you aren't already a true believer it's not likely that Volhard's anecdotes will provide you with enough statistical proof to completely overhaul your dog's way of life. --Jill Lightner
Book Description
A complete revision of a ground-breaking reference.
Designed to provide updated information found in the original book, as well as lots of new topics, and a new organizationâthis second edition is more user-friendly than ever!
Readers will get the latest on:
- Healthful diets for dogs of every age and activity level
- How to modify your dog's diet to best meet seasonal needs
- Natural ways to keep your dog healthy throughout all stages of life
- How to care for a dog in poor health
- The vaccine controversyâthe pros, the cons and how to sort them out * Homeopathic remedies
- Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, acupressure, aromatherapy, chiropractics and use of medicinal herbs
Customer Reviews:
Close, but no cigar.......2007-05-09
This book is worth its price purely for the information on interpreting blood and urine testing. She also offers some great ideas on supplements for specific health concerns. Thirdly, her recommendations for vaccinations or lack thereof are excellent. That's the good part.
However, by far and large, I couldn't disagree more with Wendy Volhard's dietary recommendations. If she can show me a canine running around the forest looking for oatmeal or any of the other grains she recommends, I might give her recommendations a second look.
Until then, from my experience, BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods a la Ian Billinghurst's recommendations) is the only way to feed dogs. Three dogs, 9 years, no vet bills, says it all. My Keeshond, who died at the age of 16, was diagnosed with terminal pancreatitis at the age of 7 and given 6 months to live. The vet wanted to put her on PID canned food, largely barley based. At that time, we brought our Giant Schnauzer home from Skansen Kennels. The breeder strongly recommended the BARF diet, so I immediately switched the old Keeshond and our 6 month old Rottie to a raw meaty bones/fresh raw veggies and fruits diet, along with the Giant Schnauzer baby. The vet said I'd kill my dog. I told him that she's dead meat in 6 months anyway, so I might as well kill her my way.
Within 3 months, she was a puppy again, and lived to 16. All if this without the silly grain meal Wendy Volhard recommends! The big dogs are closing in on 10. The rottie has already outlived his predicted life span of 7 to 9 years. I love it! Their coats are gorgeous, and their teeth are perfect. No bad breath either. I wouldn't feed any other way.
Please don't get me wrong. I would still buy this book for its reference value, but don't buy into her dietary recommendations!
Super Reference Book.......2007-01-29
I found the Holistic Guide for Healthy Dog just super and full of useful information and other references. It's also very easy to read and divided quite nicely.
Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog.......2006-04-13
This book is the best source for a Raw Diet available. It is very comprehensive. There are lots of sources available with this diet to help you along the way, such as the website (www.volhard.com) and the Volhard Yahoo Group discussions, which provide all the answers to your questions. If you want to provide the best life for your dog, this is definately the way to do it. The research carried out on this diet is extremely comprehensive and a proven success for over 30 years.
Single best Guide for pet owners.......2005-03-02
If you can only have one book and you own a dog this is the one to have. Wendy Volhard brings decades of research and experience together in easy to follow examples, recipes and some of th emost comprehensive tables you'll find on canine nutrition. Food is the basis of all good health and happiness and this book tells you how to keep your dog healthy naturally, how to recognize if they are out of balance and empowers you with tools to help you dog while working with your vet.
If you consider your dog a member of your family.......2004-05-12
Discovering the Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog is one of the best discoveries I have made in my life! If you consider your dog a member of your family and you want to do everything you can to hlep it have a long, healthy, long life this book is for you. It comes complete with a chat room of wonderful people who can answer most any question you have regarding the diet.
It's a book that you will refer to over and over - the first thing you will consult when you think there might be a problem.
We have used the diet recommended in the book for two for more than 5 years. Our vet applauds our efforts.
Book Description
Adorable! Spelled the same in French and English, this word sums up the petite French Bulldog. Similar in build to the very popular Pug, the French Bulldog is a roly-poly lotta-lovin' dog -- avec un attitude! While still ranked in the middle of the AKC registrations list at #76, the Frenchie is becoming trés popular.
Customer Reviews:
The French Bulldog : An Owner's Guide .......2007-03-26
I only gave this book one star as this book seems geared strictly towards new dog owners. The Frenchie photos are cute, but not much info that I could use.
Comprehensive and easy to follow........2005-05-22
This is a great book for any Frenchie owner. Unlike some books which claim to be breed specific but aren't this book contains lots of information on French Bulldogs. It covers housebreaking, Feeding, Grooming, Health and so much more. There are lots of great photos as well. I got this book shortly before getting my Frenchie, and it was so helpful. It's written in a way that someone new to the breed like me, or someone that is intreseted in a pet rather then a showdog can understand. This is a book written by a true Frenchie lover, for Frenchie lovers and newbies.
WONDERFUL RESOURCE!.......2005-04-07
I have read and reread this book numerous times. I have owned Frenchies for nearly ten years and this is hands down the single best overall basics on the breed. The author presents important information in an engaging, straight forward manner and is a world renowned expert in Frenchies. If you are considering a frenchie or have recently added one to your family, this book will be an invaluable resource.
Great Book For Anyone Considering A French Bulldog.......2005-03-30
I bought this book when we were leaning towards getting a French Bulldog and wanted more in-depth information. The author is a well-respected breeder of Frenchies with many years of experience. She knows what she is talking about first-hand. This is a great book for anyone considering adding a Frenchie to their family. It is full of all the information you need without excessive information that would overwhelm someone trying to decide if this is the right breed for them. Read this book and you will be well prepared for your flat-faced family member on arrival!
Very Helpful Book With Lots Of Accurate Info........2005-03-27
After aquiring my first Frenchie puppy a few months ago, I read this book cover to cover. Now I use it almost daily as a resource--I even quote this book at my vet's office. I would definitely recommend this book to any future Frenchie owner as it has really been a lifesaver for me.
Book Description
Another little dog on the up-and-up is the all-American Boston Terrier. Currently ranked 19th among the AKC's 146 recognized breeds, the Boston wins admirers with his short, easy-to-care-for coat, conveniently portable size, and distinctive tuxedo markings.
Customer Reviews:
Informative.......2006-11-04
This book gives you insight into the breed and how to care for it.
Great book about Bostons!.......2006-02-08
We just got a Boston puppy a couple months ago & we were looking for a good book to summarize their care & general things about a Boston. This book is great! I use it as a reference guide when I have questions.
Great Guide.......2003-04-18
I'm no expert on the Boston Terrier, which is why I like this book. We're planning on adopting one this summer, and I've been hunting for good, user-friendly BT books. This one covers everything, it's to the point, and the last four chapters are full of good advice for any dog owner, regardless of the breed. I wanted a manual I could refer to over and over again ~ this one fits the bill. :o)
Great Book to Learn About Bostons.......2002-07-05
I bought this book after it being recommended by a breeder. It was exactly the kind of book that I was wanting. It provides specifics on the health problems, grooming tactics, and eating habits of the dog, which were the most important subjects I was looking for. The latter part of the book discusses how to enjoy your dog, though it isn't specifically directed toward the Boston. This is a great book and a must-have for any Boston Terrier owner.
Incomplete.......2001-03-16
I bought this book hoping to learn more about the breed and their special needs. However only the first half of the book was breed specific. The shopping lists and breed history was interesting, but I still have many unanswered questions about basic care. The second half had basic training tips that applies to all breeds. This may be a good book for someone who is looking for a general overview of the breed, but if you're looking for a detailed manual about how to care for and train a puppy, adult, and senior Boston Terrier, this book isn't it.
Book Description
Dr. Ian Dunbar, renowned dog trainer and behaviorist, explains how dogs think, how dogs learn, and why they act the way they do. Dog owners who understand these issues can better train their dogs and develop a closer relationship with their pets.
Customer Reviews:
happy pet.......2007-01-19
I have yet to receive this book !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Would be difficult to review it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ann Kramer
p.o. box 1824
Wrangell, Alaska 99929
Want to understand your dog better?.......2001-06-20
Many dog behavior books seem to focus more on dog obedience/training rather than on dog 'behavior.' As the owner of 2 chihuahuas, I'm interested in dog obedience to some extent, but I've always wanted to know more about why my dogs behave a certain way. What do they really mean when they do certain things? So, I was pleasantly surprised to find this wonderful little book!
The author explains such behaviors as why dogs wag their tails... why dogs know how long to continue to view another dog as still being a puppy... how dogs develop their hierarchies... and yet, the author doesn't overgeneralize about these behaviors either. He describes the stages of a dog's development from puppy to adult, and he dispels some myths about dog intelligence and dog training.
I found the author's attitude very refreshing and I think this is another reason that I enjoyed this book so much. He genuinely likes dogs and he portrays them as the intelligent, emotional, and social creatures that they are.
Informative and entertaining.......2000-02-23
This is a very thin book, but it is just packed with insight and information. The author clearly loves dogs and understands them. My favorite thing about the book is the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) humor that he uses to make his points. I loved his turns of phrase and his abhorence for cruelty in any of its disguised forms. It is a fact that often what we think we are training the dog to do is the opposite of what we are really teaching. Dr. Dunbar is not afraid to point this out.
A MUST BUY For Any Dog/Puppy Owner!.......2000-01-18
This is an EXCELLENT book to help you understand your dog and how to head off any behavior problems that may occur as the dog matures. I would suggest reading it BEFORE you get a puppy/dog and learn how and why it is SOOO important to properly socialize it at a very early age. Dunbar makes total sense and his recommendations have always worked with my dogs and others whom I have loaned my book to. It is fun and easy to read.
A must-read for all dog owners........1999-02-10
Ian Dunbar wrote a book called "Dog Behavior, Why Dogs Do What They Do" in 1979. He has now written a book called "Dog Behavior, An Owner's Guide To A Happy Healthy Pet". His clear, intelligent, witty writing has not changed. It is evident that he continues to learn more about dogs, people and writing clearly! If you are thinking about getting a dog or puppy, if you own a dog or puppy or you are just interested in dogs and puppies, you need to read this book.
Book Description
Known for its speed and strength, the handsome Rhodesian Ridgeback is also a wonderful companion dog. In addition to comprehensive advice on how to select a Ridgeback puppy, feeding, grooming and training, you will learn how to burn off some of this active dog's energy.
Customer Reviews:
new pup.......2007-04-11
not really what I expected from the book. I could have used a few more prior reviews to let me know that I was actually looking for a book with more information on raising puppies and nuances inherit to this breed of dog. Good book for a true overall picture of the breed, but to much other non-essential information tossed in
Great introduction to RR's.......2006-03-23
I enjoyed this book to learn the history and concerns of RR's. It is a very good introductory book. The author is professional about the breed. I recommend this book to anyone considering a RR or just getting one.
General knowledge.......2004-07-09
I thought the first 6 chapters of the book were good, the first few great. However as you progress through the book the knowledge it presents is geared towards all dogs, to a point where I don't think that a RR was mentioned in the final few chapters, it was general knowledge about dogs.
A Wonderful Book written about my FAVORITE breed!.......2000-05-19
I have owned one Ridgeback who passed away a year and a half ago, and now currently own my 2nd. I have several other books about the breed and really enjoyed Eileen's book the best. It does repeat some of the info I have in other books, such as the history of the breed and breed standard, but lets face it any book on the breed MUST contain those topics. But in some of my other Ridgeback books they seem to either cover a lot of info that is geared towards dogs in general or they tended to cover a lot of information on show dogs throughout the world. But in this book I found the topics to be more unique to our breed & very informative and entertaining. The author goes into details of her own experiences with some of the topics, like sighting examples of her dogs' sense of humor, how they have amused themselves when left alone, how she has trained her dogs for obedience competition etc. etc. AND that is just in the third chapter of the book! The endless pictures she includes in her book are beautiful as well. I just loved this book!
The Greatest Breed Ever.......2000-04-18
This is a great book that introduces the reader to the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed. I found the book to be very helpful and insightful. My wife and I just got a puppy and this book has helped us out with him. We know what to expect from him which is extremely helpful with his training. It has also made us aware of the importance of vaccines and other medical emergencies that can occur and the proper way to handle them. The book is not an in depth technical look at the breed, but an overview of how great these dogs can be to a family, which is why it is so enjoyable. I thought the history of the breed was facinating, along with the descriptions on how gentle ridgebacks are to humans. The author also has a Q & A that is helpful and intersting. These insights really help the reader to familize themselves with these dogs. Also, the pictures were fantastic, they really provide a good look at numerous Ridgebacks and show the beauty of these dogs. If you are thinking about getting a Ridgeback or want an overview of the breed, this book is for you.
Book Description
Holding fast to his place at #62 in AKC registrations, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a big, beautiful Swiss breed who's admired for this gregariousness and charm.
Customer Reviews:
Great Guide.......2007-05-23
All dog owners could use this but for the Berner owner it is great...
Great BMD book.......2007-02-26
We just purchased a new AKC BMD and we utilize this book often. Good purchase...
Bernese Mountain Dog: An Owners Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet.......2006-08-09
This book is a general guide for all breeds and does have some photos of bernese mountain dogs and it covers all types of health problems, training, and puppy info and other important issues in owning dogs, however it is in general covering all dog breeds and I would recommend "Bernese Mountain Dogs by "Amy Christiansen". However, these are two of the top books that I would give to anyone who has an interest in the Bernese Mountain Dog. I presently own both books.
Garret DeGraff
Newton, NJ USA
Haven't gotten the book yet! Buy it somewhere else!.......2005-07-07
I heard this was a great book, and I ordered it May 1st . . . Amazon asked me twice over the next 2 months if I still wanted the book because it was taking so long to ship. The order was finally cancelled in July! I would certainly buy this book if I saw it in a bookstore - Amazon's "usually ships in 12 to 14 days" just didn't hold true for me.
Great Berner Book for Newbies (and Oldies).......2003-07-26
Great foundational book for someone looking for useful information on living with a Bernese Mountain Dog. Well written, easy to understand and can be a quick reference.
We like this book so well that our kennel gives one of these books to every puppy buyer.
Anyone needing more info than this book offers, should visit http://www.berner.org or http://www.bmdca.org
......
Book Description
Ranked 4th in 1994 AKC registrations. May "unofficially" be America's most popular breed.
Customer Reviews:
Above average material........2004-07-09
Manual offers consistant information, more consistent than other manuals published on this subject. Devoid of redundancy, unlike Mordecai Siegal's below par hardback, which was an unecessary sale and publish. The payment price for others are economical, but not in a specific way. Cairns may actually have purchased this pet in order to write, publish, and order this superior guide to sale. There are numbers of manuals released on this Retriever, which creates a serious dilemma. Purchase useless material, or the most useful and economical manual sold in modern day. Not recommended are shorter guides which are not seen abundantly in stores. 60 page or more manuals are likely to be helpful in domestic maintainence purposes. This manual is included on this list.
Wonderful handbook for the Golden owner.......2001-08-31
This book is well written with tons on helful information. I especially liked the section on first aid and health care. It's well edited and has lots of wonderful pictures of this magnificent breed.
Retriever.......2000-02-15
This book does work for all golden Retreivers.Check if your dog has a black mouth and black nose if he does. He is a very smart dog.Put an egg in his mouth. If he has a black mouth and nose he will carry around the egg without cracking it or breaking it.
Book Description
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an internationally popular and sweet-natured dog. If you are a first time Corgi owner, or are thinking of making one of these intelligent dogs a part of your family, then this beginner's guide is just for you!
Customer Reviews:
CORGIS RULE!.......2002-07-18
I DID NOT READ THIS BOOK, BUT CORGIS, ESPESCIALLY THE PEMBORKE WELSH VARIATION ROCK!
One of the weakest corgi books out there.......2001-10-30
The New Complete Pembroke Welsh Corgi by the same author (D. Harper) is vastly superior to this book. That book contains information about corgis & no other breed. Half of the information in this book is on corgis, but the rest of this book contains generic information that pertains to all breeds. For example; the "Happy Healthy Pet" book for westies shares some identical chapters with this one.
great book for corgi lovers.......2001-07-16
the book was great with lots of pictures and info. it was definatly worth the money. this dog is soo cute!
Good Information on Corgis...and overall dogs.......2001-03-21
I have just bought and read this book on Corgis for a corgi research project I am doing. It lists a brief myth of corgis with faeries and how they came to be, plus their regular history, who owns them, etc... I thought it was very good description wise, also. It did an overall description of a corgi, their parts, then gave some interesting facts about each part. The only thing I was disappointed in is when I got to Part 3 and 4 ("Enjoying your Dog" and "Beyond the Basics") of the book. It was mainly focusing on all breeds, not mentioning any specific corgi facts to watch out for. Further more, the book was showing pictures in those sections of mostly any dog but corgi. But that's me...I thought it was only going to be about corgis.
The cutest dog you'll ever get.......1999-04-24
A perfect book! It teaches you what to do when you bring it home, training, feeding, walking etc. Shows alot of many different pictures. It taught me all I need to know and much more!
Book Description
Popularized by the American photographer William Wegman, the Weimaraner is a classy, elegant sporting breed whose silvery coat is a real eye-catcher. Up two spots in one year in overall AKC registration (at #37 from #39), the Weimaraner wins fans in the looks and companionship departments.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Choice.......2005-10-05
I am looking to purchase a Weimaraner in the near future, and this book is by far the most informative book I have found yet. I wanted to be sure that I know as much as I can about the proper care for a Weimaraner, and this book is it. From what to do when you first get the puppy, until it becomes an old dog, this book has it. Highly reccommended for anyone looking to buy or learn more about Weimaraners.
Good basic info..........2002-01-25
As a soon-to-be puppy parent I enjoyed reading this book, it had a lot of good information about the breed, but it shouldn't be the only one you read if you plan to get a Weim. In addition to other dog books, I would strongly recommend the one called "How to Speak Dog" to anyone who plans to get a dog or already has one.
Book Review.......2000-09-15
My husband and I purcahaced this book when we were getting ready to bring home our first Wiemariner. We were looking for guidance on things to expect, how to make the dog feel at home, behaviors of most dogs, training this breed, and other general guidelines to follow. The book targeted itself to all these areas, and in addition, helped us greatly in bringing our new family member home. Riley did an excellent job at describing the breed in general and gave many pointers on supplies, training, health, and what owners need to expect. It is a great book if you are a first time owner and have a lot of questions.
Book Description
Maltese are elegant, yet fearless little dogs. With their long silky coats, these dogs require a lot of grooming. Bobbie Linden, a Maltese breeder and columnist for the AKC Gazette, turns her love for, and knowledge of the breed to the care of this feisty dog.
Customer Reviews:
Not too bad.......2002-01-28
I've read a bunch of Maltese books, I don't know what exactly I am hoping to get out of them but I'm fairly dissapointed in all of them. This one however sits at the top of my heap. It wasn't too bad..theres lots of information about bread history, health problems and grooming. The major problem I find in all bread specific books is that there is only so much you can write about a breed, the rest of the book is made up of stuff that can be applied to all puppies and grown dogs (training, eating, vaccinations ect). This book has the same sort of section. I get the impression that the authors just replace the phrase "your dog" with "your maltese." But all in all this book did its best with the little information you can write about the matlese breed and I was pleased. My favorite section of the book was the one that outlined "leisure cuts" for this dogs, as most books go into great detail about coat length and top knots, it was refreshing to read about a grooming style that I am more interested in. Actually this is the only book I've read that has ever discussed the leisure cut. So in short I recommend this book to anyone interested in having a Maltese as a pet, it gives good advice on how to get you off to a good start
One of the best Maltese books.......1999-02-22
This is the best Maltese book I have seen and I've read them all. The author's love for the breed clearly comes through. I espeically loved the helpful grooming information and the insite on what this breed is all about. Definitely a 5 star book!!!
A great book for all who are interested in Maltese.......1998-12-09
This book is one of the best I have seen on the Maltese breed, excellent grooming information, highly recommended. The author's love of the breed clearly shows through. I know Bobbie personally and she breeds marvelous Maltese; has breed a number of champions that are very nice.
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Breeds
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Dr. Pitcairn's New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats
Veterinarians Guide to Natural Remedies for Dogs : Safe and Effective Alternative Treatments and Healing Techniques from the Nations Top Holistic Veterinarians
The Holistic Dog Book: Canine Care for the 21st Century
The Nature of Animal Healing : The Definitive Holistic Medicine Guide to Caring for Your Dog and Cat
Raw Dog Food: Make It Easy for You and Your Dog
