Customer Reviews:
 Thanks to This Book May 3, 2006
6 out of 10 found this review helpful
I took on a dog who had been declared as "having a screw loose" by an expensive Connecticut dog trainer. I knew this dog was beautiful and intelligent, but knew nothing about dog training. Thanks to this book, a spacious dog crate, and plenty of love, exercise, and patience, a champion Labrador who had been sorrowfully neglected became the love of my life. Within a week of my having him, more than a few people remarked how he was one of the best behaved dogs they had met. God bless Tucker, the beginning of a legacy of dog rescue and training. Also useful: Good Owners, Great Dogs by Brian Kilcommons.
 Stay away from Mean Monks March 29, 2006
9 out of 39 found this review helpful
I perused this book at the book store, and browsed through the pages. I read the chapter on discipline, and was quickly turned off by their approach. Especially as it describes how much pain to administer to your dog in order to get it to obey.
Everyone has a different approach to raising a dog. Just like there are lots of parenting styles out there. Personally, I have chosen a positive, patient parenting style with my own daughters. My dad never hit me -- I never hit them -- and it works. It just takes consistancy, structure, communication, respect, love, and patience. And lots of attention.
I once owned a dog when I was a teen. Back then, a lot of books espoused tough discipline. I didn't know what I was doing, and I screwed that dog up -- it had a mean streak. I definitely did not give that dog the time and proper attention that it needed. It began to growl or bite when I scolded it. And it finally chased down one car too many. It wasn't all my fault -- the dog's previous owner was an over-dominant alpha male type.
I now have a new dog. I knew it was a big responsibility, so I waited until I was much older to take it on. And with the experience of fatherhood, I've taken a positive approach. I've purchased books on positive dog training -- and am even trying a clicker approach. And it is working great -- and the dog is great. Immediately housebroken (used a crate) -- not one accident. Obedient and smart. Most of all -- the dog seems happy and loves the time and attention that I give it.
Yeah, the Monk book has a lot of stars. And it probably works, just like different parenting styles can work. But the positive books out there are also acclaimed -- and have lots of stars by them - if not more. So why not try that approach first. And should it ever fail -- well, you can always try the approach where you beat your dog later.
How to be your dogs best friend March 22, 2006
1 out of 6 found this review helpful
Excellent book easy to follow,giving direction to train and handle your dog.Direction are exacting easy to follow, the book has been a big help in understanding and training our new pup.
A classic book-- try Patricia McConnell for a different perspective February 4, 2006
7 out of 11 found this review helpful
This is a classic book about training and building happy, healthy relationships with our dogs. It should be on every dog owner's shelf. I've lost track of how many copies I've given to friends and family over the years. This new revised and updated edition is even better than the original.
The Monks of New Skete have truly wonderful relationships with their dogs-- we can all learn a great deal from them. Those with pups should check out their book, "The Art of Raising a Puppy".
My ***very*** favorite dog books are by Patricia McConnell-- they are kind, wise, humane-- and her ideas really work!!!! (See McConnell's Beginning Family Dog Training, The Other End of the Leash, and How to be the Leader of the Pack... and Have Your Dog Love You For It)
Trainers Bible January 14, 2006
14 out of 18 found this review helpful
I am a Master Trainer and have been raising and training German and Dutch Shepherd working dogs for over 25 years. I train patrol, protection, detection and companion dogs and I recommend the "Monks" to every new client I work with.
Dogs are Gods greatest gift to mankind. These books show people a "compassion based" training paradigm that not only produces real and long lasting results, but helps to facilitate a lifelong understanding of communication with your dog. Whether you have or are looking for a companion or a working service dog, this is a must read set of books!
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