Rating: 
Summary: Being part of the pack
Review: This is an outstanding book on dog training and how to train a dog to be well behaved and happy. It is based on years of experience as well as natural dog/wolf behavior. I am disappointed to see how many people have given this book bad reviews becuase they are upset about the disicpline techniques used. If they carfully read what the monks have to say about physical disipline they would understand that this is not about "beating" your dog. It is instead a very positive approach showing humane ways to get your dog's attention, love and trust so that you can live and work together in harmony. No human dog relationship can work well if the dog does not see people as leaders of the pack. The person using the training tips givin in this book that complained of their dog becoming a scared tremmbling mess must have missused this book. It does NOT recomend beating your dog!!! However, it does show you ways to communicate your wishes to your dog and become the pack leader so your dog will love trust and look to you for leadership. I have seen too many people with horribly behaved dogs beucase the dogs see themselves as the pack leader.
Rating: 
Summary: Sad
Review: How sad this book is. In our modern era of dog training based on the scientific prinicples of behavior and learning, trainers all over the world are successfully utilizing, humane and effective methods of training based on positive reinforcement, non-physical "negative punishment" (dog's behavior makes a good thing go away)and good management techniques to prevent the dog from practicing and being rewarded for undesirable behaviors. Despite a growing body of works available to dog owners that explain how to use positive methods, the Monks continue to advocate harsh training methods that rely on the infliction of physical pain and intimidation and risk damaging the trust between dog and owner. You would do far better reading books such as Patricia McConnell's new and wonderful "The Other End of the Leash," Jean Donaldson's "The Culture Clash," and Karen Pryor's classic, "Don't Shoot the Dog." Unless, of course, you enjoy hitting and hurting your dog, in which case this just might be the book for you.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent and honest book
Review: Excellent book. How very un-PC it may seem in today's world to discuss physical discipline as frankly as the monks do. I read the reviews of people who are against some of the techniques in this book and can sense their fear and ignorance. I have raised a boxer, lab, and a great dane with these techniques and I am truly happy with how they have developed. Rarely did I use a physical correction, but when the rare situation arose, I knew what to do and how to do it because of this book. It has given both the dogs and myself further confidence and freedom on our constant adventures. I apologize for not discussing too much content, just wanted to put forth my appreciation of this book.
Rating:
Summary: VERY Helpful for the first time owner
Review: I bought the audio cassette and listened to it while driving to and from work. The instuctions and knowledge of the monks are invaluable to me, the first time owner. I also took my dog to a Basic Obedience class, this combined with what i have learned from the Monks of New Skete, have mad my dog a wonderful, happy and trustworthy companion.
Rating:
Summary: please don't use this book!
Review: This book is horribly outdated in many of it's training methods. Punishment and intimidation is not necessary for training your dog. "Scruff shakes", "alpha rolls", and similar methods have been discounted for years, but this book persists in advocating them. There are so many books available right here on Amazon[.com] that teach you how to teach your dog using scientifically proven positive methods that really work. Start by looking for books by Pat Miller, Andrea Arden, Sheila Booth, and Patricia McConnell. If you love your dog don't buy this book!
Rating:
Summary: Dogs are not small humans with fur
Review: The Monks' successful strategy is to develop a relationship with your dog that is based 99 percent on love and 1 percent on fear. Yes, they advocate physical discipline in extreme circumstances. But they also advocate a lot of quiet, meditation-like time with your dog. If you follow their advice, your dog will love you more than his food, understand that you are in charge, and the physical stuff will almost never be necessary. (I use these techniques, and I can't remember the last time any physical correction was necessary. Months and months ago.) As the Monks explain it, dogs need a huge amount of love and affection, and should have a central place in your household. (If you are not willing to make this kind of emotional and time commitment, don't get a dog. Go buy some nice goldfish.) But all dogs, and especially large dogs, also need to know that there is a very serious consequence if they jump on a person, show aggression to people, destroy your house, or show other destructive behaviors. How many times have you seen dog owners screaming at their pets in vain? Your dog must take you seriously. Verbal commands (positive and negative) and rewards (like dog treats) are key to training, but your dog needs to know that you can make him unhappy if he really crosses the line. Somtimes hollering "No!" isn't enough.At least one negative reviewer of this book said that his dog is more like his child. Well, I hope he doesn't have any actual human kids. I would never use the same training techniques with my child that I use with my dog. That's the whole point. My giant, lovable dog MUST submit to me, to my kid, and to every other human that I introduce him to. And he does, happily, thanks to this book.
Rating:
Summary: How To Be Your Dogs Best Friend
Review: A fantastic book. Anyone who has ever taken the time to study pack animal behavior and that of wolves in particular knows this book is spot on. For anyone who has never seen a video on wolf behavior there are several good ones available. I found Wolves At Our Door very informative at showing why wolves and their descendents behave the way they do and why some techinques are more true to nature and the pups' mother than others.
Rating: 
Summary: U & Ur Dog - training & research methods of the 90's
Review: This book is great for the novice dog owner. The training methods
and understanding dogs is very well captured. But it lacks material which would provide more insight on how to choose your pup. What are the things you need to look for when selecting a pup. How do you know what kinds of traits the pup will have when it becomes an adult dog? How to train for obedience? Luckily the Monks of New Skete realized this and have come out with a newer book "The Art of raising a Puppy" which talks about all the stuff that's not present in their first book. My suggestion, save yourself of buying this book and get their newer one instead which has material of the first book + more.
Rating:
Summary: Beat the dog?
Review: This book is awful. I think one quote will sum up their dog-beating theory, "How hard should you hit the dog? A good general rule is that if you did not get a response, a yelp or other sign, after the first hit, it wasn't hard enough." pg 44 "When they [the owner] approach they may find that the animal remains motionless or trembles...just leave the dog alone for a half hour." pg 49 They recommend hitting your dog for housebreaking accidents, chewing, destructive behavior, stealing, aggression and trying to get on your bed at night. I was so sickened by this book I had to put it down by page 80.
Rating:
Summary: For new owners
Review: Neither my husband nor I had ever owned a dog before, much less a puppy. We relied on the two books by the Monks of New Skete for our own training as new owners. I cannot recommend them highly enough. These books are for all dogs, not just Shepherds.
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