Product Description
The monks of New Skete, authors of the classic guide How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend, now apply their highly successful training methods to the crucial first months of a puppy's life. 50 photographs.

Amazon.com 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 problems and dog training are examined in the book, always in compassionate and easily comprehensible language. The monks also look well beyond surface training techniques to analyze the roots of dogs' problems and explain how training can help. Owners are taught how to gently assert dominance over their dog, which will make for a long-lasting and fulfilling relationship. Beautiful black-and-white photographs of monastery puppies will pull at every heartstring.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 184 reviews)

First hand experience

Never have I been more impressed as a veterinary student at Cornell than when I visited the Monks of New Skete. Picture a dozen or more monks eating dinner around a large table, each with a German Shepherd dog lying quiety by his side throughout the entire meal. The monks have been doing this for decades- no reason to change their training methods because they work so well. Aren't we fortunate that they have been willing to share their trade secrets with the rest of the dog loving world.
November 20, 2008

Don't change what works

helped me tremendously in understanding my newly purchased German Shepherd puppy. Their techniques work!
Unlike many other books that I have read, the Monks understand that there is a balance between positive and negative reinforcement and a place for both praise and stern discipline.
November 04, 2008

Somewhat helpful

I really loved this book until we got our puppy. However it swiftly became apparent that the dog had never read the manual. I still got something out of it, but its hardly the guidebook to puppyhood I wanted.
September 30, 2008

not the best training guide.

I have read tons of other training guides, and while I found this book a good read, it was not exactly helpful in terms of training. It focused more on their monastery, stories about dogs they trained, and the birthing process of a German Shepherd. Mind you, I'm big GSD lover so I enjoyed this book, but I wish I had purchased another book for more tips on training.
Some of the tips offered are great and work well, but there should have been more. But do keep in mind the book's title! "The ART of Raising a Puppy," not "HOW to Raise a Puppy." So it's understandable that there are numerous stories and other bits of info. But if you're looking for a real how-to guide with a lot of tips, I would look elsewhere.
August 27, 2008

Excellent Guide!

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.
June 21, 2008

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