The Monks of New Skete share their invaluable training techniques and philosophy in their bestselling book, How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend. First and foremost, the Monks--who themselves breed and raise German shepherds in Upstate New York--emphasize that "understanding is the key to communication, compassion, and communion" with your dog. Outlined in seven highly readable and informative chapters, the training principles offer a better knowledge of your pet's psyche and personality--ultimately deepening the bond between human and animal. Striving to educate and sensitize new and potential owners to dog kind, the book explores different breeds and temperaments, and assesses the best places from which to obtain a dog. Thanks to a succession of neatly ordered chapters and subsections on everything from crates and leash training to dog treats and massage, training is made accessible and even fun. The Monks lay particular emphasis on the importance of training with "spirit, humor, and most of all, physical and verbal praise!" Whether you're a new owner or an old-timer, How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend is one of the best training guides available, written with compassion, empathy, and humor. --Naomi Gesinger

From Publishers Weekly
The Monks of New Skete have been raising and training dogs for over 30 years at their Cambridge, New York, monastery, and this volume-updated from the 1978 version-offers solid insights on dog training, behavior, grooming, feeding and a host of other topics. Whether discussing country, city or suburban dogs, the monks dispense good advice on humane care, such as admonishing owners to avoid "canine incarceration," i.e., leaving a dog confined alone for long periods of time. While the book does contain many useful, tried-and-true techniques for obedience-stay, heel, down-stay, recall and the like-its unique value lies in the monks' insights and thoughts about the human-canine bond. Concepts such as discipline and praise are more than merely a means to an end, the monks maintain: they are extensions of a caring attitude and real communication with a canine companion. Without devolving into New Age psychobabble, the monks make philosophical and spiritual observations that no dog lover could resist, and which just might make a convert of the uninitiated. 87 b&w photos.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
As well-known breeders of German shepherds, these monks (The Art of Raising a Puppy) have developed excellent insight into some of the best ways to train, manage, and enjoy life with your dog. The tapes begin by offering basic information on the dog as a pack animal and on how to select a puppy and find training help. They then progress through housebreaking, a variety of training procedures, and situational considerations. Social behaviors, problems such as chewing and digging, and suggested solutions are discussed. Not every technique is appropriate for every dog. The monks essentially acknowledge that there are definite breed differences in training herding dogs vs. terriers vs. toys, etc., but that disclaimer may be missed by some listeners. While "one size does not fit all" in terms of training or lifestyle, their advice is generally very sound. Their approach is firm but compassionate. Michael Wager sounds like a sage, older man who is very familiar with and confident in his advice. A very good value and highly recommended for public, school, and college libraries.-Carolyn Alexander, Brigadoon Lib., Salinas, CA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile
The monks of New Skete took their years of experience training dogs at the monastery and turned it into one of the best "how-to" books for raising a canine friend. Using just the right mix of discipline and love, the monks offer some great advice to develop a good relationship with a well-trained and cared-for companion. Where the book itself can bog down in details, the audiobook is a godsend for any harried pet owner or busy person looking to improve his or her canine relationships. The reading is no-nonsense but friendly and makes training tips seem do-able and even fun. The best part about the book, however, is the examples of how poor discipline leads to unruly dogs. While the stories themselves are unbelievable--and unbelievably funny for anyone who has suffered at the hands of a well-meaning pup--the reader manages to sound serious while still enjoying the subject matter, no small feat considering the magnitude of the mishaps. H.L.S. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal

As well-known breeders of German shepherds, these monks (The Art of Raising a Puppy) have developed excellent insight into some of the best ways to train, manage, and enjoy life with your dog. The tapes begin by offering basic information on the dog as a pack animal and on how to select a puppy and find training help. They then progress through housebreaking, a variety of training procedures, and situational considerations. Social behaviors, problems such as chewing and digging, and suggested solutions are discussed. Not every technique is appropriate for every dog. The monks essentially acknowledge that there are definite breed differences in training herding dogs vs. terriers vs. toys, etc., but that disclaimer may be missed by some listeners. While "one size does not fit all" in terms of training or lifestyle, their advice is generally very sound. Their approach is firm but compassionate. Michael Wager sounds like a sage, older man who is very familiar with and confident in his advice. A very good value and highly recommended for public, school, and college libraries.--Carolyn Alexander, Brigadoon Lib., Salinas, CA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.\

AudioFile