The Art of Raising a Puppy
by The Monks of New Skete

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Book Reviews of The Art of Raising a Puppy

Book Review: "Fixing" behavior at the root: Relationship
Summary: 2 Stars

The entire book is actually quite good, aside from some outdated advice and training techniques. But the Monks do not address perhaps the most important issue: a trust-built, communication-forged relationship with your dog! They also advocate what I call "doggy breakdowns" with some of their techniques such as the alpha-roll, the head shake, and other very physical methods. As one reviewer mentioned, these may work on the kind of dogs they have, but as an owner of terriers for more than 10 years I will tell you that terriers can get very spiteful. This is completely understandable when you realize you must earn your dog's trust and respect in order to have it! Also, these methods can literally break (emotionally and mentally) a soft, immature, formerly abused, or mentally "slow" dog. I have seen it happen. It is not pretty.

Benevolent leadership. Communication. Rewards. I don't feel any of those things are covered in this book, or at least not to the extent they should be.

Do not rely too heavily on this book. There are WAY too many better guides to "being your dog's best friend" to just read this one. I highly recommend that anyone interested in raising a puppy the right way first learn the art of thinking like and communicating with dogs.

The basis of any "training," formal or otherwise, is this:

A relationship based on MUTUAL understanding, trust, and respect, between a benevolent leader and his/her companion.

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