Review

Praise for Gaddis? Jenny Willow: “A great story, detailed and moving with characters and places every bird hunter has known.” — The Checkcord

Praise for Gaddis?s Jenny Willow: ” . . . a heartwarming, compassionate story . . . an endearing read.” — Publishers Weekly

Product Description

On the heels of his highly-acclaimed novel Jenny Willow, Mike Gaddis reaches again into a half-century love affair with pointing dogs and upland birds to retrieve the true-life story of Zip Zap, his greatest English setter. Gaddis swore to be painfully selective in choosing the puppy that would accompany him as he pursued his dream of competing in horseback field trials. He knew the smallest female of the litter was special, but he didn?t fully realize her potential until he let her loose in the field. Her lightning speed earned her the name Zip Zap, and she grew to be the most brilliant bird dog Gaddis ever owned. In this absorbing memoir, Gaddis celebrates the dog?s indomitable spirit and tells the story of training and developing a superior pointer, from her first unrefined runs in the amateur puppy stakes to victorious performances in major championships. Evocatively told and set against the plantation quail hunting and field trialing legacy of the Old South, here is a rich, powerful memoir, certain to gain favor with anyone who has shared the destiny of a once-in-a-lifetime dog.

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Product Description

This book explores the many ways in which dogs historically and currently serve humankind in the workplace, while encouraging sensitivity to the needs of working dog breeds kept as pets.

From Publishers Weekly

The ebullient Dibra relays such infinite dedication to, and compassion for, man’s best friend that readers cannot help sharing them. Drawing examples from his vast experience with New York City dog owners (whose prominent names clutter these pages), with performing dogs (he’s trained more than 1000) and with his thoroughly trained wolf, Mariah (to whom the book is dedicated), Dibra with Family Circle columnist Randolph assesses the potential pet’s temperament; training for basic obedience; off-leash work, guard duty and performing; solving aggression-related disorders, and more. All the while encouraging the reader to “try to figure out what your dog is perceiving and feeling,” he also outlines specific strategies for particularly thorny problems, such as “deprogramming” an adult German shepherd that had been employed as a guard dog. Although not everyone will relish his anecdotes of the rich and famous, Dibra’s insider information pays off with an amusing glimpse into the Reagan White House, where a pet Bouvier des Flandressic is seen herding the ex-president and nipping at his heels. Illustrations not seen by PW.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
–This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.


From Library Journal

This guide to basic dog obedience training is great fun to read, yet realistic in its approach. Bash Dibra is well known as a dog trainer for the rich and famous, but his methods are simple and based on a thorough understanding of canine behavior. “Patience, persistence and praise” are the bywords of his training techniques. The book covers socializing a new pet, basic on- and off-leash obedience, correcting bad habits, and teaching tricks. The text is enhanced with anecdotes about various well-connected canine clients. The obedience training techniques described here are standard fare, but the learning process is clarified through Bash’s explanations of why dogs act the way they do. This is well-written, accurate, and informative, and more entertaining than most books on the subject. A worthwhile consideration for public libraries.
- Deborah Emerson, Monroe Community Coll., Rochester, N.Y.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
–This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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