The monks of New Skete have been breeding and training dogs at their New York monastery for more than 20 years. Their philosophy of raising dogs accentuates the essential human-canine bond, whereby owners must learn to understand a dog's instincts, needs, and behavior. Understanding a dog, the monks say, is the key to successfully training him. They first published this philosophy in their 1978 classic guide How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend. Now the monks concentrate on the first three months of a puppy's life in The Art of Raising a Puppy. The book observes a litter of monastery puppies from birth to 12 weeks. Tender photographs and dialogue reflect these precious first few weeks of life. Even at this time, the human-canine link is vital; the monks stress the importance of gentle touch to help forge this connection. Basic puppy training techniques are explored and executed, all of which puppy owners should find easy to implement. Virtually all types of dog problems and dog training are examined in the book, always in compassionate and easily comprehensible language. The monks also look well beyond surface training techniques to analyze the roots of dogs' problems and explain how training can help. Owners are taught how to gently assert dominance over their dog, which will make for a long-lasting and fulfilling relationship. Beautiful black-and-white photographs of monastery puppies will pull at every heartstring.

From Publishers Weekly
The monks of New Skete in Cambridge, New York, dog trainers and breeders of German shepherds, here expand on their classic How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend . The excellent instruction begins with an in-depth examination of the puppies of one litter from birth through their eventual placements with new owners-- following their social and physical development, their needs, and clues to their emerging personalities. Proposing that the best way to forge a healthy dog-to-owner bond is to prevent problems before they occur, the authors soundly emphasize that a puppy begins its training "the day it arrives home." They teach readers how to choose an appropriate breed and a promising puppy, and how to assume the position of "pack" leader from the start. Sensitive and unimpeachably humane, this handbook places equal stress on the time-consuming responsibilities of dog ownership and on its ultimate rewards. Photos. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Developed from the outstanding 1991 book of the same title, this program presents information that continues to be extremely enlightened and valuable. In addition to offering advice on puppy selection, housebreaking, basic care, and training, the tape gives innovative suggestions for handling a variety of problems. The fundamental approach is based on helping owners understand a puppy's physical and emotional makeup and how dogs experience relationships. The monks' techniques are based on extensive experience in anticipating behavioral problems and resolving them by establishing successful communication between people and their dogs. Clearly conveyed by reader Michael Wager, the guidance is practical, thorough, easily understood, and logically presented. A small booklet on puppy aptitude testing is intended to help people understand which dogs will best suit their lifestyles and circumstances and includes some excellent material not on the tape. If using this program were required prior to puppy acquisition or breeding, the problem of unwanted dogs in shelters or on the streets would likely eventually disappear. Highly recommended for all public, school, and veterinary collections.?Carolyn Alexander, Brigadoon Lib., Salinas, CACopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile
Amassing their combined wealth of knowledge about raising puppies, the Monks of New Skete monastery describe how to select, raise and train puppies. These gentle souls have been breeding and raising German Shepherds for more than twenty-five years. They give circumspect advice on every aspect of owning a dog. Wager reads from a script in a deep, quiet voice. He appears to be a seasoned reader and has a steady pace. Wager is a good choice because he sounds approximately the same age and race as the monks themselves. The book is embellished with short pieces of monastic chanting. A.G.H. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The Monks of New Skete have been involved in every facet of dog care for over 25 years: breeding and raising German Shepherds, training dogs of all breeds, and counseling dog owners on the many aspects of life with their dogs. What sets this program apart is the monks' compassion, respect, affection, and understanding of canine behavior and how they incorporate that into their training. Abridged.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal