Rating: 
Summary: If you love dogs, read this book!
Review: This book has been available for some time. I bought my copy more than twelve years ago. I found it fascinating, especially the chapter on the Puppy Aptitude Test (on how to evaluate a puppy for its likely adult behavioral characteristics). There is currently much disagreement with the monks' methodology on the part of some trainers today who believe that an owner should always reward and never punish. But there is much in this volume to inform and delight anyone who is about to purchase and raise a puppy -- whatever the breed. A classic!
Rating: 
Summary: Good but not for me.......
Review: This book is good for those like these methods. I prefer to "clicker train". I did although think it has a clear veiw of its training methods and if you are that sort of trainer I reccomend this book. I did find though that possibly they referred to their other book a little too much. Some of their ideas made sense but as for their "scruff shakes" I did not find very workable as well as uncomfortable to carry out(i tried). If you are looking for positive training methods I do not recommend this book(try Ian Dunbar). However if you beleive in "traditional" methods of dog training try it, I think you will like it.
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Summary: Life is Ruff!
Review: The monks have a common sense and humane approach to puppy and dog raising.They specialize in GERMAN SHEPHERDS, who imho can be a "challenge". A must have for the new puppy owner!
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Summary: Great Overview of Puppyhood
Review: I just got my first puppy, and wasn't exactly sure where to start. This book describes puppy developement (physical, mental, and social). It also targets common puppy problems and tells you how to deal with them in a stern (but humane!) manner that ensures that your dog will respect and obey you.
Rating: 
Summary: Building a relationship from the start
Review: Some monks make wine, some monks are scholars, and the Monks of New Skete breed, raise, and train dogs. This book show a good path to help decide on the right kind of puppy for you and how to introduce the pup into your family. The point of view is that your dog is a member of your family, but is the dog in the family. Building a good relationship with your dog from the start is the best way to avoid problems down the line. I especially liked the charts maping physical and behavioral characteristics of pups to the type of care/personality they will have as they grow. It helps you avoid a dominant dog if you don't have the disposition to help him or her succeed in your "pack." The techniques and recommendations are included in easy to read text that helps you develop a better understanding of your dog and helps you be a better leader of your pack. If you have kids and want a dog, don't miss this guidebook on making your dog understand his/her place in your family or pack. Avoid bites and stitches and get your pup off to the right start. Don't forget "How to Be Your Dog's" best friend, it you have already selected your new best friend. (you don't need both books.)
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Summary: Human animal bond is focus
Review: Good dog training book, focusing on the human animal bond. Arlene Millman, author of BOOMERANG - A MIRACLE TRILOGY (The tale of remarkable Boston Terrier).
Rating: 
Summary: This out-dated training info does more harm than good.
Review: The field of dog training has advanced greatly in the past 10 years and this book simply does not utilize all of the wonderful dog friendly methods avaialble to dog owners in this enlightened age. If trainers/educators of whales, bears and even children no longer rely on physical force to teach and motivate, why should dog trainers? Training should be informative and fun!
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Summary: Good Basis when Read with Other Books
Review: This book provides a good basis for dog training and explaining why it is necessary both for your happiness and your dog's. It covers the basic training like crate training, leash training,etc. However, I found this book most useful for its exploration of the pack mentality and why dogs act a certain way. They also discuss develop (from birth to adulthood) and the different socializations needed throughout the various stages of development. The training tips are also enhanced by the plethora of anecdotes about behavior problems between dogs and their owners.
Rating: 
Summary: There are better ways...
Review: I prefer books that emphasize a postiive training approach, see Jean Donaldson, Ian Dunbar, etc. Using physical force, even mild, can be counterproductive. Before buying this book I would reccomend getting it and several others from the library and comparing them. Then follow your heart....
Rating:
Summary: This is not art!!!
Review: Just so neigh to New Skete!
Just so neigh to New Skete!
I am ashamed to admit that 8 years ago I used to recommend this book. With all of the new positive dog training knowledge and techniques, I am astonished that it still sits in Amazon's best seller list. DO NOT buy this book! The monks' techniques are primitive and crude. The scruff shakes and alpha rolls are among the many things that are just not necessary for daily training and are not building blocks for a healthy relationship with your dog. Your dog will learn to fear you, not respect you...so I ask...what's the point in having a dog? If only I had known of Jean Donaldson, Karen Pryor, and Ian Dunbar when I started training my dogs, I would not have the burden of guilt that I do today.
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