White Shepherd (CompanionHouse Books) A Kennel Club Book, Special Rare-Breed Edition - Training, Puppy Care, Everyday Care, Healthcare, Showing, History, and More

If you are looking for information on the breed or are interested in show dogs, the information doesn't get any better than this. Good history of the breed and its struggle to be accepted as breed apart from GSD. Both authors are well-respected breeders and owners of show dogs and compete with white shepherds.If you want an up-to-date book on accepted practices of training and science-based training-this not a good source. Unfortunately, the author's 'authority' on dog behavior is none other than TV pop- star "The Dog Whisperer"! Those training methods have been questioned by most professional dog behaviorists. His ideas of pack dynamics is out-dated and in direct conflict with professional dog training associations view of ethical treatment of dogs:do no harm.The book gives questionable training advice. The training section is at best misinformed and lacking scientific validation. At worse, some advice could harm a sensitive dog like the White Shepherd. There is no need to raise your voice with commands like NO AND SHAME! They say something like 'obviously regular food is not a reward for the dog". It really depends on the dog. A food reward doesn't have to be "cheese"- kibble is one value of food reward. Whereas the authors may be experts on breeding the dog for conformation, the training part is amateurish, following old patterns perpetuated on TV shows.The talk of "alpha" this and "pack leader" that does not do the scientific practice of dog behavior any good for anyone.Domestic dogs are as closely related to wolves as we are to monkeys.Coppinger's research suggests the dogs of today are descended from wild dogs that evolved/domesticated themselves around early village dump sites.I wanted to give a strong review for the first part of the book, but the training section was just subpar, you can find better. A book by Ian Dunbar would reflect more current, science-based training. Control Unleashed by Leslie McDevitt,is a good book for working with White Shepherds.My recommendation is to revise the training section to be more innovative and up-to-date. I don't mean clicker-training either. What is presented in the training section are the same old training lessons. There are plenty of alternative, fun "rewards-based" training strategies being practiced and used to train White Shepherds. Because the breed is so sensitive and highly intelligent, training sessions based on play rewards can be fun for both dog and handler.Because the history and medical information is so good, leaving the training part out entirely or to people who understand scientific methods would improve book.

Not sure what some of the issues are with the book, after reading it cover to cover. I bought this book after having a white GSD for over a year, and prior to purchasing her, I did a lot of internet research to know what I was getting.This book has a lot of info, and have found it to be quite accurate.As mentioned in other reviews, the white GSD is basically the same for physical issues, which is why I went with a breeder that has a joint history/certification. Not a guarantee, but better than random.I believe for someone looking for general info, this has more than enough...and much more than the internet....without a ton of reading and searching...i.e. I would start here, for anyone interested, or seriously thinking about the breed. Whites do have some interesting personality, that is different from the standard. Everyone I have met that has owned one has pointed these characteristics out, all of them are mentioned in the book.Cute, lovable, and strong breed. Just love mine.

This is a really good book for anyone new to White German Shepherds (like me). It covers all the basics, and some things that are more obscure. However, it is slanted toward the "White Shepherd" designation instead of the "White German Shepherd" designation, which I believe is a mistake and gets into the politics of the kennel clubs, which is not my interest. The information on White GSD is great, and the training information is good for any dog. The photos are wonderful! Other good books on German Shepherds specifically, include anything by the Monks of New Skete, or John Cree.

Amazing book! I've been wanting this for ages and now I finally own it! Great info on white shepherds, some things I didn't know. Great book for the white shepherd owner/fan.

This series has good breed info but the second half of all the books are essentially the same.

Great book if u have a white shepherd, which i do, or are interested in them. Wonderful pictures and info.

Nice book

WELL DONEBOOK

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While there are not many guides written about White Shepherds, this one was a lucky find. Wonderful guide; shame it was US focused, but still educational and informative.

I bought this book in order to prepare my whole family for the future puppy of this wonderful dog!A complete guide!