Book Description
The Working American Bulldog is a comprehensive history of a specific breed of dog, the American Bulldog. This is the most numerous rare breed in the US. This book gives information about training, raising, breeding, care and nutrition of American Bulldogs.
Customer Reviews:
"My " Working American Bulldog.......2007-05-21
The most comprehensive book to date on the subject of the American Bulldog. Dave Putnam really did his homework as for as the history & orgins of the breed, although when he gets to the modren AB it becomes more obvious that he favors the "standard" over the larger "Johnson" type. With that aside I still consider it "a most have" for any AB owner, except I think he should have change the name of the book from "The Working AB" to "My Working AB" seeing as how most of the text is about personal experiences of his dog, & not the breed in general.
Must read for American Bulldog Lovers.......2007-05-11
Exellent book on American Bulldogs. Goes into deep detail about how these dogs came about and what they where used for then and now. Lots of pictures from training to hunting. Would recommend to anyone that likes bully dogs and wants to do some research about them.
A lot of Information!!.......2007-05-07
I just got my 1st AB and after reading this book I realize so much more about the breed than just an adorable puppy. He has such a persoanlity and in the book it explains a lot.. I recommend it to any AB or Future AB owners!!
Good Book.......2007-02-21
This book is a good book on AB's lots of info ,pics etc,,,
A good read........2006-02-01
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone interested on AB's or dogs in general. Excellent
Book Description
Top Working Dogs : A Training Manual covers procedures, problems, solutions for tracking, obedience and protection. It is the most comprehensive, most useful, most practical, most detailed Schutzhund training guide available. It presents in detail the secret training methods used by experts, and chapters on training psychology, puppy training, selecting the right instructor, etc., benefit novice, experienced and professional trainers alike. The book is easy to understand and virtually guarantees results. (Don't lend it to anyone, they won't return it!)
Customer Reviews:
All-inclusive working dog reveiw.......2006-08-18
This book covers many different possible 'occupations' of a working dog, and is written clearly. Not many pictures, it is full of information. If you are considering raising a working dog, this book outlines the various levels and certifications you (the handler) and the dog will need to complete. If you are interested in learning about a particular aspect more, this book will provide a description of that occupation and what that occupation entails.
Top Working Dogs.......2006-03-09
Found the font size small, not that easy to read. However, the content is superb, if there is an updated version (training methods etc. change)I would be first in line.
It is so good to get a book from a pro, someone who's been there, done that, got the T shirt at the very highest level.
For Serious Schutzhund Enthusiasts.......2005-07-27
After purchasing many dog training manuals and finding them not quite up to snuff, I was very pleased to finally find a book which was comprehensive and authoritative. It breaks each area of the sport down and is easy to follow. The book is intelligently written.
Great information IF you can read it!.......2004-06-24
The 3rd edition (1994) of this book is VERY HARD TO READ. The font set is about 5 or 6 points, single spaced, very tightly packed. You need great eyesight and still must be ready for eyestrain. I can read anything up close, but this is the worst book, PHYSICALLY, I've ever had to read. Still, you can't fault the quantity of information and the first (brief) perusal makes me want to read more. I was dismayed when I opened the book so I'm giving you a heads up. I'm going to buy a magnifying glass.
A great all-rounder.......2000-06-24
I have owned this book since shortly after it was published, except for the short period of time when a local police dog-man "borrowed" it. I ended up repurchasing it! This book is solid and sound in content, and has information that will appeal to beginners and experts alike in the fields of tracking, obedience and man-work. I review it as a resource book whenever I need a fresh training idea for a dog or a group of trainers. I no longer loan it - I recommend you buy your own.
Book Description
Derived from the powerful mastiff dogs of Roman Times, the Cane Corso comes to modern man as an agile protector, a big-game hunter and an all-around working dog. This large and formidable Italian guard dog is currently enjoying a Renaissance in the new century as a recognized pure-bred dog, attracting many new fanciers every year. Not the dog for the inexperienced or the faint of heart, the Cane Corso is a strong-minded and strong-bodied protection dog, naturally suspicious of strangers and devoutly attached to his owners.
This Special Rare-Breed Edition, the only book of its kind about this fascinating Italian Mastiff, offers an insightful history of the breed, an in-depth look at the breed's characteristics and standard as well as puppy selection and rearing, obedience training and housebreaking, and health care and maintenance. Owners will welcome the author's good advice on puppy-proofing the home, socialization and preventing puppy problems. In addition to an authoritative, comprehensive text, this book presents over 135 photographs in full color, which prove to be as informative as they are attractive.
Customer Reviews:
A very good breed book.......2007-10-10
This book on the Cane Corso dog is filled with interesting and helpful information. Much of the information is specific to this breed. Lots of pictures are included as well. I recommend it. Mary
cane corso.......2007-05-12
this is the only book on this breed i can find. Very informative.
Wonderful dog, wonderful book..........2007-04-29
I love this breed and this book had all the information of the history, care, and behavior of the Cane Corso. It also had a puppy section if you need to know about puppy care. Amazon had the estimated date of delivery 2 months away (and no, it was not because it had not been released)...but I got the book in about a week and a half.
Cane Corso.......2007-01-20
It was so nice to find a book about the Cane Corso. We just purchased one in November and I wanted to get my boyfriend a nice book about the rare breed and this was the only one that I could find. There are a lot of nice photos in the book as well. I'm hoping to find just a picture book of them also. I guess I'll keep looking.
Great Book, Lots of Info.......2005-08-06
I recently came to know of this breed through (...) and decided that I wanted to learn more about the breed before making my decision to get a puppy. I spent hours searching the net for info, and I eventually found this book. As far as I know this is the only book on the breed in English so for those wanting to learn more and don't speak or read Italian this book is priceless! It gives a great overview of the breed, useful information about the history, training, taking care of it, and a very extensive section on the breed standard. It covers some of the key points like the importance of socialization, and potential pitfalls if you do not socialize. This book looks nice and has many great pictures, and even a place in the back to place a picture of your puppy, and basic information about your dog. This is the second book I have from the Kennel Club series; both are very professional and informative. This book is worth the price for anyone considering this breed and for any one who already has a Corso. After reading this book I made my final decision to get the breed.
Average customer rating:
- Frustrating, Hard to Understand
- horrifying
- No pleasure read
- A Good Dog: The Story of Orson, Who Changed My Life (Paperback)
- IT'S JON KATZ THAT SHOULD BE PUT DOWN
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A Good Dog: The Story of Orson, Who Changed My Life
Jon Katz
Manufacturer: Villard
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General
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| Home & Garden
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Essays
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Animal Behavior & Communication
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A Three Dog Life
ASIN: 140006189X
Release Date: 2006-09-26 |
Book Description
“People who love dogs often talk about a ‘lifetime’ dog. I’d heard the phrase a dozen times before I came to recognize its significance. Lifetime dogs are dogs we love in especially powerful, sometimes inexplicable ways.”–Jon Katz
In this gripping and deeply touching book, bestselling author Jon Katz tells the story of his lifetime dog, Orson: a beautiful border collie–intense, smart, crazy, and unforgettable.
From the moment Katz and Orson meet, when the dog springs from his traveling crate at Newark airport and panics the baggage claim area, their relationship is deep, stormy, and loving. At two years old, Katz’s new companion is a great herder of school buses, a scholar of refrigerators, but a dud at herding sheep. Everything Katz attempts– obedience training, herding instruction, a new name, acupuncture, herb and alternative therapies–helps a little but not enough, and not for long. “Like all border collies and many dogs,” Katz writes, “he needed work. I didn’t realize for some time I was the work Orson would find.”
While Katz is trying to help his dog, Orson is helping him, shepherding him toward a new life on a two-hundred-year-old hillside farm in upstate New York. There, aided by good neighbors and a tolerant wife, hip-deep in sheep, chickens, donkeys, and more dogs, the man and his canine companion explore meadows, woods, and even stars, wade through snow, bask by a roaring wood stove, and struggle to keep faith with each other. There, with deep love, each embraces his unfolding destiny.
A Good Dog is a book to savor. Just as Orson was the author’s lifetime dog, his story is a lifetime treasure–poignant, timeless, and powerful.
Customer Reviews:
Frustrating, Hard to Understand.......2007-10-10
The first few pages were great - a story about an intelligent dog with a mind of its own, out chasing school buses, corralling skate-boarders and others, and protected by an owner who had bonded with him. Orson also learned to open the refrigerator, eat whatever he wanted, and then hide the packaging.
But Orson didn't fit in with urban N.J., leading its owner to buy a small farm in N.Y. and get over his own "mid-life" crisis. Unfortunately, Orson became less and less predictable, and more and more likely to nip at people. So Katz (owner and author) took Orson to the vet ($1,000 worth of tests with no result, then to an animal talker, and finally a shaman. Some improvement came from acupuncture (Orson had been hit by a car during his early days in N.J.), but the biggest improvement came when Katz bought an ATV to help his own mobility limitations due to injured legs.
Sadly, though, Orson again starts nipping, and even draws blood in instances when there was no known reason for him to. Katz, worried about his liability, decides to have Orson put to sleep.
So was Katz really bonded to Orson, or just decide he was a nuisance? Why didn't he put the dog away when people were around, and/or put up "Beware of the Dog" signs?
Definitely not the happy man-dog story I was looking forward to!
horrifying.......2007-10-08
When I was given this book, I had no idea what it was about. Once I learned, I was almost sick to my stomach. Incredible to me that someone could write a "dog love story" that ends in the cruelest, most heartless betrayal imaginable. There is no justifying his action. Simply appalling. Be warned this book is no sweet story, but a frightening tale of justification.
No pleasure read.......2007-10-07
First I must say that many reviewers were too harsh on Katz. The problem was that Katz made a name for himself writing about dogs on his Bedlam Farm and one of the protagonists pays with his life in this book. Readers were expecting another easy read about happy dogs in New York.
Katz is not a dog expert nor a dog trainer. He simply is a good writer who writes about his dogs and his farm. His temperament is better suited for more docile breeds like retrievers and Labradors. A border collie and Katz are just a volatile mix. Collies need constant work and attention and are by nature restless. They need a steady job, they need constant life around them to be happy dogs.
Katz is a good writer and this book reads well. What bothered me were the last 30 pages; after the dog is euthenized it seemed the book lingered when it should have ended with Orson's last heartbeat. He spent the remaining pages defending his position to put his dog down. After hollistic treatments, visits to a shaman and accupuncture, he never once took the dog to a certified dog behaviorist? That seemed odd, and that is why I had little compassion for Katz. Orson deserved more.
Katz is of the belief that dogs must be trained, must not be dangerous and should not be treated as humans. If a dog bites or attacks, its fate is doomed. Many urbanites will agree with that. Orson was one such doomed canine, although I don't understand why he couldn't find a home for him (despite his feelings that he can't "recycle" pets with behaviorial problems) when there surely could have been people willing to take the dog in? With all his fame and website there were no takers? He put the dog down without telling anyone but his own veterinarian, and now he has to pay with his decision and spend more time explaining his decision. Had he been a true lover of Orson, he could have easily found a home for Orson that didn't have the stimuli that triggered his biting attacks. He needed a female to tend to his spirit. Instead Orson was paired with an impatient, demanding, overweight middle-aged man.
This was my first book by Katz and it will be my last. He can write all he wants to about dogs but the image I have is of his "good dog" Orson dying in his arms. Orson was a good dog. It was the owner who was bad and failed him. I don't understand how Amazon could recommend this book along with the more upbeat "Marley and Me" by John Grogan.
A Good Dog: The Story of Orson, Who Changed My Life (Paperback) .......2007-09-24
I live on a small hobby farm. I have 5 dogs, 4 horses and 1 cat to care for. I get up at 5AM to feed, muck out stalls, and take my dogs for a walk before going to a 37 1/2 hours a week job 24 1/2 miles from my home.
I know how much physical labor it takes to do all the routine tasks, let alone mend fences, pay veterinary bills, etc. I find myself to be a bit unsympathic to a person like Jon Katz who hires help whenever he needs it and who also seems to get rid of any animal on his farm who is more than he can handle emotionally and physically. Why not try harder to work with the more recalcitrant animals instead of shipping them off to another place or euthanizing them? Mr. Katz is correct in saying that most misbehavior on the part of our companion animals is a reflection of the confusion we send to our animals through conflicting or incorrect non-verbal signals.
IT'S JON KATZ THAT SHOULD BE PUT DOWN.......2007-09-18
A few problems with Jon Katz:
1. Puts an ultimate price on how much the life of the dog he supposedly loves is worth. Wouldn't spend the money to see if there was a physical reason for the biting.
2. Expends energy on trying to make this dog into what he thinks he should be. When this fails, at the first sign of real trouble, abandons this dog he supposedly loves and has him killed.
3. Professes to support responsible dog ownership, yet lets Orson be around people without warning signs, without being on a leash, without being in a muzzle near other people. If a child had been bitten it would have been Katz's fault.
4. Uses his shaman as a way to excuse himself from killing Orson because Orson is now "at peace". Of course he's at peace, he's dead.
5. Only buys from breeders - doesn't even attempt to adopt dogs from rescue organizations. Buying from breeders when there are plenty of pure breds in shelters and specific breed rescue organizations is inexcusable and irresponsible. The equivalent number of dogs he "purchased" were killed in shelters from lack of homes.
6. Doesn't want dogs in his life to honor them as individual beings and individual companions. He wants them to serve specific purposes in his life for his needs. The moment he gives up on making Orson into what he thought he should be, he kills him.
7. This man is selfish, and truly emotionally unprepared to fully commit to another being. He should have learned a ton about commitment from Orson - that one escaped him.
8. Orson changed his life? He returned the favor big time. Death is a major life change.
I love books - I shredded this one. Couldn't stand the thought of anyone else reading it.
Book Description
An outstanding analysis of why and how protection, Obedience, and Tracking all play an integral part in Schutzhund training, with emphasis on selecting and raising a dog to suit the owner's needs.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book - very detiled and informative.......2007-08-17
Told me what I wanted to know in great detail and with great clarity.
I liked it so much I bought the follow up level II book.
A must for GSD owners.......2007-07-30
There is only so much I can actually do with my 14-year old resuced GSD, but I really think that if more people understood the types of things these dogs were meant to do (which do not include sitting around all day and lacking a confident leader to follow), far lass would end up in rescues every year. Just the first section was really helpful. This applies to other working breeds too, of course, but this is one of several books that have helped me get inside my dog's head, helped me understand how he's been misunderstood all of his life, and is helping us tap into his brilliant brain the best we can in his golden years. Good stuff!
Schutzhund: Theory and Training Methods.......2007-05-23
Whether novice or experienced trainer, anyone who desires to learn what Schutzhund is about - get this book! It identifies the short comings of the old school methods of training with objective, rational and real world proof - and this book opened my eyes. It is a pleasure to read and includes several photographs that pictorially represent what the author is discussing. It demonstrates the theory behind the methods of training as well as establishing objectives in training to accomplish the goals desired in formats that work.
Schutzhund: Theory and Training Methods (Howell Reference Books) .......2007-01-11
Excellent book. Great help for dog training.
Schutzhund :by Susan Barwig.......2006-07-15
Good for a beginner.
Rules and great descriptions of the sport.
Doesnt give any secrets but good basic information to start in the sport
Book Description
Deriving from ancient dogs from the Old World, the Mastiff remains one of the most fascinating living relics in the animal kingdom. Today's Mastiff, no longer used as a warrior, large-game hunter and animal baiter, has become an upright member of canine society, as a home companion, estate guardian and show dog. Weighing over 200 pounds, the noble Mastiff is the heaviest pure-bred dog in the world, a true gentle giant who lives to be close to his well-protected family. For the right family, able to offer proper accommodations and training, the Mastiff makes a true "friend for life." Author Christina de Lima-Netto, a successful Mastiff breeder from Spain, has written an informative and insightful book about her best friend. The new owner and the experienced owner alike will welcome the author's experience and candor, whether she's discussing the breed's complex history, breed characteristics and the standard or her own ways of feeding, training and caring for the Mastiff. Illustrated with over 135 color photographs, this book also presents information on housebreaking, everyday care, health care, showing and much more.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Resource of Information.......2007-07-04
This is a must have for any Mastiff Owner from the beginning owner to the seasoned breeder. It is extremely informative and Inspirational.
We purchased this book as well as another.
"History of The Mastiff"- Gathered From Sculpture, Pottery, Carvings, Paintings and Engravings; Also From Various Authors, With Remarks On Same, This book was "NOT" worth the purchase price.
Attractive, quality book if not totally comprehensive........2006-02-21
This book provides a good overview of all topics related to Mastiffs. A great book for someone interested in the general history, care requirements, and peculiarities of the mastiff breed. The photos are nice, and this is a fun book to pick up and browse through. Lots of quality information can be found within, yet the breadth of information prevents a truly comprehensive approach. Still, a good value overall!
mastiff kennel club book.......2006-02-18
This book is by far the best. it gives thorough information specifically for mastiffs. it has a place for records and gets down to all the particulars about the breed!
AN EXCELLENT REVIEW OF THE MASTIFF.......2004-04-01
I was really impressed with this book from the very first pages. Although I pretty well know it belongs to a series of well over 250+ books published by Kennel CLub Books,Inc -- this book does not, and I really mean it, does not appear to be a "standard-type-of-book". In fact, the book opens with 30+ pages of well documented history of the breed that are a real MUST to every Mastiff fancier, but this is not all.There are so many interesting old photos and past time's references. Same applies to the Characteristic's chapter -- so informative! If you read carefully the section on Everyday Care (particularly on Feeding & Dietary needs) and that other on Training, you will soon be aware that the book is written by a real EXPERT. I also enjoyed very much the Puppy selection and care section -- very accurate and helpful indeed. Therefore I would like to express my hearfelt thanks to the author and wish she goes on writing more books for this publisher or any other.
Book Description
Herding Dogs: Progressive Training is the only book of its kind to guide the owner toward training the complete herding dog. Whether you are involved in farming or ranching, or simply want to explore your herding dog's heritage, you will find a wealth of information here. For those with competitive goals, Herding Dogs will enhance your knowledge with a philosophy that has the dog's individual breed and personality as the central focus.
Vergil S. Holland teaches the handler to understand the dog's reactions before beginning this progressive training. Whether it is your dog's first exposure to stock or your older dog with a new problem, you, as a handler, will find solutions to each problem and sound advice on each phase of training.
Special chapters on different personalities of the various herding breeds, with training modifications tailored to these differences, make it possible for you and your dog as a team to reach your maximum potential.
Herding commands and terms are thoroughly covered, as are those of basic Obedience for the stock dog. Working various kinds of stock-sheep, cattle and ducks-is covered to meet the needs of every stock dog owner. Detailed diagrams and concept maps throughout the book highlight the individualized training methods for each type of dog and stock.
A Howell Dog Book of Distinction
Customer Reviews:
I'm a Total Novice Herder with a Total Novice Dog.......2007-03-13
I have always had an interest in herding dogs and have owned them and been around them most of my life; however I have never known anyone that had any real knowledge of training for herding, or had a dog that was trained for that matter. This book is fantastic for a total novice. It takes you carefully and "progressively" into the world of herding and explains everything from the very beginning, including the somewhat confusing language that is used to communicate with the dog while the two of you are at work. Thank you Mr. Holland!
Herding Dogs: Progressive Training.......2007-03-04
Brand new book received in good shipping time.
This book is very informative, easy to understand and clear as to how to apply what is presented.
I believe it will help any level of sheepdog handler.
not for beginners.......2006-09-16
This book contains some really great information. The author gives details about all of the herding breeds, including many that I didn't expect. He gives insights about what each breed has been specifically bred for, i.e. driving, gathering, etc., that is very helpful in understanding your dog. A careful study of the personality types of dogs as it affects their approach to stock is also extremely helpful. He also gives several progressive excercizes that that seem very useful. Also, I appreciated the calm, quiet, but firm training style emphasized in this book.
Despite that, I was disappointed with the lack of explanation and clarity. If you are just getting started in herding, as I am, this might not be the book for you. I was often confused and feel that this book lacks enough details about the training process to be useful for beginners. Also, the author's clear preference for Border Collies as the ultimate herding dog was emphasized at points in such a way that made me a bit defensive about my "inferior" non-border collie.
Experience is the best teacher...........2006-05-24
I suppose a person can learn to remove an appendix, fly a plane, or conduct a defense by reading a book; but I know I would prefer my surgeon, pilot, and attorney to have had some hands-on experience before practicing on me. Same thing goes for herding livestock - there just is no substitute for a good trainer who knows what they are doing. Having a background in obedience, tracking, and agility gave me no headstart in herding - and no amount of bookreading changed that. When I found a trainer who was able to read me and my dogs, communicate with us, and be fair but firm, we made great progress.
With that said, I think this book is very helpful as a supplement to practice sessions. Learning to read stock and dogs, understanding pressure and release, draws, balance points - all those concepts have to be learned by the human and there is no substitute for learning in the field, in actual practice. If a friend wanted a basic herding book to look at to see if it is something they might want to do, this would be the one book I would probably recommend. Better yet, though, would be to have this person actually come out and watch dogs working stock.
If you are doomed to be an armchair shepherd, then this book is fine. Otherwise, your money is better invested in a herding instinct test, a stock handling class, or a day spent observing at a herding training facility. Books are an adjunct, at best, to learning to work with your dog in herding.
Gone to the dogs.......2006-02-23
This book is just the thing for someone who is interested in training a herding dog or just want to find out how it is done.This deals with herding sheep, but I was left wanting to know if this training could be used on other types on livestock? If you want to go herding this book wil herd you in the right direction.
Book Description
This is a complete revision of the very popular original edition of this book. Readers will find many new photographs, refined training methods and a new chapter o unusual stock. Topics include: What a livestock protection dog can do Selecting a puppy Caring for your dog Behavioral problems and solutions Preparations for a family companion Guarding unusual stock Older dogs Puppy temperament testing and training Plus much more!!!
Customer Reviews:
It's in the genes.......2006-11-10
I bought this book to see if I could train my dog in livestock protection. Not! What I get from the book is that you have to buy the right breed, and they will do it instictively, there's not all that much you have to do to train them except expose them to livestock at the right age. However, the book is well written, so I enjoyed skimming through it. I have a neighbor who uses one of the recommended breeds to guard her kids, and I think that's such a great idea in these days when parents seem to have to be afraid of letting their kids stay even in the back yard.
VERY GOOD BOOK.......2006-10-16
VERY GOOD BOOK,LITTLE CONFUSING LIVESTOCK PROTECTIONDOGS WHEN YOU CALL THE DOGS LGD LIVESTOCK GUARDIAN DOG.I REALY RECOMEND PEOPLE TO READ IT BEFORE TO GET THE DOG AND NOT AFTER LIKE ME. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO BUY IT WHEN YOU LIVE IN SPAIN AND I MISSED VERY MUCH A VERY OLD LGD BREED THE SPANISH MASTIFF-MASTIN ESPAÑOL THAT HAVE GUARDING THE SHEEP FROM WOLFS DURING HUNDREDS OF YEARS AND STILL DOING IT IN SPAIN BUT NOT KNOWN OUTSIDE SPAIN.I HOPE THEY WILL BE IN THE NEXT EDITION.TODAY YOU CAN EVEN FIND WEB-SITE IN ENGLISH AND IF YOU LIKE YOU CAN CONTACT ME.THE SPANISH MASTIFF IS NOT SO AGGRESIVE TO PEOPLE BUT VERY WACHFUL DURING NIGHT.MARGA
Addresses both the adolescent and mature dog.......2004-05-06
From wolves hungering for sheep to foxes in the henhouse, ranchers and farmers have always had to deal with the problem of predators. The use of dogs as a front line of defense against predators has achieved even greater popularity with the rising trends prohibiting the use of poisons, traps, and guns. Now in a newly revised and expanded second edition, Livestock Protection Dogs: Selection, Care And Training, by Orysia Dawydiak and David E. Sims defines what constitutes a livestock protection dog; surveys the various dog breeds; provides key advice on puppy selection; addresses both the adolescent and mature dog; identifies specific behavioral probelms and their solutions, and more. If you are in need of a dog to protect your property and your livestock, Livestock Protection Dogs will prove to be invaluable reading.
Check out the new version!!.......2004-04-24
I hope you have found your way to the page for the new, revised version of this book, published in 2004. If not, search books for the co-author "Dawydiak", and this will bring you to the page where the new version can be ordered.
This book is written by co-authors who have been involved in breeding and working with livestock protection dogs for over 20 years. They bring their wealth of experience and common sense to the book. The things they write are based on a great deal of experience.
The book contains breed descriptions of various livestock protection dog breeds. Seventeen breeds, some quite rare, are discussed, as well as mixed breed dogs. Breed descriptions are given, including the major assets and drawbacks of the various breeds. Photos of excellent working dogs of various livestock protection dog breeds appear throughout the book. Discussion of breeds moves to selection of a pup, and the authors remind us that all of these breeds have important things in common and that within breed differences may be important. Selecting a breed might come down to the need for a shorter coated dog in a warmer climate or simply the fact that a good breeder with satisfied customers lives nearby. One breed is not necessarily better than another, but a pup from a good breeder from a specific breed may be the best choice for a given situation.
A moment for a word on what livestock protection dogs are: These are dogs that protect livestock from predators. They are big, athletic and smart, especially if evaluated in terms of what they do well raather than what other breeds do well. These are not "herding dogs". Nor are they urban property protection dogs. Their temperament is uniquely suited to forming family bonds with livestock and then protecting their livestock family as well as their human family. While they will protect their human family, persons seeking an urban-type guard dog may find other breeds more suitable for this role. These dogs are not good for "schutzhund" training, for example.
This book concentrates on livestock protection dog breeds. The main focus is on working dogs, but a chapter on keeping these dogs in companion animal roles is included, and much of the information presented to the livestock raiser would also be useful to the person wanting to learn more about keeping one of these dogs in a "domestic" setting. In discussion of health or behavior issues, the emphasis is on those which are common to livestock protection dogs, leaving aside the general issues of canine health or behavior issues. General dog information can be found in other books. Good info on livestock protection dogs is hard to come by.
A chapter on breeding is worthy of consideration. The authors have been breeding and working with Akbash Dogs for over 20 years. They exemplify the modern, conscientious breeder who is concerned about whether her pups go to good homes and who are willing to follow through with assisting the people who receive these pups to take care of them. It is pointed out that the purchase price of a dog is small compared to veterinary bills and other liabilities that can come with the dog. Therefore, it makes sense to invest in a sound pup from a reputable breeder.
The book is not especially heavy to lift but it is densely packed with useful information. The writers bring scientific understanding, years of experience and common sense to writing this book for the owner or prospective owner who wants to get the most these dogs, whether in a companion or livestock protection role.
Centered on Turkish guard dogs, but overall a great book........1999-03-26
It is an excellent book on raising and maintaining a livestock protection dog. I have used the book many times when I have a problem with my dog. The authors seemed to be on target in their methods compared to the other books I have looked at. It is an excellent book I would recommend it to anyone.
Book Description
The definitive guide to the Australian Shepherd dog. Includes updated information on selection, care, training, grooming, health, herding, agility, showing, other activities, genetics and breeding, as well as a detailed history of the breed. This enormous 3rd edition also includes information on Miniature Australian Shepherds. Hardcover, heavily illustrated, including a color section.
Customer Reviews:
Sticks to breed specifics; want more color photos.......2007-09-28
This book was recommended highly, and I was not disappointed! The information coverage is all that I expected and more. So many dog books digress into information that applies to all dogs, but this one sticks to breed specifics.
There is only one thing I would improve in future editions: more photos in color. However, knowing that many of the historical photos were originally in black & white, I would not edit them out... the idea is merely to add more full-color recent photos, especially showing the full range of Aussie activities, trials, games, etc. One can never see too many beautiful Aussies!
the essential aussie book.......2007-03-23
Loved all the info and the detailed account of where these amazing dogs come from. As I anticipate the arrival of my first Aussie puppy I have read and reread the puppy portions. I love that they included a chapter on the Mini-Aussie which is what I am getting. They are not some freakish version, only developed by breeding some of the finest smaller Aussies. I will keep this book as a reference forever. A fabulous gift for the Aussie owner.
All the basics of the breed, and the show business for Aussies, are thoroughly explained in this 'bible' of detail.......2007-01-07
This is no light coverage from an outsider, but an in-depth survey of the Australian Shepard breed by a third generation breeder who has been involved in their training and upkeep since childhood. And if ALL ABOUT AUSSIES: THE AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD A TO Z sounds familiar, that's because it appears here in a brand new 3rd updated edition which offers not just new photos, but a new chapter devoted to Miniature Aussies. All the basics of the breed, and the show business for Aussies, are thoroughly explained in this 'bible' of detail, highly recommended.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
All About Aussies.......2006-11-10
This book is an excellent resource for the pet owner, breeder and judge. I would highly recommend this book as it is very thorough.
Big book, but easy reading.......2006-11-05
I bought this book as we were researching the Australian Shepherd breed. I found it very helpful and complete. It was also easy reading. I seemed to finish the book in no time at all.
Book Description
The majestic Great Dane is indeed the giant of the dog world, although his physical size is not the only asset he offers the right owner. The Great Dane excels as a companion for the family and children, providing protection and convincing deterrence; as a personal friend, always responding with outgoing kindness; and as a performance animal, competing in obedience trials and the show ring alike. The Great Dane, of course, comes with his considerable demands as well, requiring an owner with a sizeable yard and pocketbook, plus the confidence to handle 120 lbs. of canine power. This book provides the much-needed information about the Great Dane's remarkable history, an insightful look at the breed's characteristics and standard, as well as puppy selection, feeding, training, and preventative health care.
In addition to an extremely authoritative text, this book presents over 135 photographs in full color, which prove to be as informative as they are attractive. Helpful hints and important information are highlighted to provide easy access to everything the reader needs to know about life with a Great Dane from puppyhood to the senior years.
Customer Reviews:
A Nice Guide.......2007-02-06
My family recently decided to add a dog to our house. All, except the cat, were in agreement. I argued for a Great Dane. I had some friends who raised them when I was a kid and a professor who had one when I was in seminary. I remembered them as being impressing, friendly and faithful. Just to be sure, though, I bought this book to learn a little bit more. I'm glad I did.
The book does a fair job of covering the basics that any dog owner would need to know and does them from the point of view of having a dog that may well be the second largest member of the family. It is common sense to know that a Great Dane can steal food off your counter top a lot more effectively than a Chihuahua but there are other factors that are not so obvious. The book also does a reasonable job of going through the early training process and getting the dog house broken. This turned out to be of less use to us because the dog we obtained was already an adult and had been trained. Still, it might come in handy in the future.
For me, information about the breed was of the most use. This included discussion of temperament, differing varieties and such. After reading it, I felt able to make an informed decision about getting the dog. Clyde is now a loved member of the family and the cat is still hacked off.
This is the Great Dane book you need.......2005-09-30
This is the best Great Dane book that I have read and I've read four recently. We are planning on breeding and possibly showing Great Danes and I have been reading everything I can get my hands on. Not only is this book easy to read, but also the most comprehensive. I also feel that it is the most balanced. Some books are written by dog fanatics and are a little extreme. This book seemed to be very centered with an understanding of reality. It gives good information on conformation (much more than the other books), breeding, training a dog (nice section on housebreaking), and even a little on showing your dog. If you are only going to buy one book on Great Danes, I would buy this one.
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