Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 146-150 of 189
 The Monks Know Dogs-Does The Book Help You Train Your Dog? April 26, 2000
Stanley Francis (United States)
18 out of 19 found this review helpful
When deciding to buy a puppy, this book was recommended by the breeder. We have owned dogs before, but wanted help in training a dog the "right way" this time. This book was helpful. We found enough useful information in the book to get started. The Monks love and understanding of dogs gets your mind in the correct "place". Instead of reacting to your new puppy with habit or first instinct, you learn a new way of viewing the animal's nature and needs. As far as actual training methods or how-to's, it didn't go far enough for me, however. It does cover the most basic things, but the Monks second book is required reading if you want to fully train your new pet.
 Excellence April 25, 2000
Guy in Ohio (Westerville, Ohio United States)
4 out of 5 found this review helpful
I agree with the gentleman from New Jersey in that the Monks DO in fact celebrate their technique quite a lot in their recent book. However, it is always coupled with the technique itself. I am 22 years old and purchasing a GSD for the first time and was hesitant due to my inexperience with GSDs, however, this book provided more insight that I ever expected. The monks teach you how to view your puppy's world through their eyes. Many people don't think about what the DOG may be expecting from YOU. I firmly believe that once you have grasped that concept, your relationship with your puppy will escalate to levels you couldn't imaging - and this book will certainly pave the way.
 Helpful, but not 5 stars. April 21, 2000
4 out of 11 found this review helpful
This book has some helpful information, however it focuses on a celebration of their technique rather than the technique itself. Maybe the first book should be purchased as a companion (though its copyright is 1978 and may be dated).There is too much about their success stories. It just didn't feel right to me. Worth a look, but not to be relied upon as a sole source for training information.
Sensitivity Plus April 10, 2000
Mrs Kate Nicholls (Perth, Western Australia)
73 out of 77 found this review helpful
In July 1997 I wrote the following review for this book in our breed club magazine. It is probably worth repeating it. My thoughts have not changed.Some books are more special to me than others. On my shelves I have many books on dog behaviour, obedience, psychology etc. but there is one that stands head and shoulders above the rest when it comes right down to the nitty gritty of raising puppies, and that is the most sensitive of books, "The Art of Raising a Puppy". Back in 1978 The Monks of New Skete published a book entitled "How to be Your Dog's Best Friend" and told how the Monks obtained their first German shepherd in 1966 and how "Training dogs grew organically out of our experiences with our own dogs". Their careful breeding and training of their German shepherds and the training of visiting dogs became the means of financing the running of their community. "The Art of Raising a Puppy, published in 1991 is a quantum leap forward in sensitivity; I loved it from the moment I read the first few pages and was gently lead through Anka's gentle birthing of her puppies. It matters not a jot that these are all German Shepherds; we can easily relate everything to our Rhodesian Ridgebacks. The affinity these monks have developed with their dogs almost sends a shiver down one's spine. As I read on I felt myself agreeing wholeheartedly with what they were saying...and wishing that I could have been the one to say it! They have managed to convey all the minutiae of canine behaviour that only constant and vigilant observation teaches and then convey it to the reader. I could not find a single area of puppy upbringing that was not covered; from the initial decision to purchase a puppy, finding a breeder, aptitude testing, general care, basic training for puppies, lessons from the pack, discipline and common puppy problems, and much, much more: a veritable wealth of knowledge all in one book. For instance there is a chapter entitled "Reading your Dog" (one of my favourite hobbies) with subtitles, Canine Communication, Vocal Communication, Visual Communication, Olfactory Communication, Pack Dymanics and Training the the Pack. And throughout the book there are excellent photos, some of which give you a puppy's eye view of the world, also their adaptions of the classic illustrations of canine facial expressions and body language. This magic book will certainly enlighten those who misread the messages that out canine friends give. In "How To Be Your Dog's Best Friend" they speak of "inseeing" and its importance in your relationship with your dog ..."Inseeing is standing inside your dog's psyche, putting yourself at her centre, where she is a unique, individual creature, and understanding her from that perspective", and they again reintroduce this concept in "The Art of Raising a Puppy" The closing chapter reminds us that "When you take the time and energy necessary to raise a puppy correctly, wonderful things happen. The dog becomes a friend.
An Absolute Must April 3, 2000
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I think this book should be required reading for anyone about to get a puppy or anyone involved in the business of training dogs. This book has such a kind, thoughtful and effective method of relating to and training your puppy.Wonderful!
|
