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The Art of Raising a Puppy
The Monks of New Skete THE ART OF RAISING A PUPPY The authors of the classic guide How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend now tell you everything you need to know about the crucial first months of your puppy's life. From the decision to adopt a pup through the practical steps of choosing the right breed, preparing your home, caring for your new charge, and practicing basic obedi...more
Hardcover, 274 pages
Published
March 20th 1991
by Little, Brown and Company
(first published 1991)
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1-30
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1,466)
Jun 02, 2007
C.
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
anyone wanting to raise a dog
Shelves:
animal_behavior
This is my best reference for raising my dogs. The monks have aptly and appropriately emphasized the importance of both reading canine behavior and using praise and corrections that 'speak their language.'
For example, dog mothers do not correct their puppies by saying, "Now Spot, that was not a nice thing to do. I don't like it when you do that so you'll have to stop that, you hear?" This is something I've seen done way too often between human owners and their dogs.
Usually the offending pup (i...more
For example, dog mothers do not correct their puppies by saying, "Now Spot, that was not a nice thing to do. I don't like it when you do that so you'll have to stop that, you hear?" This is something I've seen done way too often between human owners and their dogs.
Usually the offending pup (i...more
I have very mixed feelings about this book. After being initially enthralled with the Monks approach, I started to think they were not as sweet-natured, Zen-like in their approach as I had hoped. They are more heavy-handed in their approach, with emphasis on choke collars, and Alpha dominance.
However, I did find some of their advice quite helpful, including the idea of using confinement and crate training for puppies, and their house-training schedule using the crate, being taken out, eating an...more
However, I did find some of their advice quite helpful, including the idea of using confinement and crate training for puppies, and their house-training schedule using the crate, being taken out, eating an...more
A wonderful book for talking about puppy behavior in the neonatal stages before owners generally get their pups and talking about the importance of an early upbringing. Excellent book also for some basic training information.
I am wary of some of their dominance-based suggestions for training however. Some of the specific suggestions they recommend including giving breeds such as German Shepherds or Dobermans a "cuff" to the chin if they growl at guests could be dangerous. As a veterinarian we kn...more
I am wary of some of their dominance-based suggestions for training however. Some of the specific suggestions they recommend including giving breeds such as German Shepherds or Dobermans a "cuff" to the chin if they growl at guests could be dangerous. As a veterinarian we kn...more
This was my first reading of the updated version of this book.
I was first introduced to the Monks of New Skete 20 or so years ago. I had a dog at the time, but not a puppy, so I'm not sure why I read this book then (other than the fact I devoured any and all dog books as a child). And now I remember why they had such a profound impact on my relationships with dogs.
Unlike the conditioning training so popular today (positive methods rely on positive and negative conditioning) the Monks of New Sket...more
I was first introduced to the Monks of New Skete 20 or so years ago. I had a dog at the time, but not a puppy, so I'm not sure why I read this book then (other than the fact I devoured any and all dog books as a child). And now I remember why they had such a profound impact on my relationships with dogs.
Unlike the conditioning training so popular today (positive methods rely on positive and negative conditioning) the Monks of New Sket...more
Enjoyed understanding how The Monks of New Skete raise puppies. The respect they have for nature and setting the best foundation for puppies is just remarkable. They take raising/breeding a puppy very serious and make the reader stop and think about, why they want a puppy/dog? Do you want companionship? Do you want only protection? Please just get an alarm system. Because a dog is so much more than that.The key is trust through play, discipline and time. There really is nothing as fulfilling as...more
This is an excellent book on raising and training a puppy! It is written with the idea that training should be done in a gentle, kind manner but nevertheless with authority. It recognizes that dogs are individuals and that you must fit your trainin to your puppy's individual character. You must learn to read the character of your dog. Temperament testing is discussed. Brutal, hard punishment is not necessary to train a dog. Nevertheless, you must remain the alpha figure. You are the boss, not yo...more
I enjoyed the philosophy of this book. Other reviewers have noted the alpha dominance and the discipline methods in this book. I appreciate both. Dogs aren't human. With our first Weim, now 11, we toed the line between dominance and gentleness. The result is a dog more socialized to humans than dogs, and whose intelligence makes her question dominance and commands. She is a wonderful dog. Over the years I've made it a point to be the pack leader, to borrow from Cesar Milan. I do think the scruff...more
I really liked this book. Even if you're not super into the Monks' training methods, there is SO much good information to glean from this about the stages of puppy development, the importance of starting out with a good foundational relationship with your pup to head off behavioral problems down the line, etc. I really like the emphasis on the fact that even when you're not actively training your dog, you're teaching him/her all the time, so you had better make sure you're teaching and encouragi...more
While I am okay with anecdotal evidence when training dogs, i found this book difficult to apply to what i need to do with my pup. My biggest pet peeve is doing an alpha roll on a puppy. Sure the dog may respect you, but it will be out of fear and resentment.
Interesting and informative. This books takes you through the whelping process and the first few months of puppy life. W/r/t specific training practices, however, it's not my favorite approach -- the monks don't believe in using treats as motivation, and although their tactics are generally kind and nonviolent, they do employ some "corrections" (such as giving a puppy a "shakedown" by the scruff of its neck) that I'm not totally comfortable with. After reading Paul Owens, I tend to agree with hi...more
The Monks of New Skete breed, train, and raise German Shepherds. This book gives insights on raising a puppy from their perspective, which is interesting but their advice is incomplete and unrealistic for most of us living in the real world, and not in a monastery full of adults who know how to interact with dogs. If you live alone or do not have children, then this book might be helpful to you. The respect and reverance they show for the dog-human relationship is an important focus of the book....more
So we got a beagle puppy and we named her Olive but right now the name Spaz' seems more fitting. This book was recommended to me and although some parts were really great and helpful i don't think the average dog owner could use the same techniques given here. This books also points to the importance of knowing the breeder of the dog and why rescuing a dog isn't a good idea- which i can understand- and Olive is proof why this isn't a good idea- but i also just don't agree with promoting that mes...more
Both cute and helpful. Great reference for potential puppy owners who wish to really start off on the ground floor. Less useful for me who has no urge whatsoever to own a puppy. While I enjoyed the more narrative stories that followed puppies and their owners through training, the whole book was filled with very helpful information. The interviews with and background stories of select dog owners at the end of the book were especially a treat. (Maurice Sendak has a New Skete dog! How awesome!)
You shouldn't depend on just one book as a resource for anything, but if you were to...
Obviously this focuses on the earlier years of your dog -- relating their trials and tribulations and bringing context to all the strange behaviors some see as "bad" and "good". In some ways, I think this early life focus is more valuable than a general purpose dog book, it really dives into more of the details of the why behind behaviors which can be valuable in judging your dog and deciding how to work with...more
Obviously this focuses on the earlier years of your dog -- relating their trials and tribulations and bringing context to all the strange behaviors some see as "bad" and "good". In some ways, I think this early life focus is more valuable than a general purpose dog book, it really dives into more of the details of the why behind behaviors which can be valuable in judging your dog and deciding how to work with...more
I've raised puppies, showed dogs, obedience trained them, and bred dogs so I thought I knew a little about the subject. That was until I read this book. Now, reading it upon welcoming a new grand-dog into the family, I wish I'd counted the number of times I slapped my forehead and said, "Of course! That makes sense!" or "Why didn't I think of that?" I can console myself that this book hadn't been published the last time I had a new puppy, but now no one need adopt a pup without this practical, c...more
Clear, concise and simple.
I read this book two years ago before purchasing my first dog. By the time I put it down it had sticky notes sticking out of it right and left and the pages were covered in little notes. So much good information. It has information about picking the puppy with the right temperment to you, breeds, finding a breeder, adopting older dogs, younger dogs, from the shelter, brining a new dog home. The list goes on.
The book is written by the Monks of New Skete who combine spirituality with dog training...more
The book is written by the Monks of New Skete who combine spirituality with dog training...more
I didn't finish this book. My husband and I adopted a 4 month old puppy from the shelter; this book is really more for people who are purchasing a puppy from a breeder. It really starts instructions from the day the puppy is born, and makes numerous comments that the most bonding happens with your puppy in the first 4 months of it's life. A little late for us to be reading something like that since our puppy was that age at adoption, and also, in my opinion, not true. We have bonded extremely we...more
Okay, if you're going to get a puppy---get this book first. Don't bother to read it from cover to cover but jump around. Of course, it does help to actually have read the whole book, but the order isn't important. Whether you begin with the case studies or open the book at the page where they give a house-training schedule (p. 117)---it doesn't matter. It's all good stuff.
The Monks breed and raise German Shepherds (for companion dogs) and have spent a lot of time observing dogs and raising puppi...more
The Monks breed and raise German Shepherds (for companion dogs) and have spent a lot of time observing dogs and raising puppi...more
Perfect book for new puppy owners. It's a very quick read with great training tips that really work. Did exactly what they said to do as far a potty training outside & am proud to say, have had great success! Getting a puppy is like having a new born baby. Everyone reads What to Expect When You're Expecting & What to Expect The First Year. Puppy's don't come with instruction manuals either. Take any advice you can get & buy this book!!! Still flipping thru during Bubby's different st...more
Probably the best, most comprehensive book on puppy development, behaviour and training that I have read (and I've read plenty). The monks provide full details and explanations on all aspects of puppyhood. My only criticism would be that it is a lenthgy and wordy book. It's well worth reading, but those looking for quick tips might find it a bit overwhelming. My advice would be to buy the book a few months before choosing and bringing home your new pup.
This is a comprehensive guide to choosing, training, and caring for a puppy, written from an unusual perpsective: monks who raise and train German shepherds. It was much more philosophical than the other puppy books I've read so far, and their method is a bit more heavy-handed with the discipline (but still within reason). I grew tired of the ponderous, authoritative tone, but it was still an enjoyable read that included some new information to add to my mental puppy knowledge base.
Great book for all kinds of tips on puppies. I have learned a great deal from this book, but I do have some discrepancies on techniques. All that aside, these monks spend an incredible amount of time with the dogs and have a keen awareness of dog psychology. I would highly recommend it for anyone getting a puppy, or people who are training a young dog.
I got this book when my pup was 5 weeks old. I was half way done the book when Py was 9 weeks old and I had the book in the back of my car. I was...more
I got this book when my pup was 5 weeks old. I was half way done the book when Py was 9 weeks old and I had the book in the back of my car. I was...more
I thought this book had great advice, though I suppose I won't know just how great until I can apply what I've learned. The authors, monks who breed German Shephards, obviously understand the nature of dogs. There are many references in the book to how wolves behave in the wild and what that tells us about our dogs. One drawback is that the book was published twenty years ago and some things seem outdated. Overall, I'm glad I read it and plan to put its ideas into practice!
I either want a German Shepherd pup or a Monk of New Skete. These guys know their dogs! This book is a great review for those who know dogs and a thorough start for newbies. Although some techniques seem a little outdated, I was really impressed by the endearing approach the Monks take with dog training. This book helped me a lot with Mingus. (More than my uptight Doggie Kindergarten!)
This is a fantastic book for anyone thinking of getting a puppy. Read it BEFORE you start looking for a fur face to add to your family, and read it again when you bring your little cutie home. I loved it! Easy to read and VERY accurate. Some of the techniques in here worked by the 2nd or 3rd try! I'm really looking forward to reading their other book "Being Your Dog's Best Friend."
The monks seem like gentle men and are clearly successful at raising extremely well behaved German Shepherds...but they start their training at 8 weeks (I got Rio at 12) and don't use treats to train. Ever! Still, I gleaned some useful info, such as never punish your dog when you tell him to "come," and to pratice "down" on a comfortable surface, like grass or carpet.
I really enjoyed this book and thought it gave some great information on raising a dog. I thought the first half would be boring as it's all about the development of a puppy from the first moment it's born, but it was fascinating. I enjoyed reading the personal stories of dogs the monks have trained. Much better than some of the dog training books I've read.
Sep 04, 2008
Catie
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
current and prospective dog and puppy owners
Shelves:
puppy-shelf
I think this book is probably a must have for any complete dog training library. I only wish that someone would have recommended it to me long ago. I have been in the contemplative stage of dog adoption for a very long time. I really would have benefited from this book before I actually brought home a pup which my boyfriend and I did on August 23rd. I have still learned alot from the book even though I do not agree with everything that the monks recommend. Also, they do recommend many things to...more
After reading Cesar Millan's book on puppies, this book felt dated. For example, they say to let your puppy ride in the car without a crate. Also to let her wander and sniff your entire home right away and watch from a distance. I strongly disagree with both points, and feel wiser from the Dog Whisperer's book. Start there and you'll have an awesome dog!
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Feb 25, 2010 03:52am