Tails from the Barkside (Paperback)

by Brian Kilcommons (Author), Sarah Wilson (Author) "Jack Russell Terriers are characters-it doesn't matter whether they are male or female, young or old-they all have strong opinions about life and their place..." (more)
Key Phrases: Bon Bon, Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews
Dog trainers Kilcommons and Wilson continue a pattern they established in Good Owners, Great Dogs (not reviewed): a self-professed tactful handling of the charges in their care and a supercilious treatment of the owners. In these pages are found dozens of short stories of dogs with problems: the flatulent Rottweiler; the bored, butt-chomping whippet cross; the submissive poodle whose Howdy Doody grin is mistaken for savagery; dogs mean and reckless and sexually dysfunctional. As Kilcommons and Wilson tell it, the canine troubles are remedied in a nonce--as soon as their jughead owners see the light, that is. There is the mistress who worries that her dog doesn't poop as much as she does, and the dog has three bowel movements daily. Ha, ha. Another woman who feels her dog is oversexed, yet plays with him with her rump in the air. Ho! Each vignette is signed--Kilcommons comes across all superior and disdainful (``People frequently tell us their dogs are dumb. We usually correct them''), Wilson the purveyor of cautionary and morality tales. After a story of abuse, Wilson intones, ``say a prayer for little dogs and children everywhere''; and while out walking her dogs, she outwits an exhibitionist, not by sicking the mutts on him, but by laughing, ``loudly and long, and that laugh was the only long thing in the vicinity.'' What this has to do with dogs is anyone's guess. It may be that the authors are striving for Barbara Woodhouse's gruff and impatient bluntness; unfortunately, their attitude comes across as plain smug. Perhaps Kilcommons and Wilson's work with dogs is magical, though thoughtful trainers will say that's half the equation; the admittedly more troublesome half, their handling of the owners, could use a fair amount of polishing. (b&w photos) (Radio satellite tour) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
In a book as warm and wonderful as James Herriots Yorkshire Tales, but set in the real world of todays pet owners, number one canine experts Briam Kilcommins and Sarah Wilson share their adventures in dog training as well as memories of their own dogs. From one Siberian Husky trying to make it in the Bahamas to the seven Akitas residing in an Italian villa, youll meet some unforgettable pooches in this unforgettable book.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (July 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446676144
• ISBN-13: 978-0446676144
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #705,639 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best dog story books ever!, July 10, 2001

By	goodoldmac "goodoldmac" (Charlotte, North Carolina United States) - See all my reviews

Want to hear what is wrong with this book? Easy...it's not long enough. That is about it. I guess it would have been nice to have some photos of some of the dogs mentioned, but oh well. Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson, two well known dog trainers relate some of their experiences, both with client dogs and their own. The first story, involving a Jack Russell terrier that found a rather unique way to play with his tennis ball, had me laughing out loud. Brian's Rotweiler, Beau, conducting his own version of "chemical warfare" while waiting to go on at a talk show, the lady who was demonstrating to her dog how to go on the papers, Sarah dealing with a blizzard at their kennel, (Brian and Sarah are husband and wife as well as co-authors)while Brian is out of town. The terrier that was chasing a rabbit in an eighth floor apartment, the Maltese that finally bit off a little more than it could chew, every story is terrfic. Not all have happy endings, sadly, but every dog owner understands this. These two have several "must reads" for dog owners out, (with a new one coming soon)and also operate "GreatPets.com" which is rapidly becoming the most popular pet site on the web, if it is not already. There are two types of people who will like this book: Those who love dogs, and those who don't. If you fit in either of those categories, check it out I seriously doubt you will be disappointed.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ups & Downs of dog training is a smash!, February 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Tails from the Barkside (Hardcover)

Brian Kilcommons is one of my favorite trainers. He's amazing to watch and very practical in his training. What makes this book stand out is the collection of stories from his years of training dogs, and it's difficult to tell which is more entertaining; the dogs or their owners. Filled with touching stories and hilarious anecdotes, I was delighted with this book and sorry it wasn't longer. Anyone who has ever attempted to train a canine can understand, enjoy and even learn from this light read.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a Heartwarming Delight this is!, October 11, 2001

By	Mary Ann Bohman (Peoria, AZ United States) - See all my reviews

The authors have done an excellent job of showing how diverse dogs can be AND how much they add to our lives.

Any one who adores their dog/s would love to read this book! It would make a wonderful gift. That's how I got it, and I've been buying it for others. I'm always told it was a terrific gift!

I couldn't put it down, it was THAT good!

An added benefit, the authors train dogs. You can pick up some tips!