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: Thank God.
Summary: 4 Stars
A necessity for anyone who wants to have a great life with their pup. I have a 3 1/2 month old Rott and she's a dream. I listened to this book on tape in my car three times through, took notes and immediately started in on the recommended conditioning. She's happy...I'm extremely happy, therefore, I can't praise this method enough. The focus is on the relationship, trust and leadership and NOT on battling wills, whining, food or anger. Go to any dog park and you'll see these people OUT OF THEIR minds with their dogs. In my humble opinion, it's a reflection, not on the dog, but on the owner. Get this series, become a student of your pup and live in harmony. Also makes a great gift for your friends who let their dog run the house. A very spiritual book as well...I'm thinking about converting. My only minus is that it would've been great to have had some booklet to give illustrations on the more complex descriptions. Other than that....it's a winner.Book Review: Disappointed at use of outdated punishment-based methods.
Summary: 2 Stars
Twenty years ago when they wrote "How To Be Your Dog's Best Friend," the Monks were cutting edge. Their philosophy of understanding and respecting their dogs was refreshing. However, they still advocated severe corrections such as scruff shakes, alpha rolls and hitting their dogs. Much progress has been made in dog training since then. There are now tens of thousands of "positive reinforcement" trainers who eschew physical punishment althogether, and positive methods have been proven highly effective for all types of dogs. It is disappoinitng at best to see the Monks clinging to their now antiquated methods in their newer puppy book. There is much good information in both of their books. It is a shame that the good information is tainted by their promotion of unnecessary and harsh punishments. I someday the Monks produce a book that embraces the new, scientific and positive principles of "clicker training."Book Review: A MUST have before you purchase your puppy
Summary: 5 Stars
We purchased this book when we got our German Shepherd puppy 9 years ago. I truly admire the Monks of New Skete and the techniques they have implemented in training puppies. I recommend this book to all of my friends when they are considering adding a "dog-friend" to their family. I wish everyone would read this book before they add a dog to their family.The techniques the Monks advocate not only work but they assist in establishing a bond of love, trust, and respect with your dog that is remarkable. The training techniques are easy and humane. I found their recommendations, for the traits to look for in the type of dog you want, to be very useful. I also found the description of the different maturity stages that your puppy goes through to be very helpful in understanding our puppy as she grew into adulthood.
I can't express enough the fact that if you are getting a puppy and want to train it right you MUST purchase this book!
Book Review: Helped prepare me for the road ahead with my new puppy
Summary: 5 Stars
For someone who knew nothing about puppies, let alone training them, I found the content to be very helpful, starting with the "how to prepare" section, what types of supplies I needed to buy, and what to expect the first day/night.
The monks emphasize humane, positively-reinforced training methods that are easy to understand and seem easy to implement. Pictures (not that many) are also available to help aid you in case you need further guidance on hand positioning, etc.
A clear, concise framework is provided for various training activities, including the standard sit/heel/stay/down, but also mouthing, chewing, jumping up, possessiveness, submissive urination, and coprophagy. Tips are also provided on feedings and grooming.
I highly recommend reading this book if you are new to puppy training; I felt a lot more confident about how to prepare for and what to do with our puppy after reading this book.
Book Review: A great reference for any new puppy owner.
Summary: 5 Stars
While waiting for the day my newly adopted puppy would come home, I read every puppy training book I could get my hands on. This one was by far my favorite. By using an actual litter as an example, the monks take you through the beginning stages in a puppy's life and how its experiences will affect its personality. There are clear, descriptive training exercises as well as a section on disciplining a dog (a topic I found no other books would touch). The thing that most impressed me about this book was how the monks describe a regimen that produces a loving bond between you and your dog. They say that the purpose of dog training is so that the dog can take an active role in the owner's life, without interfering and causing problems. After reading this book, I feel much more confident in training and raising a dog, and I feel as though I would not be able to understand my little American Eskimo pup nearly as much if I hadn't read it.