The Art of Raising a Puppy
by The Monks of New Skete
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Book Reviews of The Art of Raising a Puppy
Book Review: A Must-Read for All Dog Owners
Summary: 5 Stars
I wish I'd had this book when I brought my first puppy home two years ago. She was a nine-week old Rottweiler I named Belle, a darling, if not dimwitted, dear that captured my heart. Unfortunately, I was ill-equipped to handle such a pet, given her breed, eventual size, and youthful energy. Of course, I knew that puppies required a lot of attention, but who had any idea the extent of care that is necessary to raise a good pet, especially one of this size? I certainly didn't! My uncle eventually took her to his home where she'd have lots of room to run around and other big dogs, so I know she's well cared for... still, the experience left an impression on my mind, and I didn't want to make the same mistakes twice if I ever got a puppy again. Well, two years later, as I prepare to bring home a new puppy -- this time, an eight-week old female rat terrier named Daisy -- I picked up this book, determined to be a better pet owner. And I'm grateful to the Monks of New Skete for preparing such a thoughtful, educational text for people like me. From the birth of these loyal, precious animals to testing for temperament, then moving toward training, I've developed a much better understanding of what it means to work with a puppy. Or rather, to train myself. This text is highly recommended for all dog owners, regardless of age, for it contains a wealth of information that should be shared with everyone before bringing home a loving pet such as a dog.Book Review: Finally some practical advice!
Summary: 5 Stars
I love this book! I have had it for 6 years and I STILL go back to it when I need help with my dogs. There are even diagrams of dog body language and what each means. So if the dog has it's ears down it means.., if it has it's chest raised and tail up it means.... ! Very practical. The author gives nice background information on puppy development, then what dogs need to be happy and well trained, and finally a few chapters on very EXPLICIT, practical advice on potty training, obedience training, advanced training, etc.
I originally bought this book to train our Bernese Mtn Dog puppy, who is now 6 years old, incredibly well behaved (and very large at 100lb). The book worked perfectly for her. I purposefully went back to the book since we just got a tiny 2lb maltipoo puppy. You know what -- the advice was just as sound as it was for my 100lb Berner! I am very pleased to have this book in my references because I will continue to reread it any time we get a new dog. People comment on how perfectly well behaved my dogs are and I am proud to say that it's really not hard or time consuming -- you just need to follow the advice in the book.
I also recommend one of the Dog Whisperer books, although Cesar tends to be more "theory" and this book is more practical. But armed with both, you will have all the information you could ever need to train your dog, no matter what size, breed or age you start at.
Book Review: Puppyhood made understandable!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have looked at many books on how to train puppies, and this is the one that I keep going back to, in fact it is the only one I continuously used after we got our pup, a Great Dane. It explains how a puppy matures and when is the best time to get your puppy in order for the puppy to become a part of your "family pack". I have followed this book in it's advice for training a puppy, which means starting from the very beginning. At the age of 12 weeks Buck, our puppy, will sit, lay down, come, walk nicely on a leash, and will sit-stay and down-stay for short periods of time. He also will shake your hand, which isn't in the book, but using their methods of praise for behavior you like, this was easily taught!! The house-breaking went unbelievably well and this too was due to the advice of the Monks. This book is an excellent choice for first timers and also for those who have had dogs before. This book helps you to understand things from a puppy's viewpoint and how to use this understanding to help your puppy mature into a wonderful part of your family. If you are someone who thinks that dogs belong outside of your house, away from the family, hopefully this book can change your mind. The most important information that I got from this book was this, don't let your pup do things as a pup that you don't want him doing as a big dog. This book is indispensable!!!Book Review: Good basic training manual if a little dated ...
Summary: 4 Stars
This is still a very good training manual providing much sound and good advice ... From the previous reviews, this book appears to have been drawn into the debate (or is it battle?) between the proponents of newer training styles and trainers who still use slip collars and scruff shakes ...
For sure this book makes no mention of 'clickers' but neither does it advocate harsh punishment ... It is perhaps important to remember that the Monks are training German Shepherds, a strong and powerful breed. Even at 16 weeks, a GSD if not taught to curb aggression or dominant tendencies can prove to be more than a handful for any owner ... The Monks should not be faulted for being firm with their GSD from a young age, ... they are firm but invariably fair ... they obvious love their dogs, and their training methods (if a little dated) reflect that love and care ...
We have a yellow Lab, and have never ever had to discipline her with anything more than a frown ... she is so mellow and loveable that training is more fun & games than anything else, the 'clicker' works wonderfully well ... But we also have a Beagle, and that little lady is both independent and wilful ... we adore her but have also come to realise that she needs us to be very consistent and firm ... and this book has helped us and our Beagle immensely ...
Maybe the Monks will bring out a new edition soon ...
Book Review: Not a good training manual
Summary: 3 Stars
I bought this and started reading it a few weeks before I got my new Golden Retriever puppy, and at the time I thought, what a great book! Then puppy arrived and I started applying the training methods - and found they either didn't work, or were counter-productive. For instance, the monks recommend the "scruff shake" for problem behaviours like biting; all it did was make my pup REALLY bite back and become aggressive towards me. So then, in desperation, I started searching the internet - and found there are lots of sites by professional dog trainers with workable solutions.
For instance, to stop the biting? Say "ouch" loudly, to let the puppy know he hurt you - and if that doesn't work, stop the play session and leave the pup alone, so that he learns that biting means the end of fun with you. This has worked like a charm. There are other instances where I tried the monks' methods, got absolutely nowhere, and then tried another method I had found on the internet - success.
I still give the book 3 stars because the chapters on how puppies grow and develop are fascinating, and I commend the monks highly for helping prospective dog owners know whether they really, really want a dog with all the responsibilities it entails, and guiding them to choose the best dog for them. But as a training manual, sorry, it has been very disappointing.