
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 Review: Worked for me
This book specifically talks about German Shepherds but will work for any dog with some intelligence. Read it before you get a dog if you can but if you're like me and you suddenly have a dog and are asking yourself, "now what?" get this book immediately and start reading! It's not very long but it covers everything you need to know. Most important is understanding how to get your dog to respect you. Notice I said respect and not fear. If your dog doesn't respect you or fears you then there's not much chance of actually getting the dog to listen to commands.
Customer Review: The greatest book for raising a puppy
I bought the first edition of this book some, maybe, 14-15 years ago and used it in raising puppies. I gave that one to someone and am getting a new puppy in September. The book is recommended by the breeder of German Shepherd Dogs, and we are revisiting the book. IT IS WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!! Don't raise a puppy without this book!
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