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(180 reviews)
Editorial Review: The monks of New Skete have been breeding and training dogs at their New York monastery for more than 20 years. Their philosophy of raising dogs accentuates the essential human-canine bond, whereby owners must learn to understand a dog's instincts, needs, and behavior. Understanding a dog, the monks say, is the key to successfully training him. They first published this philosophy in their 1978 classic guide How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend. Now the monks concentrate on the first three months of a puppy's life in The Art of Raising a Puppy. The book observes a litter of monastery puppies from birth to 12 weeks. Tender photographs and dialogue reflect these precious first few weeks of life. Even at this time, the human-canine link is vital; the monks stress the importance of gentle touch to help forge this connection. Basic puppy training techniques are explored and executed, all of which puppy owners should find easy to implement. Virtually all types of dog...
Customer Reviews:
0 of 0 found this review helpful:
Excellent Guide!, 2008-06-21
I brought home an 8 week old shih tzu and used the recommendation to tether him in my room and provide a blanket for him to sleep on. After only 3 nights he was sleeping all night long and when he needs to go out in the morning he barks once. It is amazing how well this worked. I have read numerous puppy books and this one far exceeds any of the books. The focus is on understanding your new best friend and applying the proper techniques to raising a happy and obedient pet.
0 of 0 found this review helpful:
a must read for those considering a puppy, 2008-06-02
if all people read this book prior to adopting (purchasing) a puppy the pet control situation would be helped ten fold every year until eternity. this book not only guides those who have a puppy but shows how to chose a puppy for a particular lifestyle.
0 of 0 found this review helpful:
All puppy owners should read this book!, 2008-05-31
I love training dogs and learning more about their nature and behavior. This book was extremely helpful, and it answered many of the questions I had about a dog's normal development and milestones. The Monks reinforce what I've discovered about my own dogs, which is that it is never too early to start training and that puppies are capable of becoming charming companions from a very young age.
If you are thinking of getting a puppy, read this book first.
0 of 0 found this review helpful:
A great start to this 'art', 2008-05-30
If you're getting a dog or have a dog read this book. It is a great resource for getting your dog in line. It proved to be a source of information that offered balance to the modern training methods that are based only in rewards.
I prefer the positive motivation but there are times when this book has offered ways to correct bad behavior that 'treats' don't help with.
If for no other reason you should read this book to gain insight into dog behavior. These folks have been doing this for a long time and can help humans see their role in a companion animal's life. i.e. that dog's want and need a strong 'alpha' owner - even if it isn't in your personality type (I had to adjust - but it was for the better)
0 of 0 found this review helpful:
The monks are the real subjects, 2008-05-29
Having owned many dogs in my life, it seems very clear that there is no one right method of making the dog a vital and beloved member of the household. German Shepherds, the breed that the monks work with, are eminently trainable as are a few other breeds. Some are very resistant to training or, at a minimum, require very different approaches. Perhaps the best advice one can give on training is to observe a friend's dog who you think is particularly well-mannered. See how that friend relates to the dog and ask what he or she did when the dog was a pup. Some well-behaved dogs are born and not made. Lucky you if you happen to get one of these; but the connection between man and dog goes back milennia and it is an interesting and complex relationship
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