Book Reviews

Boxers

Boxers - An Owner's Companion, by Ivor Ward-Davies

Another lovely English book written by one of the founders of Winuwuk Kennels. Lots of beautiful photos and excellent diagrams including great ones for choosing a puppy. This book is out of print and is a collector's item, so don't miss an opportunity to buy it if you can. NZ$30 would be a good price for this book in nice condition. Buy at Amazon.com.

The World of the Boxer, by Rick Tomita

This is the biggest boxer book currently available. It has thousands of photos of boxers from around the world. It's an easy way to find photos of many dogs in your puppy's pedigree. I bought my copy when it first came out and it cost nearly NZ$200!!! However, you may be able to get a clean second hand copy for much less. For the boxer-obsessed it is a must-have. Buy at Amazon.com.

My Life With Boxers, by Frau Stockmann

Probably the most important book ever written about boxers by one of the key developers of the breed. Currently not available from Amazon.com new, but worth looking for secondhand. There is now a new translation available with 70 pages never before published in English! Buy at Amazon.com.

Training and Behaviour

Building Blocks for Performance, by Bobbie Anderson

Make training fun for your dog. Motivate and encourage drive and a positive attitude in your canine performance prospect. Create a puppy with focus and a can do attitude using Anderson's positive reinforcement training methods. Build a strong bond with your puppy, use play to instill specific behaviors, get maximum benefits from praise, set goals and develop a plan for your dog's success in any type of performance competition. Buy at Amazon.com

The Dog Listener, by Jan Fennell

Jan Fennell shows readers how to successfully train their canine companions using gentle and respectful techniques. She shares anecdotes and advice from her years of experiences (both good and bad). Fennell's techniques deal efficiently with canine problem behaviors by teaching owners to establish leadership while eliminating separation anxiety, nervous aggression, and destructive behaviors such as biting. She also notes ways to reassure overprotective dogs. Buy at Amazon.com.

Jan Fennell DVD

Great in addition to her book or on its own. Puts the theories into practice as you see her working with different dogs. Available here.

How to be the Leader of the Pack and Have Your Dog Love You For It, by Patricia B. McConnell PhD

Learn how to love your dogs without spoiling them by providing boundaries without intimidation. This booklet clarifies how to be a benevolent leader and avoid aggression related to fear or dominance. If you want to be a natural leader to your pack and teach your dog that being polite is fun, this book tells you how to do it in a peaceful, kind way. The ideas and exercises in this booklet are based on the way dogs communicate with each other, so they are highly effective and easy for your dog to understand. An essential part of any canine library! Buy at Amazon.com.

Another Piece of the Puzzle: Puppy Development, By Pat Hastings and Erin Ann Rouse

This terrific book describes in detail many of the exercises we use to help socialise our puppies and prepare them for the world. Each stage of puppy development is explained along with ways you can stimulate puppies to maximise their potential. This is the first book I have read with an excellent section about selecting a puppy for agility by looking not only for a trainable puppy but one with sound construction. Buy at Amazon.com.

Diet

Home-Prepared Dog and Cat Diets: The Healthful Alternative by David R. Strombeck, DVM, PhD

This is the best book I have read on the subject of canine diets. It covers raw diets, cooked diets and diets for dogs with food intolerance or allergy. It provides evidence and explanations about some more complicated areas of nutrition, including my favourite part of the book, the development of food intolerances. There are diets formulated to meet AAFCO requirements, unlike many other home-prepared diet books which are more vague on nutrient content and proportions. It describes specific diets that are complete and balanced with a focus on quality and wholesomeness. Buy at Amazon.com.

Raw Dog Food: Make It Easy for You and Your Dog by Carina Beth Macdonald

This fun and slightly irreverent book shows you how feeding your dog a raw diet can be effective, economical, and easy for you and healthy for your dog. Learn why and how to feed your dog this new (but really OLD) diet. "Raw Dog Food: Make It Easy for You and Your Dog " explains in simple, friendly and understandable terms the logic behind this approach. (BARF feeding) Buy at Amazon.com.

Showing

Tricks of the Trade: From Best Intentions to Best in Show, (Revised Edition), by Pat Hastings and Erin Ann Rouse

In the show ring, judges assess the whole package, which is the sum of effective breeding, evaluating, rearing, teaching, conditioning, nutrition, grooming, care and presentation. Pat Hastings discusses all of these elements in this book and shares a variety of tips and tricks that she has found useful over her long career in the dog world. The revised edition is a significantly enhanced resource, with expanded text, more visuals and all-new illustrations. Buy at Amazon.com.

The Winning Edge: Show Ring Secrets, by George G. Alston

Written by a professional handler with many years of experience, this book has tips for the beginner and the experienced handler. It discusses the psychology of dog showing as a sport and how to build your relationship with your dog. Included are some very useful handling and grooming tips and there is a good chapter about advertising dogs, selecting photos and appropriate publications for your dog. Buy at Amazon.com