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Summary: Understand your puppy BEFORE you own him
Review: This book is incredible!! The Monks tell you what to expect from day one and how to proceed at every turn. This book is a must if you plan to own a puppy - but make sure you read it cover to cover BEFORE you get a puppy! It will inform you, entertain you, and help you to understand your puppy in a way you never thought possible. Get inside your puppy's mind to understand how he thinks and why he does the things he does. The Monks share their knowledge with you, learned from years of raising shepherd pups. Their methods are tried and true!
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Summary: Best dog training book ever
Review: I have read many books in the preparation for my Pomeranian puppy in the hopes of learning something about humane training. Not only has this book taught me those things, but has further opened my mind about dogs. Mostly this book has prepared me for training ME, not the dog!This book will give you the insight and understanding you need to properly understand (and train) you dog. Incidentally, things are going quite well!
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Summary: Excellent choice
Review: I used this book to train my basset hounds, and it worked well!
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Summary: Must read for anyone buying a dog
Review: This book teaches the reader how to train a puppy to be a great dog. No rolled up newspapers here! If you want your dog to be your best friend, this is the book for you.
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Summary: Good book, but need to get their other one also
Review: This book was required reading from our breeder. We are anxiously waiting to bring our puppy home. The book tries to give you a dog's point of view. Their training techniques seem easy to follow and if followed correctly will lead to a well-behaved dog. There is a lot of reference to their first book, "How to be your dog's best friend". As a first time dog owner, it is necessary to have both books to fully grasp the monks principles. I read the book once as if it was a novel and the second time, took out my highlighter to mark important points. I recommend both books for a novice dog owner.
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Summary: GParticularly for GSD Puppy Buyers
Review: A must if you are going to pickup your GSD either from a reputable breeder or even the kennel. If will help you pick up that little puppy and when I gave my latest puppy the tests here, agareed with the breeder of what was the pick puppy. I have been quite happy with Napoleon & wish I had used this previously with a different GSD -- it would have wanred me of her, unfortunately, improper breeding and later fatal tendency towards sickness; yes the brothers can spot weakness in a puppy and for that I am totally impressed. The book goes thru the developmental stages of a GSD puppy and emphaizes puppy testing. i have had other breeds and the book does not work so well with them (Lab Ret & Yorkies), so I can honestly only recommend for the GSD group. If you fit in, then it's a must buy. If you are not sure if the GSD is for you, buy this book as you will learn what is so special about the breed. If you are not thinking of getting a GSD or one of thw working breeds, ACDs, AS, Collies etc. then pass it by. It really does not work with the Sporting or Toys breeds- wnich is only failing but then no book is perfect for everyone.
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Summary: Good basic training manual if a little dated ...
Review: This is still a very good training manual providing much sound and good advice ... From the previous reviews, this book appears to have been drawn into the debate (or is it battle?) between the proponents of newer training styles and trainers who still use slip collars and scruff shakes ... For sure this book makes no mention of 'clickers' but neither does it advocate harsh punishment ... It is perhaps important to remember that the Monks are training German Shepherds, a strong and powerful breed. Even at 16 weeks, a GSD if not taught to curb aggression or dominant tendencies can prove to be more than a handful for any owner ... The Monks should not be faulted for being firm with their GSD from a young age, ... they are firm but invariably fair ... they obvious love their dogs, and their training methods (if a little dated) reflect that love and care ... We have a yellow Lab, and have never ever had to discipline her with anything more than a frown ... she is so mellow and loveable that training is more fun & games than anything else, the 'clicker' works wonderfully well ... But we also have a Beagle, and that little lady is both independent and wilful ... we adore her but have also come to realise that she needs us to be very consistent and firm ... and this book has helped us and our Beagle immensely ... Maybe the Monks will bring out a new edition soon ...
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Summary: Doesn't quite make it for me
Review: The Monks of New Skete were just about on the right track years ago, but their books rely on dominance theories (scruff shakes, and alpha rolls for example)rather than the reality and laws of applied animal behavior. For students of more modern and humane methods of training, I highly recommend Jean Donaldson's Culture Clash and Pam Reid's Excel-Erated Learning.
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Summary: Thank God.
Review: A necessity for anyone who wants to have a great life with their pup. I have a 3 1/2 month old Rott and she's a dream. I listened to this book on tape in my car three times through, took notes and immediately started in on the recommended conditioning. She's happy...I'm extremely happy, therefore, I can't praise this method enough. The focus is on the relationship, trust and leadership and NOT on battling wills, whining, food or anger. Go to any dog park and you'll see these people OUT OF THEIR minds with their dogs. In my humble opinion, it's a reflection, not on the dog, but on the owner. Get this series, become a student of your pup and live in harmony. Also makes a great gift for your friends who let their dog run the house. A very spiritual book as well...I'm thinking about converting. My only minus is that it would've been great to have had some booklet to give illustrations on the more complex descriptions. Other than that....it's a winner.
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Summary: You don't need anything else
Review: If you are serious about raising a well-behaved, calm, and happy dog, this is the book to get. My wife and I have two Akitas, and we raised them from pups using the techniques taught by the Monks. Our dogs are well-mannered, happy, and anything but hyper, which seems to be a common lament among dog owners, particularly those that have to leave their dogs home all day. The Monks' philosophy is right on the mark. If you read this book and follow the Monks' techniques, you are guaranteed to have great results, all the while strengthening the bond between you and your dog.
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