Brooks Books- Dogs on Wheels

Hi Brooks here! The book I found for you today is called Dogs on Wheels, Traveling with your canine companion. I can tell you already that I highly approve of this book, since I like traveling with Mom and Dad. Here's Mom to tell you more!

Me: Dogs on wheels by Norm Mort, published by Hubble and Hattie (c) 2012
This book starts with an interesting introduction to the evolution of dogs, and the way people tend to humanize their dogs. This all leads up to the point that we like taking our dogs places with us, and in most cases dogs enjoy it too.

Because Hubble and Hattie is an imprint of an automobile publishing house (Veloce Inc.) you will find plenty of authoritative information  here on which types of vehicles are best suited for dogs, with lots of pertinent details-- effect of heating and cooling for the rear compartments, safety of the passenger area in case of emergencies, and considering the height of the windows for seeing out. Various makes and model cars are discussed in detail. If you're in the market for a new car, this chapter would be of great benefit to you.

Other chapters include traveling safety, airbags, travel accessories, and handling dog fears and phobias such as car sickness, claustrophobia and anxiety. There's even a chapter on traveling with your dog on a motorcycle or in a motorcycle sidecar!

The books ends with a chapter on dogs in art and advertising, including numerous car ads that include dogs, and mentions of books and films that include dogs who like to travel in cars.

While the actual "how to travel with your dog" information in this book isn't particularly new or revealing, Dogs on Wheels is a unique book combining two interests. This book would be the perfect gift for the car enthusiast who also loves dogs.

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Brooks Books- Dogs and Flowers and Grass

Dog-Friendly Gardening
by Karen Bush
(c) 2012 Hubble and Hattie
USBN 978-1-845844-10-3

BROOKS: If I went to sleep and imagined my dream-yard, it would be here on the pages of this book. If only it was a catalog, and I could pick and choose the features I'd like to order, and have them all delivered to my own back yard! I didn't read all the words in this book, but I loved the pictures!

Me: If you have a dog (or two or three!) and if you have a yard (or garden, in the UK) then you know that sometimes the two don't always go well together. Dogs sometimes escape from fences, dig holes, leave "landmines", and at the very least yellow patches of grass. What's a person to do?

Well, for starters, you should get this book, Dog Friendly Gardening. This book covers everything you need to enjoy your space with your dog. It's packed with ideas on how to make your yard beautiful and pet friendly, and how to keep your dog safe and secure.

As for fencing, I was pleased to read that the author does not support invisible fences and the shocks they use for training methods. "If you care about your dog," she writes, "please do not even consider installing one of these systems."

Now on to grass. She talks about lawn repairs, which is a big topic at our house. The easiest suggestion is to keep a full watering can handy to dilute the urine. (Note: I enjoyed the author's use of the British term "spend a penny" as in, "whenever you see your dog spending a penny, immediately water the spot thoroughly to dilute the urine."  I hadn't heard that before!) 

The book is not just the same old obvious stuff. It's full of fun ideas, how to's, and beautiful photographs. I love the section on enjoying the garden, with ideas for wading pools, hammocks, sprinklers, digging pits, tunnels and even a ball pit! If I had a big enough yard, I dream of outfitting it with a big rock for climbing, agility equipment, and all sorts of multisensory equipment to experience.

Check out Dog-friendly gardening on Amazon or on Hubble and Hattie's website!

*Full disclosure: I was provided a review copy of this book. The opinions are 100% my own. 

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Day #2-- Dog Cookies, Dog Toys, Dogwise

K9 Kamp is over and it's time to recognize some of our dedicated kampers with some pretty cool prizes!

We're lucky to have a tons of great K9 Kamp sponsors helping us reward our fabulous kampers!

Today's winner is taking home a bag of swag that includes:

 a copy of the book Dog Cookies by Martina Schops

from Hubble and Hattie 

A Fugly Friends Stuffingless Dog Toy

 a handcrafted tug toy 

from Tugz 'n' Togz

a set of handmade, mixed fabric Squeaky Bone dog bone toys

from Lars and Flint

 a handcrafted tug toy 

from Tugz 'n' Togz

and a $20 Gift Certificates to Dogwise.com

courtesy of Pooch to 5k

Congratulations to our winner

Jackie & Rita from Pooch Smooches

Please check your email to find out how you can claim your prize!

Don’t forget – you can still enter our fabulous K9 Kamp prizes!

Complete any (or all) of our fun fitness challenges,

link up or comment on our K9 Kamp blog hops and enter to win great prizes!

You’ve got until June 23 to enter so Check it out now!

 

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Dog Speak

For the best dog-human relationship, I want to understand what my dog is telling me. To do that, I need to understand her body language. I know when her tail's wagging and her body's relaxed, she's happy. When she lies on her back with her belly exposed she feels secure. I've seen her "play bow" when she wants to play.  But I'm only brushing the surface here.

That's why I was delighted to discover this gem of a book, Dog Speak by Christiane Blenski (ISBN 978-1-845843-84-7, $19.95 US/9.99 UK, published by Hubble & Hattie.) It couldn't have come at a more opportune time, as we've been introducing Kelly to potential new dogs and I want to understand how the two dogs get along together.

The book is divided into three sections: The Polite Dog, The Aggressive Dog, The Talking Dog. Each page is full of excellent photographs of dogs reacting and interacting together to illustrate the points. I enjoyed the first section about the greeting ritual.
When a dog sees another dog, he it may sprint toward the stranger.
Then, a polite dog will approach diagonally and walk around the side, not head-on.
Then the dogs will walk around, sniff, strut, attempt to place his head on the other dog's back, etc.
During this ritual, the book suggests that the people not stare, call their dog or interfere so that the dogs can go through this ritual undisturbed.
If both dogs have decided that they like each other, you will see their bodies relax, tails wag, ears back and eyes moving side to side.
I learned more about how to tell if dogs like each other, dislike each other or are just disinterested.

One of the most common mistakes when trying to understand "dog talk" is anthropomorphism, or assuming they feel the same way as people do. When you read this book you'll get a much better understanding of what is really going on in various situations by the way the dog is holding her ears, tail, her facial expressions, whether she is panting or barking, etc. 

Dog Speak goes beyond the basics and gives you a deep-down understanding. There are sections for dogs and dogs, dogs and people, puppies and older dogs, and problem solving. This is an extremely helpful book, written in a fun, clear way. It will help you understand not only what your dog is saying, but also ways to respond in ways that will help your dog, and strengthen your bond.

I was provided with a copy of Dog Speak for review, but the opinions are 100% my own.

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Fun and Games for Cats

I don't share my home with a cat right now, but one thing I know for sure, most cats love to play. My creativity in playing with cats, however, doesn't extend far beyond dangling a piece of string for them to bat. If you'd like to discover unique ways to play with your cat, check out this book:

Fun and Games for Cats by Denise Seidl by Veloce Publishing.


Do you have a cat who turns up his nose if you try to involve him in a game? Or perhaps your cat is a loner, reluctant to interact with you? Maybe you think that cats are impossible to train. This book will introduce you to the games that your cat will want to play, and have great fun doing so!

An expert in cat behavior, Seidl explains some of the many benefits of playing with your cat:
improves communication
increases physical fitness
helps regulate emotions
helps motivate to learn
relieves boredoms
releases pent up energy

The games and puzzles involve hiding treats, using different sounds and textures such as feathers, paper bags, and boxes, and hunting games.

In one game you hide a toy under a small throw rug. It sounds simple, but it is fun to watch the cat work the toy out from under the rug.

Another game is Cat Soccer.  Your cat is the goalie, as you try to roll a small ball past him.

I think any cat owner will enjoy these games and puzzles. I bet your cat will teach you a few variations on the games too!

Paperback • 17x22cm • 128 pages • 191 color pictures
HH4387 • ISBN: 978-1-845843-87-8 • UPC: 6-36847-04387-2
$29.95

* Hubble and Hattie provided me with a copy of the book to review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

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Games to play with your dog

Sometimes Kelly lies on the back of the couch, staring out the window, and looks so bored. We go out and take a walk, which she loves, but there must be something more. I've often thought, wouldn't it be nice to have some other pastime to share with my dog?

That's what I've discovered by reading Dog Games, by Christiane Blenski. published by Veloce Publishing Ltd. Blenski's own dog is an Australian Shepherd named Jaden.

Subtitled "Stimulating play to entertain your dog and you," Dog Games is the perfect solution for the boring routine of plopping down the dog food, sweeping up dog hair, and taking your furry friend on a daily walk. "Goodbye boring routine, Hello playtime!" the book states!

Discover a whole new world of fresh ideas for entertaining games for you and your dog, Using simple equipment that you can often find around the house, you can re-awaken your dog’s enthusiasm for playing games.From ball fun to hula hooping, which games will be your favorites?



Dog Games details 50 different games including:
Hide a Treat
Obstacle Course
Weaving between Poles
Climbing
Jump roping

The games in the book will help develop teamwork, occupy your dog's mind, improve your dog's health, and strengthen your bond. If you're looking for some great games to play with your dog, check out this book. After all, you and your dog make a great team.
You're even invited to share photos of yourself and your dog enjoying the games in the book. Send to the author at christiane@blenski_dogs.com.

Paperback • 25x25cm • 128 pages • 245 color pictures
HH4332 • ISBN: 978-1-845843-32-8 • UPC: 6-36847-04332-2
$32.95

Got a cat? Check back Friday for my review of the book Fun and Games for Cats!

*Hubble and Hattie provided me with a copy of the book to review. All opinions expressed are my honest opinions, and 100% my own.

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B is for Book

Welcome to my new blogging challenge, Pawing Along from A to Z.  If you read yesterday, you learned that A is for Adoption. Today, join us for

B is for Book

I love Books. Reading them. Writing them. Stacking them up in a pile. Underlining beautiful phrases inside them. Alphabetizing them on a shelf. And reviewing them!

Recently I was asked to review two books, published by Hubble & Hattie (those great publishers who brought you Dieting with my Dog!). One of the things I like best about Hubble & Hattie books is that they are useful and helpful--books on subjects such as animal grief, dog massage, dog arthritis, and fun and games for cats. Here are two great books:

Clever Dog: Life Lessons from the world's most successful animal by Ryan O'Meara
ISBN 978-1-845843-45-8  Hubble & Hattie $19.95

The subtitle of this book interested me right away. Most successful animal? Cool! How did dogs accomplish that? What makes them so successful?

Inside this book I found the answers to those questions, and much more. Why people love dogs. How dogs benefit human health. How dogs communicate. How dogs solve problems. It is truly a wealth of information, starting with wolves and the domestication of dogs, to working dogs and the ways dogs help humans. There are even tips for handling puppies, dogs with separation anxiety, and canine conflict. There is so much information, it is almost overwhelming. Ultimately, the book's aim is to examine how the dog achieved the epithet "man's best friend" and how we might emulate his talents in order to enjoy the same fortune and fulfillment in our lives. The only quibble I have with the book is that the type is very small, with no photos, illustrations or charts to break up the text, and a bit taxing to read.

Living with an older dog 
by David Alderton and Derek Hall
ISBN: 978-1-845844-07-3  Hubble & Hattie $24.95

I love senior dogs. They seem to have a wisdom and nobility that melts my heart. At nearly 10, Kelly is considered a senior dog, although really the only thing that gives it away is a bit of graying on the muzzle.

If you have a senior dog and are looking for ways to help your dog live comfortably and happily in his golden years, this book is for you. It offers tips such as recognizing physical symptoms, using an adjustable stand to position food and water bowls at the most comfortable height for your dog, and providing games for mind stimulation. The book also discusses physical changes and other common consequences of aging, such as noise phobia, disorientation, and anxiety.

What I like best is that the book is filled with photographs of beautiful, happy, romping, engaged older dogs who are enjoying life.


*Full Disclosure: I was provided these books to review and asked for my honest opinions. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

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C is for Cookie

Because I'm dieting, you might think I stay away from cookies. And, because I'm dieting with my dog, you might think I keep my dog away from cookies too. What the woof?! There's nothing wrong with a few treats on occasion, even on a diet. (I just can't eat a whole sleeve of Oreos. Darn!) The trick is choosing more nutritious treats.  That's why I was happy to receive a copy of Dog Cookies; healthy, allergen-free treat recipes for your dog, by Martina Schops.

Nutrition expert Martina says, "Treats contribute to a dog's well-being." I agree.

Here are some reasons for making your own dog treats:
1. You know exactly what ingredients they contain.
2. No artificial flavors and preservatives
3. You can adjust recipes for your dog's taste, allergies, or nutritional needs

 Most of the recipes in this book are simple and made from easy-to-find ingredients. For example, Banana Biscuits are made of banana, rye flour, buckwheat flour, eggs, butter, water and a pinch of carob.

The book includes recipes for high value treats for agility training, and birthday cake, waffles and doggie ice cream. If you're looking for good recipes to bake some healthy treats for your dog, I recommend this book. You can find Dog Cookies on Amazon or on  Hubble and Hattie website.

Check out more food and fun for your dog on Tasty Tuesday, hosted by Kol's Notes and Sugar the Golden Retriever.

*I was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

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