Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 11-15 of 155
 not a complete waste of time, but close October 21, 2007
Michelle Neuman (Washington, DC USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
read it if you want, but please read Kilcommons's book first. The monks don't expand their ideas--the book is mostly an overview of concepts instead of teaching techniques step by step. I respect anyone who can train a dog effectively; however, I don't agree with their "hands on" approach.
 awesome book October 15, 2007
Shaunna T. Burnett
The book will help me be an amazing dog owner when I'm ready for it. I read it and thought about my lifestyle (22 y.o. English teacher in South Korea) and decided that now is not the time for me to have a dog. Kudos to the Monks of New Skete. It has, however, helped me start training my students. :)
 When you've got enough time on your hand... September 4, 2007
Eddie Landsberg (Tokyo, Japan)
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
Who better than a bunch of rural New England living monks to spend their days raising German Shepards and writing about it... Between living the monastic life (young pups tethered to their frocks), these monks raise, breed and train dogs... and have written a book (this) which is considered by many the definitive dog owners guide... and when it comes to straightforward, in-depth non-gimmicky practicality... this manual may very well live up to its reputation... and quite worldly and dog centered with the exception on their philosophy of discipline... and this is why I only give it four stars... not that I agree or disagree, but its important to realize that their method is neither RADICAL, nor exactly modern... Basically if you've been reading most of the newer books you're told "Never punish a puppy..." in contrast, the Monk's go into quite a bit of detail on how to get yours to yelp should he try to pull certain offenses... Included are maneuvers which the monks describe as more drama than violence, but definitely are corporal punishment... with those controversial ALPHA ROLLS for toppers... and this is where I have a problem: I would really like to see the average non-professional dog trainer little old lady try to slap then alpha roll a large breed dog with an aggression problem and see what happens (a face full of stitches perhaps?) If such maneuvers are meant as a LAST RESORT, wouldn't that mean that the dog may very well need to be handled by a professional with a bit more experience... Trust me... I can't even play with my toy poodle without now and then having my nose chewed on... wrestling Rottweilers... forget it. - - I hope atleast one person agrees with me that even if this type of discipline is appropriate to get the dog to submit, it should not be done by someone unless they really know what they're doing... and even if not abusive when PROPERLY ADMINISTERED can be traumatic if not dangerous to the handler and dog if IMPROPERLY done. (I will admit though, the setting the dog up not to chase cars trick does sound rather fun!)
That said, this book is chock full of advice... not mere obedience but everything including very sensible advice many books miss out on... For example, the Monk's plead for a lifestyle that keeps the dog active, occupied and socialized, not merely disciplined and tied up in a yard...
and they go into the specifics how, even offering advice on how to make toys and sports good for both city and country. - - They also have a rather interesting trick they use with keys (similar to clicker training.)
My end advice... get it, but also read other books for balance... nonetheless, get it before you get your pup...
Absolutely Essential! August 30, 2007
Elspeth
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
My own dog's trainer does not approve of the Monks, but in my world there is plenty of room for difference of opinion!
The Monks' book is valuable no matter what method you eventually settle on as a good fit for your temperament and your dog's needs, because the Monks' advice is about so much more than training methods: it is about a lifestyle and outlook, and dedication to your dog as a member of the family, with needs very different from those of the human members. It is that sense of confidence and kind authority, without being stern or strict, that makes training work- not the style of training itself. This book helps you achieve that state, which gives your dog the restful assurance that Master or Mistress is in charge, so he can relax and do his best at being your dog.
Great Training Manual August 28, 2007
D. Lovitz (Lehigh Valley, PA)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
I got this because of my border collie. I am very glad I got this book. It was hard to choose which book to get since there are so many out there. I researched many books before deciding on this one. If you want to train your dog, buy this book!
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