Amanda's Reading List
Good Books to Read
I am going to start off with a book that everyone should own (or at least own one like it)
Help! The Quick Guide to First Aid for Your Dog
Author: Michelle Bamberger, D.V.M.
Macmillan General Reference NY, 1993
$9.95
This book covers what to do if your animal is in shock, how to triage, how to give an exam and any emergency you can think of - it truly is a MUST OWN
Scout's training has been based off this book:
Game Dog (Upland Birds and Waterfall)
Author: Richard Wolters
E.P. Dutton (Year?)
$25.99
I don't own this one because of the price, but I check it out from my local library pretty frequently. This is the hunter's Bible but has really relevant information for any dog owner. He covers the sensitive stage (up to 12 weeks) and what to expect in each week. It is an excellent book, with touching stories about his dog, Jet.
Also by Wolters is Gun Dog and Water Dog (same publisher. These books are all older, but I haven't heard anything new that makes any more sense than Wolters. This man LOVES his dogs.
Gun Dog is also a magazine (not edited by Wolters or anything, but the creaters were inspired by him). They cover hunting issues (training, tests, trials...). Subscription info is (800) 800-7724 ($24.97/6 issues). I haven't read this, so I'm just letting you know it is out there.
AKC Hunting Test Herald (another magazine). Call (919) 233-9767 ($15/6 issues). This has training info, event schedules, and test results.
The Labrador Retriever Handbook
Author: Audrey Pavia
Barron's Inc. NY, 2001
This is a basic Lab book. This is a good broad overview of the breed and has a list of clubs (by State name) included in the back. This is good for someone unfamiliar with the breed or who wants a concise reference. She includes common diseases and generic training hints.
Labrador Retreivers (magazine in Popular Dogs Series, from the Dog Fancy Editors)
Editor: Lisa Hank
Fancy Publications, 2000
$9.99
Again, this is a basic overview of the breed. However, if you don't want a Lab don't read this. There is an article on heroic Labs that will bring tears to your eyes (and trust me, if you don't have a Lab, you will be running out to find one after reading this). The top 10 ranked Labs in the U.S. conformity shows are included in this magazine.
For the Love of a Lab
I don't own this, and I don't know who wrote it. But, this book is a coffee table book with amazing photographs of Labs. I drool over it every time I'm at the petstore but have always convinced myself to buy one more dog toy instead of that book (it is about 20-something dollars).
Now, this was an article that came inside a mini-magazine my vet sends out quarterly so you may not be able to find it. However, I found out alot about food labeling here so I want to cite it.
"Making Sense of the Label" by Suzanne Brennan in HealthyPet Spring/Summer 2001 issue (877) 596-1919 (maybe you can get them to send you a copy or tell your vet about it - your vet can attach reminders to the cover of the mag - Like mine says that Kira is due for a vaccine next month)
Here's my disclaimer: I take everything I read with a grain of salt. I do not think all the information in these texts is necessarily true. You know your dog best. For training Scount, I came up with a training program that combined several different approaches and knew what I wanted to do BEFORE I brought him home. That may not be best for you or your pet.
This is by no means a complete list. There are lots of books I thought were so-so or completely horrible. However, I have only included those I think most helpful or fit best with my own beliefs about responsible dog ownership.
Labmommy@att.net
Know a good book I should read? If I think it's great too; I'll post it.
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