Zeus's Favorite Books

Sometimes miniature pinscher owners need expert advice. This page contains reviews of some books that Zeus thinks Min Pin owners might want to read. Usually, the books here have been read, reviewed, and rated by Zeus himself. Links at the left take you to affiliates where the books can be purchased, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Min Pin rescue.

 

Buy it now!	Show Review Hide Review	The Other Dog Madeleine L'Engle The Other Dog is a semi-autobiographical sketch of the life of Touche L’Engle (a poodle) when the breed referred to as “baby” comes into the family. With some help from Madeleine L’Engle, Touche has written a funny, touching book that takes us through a journey of emotions that siblings (and dogs) go through when there is an addition to the family. Touche is, of course, indignant at first when this inferior breed is brought home. Touche, amazingly, begins to find the baby tolerable, and acquiesces to its presence. In the end, Touche actually LIKES the baby. Charming and witty, this book would be a great way to introduce the idea of a baby to an older sibling. Dog owners would also find this book amusing, as they will see a little of their dog’s personality in Touche. Zeus gives this book his highest rating—4 stars.
Buy it now!	Show Review Hide Review	A New Owner's Guide to Miniature Pinschers Jacqueline O'Neil A New Owner's Guide to Miniature Pinschers by Jacqueline O'Neil is a great resource for Min Pin owners and those thinking of owning a Min Pin. This book contains 160 pages and plenty of color photos of the cute little tyrants that we love. The twelve chapters cover everything that a new Min Pin owner needs to know including a checklist of characteristics important for the owner to have. For example, "a strong sense of humor," and "the ability to combine patience with persistence." Min Pin owners know that these qualities are needed in abundance! O'Neil provides a brief history of the Min Pin from antiquity through the German beginnings of the modern breed to the development of the American standard. O'Neil describes the breed standard in clear, easy to understand terms and discusses the disqualifications--helpful for novices. A chapter on housebreaking and training is excellent. It includes crate and paper training, noise control, and lead-breaking. A chapter on sport covers showing in the U.S., Canada, and England, and includes conformation, obedience, and tracking. There are also excellent chapters on traveling, identification, dental care, health care, and behavior. Zeus gives this book his highest rating--4 stars.
Buy it now!	Show Review Hide Review	How to Speak Dog Mastering the Art of Dog-Human Communication Stanley Coren Zeus says that How to Speak Dog is a must read for any dog owner. Humans are a bit dense when it comes to language, and this book gives humans an insight into dog language that will allow them to follow basic commands from their dogs. How to Speak Dog covers all the basic dog language media such as face, ear, eye, tail, and body talk via anecdotes that will hold a human's attention. For example, you may wonder if a dog is barking out of fear or trying to assert dominance. This book will teach you to look for clues to distinguish between the two doggy-emotions. Stanley Coren is obviously one of the more intelligent of humans who has wisely chosen to study the intricacies of the canine mind, and conveys the information to humans in ways that they can understand. Zeus gives this book his highest rating--4 stars.
Buy it now!	Show Review Hide Review	The Miniature Pinscher An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet Rose J. Radel Zeus recommends Rose J. Radel's The Miniature Pinscher: An Owner's Guide to a Happy, Healthy Pet. This book covers many of the issues involved in the care and breeding of Min Pins, including a commentary on the breed standard and an overview of their ancestry. Character traits, including their residual hunting instinct, playfulness, curiosity, and sensitivity are discussed. The author's experience with MinPins shows in the following passage where she describes a Min Pin outdoors: "Min Pins love the outdoors in favorable weather, and some we've owned haven't always come in when called. Teaching them the word "come," praising them, and providing a treat when they come in promptly, usually solves the problem. (I stress the word usually.)" Chapters on care, feeding, and grooming will help familiarize a potential Min Pin owner of requirements of owning one of this breed. There is even a chapter covering common diseases and some first aid techniques--information every Min Pin owner should have at his fingertips. The chapter, "Basic Training," was written by Ian Dunbar, Ph.D., an owner of larger breeds. This chapter covers pottytraining, basic commands such as sit and stay, and some common problems such as pulling on the leash. Dunbar uses modern psychological techniques and advocates the idea of educating your dog to live in society and communicate effectively with human companions. While I was a little disappointed that this chapter was not written specifically about Min Pins, it contained many highly effective techniques. Zeus gives this book 3 stars.