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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The definitive text on earthdog work,
By A Customer
This review is from: Earthdog Ins and Outs: Guiding Natural Instincts for Success in Earthdog Tests and Den Trials (Hardcover)
For earthdog owners who are also interested in (or already involved) in earthdog tests, the book offers a wide range of sound advice from the recognized US expert. The book covers how to select a breed and a puppy if you plan to do earthwork; how to introduce the young dog to quarry and tunnel work; how to train for the typical tests offered in the US; exhibiting at trials; and how to set up and host a trial (about 100 pages). It also provides descriptions of actual field work (from the human and canine point of view). While the book focuses on artificial hunting tests in the US, it compares the US tests to those in other countries, and describes historical and modern hunting practices (another 30 pages). The section on training and trials is illustrated with photos of events, dogs working, tunnel diagrams, how-tos, and suggested training aids. It includes Q&A style problem solving guides to perennial questions such as "What do I do about a dog who doesn't bark?" This makes it easy to find the solution to a problem when you need it. The subtitle for the book, "Guiding Natural Instincts for Success," expresses how earthdog work is different from the other wonderful canine performance events like obedience and agility. In obedience and agility we actively train a dog to do cooperative things under our "control". These are mostly things it would never do on its own. In earthdog work, even tests, the handler merely guides (or brings out) the dog's instincts to help it do something independently, something it has an innate desire to do. In working, we depend on it to figure out for itself how to handle each new situation. We may cooperate with it in the work, but ours is the supporting/enabling role. The dog is clearly the star. Compared to the only other available earthdog book (by Migliorini), Frier-Murzas book covers both basic and more advanced topics (advanced tests, setting up trials, building tunnels) and provides more and better illustrations. More importantly, Frier-Murza explains how earthdog work is qualitatively different from obedience training and conformation showing. Viewing earthdog work as training (as the other book does) could get you off to the wrong start. Earthdog Ins and Outs is your guide to earthdogs, whether you are beginner or you are also a seasoned earthdog enthusiast who wants advice from THE expert in this beautiful book.
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thorough, cover to cover,
By broc@verinet.com (Loveland, Colorado) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Earthdog Ins and Outs: Guiding Natural Instincts for Success in Earthdog Tests and Den Trials (Hardcover)
Book gives an excellent history of working terriers up to today's terriers as we know them. It has well researched documentation on each breed and its origin. Comprehensive in the explanation of terrier hunting, performance events, both in the US and abroad. Outstanding chapters on selecting a puppy, training, terrier/dachshund organizations, and many other items of interest to both the earthdog novice and enthusiast. I have read/studied almost every book in print (current and discontinued) concerning working terriers and I would rank this book as the "bible" in it's relationship to the others.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must-have for all terrier/dachshund owners.,
By A Customer
This review is from: Earthdog Ins and Outs: Guiding Natural Instincts for Success in Earthdog Tests and Den Trials (Hardcover)
This book is written in a way that will appeal to all actual and prospective terrier owners. Frier-Murza adds depth and breadth to our basic understanding of terriers. For depth, the book covers the history of terriers (with many quotes from the 2nd century BC to the present). Illustrations from hunts in 16th century France are especially interesting. It also discusses the social forces that resulted in the emergence of today's breeds (about 30 pages). Being bred for earth work is the reason for the terrier's independence and ability to figure things out for itself, as well as the terrier's interest in chasing, tugging, etc. While actually working earth dogs is not for everyone, understanding our dog's drives and why they were bred to be the way they are can make each of us a more sensitive owner. For breadth, 29 different earthdog breeds are also highlighted in a section the brings out the working character and history, as well as the functional strengths of each breed (over 100 well illustrated pages). Breeds covered include the AKC working terriers as well as breeds like the German Jagdterrier and the American Feist and Rat Terrier (illustrated on the lap of Teddy Roosevelt). These 29 breed summaries are grouped by the regions (also described) in which the breeds emerged, thus placing them in historic and geographic context. Compared to Migliorini's book, Frier-Murza takes a more comprehensive and accurate view of both the history of the terrier's and also breed history. For example, Migliorini gives only 25 (smaller) pages (with larger type) to breed descriptions, compared to the 100 pages Frier-Murza provides. The book is very handsomely produced in near coffee table format. The hard cover book (with oversize pages) contains extensive photos. The photos are very clear, illustrative, and well produced
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