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Book Recommendations

  • A Dog's Purpose

by Bruce Cameron

  • The Big Book of Tricks, for the Best Dog Ever

by Kay & Perondi

  • Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook

by Carlson, Delbert G. Griffin, James M.

Virtually every problem that owners will encounter is dealt with in language that teaches everyone how to cope with and prevent those unpleasant surprises. An essential book for any cat owner. Clearly written, step-by-step directions give you vital information at your fingertips

  • Definitive IQ Test for Dogs and IQ Tests for Dog Owners

by Melissa Miller

A fun book for you and your dog!

  •  Dogs Naturally Magazine

Dogs Naturally Magazine is like no other publication. We're not only the most complete source of natural health care for dogs, but a large community of caring vets, breeders, trainers and dog owners who want to bring out the best in our dogs.

  • DogSmart: The Ultimate Guide for Finding the Dog You Want and Keeping the Dog You Find

by Myrna M. Milani

This book is a great all-around book. It has information that other books don’t even cover.

  • Dog Training for Kids

by Carol Lea Benjamin

A MUST book for your kids to read A thorough, knowledgeable, and interesting book for dog lovers of all ages. Benjamin stresses throughout that one's goal is to have a dog to be proud of; who is safe and fun; and who knows that you and other humans are top dog. The concepts are taught simply on one or two pages with lists and explanations where needed.

  • Feed Your Pets Right

by Nestle & Nesheim

The pet food industry is FULL of hidden secrets- this is one AWESOME book to learn – WHAT ARE YOU FEEDING YOUR PETS?

  • Herbs For Pets

by L. Wulff-Tilford& Gregory L. Tilford

Natural herbs can help with a lot of behavior & health problems.

  • Help Your Dog Fight Cancer

by Laurie Kaplan

This is a MUST book if your dog is dealing with cancer!

  • Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog

by Volhard, Wendy Brown, Kerry DVM

A MUST for every dog owner — Feeding your dog healthier food, Understanding Vaccines and lab tests, supplements — what to use & when. Common medical procedures, working with allergies.

  • The Invisible Leash

by Myrna M. Milani

Step-by-step training advice that stresses reinforcing positive and countering negative behavior without punishment. This is a sensible, informed approach to dog-training.

  • How to Teach Your Old Dog New Tricks

by Ted Baer

Good trick book. How-to advice plus 25 tricks in all. Many instructive full-color photos.

  • Mother Knows Best: The Natural Way to Train Your Dog

by Carol Lea Benjamin

The BEST BOOK to read BEFORE and AFTER you get your dog. One of the top training books of all time. Based on the natural way a mother dog trains her puppies, Benjamin's training method is humane, effective and all natural.

  • Out of Harms Way

by Crisp, Terri

A true story of one woman’s lifelong devotion to animal rescue.

  • Natural Immunity - Why You Should Not Vaccinate

by McKay, Pat (www.patmckay.com)

This is a MUST read for all pet owners! Get educated about vaccinations and disease and then draw your own conclusions about annual vaccinations.

  • Problem Cats & Their Owners

by Louis Vine DVM

A behavior & training handbook for cats and their owners. This is the perfect book for "why does my cat do that and how can I stop it?"

  • See Spot Live Longer

by Steve Brown

How to help your dog live longer & healthier for life! Through diet and stop over vaccinating.

  • Shock to the System

by O' Driscoll, Catherine

The facts about animal vaccination, pet food, and how to keep your pets healthy- Are vaccinations and stress making your pets SICK?

  • Stop The Shots

by John Clifton

Are vaccinations killing our pets? Vaccinations can CAUSE health problems. How do shots work? Are shots good for the lifetime of your dog?

  • So Easy To Love - So Hard To Lose

by Laurie Kaplan

This is an excellent book /workbook to help you know when is it time and how to deal with the loss of a great fury friend.

  • People Training for Good Dogs

by Melissa Berryman www.ptfgd.com

As an animal officer I was shocked to find how accepted information about dogs actually led to trouble for dog owners. Bad things were happening to responsible dog owners and their "good" dogs. It wasn't until after the injury, after the lawsuit, after the dog was euthanized that dog owners called, often in tears, wanting to know why. With People Training for Good Dogs you can avoid the most common pitfalls for dog owners just like you and your family. Using real life case stories, you will have the information to navigate safely through your life with your beloved companion.

  • The First Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats

by Amy D. Shojai

Learn first aid for your pets.

  • Why You Need to Feed Your Dog A Raw Food Diet

  • Your Fourth Choice

by John Clifton

Killing cancer cells with PAW PAW in dogs & humans.

  • What's Bugging Your Dog: Canine Parasitology

by Schneider, Evelyn

A great guide to understanding parasites.

  • Understanding Your Dog: Everything You Want to Know About Your Dog but Haven't Been Able to Ask Him

by Fox, Dr. Michael

Great for truly understanding dog psychology and all the mental growing states a dog goes through

  • The Guilt-Free Dog Owner's Guide: Caring for a Dog When You're Short on Time and Space

by Delmar, Diana

Urbanites and suburbanites in town houses or high-rise apartments can enjoy the companionship of a dog, Delmar says. In this book, she emphasizes the responsibility of owners, even those who are away all day, to train their dogs to be good neighbors, reliable travelers, and dependable companions. Her step-by-step instructions for achieving this are clear and concise. She covers problems and offers solutions.

  • The Nature of Animal Healing: The Definitive Holistic Medicine Guide to Caring for Your Dog and Cat

by Goldstein, Martin, DVM

Goldstein begins with a broad explanation of the origins of diseases in pets, then moves on to taking action against those diseases, not only offering thorough discussions of specific ailments — including cancer, allergies, and arthritis — and the holistic medicines available to help in the healing process, but also speaking to the "dubious legacy of vaccines" as well as the questionable quality of pet food. Finally, Goldstein turns his attention to the spiritual realm, addressing both the bonds that we have with our pets — and how those bonds aid in preventing and fighting our pets' health problems — as well as dealing with the death of a beloved pet. Goldstein's expert advice, inclusion of inspiring real-life cases, and thorough resource "compendium of holistic books, newsletters, Web sites, veterinarians, and associations" make this book a valuable addition to any pet owner's library.

  • Tiny Game Hunting: Environmentally Healthy Ways to Trap and Kill the Pests in Your House and Garden

by Klein, Hilary DoleWenner, Adrian M.

The authors scope out household and garden pests — from ants and cockroaches to fleas, flies and houseplant pests, rabbits and aphids, gophers, beetles and slugs. And they happily take the sting — or bite — out of the subject. They explain how to kill and trap pests using environmentally friendly, homemade remedies that may cause some controversy simply because they are so inherently disgusting." (The authors wisely suggest recruiting for this purpose a blender that is no longer in use in the kitchen.). This commonsensical, well-organized book details more than 200 non-chemical methods for dealing with insect pests.

  • Unlocking the Canine Ancestral Diet

There is no way of knowing for sure exactly what constituted the diet of the ancestors of the modern, domesticated dog. And, of course, depending on the natural environment (geography and climate) in which they lived, it may have varied considerably. However, there has been a lot of research done on this subject and we do know quite a bit about the diets of the dog's closest wild relatives such as the wolf, coyote, and fox.Vaccines Explained

  • Veterinarians Guide to Natural Remedies for Cats : Safe and Effective Alternative Treatments and Healing Techniques from the Nations Top Holistic Veterinarians

by Zucker, Martin, Laurie Coger DVM

An introduction and a guide to the vast world of natural methods, treatments, and foods that are now available for cats. Veterinarians from around the country offer information and opinions to help you determine what's best for your cat. In addition to showing you how to develop a healthy diet for your pet, these doctors will tell you about alternative treatments such as homeopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage, and herbal medicine.

  • What Vets Don't Tell You About Vaccines

  • Dog Is My Co-Pilot: Great Writers on the World's Oldest Friendship

by Bark Magazine Editors

A MUST for EVERY owner. Lists health problems by symptoms for quick and easy use. In short, it covers every health dimension a dog owner might want to know more about, identifies the possible causes, helps you determine the severity of the condition, and indicates what treatments or actions to take to best insure your dog's good health.

  • Consumer's Dictionary of Household, Yard and Office Chemicals

by Ruth Winter

If you ever wondered about those long strings of chemical ingredients printed on the container labels of cleaners, pesticides, cosmetics, etc., this book will make them eminently clear. Many of these compounds are extremely dangerous and must be used with informed care.

  • Bach Flower Remedies for Animals

by Helen Graham & Gregory Vlamis

How to choose the right Bach flowers, which can solve many behavior and health problems.

  • Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook

by Carlson, Liisa D. Giffin, James M., MD

The editors of Berkeley's popular Bark magazine have compiled this appealing collection of essays and short stories exploring every aspect of the dog/owner relationship. Some of the selections are light and humorous, but most are serious attempts to explain the important role a dog plays in one's life. The dogs written about here all have something to teach, whether it's about trust, bigotry, loving, mortality or spirituality. The high quality, humor and delight here leave the reader wanting more.

  • Brain Teasers for Dogs

by Sondermann

  • Dog Problems

by Carol Lea Benjamin

Benjamin's down-to-earth, humane approach provides practical steps toward owning a healthy, happy pet. Dog Problems outlines every conceivable canine problem, from petty larceny to chronic leg lifting and fear of random objects. Benjamin offers easily executable training methods for each predicament.

  • Fighting

by Ian Dunbar& Gwen Bohnemkamp

Understand why dogs fight and how to work with them.

  • Dogs and Kids: Parenting Tips

by Bardi McLennan

A MUST for owners with kids to get the two worlds together! Offers a unique perspective on dog training, comparing and contrasting puppy and child "parenting" techniques and explaining how successfully to maintain a household with both.

  • Dr. Pitcairn's New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats

by Pitcairn, Richard H., DVM, PhDPitcairn, Susan Hubble

The book that is the definitive guide to a natural lifestyle for dogs and cats They cover environmental matters, including pollutants both inside the home and out, as well as recent hot-button topics, such as Mad Cow disease, Lyme disease, and the West Nile virus. There are dozens of recipes for delicious and healthful pet food and treats. With a guide to handling emergencies and an in-depth "Quick Reference" section, they give specific instructions for preventing, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of animal diseases and disorders-with special attention to homeopathic, herbal, and nutritional remedies.

  • Dr. Becker's Real Food for Healthy Dogs and Cats - 4th Ed.

by Beth Taylor and Karen Shaw Becker DVM

This book covers the basics of a homemade meat and vegetable diet for dogs and cats based on their ancestral diet. This program provides a rotation of different meats and vegetables and strives to provide most nutrients as food. Meals are intended to be fed raw, but recipes may be cooked. A mineral supplement recipe to fill in the gaps is included in an appendix. Analysis of individual recipes as well as the complete rotation is provided in an appendix. The program is formulated to meet nutrition guidelines for all life stages for pet food. Concrete direction is given for all parts of the preparation, with extensive coverage of all components of the diet.

  • Following Ghosts: Developing the Tracking Relationship

by John Rice

The ONLY GREAT tracking book you can learn from. This approach to tracking focuses on the relationship between dog & handler, and an understanding of scent from the dog's point of view. Offers a revolutionary and challenging look at tracking, canine abilities and ways to help you and your dog reach your tracking goals.

  • Food Pets Die For: Shocking Facts About Pet Food

by Ann N Martin

The first expose of the shocking practices within the pet food manufacturing industry. Since the book's publication in 1997, she has been calling attention to the dubious ingredients and methods employed by many firms. Martin continues to put pressure on the big companies to find alternatives. She suggests that if acceptable commercially prepared food is not available, food can be made at home using safe and human-quality ingredients, and she provides recipes and suggestions for supplements.

  • Home-Prepared Dog & Cat Diets: the Healthful Alternative

by Strombeck, Donald R., DVM, PhD

Learn about cooking for your pets including many recipes to try. Nutrition and dietetics book for owners, breeders, and veterinarians. Includes over 200 recipes, complete nutritional content data, special diets, and food quality and safety information.

  • How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend: The Classic Training Manual for Dog Owners

by Monks of New Skete

Although Katie K9 recommends this book, SHE DOES NOT AGREE with the use of the Alpha shake or Alpha roll. It is her opinion that they can create more problems with some dogs than they can solve. This informal, friendly guide by The Monks of New Skete is two books in one: a step-by-step training manual and a philosophical discussion of the spiritual benefits of owning a dog.

  • How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With (2nd, 3rd, or 4th edition)

This little classic on puppy rearing was a word-of-mouth best seller. The 4th edition includes effective, up-to-date methods for educating puppies to become good canine citizens. This should be required reading for new puppy owners. Outlines all development phases of a dog’s life with helpful training tips. Highly recommended.

by Rutherford, Clarice, Neil, David H.

  • Hound Health Handbook: The Definitive Guide to Keeping Your Dog Happy, Healthy & Active

by Brevitz, Betsy, DVM

Dr. Brevitz knows how to make complex issues simple, and how to present detailed information in a lively and authoritative way. Reading this book is like joining a conversation between a smart and caring vet and a community of fellow dog lovers. Organized in four parts — Preventive Health Care, Common Canine Maladies, First Aid for Injuries and Emergencies, and Hound Health Resources — it covers everything from puppy vaccinations to caring for the senior dog; kennel cough to cancer; and even mental health issues such as separation anxiety and canine Alzheimer's disease. A health checklist for 120 popular breeds tells what hereditary problems to watch for, and the first aid and emergency section offers quick, clear instructions on what to do when something goes wrong.

  • How To Live with a Neurotic Dog

by Stephen Baker

You think your life is crazy? Try looking at the world through your dog's big melting brown eyes. If your dog is neurotic (and what dog isn't these days?) read this book. It is sure to have both you and your canine companion rolling on the floor and begging for more. A fun look at the problem of living with a neurotic dog with a couple of tips.

by Messonnier, Shawn, DVM

  • Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats: Your A-Z Guide to Over 200 Conditions, Herbs, Vitamins, and Supplements

When it comes to your dog's or your cat's health, you want the best health care available. But did you know that conventional medicine is not the only answer, or even the best answer? Inside you'll learn from a respected veterinarian how the therapeutic wonders of natural medicine can benefit your dog or cat.

  • People, Pooches and Problems: Understanding, Controlling and Correcting Problem Behavior in Your Dog

by Evans, Job Michael

Hardened canine criminals meet their match in this book that outlines methods and philosophies likely to reform a rogue's gallery of aggressive, unresponsive, non-house-trained animals marauding as man's best friends. With his flexible and good-humored approach, Evans teaches how to develop proper leadership attitudes toward a dog as well as how to prevent or stamp out problems. Is your dog a candidate for tough love for pooches? If so, Evans, who has worked with dogs for 20 years, offers a holistic 20-step program for correcting behavioral problems. Since this is a long-term process, Evans realistically offers no "quick fixes." Evans includes worksheets to help guide the owner.

  • Canine Body Language

by Brenda Aloff brendaaloff.com/books.html

Never before has canine body language been so thoroughly documented with photographs and text! Hundreds of images in this almost 400 page book illustrate the incredible variety of postures, behaviors and situations that the typical dog either manifests or encounters in his day-to-day life. There isn't a dog trainer or behaviorist who won't learn something new in this incredible volume. And there isn't a dog owner who won't welcome the new insights they will gain into the behavior of the family dog.

  • The Complete Holistic Dog Book

by Sommers, Katie DVM, Allegretti, Jan

Homeopathy cures, wholesome diets, herbs & how to use them, Treating- injuries & illness the natural way, the holistic lifestyle.

  • Pets at Risk: From Allergies to Cancer, Remedies for an Unsuspected Epidemic

by Plechner, Alfred Zucker, Martin

During the past 30 years of clinical work, renowned veterinarian Dr. Alfred Plechner has identified a widespread but unrecognized deficiency in the endocrine-immune system of these animals that is wreaking havoc on the pet population. Pets at Risk is his proven program of intervention and care. The book is designed to be used jointly by pet owners and vets.

  • Pet Allergies: Remedies for an Epidemic

by Plechner, Alfred Zucker, Martin

This is a MUST for all pet owners, especially if your pet has allergies or other health problems. An unrecognized epidemic of allergies and disease is ravaging dogs and cats. This book discusses how commercial pet food can undermine your pet’s health, allergy-provoking foods, and new ideas for relief of allergies, skin problems and other major conditions.

  • Protect Your Pet: More Shocking Facts

by Martin, Ann N.

An expose’ of inadequate regulation and unsavory industry practices in the pet food industry. With perseverance, Martin ferreted out the truth confirmed by the head of one meat-processing company that the U.S. permits the sale of condemned meat as pet food. Though it may provoke disgust and outrage, pet owners who want the best for their cats and dogs should read this book. Martin provides a commonsense approach to the vaccination schedule and her recommendations are based on solid research and are carefully footnoted. She concludes her book with recipes for healthy, homemade pet food, a listing of pet food and pet health-related web sites, and a state-by-state list of agencies concerned with food safety.

  • The Puppy Whisperer

by Paul Owens& Terence Cranendonk

Start them right! Puppy training and care.

by Benjamin, Carol Lea

  • Second-Hand Dog: How to Turn Yours into a First-Rate Pet

Great for picking an adult dog from a shelter. Describes the care, training, and rehabilitation of previously owned or formerly homeless dogs, focusing on their special problems and needs.

  • Reigning Cats & Dogs: Good Nutrition Healthy Happy Animals

by McKay, Pat essentials4all.org

This is a simple nutrition program based on raw meat and pureed raw veggies. Contains a good section on the different vegetables one can feed as well as info on nutritional supplements, purified water, fasting, detoxification, and natural flea control.

  • The Cat Who Cried for Help: Attitudes, Emotions, and the Psychology of Cats

by Dodman, Dr. Nicholas

This book examines aggravating cat habits and undesirable behavior, and shows how modifications in such areas as diet, exercise, and environment cause remarkable improvements in the majority of problem cats. Divided into three sections, Dodman first tackles aggressive behavior, followed by emotional behavior, and compulsive cats. With examples from his own practice, Dodman intelligently communicates symptoms, treatment options, and helpful tips for prevention. Vital to his treatment is maintaining the cat's dignified and independent nature, an objective sure to please those cat owners irritated by certain kitty traits but concerned first and foremost for the health and well-being of their cats.

  • The Canine Good Citizen: Every Dog Can Be One

by Volhard, JackVolhard, Wendy

The American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program was developed to promote responsible dog ownership in a manner that would be easy for both dog and owner. The CGC consists of 10 simple exercises for the dog, from sitting "politely" for petting to walking on a loose leash to a down-stay with the owner 20 feet away. Passing the CGC is as good a goal as any in dog training, and the Volhards do a wonderful job of arming the reader with skills, techniques and philosophies.

  • The Chosen Puppy

by Benjamin, Carol Lea

Great for picking a puppy from a shelter. Offers a better understanding of the shelter puppy, why its needs are so special and what you must do to be sure the Chosen Puppy of your choice grows up well adjusted and happy. How to temperament-test and select the right puppy for you; and how to train your Chosen Puppy and care for it, providing all the creature comforts it never may have had and the love it craves so much from those it comes to depend on.

  • The Dog Who Loved Too Much

by Dodman, Dr. Nicholas

This is one of the best books for dog trainers and pet owners to come along in years. While he recognizes the power of medications to help provide answers to some training and behavior problems, he looks upon those solutions as a last resort and back-up to well-constructed assessments of the owner/dog relationships and thoroughly planned rehabilitation programs based on behavior modification and obedience trainingHe is clear in his explanations and cuts to the core of each problem. Part 1 deals with types of aggression: dominance, rage, territorial/fear, dog vs. dog, and dog versus baby. Part 2 discusses the fear of thunderstorms, inanimate objects, and separation, particularly geriatric separation anxiety. The final section deals with compulsive behaviors, hallucinations, lick granuloma, and house-soiling. A summary table follows each chapter, highlighting the key symptoms and treatments for the condition discussed. The information, practical advice, and treatments are well above average for problem-solving training books. This one deserves a place on every dog trainer's shelf and in every pet owner's home.

  • The Cornell Books of Cats: The Comprehensive and Authoritative Medical Reference for Every Cat and Kitten

by Siegal, Mordecai

An inexhaustible source of medical information that covers the whole range of feline health, including how to understand, identify, and correct a cat's behavior problems: guidelines, for selecting a breed: nutrition, with instructions on how to properly feed a kitten or an adult cat, an obese cat, a sick cat, or an aging cat. In addition, it outlines first-aid measures that should be taken before an emergency trip to the veterinarian. Also, you'll find step-by-step instructions on in-home follow-up medical care.

by O’Driscoll, Catherine

Veterinarians around the world were advising pet owners to vaccinate their animal companions against disease every year. In the author's opinion, annual vaccination is neither necessary, nor safe. In this book the author brings fresh information and explains why she feels you can protect your dogs and cats from disease homeopathically, without risking their lives at the same time.

  • Whole Dog Journal

The ONLY magazine to subscribe to! Provides dog owners with well-researched, in-depth articles about all aspects of natural dog care and training. Whole Dog Journal does not accept advertising so it can feature unbiased test reports of food, treats, toys and training aids as well as training and behavior information.

  • Why Does My Dog...?

by Fisher, John

Behaviors that are perfectly natural for a dog can be frustrating to dog owners if they don't understand the dog's motivations, reactions, and needs. This book explains hundreds of specific canine behaviors and problems that the author has encountered while working with dogs for more than 20 years. Problems are listed alphabetically along with root causes and solutions for specific problems.

  • The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat

by Roby, Kate, DVMSoutham, Lenny, DVM

This one-of-a-kind guide provides you with important information about the most commonly prescribed and over-the-counter drugs for cats and dogs, plus the latest information on groundbreaking alternative therapies that will keep your pet healthy and happy. From common antibiotics and powerful drugs prescribed for more serious ailments to recent medications such as the "flea-pill," here are the facts you need to know. Each drug is extensively profiled for effectiveness, safety, proper dosages, possible side effects, allergic reactions, toxicity, and much more.

by Frazier, AnitraEckroate, Norma

  • The New Natural Cat

This book covers all aspects of caring for a cat. Drawing on her experience as a nutritionist and groomer to develop her holistic method of raising cats, Frazier advocates natural foods and gives recipes for maximum nutrition. She advises against flea collars and deplores declawing. Her simple cleaning routine solves litter box problems. Anecdotes show how and why her advice is effective, and both owners and cats will benefit from her grooming and handling suggestions. "A Guide to Common Feline Health Problems," a list of physical disorders with symptoms and possible solutions, is also included.

  • Your Cat

by Elizabeth M. Hodgkins DVM

In this controversial new book, dedicated veterinarian Elizabeth M. Hodgkins, D.V.M., Esq. raises the alarm regarding the dry food we feed our cats and the nutritional diseases that result. Your Cat: Simple New Secrets to a Longer, Stronger Life turns today's conventional wisdom of cat care on its head with completely new, yet remarkably easy-to-follow guidelines for every cat owner.

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