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Chinut™ Chihuahuas
The Book Shelf
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- This icon shows that I recommend this book for all dog owners.
- This icon means I really, really don't recommend this book!
Chihuahua Breed Specific Books
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Chihuahuas, A Complete Owner's Manual by D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D. Very good beginner's reference guide. All information on care and training is geared specifically to the Chihuahua. Breed background, Is the Chihuahua breed for you, How to acquire a Chihuahua, Preparation for and life with a Chihuahua, Health, Training, Breeding and why you should leave it to the professional breeder, Chihuahua standard. This is one book I keep referring to over and over.
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The Chihuahua Handbook by D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D A more detailed and in-depth manual about all phases of Chihuahua ownership. I find Dr. Coile's books a must-have for any Chihuahua "parent". Her books have very specific information geared towards our tiny breed and not the generalized care information found in many breed manuals. (And the pictures of all the Chi's in this one just make me smile!) |
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Chihuahuas for Dummies by Jacqueline O'Neil- This is a very comprehensive book that I think would make a good addition to any Chihuahua owner's library. I read the book from start to finish, but it is also geared for skipping around to get specific information. The Chihuahua Standard is explained in detail, health concerns are discussed, basic training exercises are given, along with care for your Chihuahua and a basic introduction for showing Chi's. I recommend this book. |
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The Essential Chihuahua by Ian Dunbar - A generally helpful book for the first time Chihuahua owner. This book is more in depth about our particular breed that many other generic breed books that use the same care information for every breed. Care, feeding, grooming, some health issues and basic obedience commands are covered. If you already own Chihuahuas for Dummies by Jacqueline O'neil or Chihuahuas and/or The Chihuahua Handbook by D. Caroline Coile, this book covers no new territory. |
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The New Chihuahua by Ruth Terry - The definitive breed book. Extensive information on the Chihuahua from one of the most respected breeders and handlers of our time. Lots of black and white pictures of champion specimens, most from the 1980's. Limited availability as the book is out of print, but definately worth finding through online resales, etc. |
| Living with a Chihuahua by Margaret Greening - This book contains detailed information aimed mostly at the inexperienced or prospective owner of a Chihuahua. Includes pictures detailing grooming, training, etc. The author is from England, where long coats and short coats and considered two distinct breed varieties and interbreeding is not allowed. Briefly explains inbreeding, outcrossing and line breeding. A nice book, but I still prefer D. Caroline Coile, PhD. books or Chihuahua for Dummies. | |
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Chihuahuas by Marion Mondshine Enjoyable. Some good information. Lots of cute pictures. Quick and easy to read, but there are better books available. |
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Chihuahuas by Beverly Pisano Generic information. Generalized dog care information not specific to Chihuahuas or even small breeds. Some cute pictures is about all I can say for this book. |
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Chihuahua Kingdom: Volume 1 - by Brad Rand and Ernie Lowell Chihuahua Kingdom was once a dominant Chi presence on the web, but because of personal reasons, the web masters closed the site. Brad Rand is listed as an author, but doesn't really exist and is a pen name. The book is a compilation of the information contained on the Chihuahua Kingdom site. Aside from the personal info, the information on Chihuahuas is very good and very complete. Leans to the holistic side and fresh food feeding. Pictures of everyday Chi's, submitted by visitors to their website. This book was sold only on the website, so you may have to borrow the book or check a resale book website. |
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Carry-Ons: Traveling Chihuahuas by Sharon Montrose - A picture book of real life Chihuahuas in various forms of travel. My favorite is the Chi on the cover who rides co-pilot in his owner's plane, complete with aviator goggles! A "coffee-table" book and nice gift for a Chi lover. |
Dog Behavior, Personality, Communication
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The Other Side of the Leash - Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs by Patricia B. McConnell, PhD. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book the second time around (since my original review was lost in cyber-space). Dr. McConnell is also an Applied Animal Behaviorist and dog trainer. She explains the differences in how "bi-peds" and canines tend to view body language and vocalizations. It's no wonder so much gets lost in translation. Reading this book will help you understand how to better understand your dog's behavior and how to change some of your body signals so your dog will understand you better. | |
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Dogwatching by Desmond Morris - A very interesting little book. Mr. Morris was a curator at the London Zoo and has written a number of books on animal behavior. He turns his expertise to dogs and discusses such things as "Why do dogs wag their tail?", "Why do dogs bark?" and "How do dogs invite play?" along with explaining many other canine behaviors. An easy read with some thought-provoking insights. | |
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Pack of Two - The Intricate Bond Between People and Dogs by Caroline Knapp - I bought this book because it got a good rating in Dog Fancy Magazine. I was expecting a book on the relationship between people and dogs, but not such an introspective book as this is. It's not hard reading, but it's no lightweight, either. Caroline Knapp explores many avenues of the bonds between people and their dogs, especially women. Although this book gave me lots of questions to ponder, I definately do not match her analytical mindset. It's an interesting book to borrow or check out from the library, but would I buy it again. That's a hard one to answer. |
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How to Speak Dog - Mastering The Art of Dog-Human Communication by Stanley Coren I found this book a great help in understanding what my dogs were trying to communicate to me. I also learned some very valuable information on how to more correctly express to the dogs what I was wanting them to do. Full of illustrations of various body, tail, mouth, ear and eye positions to help the reader learn to read dog body language. A definate must! | |
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227 Secrets Your Dog Wants You to Know by Paulette Cooper and Paul Noble Interesting little tidbits about various dog stuff. Best information: how to do the Heimlich manuever on your dog, how to keep the airlines from killing your dog, 21 spots your dog loves to have scratched, tickled, petted, etc. Worth 8.95? My suggestion: go to Barnes and Noble, get a cup of coffee and sit and read the interesting chapters. |
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The Hidden Life Of Dogs by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas - An interesting book containing observations concerning Thomas's canine companions over the years. Elizabeth Marshall Thomas is a classically trained antrhopologist. Much of what Ms. Thomas describes about us and other animals is rooted in biology, based on her observation of what scientists are learning. She approaches observing dogs with the same tenacity she employed in her fieldwork with Kalahari Desert Bushmen and Baffin Island Wolves. Thought provoking, Thomas believes that dogs have never lost their wolfish souls. Although this is a highly praised book, I found her next book (reviewed below) more interesting.
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The Social Lives of Dogs by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas - Once again Thomas has turned her observation powers towards her dogs, but this book is more about how they interact as a inter-species "pack" with the humans and other animals of the household. Thomas does not believe in "training" her dogs, but in letting them train themselves. She gives a compelling description of dogs having complex minds, rituals and memories. This book gave me insight into observing smaller details of my own pack, something which I love to do. |
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Why We Love The Dogs We Do: How to Find the Dog That Matches Your Personality by Stanley Cohen I must admit it, I just love Stanley Cohen's books. This is a great book to read even if you already have a dog. Dr. Cohen provides a personality test to rate yourself. He then divides dogs into groups such as Consistent, Aggressive, Indepenent, Self-Assured, Friendly, Protective, Steady and Clever. The results of the personality test are coupled with Coren's classification of dogs to help you understand which breed you would best be suited with. Since 4 out of 10 dogs fail to last the first year with their new owner, this is very insightful. Coren has a background in psychology and dog behavior and training. This book is scientific, yet very readable.
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The Intelligence of Dogs by Stanley Cohen Having read How to Speak Dog and Why We Love The Dogs We Do, I discovered that this earlier book of Cohen contains some of the same information that he builds upon in his later works. That said, there is still a wealth of information in this book. He starts from previous beliefs about dogs in the scientific world and brings the reader up to the present. Coren explains that dogs, like people, have various apptitude for learning. He further delves into the strengths and weaknesses of breeds that have been bred for specific skills. This book includes tests for measuring your dog's "IQ" and suggestions on how to strengthen your dog's inherent brain power.
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Dog Training Books
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Good Owners, Great Dogs by Brian Kilcommons with Sarah Wilson Very good training guide. Easy to understand so you can train on your own. All commands illustrated with photos. Lots of encouragement to owners that you CAN teach your dog, it just takes practice and repetition. |
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How to Get Your Dog to Do What You Want by Warren Eckstein - This book is simple reading. When I read this book, his advice just made sense to me. I have been putting some of his training methods in practice, especially the instructions for building your dog's self esteem, (o.k., this sounds funny, but it works) and have noticed a difference in my dogs' (as in all six, lol) behavior. |
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How To Housebreak Your Dog In 7 Days by Shirlee Kalstone I wish I had read this book before my 5th dog. It works. O.K., so it took us a little longer, but not much. Very detailed information on crate training. Includes feeding and trainins schedules for owners who stay at home and owners who work. |
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Barbara Woodhouse on Training Your Dog by Barbara Woodhouse - Known as the "Diva of Dog Training", Woodhouse was probably the foremost trainer of her time. She believed that "there's no such thing as a difficult dog, only an inexperienced owner." This book contains many of her tried and true techniques. |
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No Bad Dogs, The Woodhouse Way by Barbara Woodhouse- In this book, Woodhouse expounds on her previous techniques, but also takes the reader further into the mind of the dog that they are trying to train. After reading this book and practicing Woodhouse's simple instructions, you will have the skills and attitude of love, firmness and enthusiasm that gets results from your dog. |
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Dog Training in 10 Minutes by Carol Benjamin This is a quick and easy book to read. Benjamin provides basic obedience training and a few tricks. A few photographs demonstrate some of the techniques and hand signals. Good explanation on canine body language. I found a few interesting concepts, such as howling with your dog(?!), teaching eye contact, and teaching obedience using only hand signals at least once a week. This book is best for the owner who wants to start training or who only wants to teach the basics.
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When Good Dogs Do Bad Things - by Mordecai Siegal and Matthew Margolis - This seemed like a good book when I looked at it in the store, but after reading it I'm not impressed. The main solution to all problems covered is to use the "Margolis Manuever", which is a HARD leash pull. A leash tug, yes, but by viewing the photographs in this book, you can tell they mean a hard yank. Other solutions to digging problems include burying a hose and turning it on full blast when the dog starts digging, taping balloons on fences and furniture to keep dogs away. This information is especially NOT appropriate for toy dogs! I'm not a professional dog trainer, but I've read enough training manuals to know there are better options. I do not recommend this book.
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| Dog Problems by Carol Lea Benjamin - Benjamin offers solutions to many common problems experienced by those who live with dogs. Her teaching philosophy can be summed up in this quote: "Teach him the basics and teach humanely." She delves into problem prevention through understanding dog's natures, discovering your dog's style of learning and teaching by redirecting behavior. I like this quote at the beginning of her book: "Never use a hatchet to remove a fly from the forehead of a friend"- Old Chinese Proverb | |
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Dogs Behaving Badly: An A-to-Z Guide to Understanding & Curing Behavioral Problems in Dogs by Dr. Nicholas Dodman - This is a great referrence book to keep on your shelf. Dr. Dodman describes all the main behavior problems that occur in dog's and explains in detail how to treat the problem behavior. He further goes on to explain what the dog may be trying to communicate by it's behavior to help increase owner awareness in understanding her pet. The book is divided by alphabetical order and can be read as a whole or as a referrence for particular behaviors. I find Dr. Dodson's style of writing entertaining and enlightening. |
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The Dog Who Loved Too Much - Tales, Treatments and the Psychology of Dogs by Dr. Nicholas Dodman -This book describes some of the more bizarre behaviors that a dog may develop, which may become more than an owner alone can treat. Three dog types are focused on: the aggressive dog, the fearful dog, and the obsessive/repetitive dog. If you have a serious problem dog, this book will give you some focus on where to seek help for your pet. Dr. Dodman also discusses the use of anti-anxiety medications and seizure medications. An interesting read. |
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Feeling Outnumbered? How to Manage and Enjoy Your Multi-Dog Household by Karen B. London and Patricia B McConnell, PhD. - Another of my favorite authors provides a sort of "Cliff-notes" book on training a household of multiple dogs. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was already doing some training correctly, but this book gave me the tools to do a better job. Of notable interest: dogs do not communitcate with their paws and thus find it difficult when we use our hands. She advises controlling the space around the dog by "blocking". (Think of the quick actions of a hockey goalie but with no violence or body slams.) A short book with a list of advised training books listed in the back. |
Dog Stories, Quotes, Crafts, Recipes
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Tails from the Bark Side by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson - A collection of stories from their experiences as professional dog trainers. Enjoyable quick reading. Some of the stories are eye-opening as far as what other people allow their dog to get away with or unknowingly reward as a behavior. |
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How to Live with a Neurotic Dog by Stephen Baker- This book is all in fun; it's not a training manual for you or the dog. It was humorous. I even gave a copy to my sister who has to deal with a neurotic Daschund. |
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Clara-The Early Years by Margo Kaufman - This is a true story about a pug, but it is an endearing story. I read it once a year. It's hilarious.
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Speak! The Best Quips, Quotes, andAncedotes for Dog Lovers compiled by Connie DuBay - A funny little book. It has quotes for all sorts of dog breeds. It's best to read just a few qoutes at a time, what I call a "Bathroom Book". |
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Bad Dog! True Tales of Trouble Only A Best Friend Can Get Away With by Doug and Kaori Brown Stories culled from the Bad Dog Chronicles website. Hilarious. Alot of the Chi's and Noel's friends are featured. Available from online book stores. |
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The Personality of the Dog, A Dog Lover's Collection of Stories, Poems, Etc. Edited by Brandt Aymar and Edward Sagarin Most stories and poems are by famous authors. Some good, some boring, some made me cry. I wouldn't pay full price, but a good bargain or resale find. |
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Chicken Soup for the Cat & Dog Lover's Soul by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Marty Vecker, D.V.M., and Carol Kline A warm, fuzzy sort of book. Lots of short stories that will make you smile. A good bathroom length of story. Nice gift for a friend. |
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97 Ways to Make a Dog Smile by Jenny Langbehn * photos by Pat Doyle - a delightful little book containing photos of "regular" dogs. Langbehn describes 97 imaginative ways to give a bit of pleasure to your favorite pooch, such as: slowly stroking the bridge of the nose (Annie's favorite); toss mini rice cakes as flying saucers for your dog to catch and enjoy as a lowfat treat; and Pica's absolute thrill - take off their collar and give them a good scratching on their neck. |
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Dog Crafts-More Than 50 Great Projects! by Bobbe Needham- If you enjoy making crafts, this is a good book for you. I found many projects to make, including a carrying sack to wear on your back or chest. I'm going to make it for Pica and her Dad so they can go on walks together. The instructions are easy to understand and patterns are included, however you will need to enlarge them. |
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How to Photograph Dogs by Kerrin Winter and Dale Churchill Want to take better snapshots of your favorite pooch? Or are you a hobbiest with all the latest photographic equipment? Either way, this book will help you make the most of your photos. Written in clear, easy to understand instuctions with pictoral illustrations, this book tells you what you need to know. I definately reccommend it.
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| A Widow, a Chihuahua and Harry Truman by Mary Beth Crain - A true story of grief after losing her husband to lung cancer and learning to laugh again in the presence of a Chihuahua named Truman. Many instances involving owning a Chi that I could identify with: Am I nuts for dressing my dog? What's the secret to housebreaking? Walking into the living room and discovering all your dirty underwear in a pile... | |
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Bone Appetit! by Suzan Anson and Bunny Matthews - Here's a book I DO NOT RECOMMEND. The recipes are very involved, (guess that's what they mean by gourmet) and according to reviews I have read, some contain ingredients not recommended for dogs. I have been looking for recipes for treats to bake for my dogs and when I do find a good cookbook, I'll let you know. Let this one pass.
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Click on the following link to see all the Chihuahua books Amazon.com has to offer Chihuahua Books or the next link for the over 5,000 canine books. Dog Books
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