Book & DVD Reviews

Reviewed by: Cindy Still

This DVD shows excellent examples of how to help your canine athlete (your dog) get ready to compete. Especially in those all involved Agility tests. It explains stretching and shows explicit examples of stretching the front,rear, neck, back etc. just all physical aspects you should consider to help your dog be ready to compete.

Reviewed by: Cindy Still

I highly recommend this book to anyone getting started in the sport of agility. It would be an excellent book for the 4-H'er or anyone just getting started who wanted some help training their dog at home.

* You will find an overview of all the various agility venues and how to contact them.

*There are step by step details of how to introduce your dog to the various pieces of agility equipment*

*When you are ready to start doing some courses there are suggested sequences to practice to help get you ready.

Not only that the book keeps it fun, low key and stresses that this should be fun for you and your dog regardless if you are doing it in your backyard or at an international competition.

If you only bought one agility book to get you started this is the one I would recommend.

Reviewed by: Cindy Still

This book isn't necessarily about dogs, but has been applied to the psychology of dogs. Karen Pryor trained dolphins and the like. You can't exactly teach a dolphin how to jump thru a hoop by lifting him over. :-) She used operant conditioning. Ms Pryor was instrumental in developing the "click and treat" method or at least the psychology behind it. The things she explains in her book are certainly applicable to dogs, however you could even say try the methods on a messy roomate to see if you could improve their cleanliness.

Reviewed by: Cindy Berardi

I have been learning to groom my own dogs since it’s very costly to pay for three Standard Poodles to go to a groomer. This is a great illustrated book that tells how to groom your dog as well as tells you about the equipment you will need . It gives step by step instructions on what to do.

Reviewed by: Cindy Still

The author of this book is long time professional handler George Alston. He took it upon himself to put in words what he has practiced in his professional life as a handler. Mr Alston offers handling seminars throughout the country. This book covers many of the topics he covers in his seminars. (Seminars are excellent be sure to go if you have the opportunity) Mr. Alston subscribes to the idea, that the best handler is the one the judge never notices. Learn how to present your dog in the best possible manner.

Reviewed by: Cindy Still

An excellent book, creating the true flavor of dog shows and dog showing. A must for anyone considering the sport of dog showing. This book gives a fair evaluation of what to expect when entering the world of dog shows.

Included, but not limited to, such topics as: dog show judges, handlers, handling, basic dog conformation and evaluation, AKC dog classes, ring patterns for showing your dog, sportsmanship

Of course nothing but time and experience will tell you if this is a sport you will really enjoy This book will give you an idea of what to expect if you decide to explore this venue.

Reviewed by: Cindy Still

Author Kyra Sundance has written several books revolving around "trick dogs" this particular book also comes in a childrens version. Her teaching methods are upbeat, and positive. Each trick shows simple steps to take to arrive at the end result. There are various levels of difficutly, but all are fun to try. No need for a large training space. I have taught many of these tricks right in my kitchen. Also she does use a variety of props, but almost all of them can be made with everyday stuff around your house. If that fails, try the dollar store. Let your imagination go wild.