This is a revised addition of a wonderful book that has been around for a long time. The Monks are very impressive with their knowledge of dogs, their behavior and body language. The book teaches how to recognize the body language and how to correct unwanted behaviors. Their corrections are very quick and non abusive. They stress the necessity of being the pack leader but not in an overly demanding and strident manner. I have raised and trained many dogs using their methods and found them to be very successful. My dogs have always been good friends and a pleasure to have in our home. I highly recommend this book as well the other books by the Monks on training dogs.

if you are looking for a deeper relationship or just have a few problems with your dog and need some advise this book is fantastic. also read the art of raising a puppy even if you have an adult dog.

I got this book from a friend and have absolutely loved it. This book should be owned by all dog owners and breeders. This is the best book I have ever read on dog training, and I have read many. By the time you are half-way through this book you feel as if you and your dog actually understand each other. That's a result that speak for itself!

Also check these books:
Why Do Dogs Drink Out of the Toilet?: 101 of the Most Perplexing Questions Answered About Canine Conundrums, Medical Mysteries and Befuddling Behaviors
The Dog Who Rescues Cats: True Story of Ginny, The

I don't raise Jack Russell terriers but I do replenish my own supply as I have a good line...when I breed the rare litter I carefully select who may take one of my pups.
I always give the new owner of one of my pups a copy of this book. It is unbelieveably straight-foreward and no-nonsense and, above all, the monks' theory works. I have used it with great success on every one of my hard-headed little Jacks and, if you know Jack Russells, that's a feat!
I will also admit that I used the "take 'em down" technique on my own teenagers a few times! Anaother example of how you don't need to beat them....just show them who's alpha!

There are a lot of ways to train a dog, but there is a better resource then this book. www.webdogtrainer.com is an online dog training guide that walks you through the steps of training your dog in a way that you can really understand and succeed at. Julie, the trainer who wrote the guide is also available for individual consults through the site, if you have questions about your own dog along the way. It is an excellent dog training resource and worth checking out! For more info Visit www.webdogtrainer.com

There are a lot of ways to train a dog, but there is a better resource then this book. www.webdogtrainer.com is an online dog training guide that walks you through the steps of training your dog in a way that you can really understand and succeed at. Julie, the trainer who wrote the guide is also available for individual consults through the site, if you have questions about your own dog along the way. It is an excellent dog training resource and worth checking out! For more info Visit www.webdogtrainer.com

Do not waste your money on this book. The monks apparently like to hear themselves talk and talk and talk. The big problem with this is that there is very little information in all the stories they tell that can help you directly with your new dog.

This is a wonderful book that everybody who owns or wants to own a dog should read.

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.

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. :)

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...

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.

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!

When we adopted our black lab/shepard mix we sent for a copy of this book and felt that we successfully trained our dog using the monks' methods. Then our daughter (a school teacher) just got a purebred yellow lab so we obtained this particular copy of the book for her to use. She and her husband have read the book and using their methods of training. We and they are very happy with the results of the training of our dogs.

Most other books about dogtraining have prettier pictures, and simpler advice. However, this book gives really exhaustive advice on how to train your dog in a way the dog understands and accepts. I also think that many other books about dogs anthropomizes the dogs. This one doesn't, it all the times reminds the reader that a dog is a dog (and 100% genetically wolf), and all the training is based on that fact. It is not denigrating to the dogs, rather it focuses on the dogs feelings and point of view, so, rather, it is more respectful of the dog.
There are some caveats with this book though: these guys raise big dogs, so, naturally, their advice works best with big, and more powerful dogs - like labradors. Secondly, this book does not really focus on puppies, so you might want a comeplementary book which deals with the art of raising puppies.

This book is excellent, easy to read, has plenty of pictures to demonstrate methods, and the most important thing, the methods work! My dog would not heel no matter what method I tried, I took him to obedience training, and read a number of books for help. So I decided to buy this book, and within THREE MINUTES my dog was heeling like a pro using the Monks of New Skete's training methods. Now I no longer get dragged down the street while trying to walk my dog! They also have excellent exercise tips for your dog, many other training methods that can tackle a number of problems, and also a really great section on how to include your dog more in your daily life. Overall, EXCELLENT book and I would recommend this book to anybody who has a dog.

I've been a dog trainer for many years and this is one of two books that I suggest for people to read. A lot of knowledge in this book.

When my dog was younger, I was advised that the best way to keep him from running into the street and in front of cars was to actually hit him with my car. That's right, hit my dog with my car- "not too hard, but enough to scare him so he won't forget it." That same person gave me this book and said it was the best for dog training. I doubt the car hitting advice is part of this book, but I never did finish reading it. I only needed to read a little to see that instilling fear and punishment were a large part of the Monks "technique". It was the same mentality as hitting my dog with my car. For me, I feel that there are a lot better ways to train a dog. There are a lot of misinformed people that think positive training means wimpy coddling. Its not, and other commenters here have already cited some books that are good examples.

The shelter system is already overflowing with dogs with "behavior" problems. Are there that many bad dogs? Or are some just the products of well-meaning but inexperienced owners that used heavy-handed punishment "training" because they got bad advice from a bad book?

Incidently, I normally donate any books I'm finished with, but not this one. I didn't want to be responsible for disseminating it any further. It went straight to the recycling bin, hopefully to be recycled in to something better..... like toilet paper.

This book addresses dog training in a realistic and understandable way. It doesn't pretend that dogs are children and it doesn't advocate purely positive reinforcement. Many of the newer books take a ridiculous approach to dog training and assume that even the slightest punishment is dog abuse. The Monks take a far more realistic view - dogs are pack animals that need a leader and even the most benevolent leader may occasionally discipline the pack members. If you use the Monk's methods, you will rarely have to discipline your dog. Many so-called experts argue that disciplining your dog will make him fear you. The Monks' methods do not make the dog fear you, but they do make the dog understand that there are negative consequences for certain behaviors. I don't want to dwell on the discipline aspect, since it's only one chapter of the book. It is, however, the reason this book receives a lot of criticism.

One reason I think this is a great book is because the Monks don't claim that their way is the only way to train a dog. They encourage their readers to read other training books and find the methods that work best for the individual and the dog. Other books, such as the Loved Dog, are extremely critical of other trainers and their methods.

I use the Monks' book and have a very happy, well behaved German Shepherd mix. I recommend the book as one way, but not the only way, to understanding your dog.

When you take your new dog home, don't forget this manual that'll give you a leg up on training your new friend.

I read this book about 15 years ago, and lent it to my brother. I never got it back! I just purchased it again.

This book explains not only what to do with a puppy, but what NOT to do and why. Dogs are pack animals, part of the family, but the owner(s) must be the alpha. The book explains this. It explains why a dog shouldn't be locked in the kitchen at night, but included in the owner's bedroom, however, not in the bed.

It explains the fear period, and training methods that work using prevention, praise, and correction rather than punishment.

If you have a dog with problems, or are getting a puppy, get this book before you get any other.

I read this book about 15 years ago, and lent it to my brother. I never got it back! I just purchased it again.

This book explains not only what to do with a puppy, but what NOT to do and why. Dogs are pack animals, part of the family, but the owner(s) must be the alpha. The book explains this. It explains why a dog shouldn't be locked in the kitchen at night, but included in the owner's bedroom, however, not in the bed.

It explains the fear period, and training methods that work using prevention, praise, and correction rather than punishment.

If you have a dog with problems, or are getting a puppy, get this book before you get any other.

Recently purchased a gsd puppy and the breeder recommended this book as a training suppliment. Although I have spent my life around dogs it had been a good 10yrs since I last had a puppy. while I waited for my puppy to get old enough to come home I read this book and was amazed at the details. While we often expect our pet to be our best friend I think that we sometimes forget the friendship works both ways. Am happy to write that using recommeded techniques my puppy was house trained in the first week. GSD's are a wonderful breed and while I found it wonderful to get ideas from such reknown breeders I believe this book would be beneficial to any new dog owner no matter the breed.

Although there are good rules at the end of this book, it is only useful to someone who can spend his/her entire day exercising the dog. Any dog who is so tired from exercising eight hours a day is going to behave well. It is a silly book. I found Marley and Me more useful.

I wanted to read the revised edition to see what had really changed about the Monks' philosophy, and was disappointed to find that there is still such an emphasis on punishment. I prefer to "catch my dog doing something right", and reward the behavior I want. So, compared to some of the more progressive methods that emphasize dog-friendly, but still effective, techniques, this book falls short of what I expected to see. As a trainer, I am much more impressed by the step-by-step method in Peggy Tillman's "Clicking With Your Dog". I also recommend that new owners, in particular, read Patricia McConnell's "The Other End of the Leash", Jean Donaldson's "The Culture Clash" and Cheryl Smith's "The Rosetta Bone" to gain a perspective on how humans miscommunicate with dogs. Now that I have adopted a more positive approach, I have happier and more obedient dogs.
(And, for a dynamite "come when called", no one beats Leslie Nelson's "Really Reliable Recall" - even the Monks. If you want your dog to be a partner and companion, not a slave, pass on this one.

This book has it all. It is an exceptionally interesting read, well laid out and full of clear and precise instructions for a well trained dog and "how to be your dog's best friend". I had trouble putting the book down and found the information invaluable in working with my recently acquired 3-legged puppy. I have read various other dog training books but this makes sense! I particularly appreciated the clearness of the instructions; this book has become my dog "bible" which I refer to over and over again. I also purchased the Monks of New Skete DVDs which, too, are excellent!

We bought this book hoping to garner some tips for retraining our pound adopted seven month old Pyrenees/Golden Retriever mix. That's not what this book is about.

I don't want to shortchange the authors, we did garner some solid tips on overall behavior and general training techniques from the book, especially in regards to the `sit/stay', 'no jump' and 'no bite', but I think the book falls short and is not intended for the occasion when it comes to the retraining aspects that may be necessary for a 'pound dog' (I hate to call Ari that, but that's how we got him and how he behaved when he entered the family circle). This book has lots of great reviews and I'm sure deservedly so for the intended audience, but consider others if you're not raising a puppy from day one, especially if it's not a German Shepherd or like breed.

Glad a friend and a dog owner recommended that I buy this book to read. Lots of great ideas and tips on what to and not to do.

This book came highly recommended, as being very popular with vets and dog owners. It has a lot of information on obedience training for adult dog (come, sit, lay down, heel, etc.) There is also interesting information about dog psychology. Puppies are not covered.

We got a new puppy three weeks ago. Knowing little about dogs and nearly nothing about puppy care, we purchased this book as our primary source for puppy raising advice. Got it home and discovered that this book does not have any advice on puppies -- that is in the other New Skete Monks book, with "Puppy" in the title, with which I'm also very disappointed. This book only covers adult dogs, and within adult dogs only covers traditional obedience training (sit, come, lay down).

Other topics of extreme interest to new dog owners and people with dog problems are simply not addressed. For example, there is nothing on teaching your dog good manners -- I'd call this training, but it isn't covered. There is very little on addressing problem behaviors. What if your dog barks too much -- from what I've read the most common reason for someone to give up a dog? The authors don't say, just "dogs bark". What about jumping on furniture? Nothing. The little advice they have addressing behavior problems didn't work for us (e.g., jumping on people). There isn't any advice on dogs that aren't sociable with other dogs, which would at least have helped my mother and justified this book's "highly recommended" status at least a little bit.

Overall, a very disappointing book that claims a lot and delivers little.

This book came highly recommended, as being very popular with vets and dog owners. It has a lot of information on obedience training for adult dog (come, sit, lay down, heel, etc.) There is also interesting information about dog psychology. Puppies are not covered.

Alas, numerous topics of extreme interest to new dog owners are simply not addressed. What if your dog barks too much -- from what I've read the most common reason for someone to give up a dog? The authors don't say, just "dogs bark". What about jumping on furniture? Nothing. The little advice they have addressing behavior problems didn't work for us (e.g., jumping on people).

So, some very interesting information on obedience training adult dogs, but no help whatsoever if you encounter behavior problems with your dog.

If you are serious about learning how to live with your dog, this book is an excellent investment. I'd purchased it years ago when it was first published. I currently teach advanced obedience classes and recommend this book for all my students. There is something in there for everyone at all stages of dog training.

Meanwhile a lot of other people written very good books in a very different stile:
Suzanne Clothier (Bones would rain from the Sky)
Patricia McConnell (The other end of the Leash)
Turid Rugaas (Calming Signals)

We have three Irish Setter and we prefer a soft method for our dogs.

I got this book from a friend and have absolutely loved it. This book should be owned by all dog owners and breeders. This is the best book I have ever read on dog training, and I have read many. By the time you are half-way through this book you feel as if you and your dog actually understand each other. That's a result that speak for itself!

Although I do disagree with some of the punishment techniques suggested in this book( I still haven't read the revised edition), I can still say that this is a great book. Of course this book doesn't replace obedience classes, but it's a great way to start training your dog and learning to communicate with it. I have read it several times and given it to friends who were getting ready to adopt a dog. It has helped me train three dogs, with obedience classes in addition to at home training, of course. It is definitely a classic and a must on any new dog owner's nightstand.

I have had an earlier version of this and have ordered the latest. I have used methods in this book to raise and train four Dobermans and a Great Dane. As others have said, the negative reviews come from people who have not read the book (one admits just flipping through it in a bookstore) or did not absorb what they read or have bought into the notion that dogs are really furry children. You can discipline your dog (or child) physically without being cruel. Sometimes for your safety or the dogs behavior must be corrected immediately. A physical reprimand (smack undeer the chin) is the fastest way to make your point. As others have also noted, there is so much more to this book than just dog training. The monks are kind, compassionate men who have developed an unmatched understanding of dog behavior through years of study and interaction with them and they convey that knowledge in clear, charming prose. Anyone with a dog or planning to get one should own this book.

I am astounded at the number of negative reviews of this book that blithely ignore what's actually in it. As others have stated, the recommendations to hit a dog come with plenty of warnings and caveats that it only be done in extreme situations and only if you're comfortable doing it and only if that's how you chose to deal with some specific, serious problem your dog may have. They never, ever recommend hitting a dog for say, simply refusing to come, the way some of these reviews make it seem.

Also, many people keep harping on the Alpha Dog Roll. Here's what the 2002 edition states, verbatim: "(in italics) We no longer recommend this technique and strongly discourage its use to our clients. Though it can be argued that it has a natural basis in pack life, in a dog-human context it is potentially very dangerous and can set up the owner for a serious bite on the face (or worse), particularly with a dominant dog. The conditions in which it might be used effectively are simply too risky and demanding for the average dog owner; there are other ways of dealing with problem behavior that are much safer and, in the long run, just as effective.
Let us repeat: the disciplinary techniques explained in this section should not be applied haphazardly and for a slight misbehavior. There is always the chance that autocratic dog ownders, having learned discipline techniques, will misuse them. Watch yourself - owners whe are physically or verbally domineering wind up with cringing, neurotic dogs. Discipline, like praise, must be meaningful. It must communicate the owner's displeasure clearly, and on the dog's level of understanding and perception, for unacceptable behavior."

"How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend" is an excellent reference book for the first time dog owner and trainer. As well as the normal chapters on how to choose, socialise, feed, groom and train a puppy, the Monks cover topics as varied as how to read a puppy's pedigree, how to massage your dog, and how your dog's living environment will impact upon his training needs.

Unlike many training manuals, the Monks of New Skete strike a nice balance between "dominance" based training methods and formal training. The Monks stress the importance of earning your dog's trust and respect and the importance of being a strong pack leader for your dog; they also recognise the need for formal training, and spend several chapters explaining how this is best accomplished. Most training books are heavily biased towards one or other method, so it is nice to read a book which realises that both are ingredients in successful dog training.

The training methods discussed are fairly traditional, with the Monks either luring or gently moulding the dog into shape, then praising. However they also advocate classically conditioning a positive reinforcer (keys jingling), which can then be used at strategic times to help a dog relax; and they do discuss and recommend clicker methods for "sensitive" dogs.

Contrary to some reviews posted below, the Monks of New Skete do in fact advocate using plenty of positive reinforcement in their training. Confusion on this issue probably stems from the fact that the Monks do not advocate constantly using food treats while training. However, food treats are not the only positive reinforcement method available to a trainer. As the Monks point out "Food treats are an extremely effective motivator to help dogs learn...however, they are not meant to replace sincere verbal and physical praise." The Monks advocate that puppies are regularly praised, petted and played with during training. Punishment only ever comes after a dog has been shown an exercise multiple times and fully understands what is required of it, and far from being harsh or abusive, is normally limited to stern eye contact or a verbal growl. Scruff shakes and chin cuffs are reserved for the worst transgressions. The Monks take care to emphasise that any punishment used should be immediate, fair and consistent.

There are certainly gaps in this book. The "Problem Solving" section is rudimentary at best (for example, the section on interdog aggression only recommends limiting the dog's opportunity to mark territory, desexing him and muzzling him!). Readers with a problem dog would be well advised to get some more indepth resources regarding their dog's particular problem. The obedience exercises covered are quite limited, covering only the sit, down, stay, heel and recall. Owners wishing to teach their dogs more advanced exercises will need to seek additional resources. It is also disappointing that the Monks only discuss one method of teaching each exercise. With the plethora of options available today to teach even something as simple as a sit - for example, shaping, luring, capturing - it is a pity the Monks did not discuss several options for training each behaviour.

Despite such flaws, "How to be your Dog's Best Friend" is one of the three training books I generally recommend to new dog owners (the other two are "The Other End of the Leash" by Patricia McConnell and "The Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson). These three books complement each other very well. "The Other End of the Leash" is a great primer on canine-human communication, whereas "The Culture Clash" is an excellent manual on operant conditioning-based positive training. "How to Be your Dog's Best Friend" both fills in important gaps left by the other two books, and puts the case for kind and fair "traditional" style training.

"How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend" is an excellent reference book for the first time dog owner and trainer. As well as the normal chapters on how to choose, socialise, feed, groom and train a puppy, the Monks cover topics as varied as how to read a puppy's pedigree, how to massage your dog, and how your dog's living environment will impact upon his training needs.

Unlike many training manuals, the Monks of New Skete strike a nice balance between "dominance" based training methods and formal training. The Monks stress the importance of earning your dog's trust and respect and the importance of being a strong pack leader for your dog; they also recognise the need for formal training, and spend several chapters explaining how this is best accomplished. Most training books are heavily biased towards one or other method, so it is nice to read a book which realises that both are ingredients in successful dog training.

The training methods discussed are fairly traditional, with the Monks either luring or gently moulding the dog into shape, then praising. However they also advocate classically conditioning a positive reinforcer (keys jingling), which can then be used at strategic times to help a dog relax; and they do discuss and recommend clicker methods for "sensitive" dogs.

Contrary to some reviews posted below, the Monks of New Skete do in fact advocate using plenty of positive reinforcement in their training. Confusion on this issue probably stems from the fact that the Monks do not advocate constantly using food treats while training. However, food treats are not the only positive reinforcement method available to a trainer. As the Monks point out "Food treats are an extremely effective motivator to help dogs learn...however, they are not meant to replace sincere verbal and physical praise." The Monks advocate that puppies are regularly praised, petted and played with during training. Punishment only ever comes after a dog has been shown an exercise multiple times and fully understands what is required of it, and far from being harsh or abusive, is normally limited to stern eye contact or a verbal growl. Scruff shakes and chin cuffs are reserved for the worst transgressions. The Monks take care to emphasise that any punishment used should be immediate, fair and consistent.

There are certainly gaps in this book. The "Problem Solving" section is rudimentary at best (for example, the section on interdog aggression only recommends limiting the dog's opportunity to mark territory, desexing him and muzzling him!). Readers with a problem dog would be well advised to get some more indepth resources regarding their dog's particular problem. The obedience exercises covered are quite limited, covering only the sit, down, stay, heel and recall. Owners wishing to teach their dogs more advanced exercises will need to seek additional resources. It is also disappointing that the Monks only discuss one method of teaching each exercise. With the plethora of options available today to teach even something as simple as a sit - for example, shaping, luring, capturing - it is a pity the Monks did not discuss several options for training each behaviour.

Despite such flaws, "How to be your Dog's Best Friend" is one of the three training books I generally recommend to new dog owners (the other two are "The Other End of the Leash" by Patricia McConnell and "The Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson). These three books complement each other very well. "The Other End of the Leash" is a great primer on canine-human communication, whereas "The Culture Clash" is an excellent manual on operant conditioning-based positive training. "How to Be your Dog's Best Friend" both fills in important gaps left by the other two books, and puts the case for kind and fair "traditional" style training.

Animals should NEVER receive negative punishment (physical or mental). Why should you, when the positive reinforcemt methods have poved to work so well and makes your animal obey you out of respect and not out of fear as the negative reinforcement does? The use of negative reinforcemt stems from a lack of true understanding of canine psychology (as it is utterly unnecessary) and a need to be sadistic. As a veterinarian and animal lover, I strongly advise against this book.

This book is a disgrace! Our dogs are a part of our family. This book suggests beating your dog and instilling fear into him or her. Pass on this one if you can.

The best way to train your dog is through positive reinforcement. I have a labrador who was very diffcult as a young puppy. We called her "Rosemary's Baby" However, after a few weeks at a local dog obiedience school she is now a changed pup. And it only took a few weeks to see a drastic change. Now she is our angel.

If you are looking for advice on how to train your dog, then find a local dog obeidence school. Two things will happen that you can not get from a book. One your dog will become socialized with other people and dogs and two you will learn from professionals and others in your class who are going through the same thing you are.

As for the monks, "Do onto others as you would want done on to you" If you ever write a book about beating each other into submission, please e-mail me. That one I will buy!

Years ago, the trainer of my 3-months old coonhound recommended staying away from this book, describing it as "the best way to get your dog to be afraid of you and mess up your relationship forever!". But I wanted to read it, to know what it was all about... I cannot tell you how many times I was fuming realizing how ignorantly these Monks approach dogs' psychology and the physical and psychological violence they use. The temptation of throwing that piece of junk out the window was strong, but I read it through to make sure I could talk about it as bad as I can with the knowledge of its contents.
I am saddened to find out that they are still out there... This is the training philosophy for frustrated humans that need to dominate to compensate their own insecurities.
Meanwhile I am a trainer myself and I support a more constructive approach to dog training based on positive reinforcement. If you know nothing about dogs' psychology, and want to learn more from "The Voice" in dog behavior I suggest "The Other End of the Leash" by Patricia McConnell or "Culture Clash"
by Jean Donaldson or "The Power of Positive Dog Training" by Pat Miller.
If you would like to become a benevolent leader of the pack without imposing yourself to your dog with violence or fear, I suggest "How to be the Leader of the Pack...And have Your Dog Love You for It" ("How to" booklets from Dog's Best Friend) by Patricia B. McConnell.
All these books are written by professionals that have been working with dogs and studying dogs' behaviors, but they are very entertaining and easy to read and comprehend. Patricia McConnell also wrote a number of other books addressing specific behavioral issues.

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.

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.

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.

This is **THE** 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.

I relied upon the Monks of New Skete books 13 years ago when I brought my first dog home, and again when I added a rescue dog to our family.

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".

Other recommended dog books include "Good Owners, Great Dogs" by Brian Kilcommons and Carol Lea Benjamin's books ("Secondhand Dog", "Mother Knows Best", and "Surviving Your Dog's Adolescence").

This book is THE classic. Humane, wise, and very helpful for the new dog owner. I relied upon it 13 years ago when I brought my first dog home (a Golden Retriever pup), and later when I added a rescue dog to our family. This book should be on every dog owner's shelf. I've given it to lots of friends over the years.

Another great book is "Good Owners, Great Dogs" by Brian Kilcommons. Carol Lea Benjamin's dog training books are also very helpful ("Secondhand Dog", "Mother Knows Best", and "Surviving Your Dog's Adolescence").

The Monks of New Skete have truly wonderful relationships with their dogs-- we can all learn a great deal from them.

This book is THE classic. Humane, wise, and very helpful for the new dog owner. I relied upon it 13 years ago when I brought my first dog home (a Golden Retriever pup), and later when I added a rescue dog (a 13 year old Irish Setter) to our family.

Another great book is "Good Owners, Great Dogs" by Brian Kilcommons. Carol Lea Benjamin's dog training books are also very helpful ("Secondhand Dog", "Mother Knows Best", and "Surviving Your Dog's Adolescence"). But this book should be on every dog owner's shelf. I recently bought it for my brother and sister when they adopted dogs.

The Monks of New Skete have truly wonderful relationships with their dogs-- we can all learn a great deal from them.

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!

How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend by the Monks of New Skete was a book that one of the dog park people recommended to us. Thanks to the wife's aunt, we got a copy of it for Christmas, and dove right in. After getting through a few chapters, my first thought was "This is the book we should have read before getting Nala".

The Monks of New Skete have apparently been breeding German Shepherd Dogs for quite some time now and also run a boarding/training program for other dogs, so they have a good amount of experience with breeding, raising and training dogs and dog psychology/sociology. Much of this collected wisdom (along with plenty of anectodes) is encapsulated very nicely in this book. The book offers a lot of good training tips and insights into the canine mind, which is something I think all dog owners would benefit from to help understand their dogs better. Apart from the training advice and techniques given in the book, I think the most valuable thing this book has to offer are the monks' insights into the canine mind, and how dogs think and behave. A lot of topics are covered in the book, so at 321 pages some of the coverage is necessarily a little cursory. A sizable reading list at the back provides pointers to other books that cover specific topics in more detail though.

For dog owners, this is one that's definitely worth adding to the bookshelf.

BTW, pay no attention to the bad or 1 star reviews at Amazon.com. All of those people seem to have gotten the wrong idea that the monks are trying to get across about disciplining your dog. They give the false impression that the monks advocate beating your dog into submission, which is totally way off base and suggests these people just didn't get what the monks are trying to say about discipline. While a couple of physical punishment methods are provided, the monks qualify their use by saying:

- "physical discipline or correction is never an arbitrary training technique to be applied to each and every dog for all offenses"

- "In considering their use, you should follow the rule of always using the least amount of force necessary to change the behavior. Don't go overboard. Build on your corrections, making them progressively tougher until your dog responds appropriately. Above all, watch your dog: his response will tell you whether the correction is too soft or too stern."

- "physical discipline should be reserved for the heinous canine crimes mentioned earlier, not meted out for every episode of bad behavior"

The reviewers that give the book a poor review seem to have missed all this. The chapter on discipline ends with a section on making up with your dog afterwards, which is a very important thing to do.

I wouldn't recommend this book alone to the novice dog owner but it is a good start. I think a lot of the criticism here is in the same trendy misbelief that you should never hit a child. Sometimes you must for their own good -- like if a dog is trying to swallow tacks or a child is reaching for a pan of boiling water. If they won't listen to "No!" you cannot allow them to learn from a potentially life altering mistake. A single hit will show them to pay attention and listen to you. The monks are not saying abuse your dog; they're saying teach the dog to listen to and trust you as they would their alpha (which you are). I have had to grab one of my dogs by the scruff of his neck to get him out of the street once. A single time. From that point forward he listens when I call him. This keeps him near me and safe whenever we go out. That one moment of surprise when he learned I could pick him up like a mother dog caused a yelp but he has listened ever since. This is a dog who pouts when I cut his favorite game short and sometimes smacks me awake so I can pet him in the morning (or middle of the night). He doesn't fear me in any way, he just knows to come when I call.

As many readers have suggested, more recent books promote a much healthier way of training. The Dog Whisperer, Don't Shoot the Dog, and many others promote positive reinforcement instead of punishment. If I remember correctly they do mention punishment when absolutely necessary.

How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend teaches not only how to effectively train but how to select or be a responsible breeder. This book helped me convince my husband that we were in no way prepared to breed our ill-tempered, devil spawn of a cocker spaniel with her aloof, sometimes agressive mate.