Sarah Hodgson

The illustrations are a bit scarce, but given its sort of like a guide book, it’s fine.

As someone who struggles with anxiety themself, I’ve known about most of these tips for a while now, though some of the names are different (like, “three, three, three” or “cupcake breathing”). So, ended up learning something new, too!

My only ick is that YouTube Kids was recommended, cause that app is so not for kids. I know kids these days will find their way there sooner than later anyways, show more but that doesn’t mean you should *recommend* it. A better resource should’ve been named.

But other than that very little issue, I did enjoy it, and the illustrations are very cute.

Thank you to Sarah Hodgson on BookSirens for a digital review copy. The book was released on January 1st 2025.
-Ayxan Solongo, 26.01.26 show less

I picked up The Secret Lives of Dogs thinking it would be a nifty research tool for a novel I hoped to write. With its simple format and detailed index, it was easy to breeze through the pages to find the information I needed. The book is packed with useful information, the tone is light-hearted and humorous, and I was enamored by factual gems spread through the pages. I didn't know, for example, that dogs have scent glands in their paws (which helps to explain their compulsive digging show more behavior) or that dogs favor leather shoes over other materials (yummy cowhide combined with human sweat - the best of two worlds). Sidebars offer other tidbits. Well written and a most enjoyable read. show less

http://pixxiefishbooks.blogspot.com/2...

Reviewed with Dog Training for Dummies.

I am reviewing these two books together for, I assume, what are obvious reasons. I also must come clean at this point: I didn't finish reading either one. But these are reference books and so I feel OK with that decision. I have them to consult when I need them, and I like having them around.

The books in the Dummies series tend to be fairly well-written, at least in my experience (not extensive, but a number of show more different titles - Art, Scuba Diving and Snorkeling, Sailing, Homebrewing, Canadian History, etc. - can be found on my bookshelves), and they provide a good overview to the subject. The Puppies and Dog Training books are no exception.

The Puppies book started off at a very basic level and in fact made me wish we had purchased the book before getting a dog.* It surveys the various breeds and would be very helpful for someone unsure what kind of dog would be most appropriate. Of course, it also discusses mixed breeds as well. There were further useful chapters on topics such as housebreaking and puppyproofing - another chapter that would have been useful about 8 months sooner. (He's now 100% housebroken** but there were some unnecessary tears shed along that route.)

As for the Dog Training book, while Rion was decently trained by the time I started reading this book (well, OK - 'sit' and 'lie down' was virtually impeccable, 'stay' was sometimes optional, and 'come' was contingent on the bribery being proferred), there have been multiple tips and tricks in the book that have helped us improve his training regimen. Consistency, as any dog owner will tell you, is key. Consistency is also the hardest thing to achieve at times (I'd like to see if you are able to tell Fido that he must give up the sock at once even though he is the cutest little thing in the world, sitting with it all pretty in his mouth).

So while the books are basic, they are useful as reference texts. And I've learned some interesting snippets: For instance, have you ever wondered why, while scolding your dog for something he should not be doing, his tail starts wagging? He looks shameful but the tail says otherwise. Well, apparently a wagging tail is not necessarily an indication of a happy, carefree dog but can also often indicate that the dog is trying to calm you down (diffusion of a tense situation). Also, a leash-free Jack Russell is almost never a good thing in cities (good to know).

*A comment not to be construed in any way to imply that I would trade my little Rion in for a million other dogs - no way!
**Statement may only be 97% accurate. show less

This is an interesting read, while I did find that some of the tricks are alittle over the top and if not impossible for example getting dog to bring can of coke?? I did teach my dog to fetch by using this book...so it was good for something, she now sits at my leg as I type this barking repeatedly and holding up her toy so that I can throw it for her and repeat.