Rating: 
Summary: Some good information - A lot of bad techniques!
Review: I have to say that the people who rate this book "5 stars" must have the most submissive dogs. The techniques used in this book (especially grabbing a dogs scruff and shaking him/her)tend to scare and threaten the dog. If you have a submissive dog, this is not a problem (aggresively). However, if you have any bit of dominance aggression or fear aggression dog and use the monks' techniques, you may have a BIG problem. Dog's who are dominant agressive or fear aggressive may lash back (bite or bark) from the apparent (to them) threat. I can attribute all of the problems (which were many) that I had with my dog to this book. I used the scruff shake when he was younger (3-8 months) and although he did not "misbehave", he became afraid of me and actually quivered at the sight of me when he thought he may have done something wrong (even if he didn't). I am a person who believes in discipline, but am also one who believes in strong relationships. Punishing a dog physically only makes a dog afraid of you and does not build your relationship! Unless you are a person who does not care about your dog's psyche, I suggest you do not use any of this books' techniques. In my opinion you are supposed to build a relationship with your pet and "teach" him/her to do the right thing. Dogs can only learn from the praise they recieve, not the punishment. There are a ton of books that teach positive reinforcement, and those are the books that teach you to build a strong relationship with your pet -- not a fear relationship. I did, however, give the book 1 star because there is some useful information on how dogs think, etc. Nevertheless, I would never recommend any of the punishement techniques; because when it comes down to it your dog reflects you; and if you have not taught him/her properly, it is your fault -- not the dog's!
Rating: 
Summary: Still too harsh on punishment/correction
Review: As another reviewer noted, there's a lot of good information here -- but the correction-based methods are out of date. Puppy raising these days, except in a few die-hard trainer circles, is postive, reward-based and uses punishment only in extreme circumstances. The emphasis is on catching the dog doing something right, not catching it doing something wrong. Both methods may work, but one is a lot more pleasant for both dog and owner. Don't make training your dog any harder than it needs to be! Relax and enjoy your puppy. If you can read this book and take away the useful information without buying into the old "scruff shake" and "alpha roll" theories, go for it. If you'd rather stick to truly positive training (or find out why it works better than punishment), check out Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson or any publication by Karen Pryor or Ian Dunbar. Keep in mind one of the principal authors behind the original New Skete books changed his views, years after the books were published, and until he died he told dog owners where he went wrong with the punishment-based training. The rest of the Monks still stand by the old harsh methods. Enjoy your puppy, and remember: Catch them doing something RIGHT!
Rating: 
Summary: A must for anyone that is or wants to be proud of their dog!
Review: The only thing I regret about reading this book is the fact that I didn't buy it and read it sooner. It dips a little (actually a lot) into every essential aspect of properly training a dog from day one. Some of the best parts are the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test in the Appendix and the extensive bibliography in the back. So if you find something that wasn't covered to your expectations of completion, then you have an easy resource to locate more information on the the subject. To be honest with you, I haven't found anything in the book that wasn't necessary or covered enough. The only reason I sought more information was out of couriosity rather than need. Needless to say, the book was well written, informative and ultimately intriguing. Their methods are proven no matter how old they are. They have done their research and it shows. I am a believer for many reasons. For one, when you read the book (if you already own a dog) there are several occasions where you think to yourself and say, "so that's why..." The other reasons are because of all the times I have practiced their methods on one thing or another, the expetations of results are consistantly detailed in the book.
Rating:
Summary: This is as good as it gets
Review: Excellent book. What they say not only makes sense but works also. I am just practicing their methods on my bullmastiff puppy and it works perfectly. Don't waste your time reading these reviews, get the book and read that :-)
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book!
Review: Very thorough understanding of the importance of taking the raising of your puppy seriously. Gives great instruction on adjusting your puppy into your life. A must read if you are thinking about adopting a puppy!
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed at use of outdated punishment-based methods.
Review: Twenty years ago when they wrote "How To Be Your Dog's Best Friend," the Monks were cutting edge. Their philosophy of understanding and respecting their dogs was refreshing. However, they still advocated severe corrections such as scruff shakes, alpha rolls and hitting their dogs. Much progress has been made in dog training since then. There are now tens of thousands of "positive reinforcement" trainers who eschew physical punishment althogether, and positive methods have been proven highly effective for all types of dogs. It is disappoinitng at best to see the Monks clinging to their now antiquated methods in their newer puppy book. There is much good information in both of their books. It is a shame that the good information is tainted by their promotion of unnecessary and harsh punishments. I someday the Monks produce a book that embraces the new, scientific and positive principles of "clicker training."
Rating:
Summary: the best book on dog raising I've seen
Review: This is the very best book on raising dogs I've ever read. It is enjoyable and interesting, as well as very informative. I highly recommend it as good reading, even if you are not presently interested in getting a puppy. The monks provide fascinating insights into dog training. Look at their other books also.
Rating:
Summary: Do a friend a favor and give this book before the decision!
Review: I'm almost certain I'll never actually breed a dog and be responsible for the birth and all that, I am certain that I would want those who do to read this first. I used to have two copies of this and the other book from the Monks of New Skete, "How to be your dog's best friend," but I've lent them out so often I've lost track of their whereabouts! It's worth it, though, to know that the books have gotten more than a few owners over the rough spots, with sound, logical advice and easy to understand training for both ends of the leash. It should be in every doglovers library. Shadow, CGC, and I highly recommend it!
Rating:
Summary: Best tips for puppy raising.
Review: This book gives great ideas that make sense on how to raise a puppy. Ideas that are kind and gentle. Ideas that WORK>
Rating:
Summary: Follow these giudelines and you and the dog will be happy!
Review: Whenever I hear a friend or collegue say they're thinking about buying a dog I tell them to read this book FIRST. Anyone can buy a dog but it takes nearly as much time and effort to raise a dog correctly as it does a new baby. This book gives you the tools, and more importantly, the understanding to start your new canine relationship on the right foot. It's Worth every penny in the money you'll save on furniture and home repairs.
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