Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Book for owners of ANY size dog!
Review: As writer of Large and Giant Breed Articles, Pamphlets, Books and book reviews, I tend to concentrate on the health, training and feeding needs of BIG dogs. So, as a dog owner as well, I am always looking for more info to help round out my own knowledge. I found Darlenes "Irrepressible Toy Dog" to be chock full of tips and tricks that any dog owner can use, save and reference at any time.One of her tips which I recently found helpful for myself, involves using Pedialyte to help dogs during hot weather and when dehydrated. Further, many of the health problems she discusses are also applicable to larger dogs, such as the anesthesia risks and geriatric problems. The knowledge and research Ms. Arden has applied to the writing of this book has immeasurable value to so many of us as dog lovers. Darlene talks about small dogs, as I like to see a writer do, she is humorous, serious and at times full of the impish character which she so lovingly ascribes to these small dogs. This book is a joy to read....no matter what your breed!...
Rating:
Summary: not to be missed
Review: As a full time behaviourist I get to read lots of canine related publications and I put TITD right up there with the very best. Whilst being an absolute must for toy or potential toy owners, dont let the title put you off!! This book is for all dog owners everywhere, the information contained is clear consise and incredibly well researched with whole chapters on subjects such as housebreaking and preparing your dogs homecoming which could be made into books on there own. I am currently reading it for the second time and am not ashamed to say learning all the time and TITD will be recommended to all my clients as just about the best overall book for dog owners I have seen for a long time. Congratulations Darlene Arden more of the same to come I hope
Rating:
Summary: Dog-Lover's Must Have This BOOK!!!!
Review: As a mountain climber and hiker I have many hobbies. Having always loved dogs (and with a poodle of my own) I love to read and absorb new information on pets. The book, "The Irrepressible Toy Dog" by Darlene Arden (Howell Books) with a foreward by Actress Betty White, is the most thorough, well-written and all-inclusive book on small, toy dogs I have ever read. It is a "must have" for every small dog owner (or potential owner) and even veterinarians should have a copy. Ms. Arden covered every question I had and her charming photos captured the true spirit of the "toy" group. MUST READ!! Highly Recommended and my dog says "Woof, Woof" as well.
Rating:
Summary: "The Irepressible Toy Dog" is a Win-Win read
Review: As a practicing Vet,I found this book to be a veritable joy-it is replete with helpful hints that should make dog ownership pleasurable and productive; and to truly help enjoy the relationship.
It is written with sensitivity and elan, and reflects her love for her beloved "little breeds". She knows her subject well, and is written from the heart. It is a masterful advisory, and admirably fills a void on this subject.
This landmark book merits unreserved recommendation, and should enjoy an enthusiastic reception from our dog-loving public.
Dr. Ray Russo
Kingston, MA 02364
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book for owners of ANY size dog!
Review: As writer of Large and Giant Breed Articles, Pamphlets, Books and book reviews, I tend to concentrate on the health, training and feeding needs of BIG dogs. So, as a dog owner as well, I am always looking for more info to help round out my own knowledge. I found Darlenes "Irrepressible Toy Dog" to be chock full of tips and tricks that any dog owner can use, save and reference at any time. One of her tips which I recently found helpful for myself, involves using Pedialyte to help dogs during hot weather and when dehydrated. Further, many of the health problems she discusses are also applicable to larger dogs, such as the anesthesia risks and geriatric problems. The knowledge and research Ms. Arden has applied to the writing of this book has immeasurable value to so many of us as dog lovers. Darlene talks about small dogs, as I like to see a writer do, she is humorous, serious and at times full of the impish character which she so lovingly ascribes to these small dogs. This book is a joy to read....no matter what your breed!...
Rating: 
Summary: Not accurate for Havanese Health Info
Review: Being a to-be-new toy dog owner I found this book very informative and helpful in knowing the things to look for in toy dogs everything to basic weather care to major health care. It takes you from bringing the pup home for the first time to sending it to its dog heaven in a very comfortable and knowledgeable format. Very highly reccomended if you are thinking about having a small or toy dog in your household.
Rating:
Summary: An irresistible book on the irrepressible toy dog.
Review: Darlene Arden knows and loves toy dogs. She writes about them with thoroughness of research, a sense of humor, and answers to questions that you'd never think to ask but are glad she did. Did you know that toy dogs have been referred to as "barking bedslippers," that Chihuahuas are particularily susceptible to hydrocephalus, that small dogs are harmed by second-hand smoke, that toy dogs live longer and are more vulnerable to geriactric diseases, and that the hairless varieties need sunblock on a bright summer's day? Her book is full of such important information, especially if you have acquired or plan to acquire a toy breed. The drawings and photographs of these toy breeds and her description of the wonderful eccentricities of each breed make the reader more fully understand why owners of toy dogs love them so. Best of all, I could resonate with Darlene Arden's assertion that "a toy dog can be a character without becoming a caricature." Good job of writing!
Rating:
Summary: Irrepressible Toy Dog
Review: I loved this book. I exhibit and breed Pekingese dogs. Most books geared to dogs in general and toys have their own special needs. This book not only covers toy dogs in general, but the contents on specific breeds are right on the mark. Pekes have very unique problems and this covers all of them. I have shared information on this book with friends and with my vet. Just love it.
Rating:
Summary: Crucial information takes time to absorb
Review: I read _The Irrepressible Toy Dog_ several years ago. I was stunned by the amount of detailed information it contains, and at the research that Darlene Arden had done. I've owned both small and big dogs, and seen that the small dogs weren't always comfortable with big dogs, but I had no information to help me see how to handle small dogs around large dogs. However, I've never had a Toy Breed Dog. Now, years later, I fnd I am actively able to use the information from that book. What I find the very most useful is my new awareness of what the world looks like to a small dog, for instance, when meeting larger dogs, when picked up by people, when walking in crowds among "all those legs and feet." Most recently, I was able to confer with a neighbor who has two large puppies, and explain genetly to her that my dog was afraid when her puppies ran up to him and pawed playfully at him, not taking "no" from my dog as an answer. Sometimes it takes a lot of research and writing to get through to people like me who can be slow to comprehend that Size Matters. This book has changed my life, and that of my small dogs.
Rating:
Summary: An Invaluable Reference for the Toy Dog Owner/Fancier
Review: This book goes over breed by breed, giving an inclusive history of each, good points, and problems with every breed. It starts out with the neonate and goes into medical aspects, including vaccinations, socialization, housebreaking, bonding with the pup, and more. The book progresses into adulthood. Each aspect of dog ownership is thoroughly reviewed. There's a whole chapter just on housebreaking. Parts of it go into the physical (medical) aspect of it, and continue through the practical aspects, as well. Nutrition, medical problems, training, surgery and anesthesia, are all delved into, and more! There are great photos of Toy breeds, as well, most "au natural" and unposed. This book is the best book I have read in reference to Toy dogs. Ms. Arden writes plainly and expressively, so that it is easy to comprehend. I would recommend his book to anyone who is interested in Toy Dogs.
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