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Publication Date:November 1, 1999 Availability:Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com Review 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
Product Description The Monks of New Skete are known for their unique approach to raising and training dogs; they maintain the philosophy that "understanding is the key to communication, compassion, and communion" with your dog.
In How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend, the monks build upon the basic puppy training covered in their book The Art of Raising a Puppy to tell you everything you need to know to care for your dog. From how to select a dog to fit your lifestyle, how to read a pedigree, how and when to train, how to properly use praise and discipline, and how to feed and care for dogs, the monks offer clear guidelines to improving communication with your canine.
Filled with the wisdom, compassion, and caring that the brothers are known for, How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend helps you better understand your dog, which can lead to a deepened bond with your pet.
Removed "alpha roll" from the book, so you really can become a best friendJune 7, 2010 Stephen Lerch(Elkton, MD United States) As I was preparing to adopt a new puppy, How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend: The Classic Training Manual for Dog Owners (Revised & Updated Edition) was recommended to me as a gold standard in dog raising. Also recommended was The Art of Raising a Puppy which I have also written a review for.
During my investigation of the book and the method's employed by the Monks of New Skete, I learned about what is called the "alpha roll." You can do a Google search for a more detailed description, but basically it is highly controversial in dog training circles as it can be misused and can end up with a violent dog attack. Essentially the "alpha roll" is when you take your dog and forcibly flip them on their back or side and hold them down until they calm down. The problem here is that what tends to happen is the dog will defend itself; research suggests this is something another animal will do when it is preparing to kill. If you want to be your dog's best friend, don't threaten to kill him by employing an "alpha roll!"
The "Alpha Roll" was something the original book, published in 1976, offered as a form of discipline for a BADLY misbehaving dog. Many people took exception to it, rightly so, and this section was removed from this revised edition with only a passing reference to the original text appearing that explains what it was, why it is dangerous and how it can be misused. It is no longer a recommended form of discipline by the Monks (at least in the book; I can't say what they do on their monastery).
By removing the controversy I had no problem in picking this book up. I actually employ a lot of what they offer up here for training techniques. Having a puppy, however, you are better served with The Art of Raising a Puppy and if you follow their recommendations you may never have a need for this book given your dog won't likely misbehave.
This book is well written and the techniques are easy to use and nonthreatening. Many people may argue against the discipline section given it is offered as a means to dominance. Take it for what you will and skip this chapter if you don't believe in discipline; everything else in this book is solid.
Highly recommended, assuming you purchase the revised edition which this listing is for.
PerfectJune 4, 2010 Nerd Extraordinaire I've raised two dogs following this theories of this book, and both dogs are, well, pretty much the greatest dogs in the galaxy. It's far better than a training book - it quickly and easily teaches you how to communicate with your dog (and other dogs) successfully.
THE best book for dog ownersMay 4, 2010 Patrick Gleason(Baltimore, Maryland USA) I bought this book and was immediately impressed by how it was put together. There's no new-age, touchy-feely mumbo jumbo, just down to earth, common sense knowledge that is immediately applicable, written by people who would know. The monks of New Skete have had 40+ years where all they have done is breed and train dogs, and pray and ruminate about breeding and training dogs, and observe canine behavior. They look at the dog from the dog's point of view and drill into why a dog behaves the way it does. Example: dogs that jump up on people are trying to greet people the way dogs do because they view people the same as they would a dog, and dogs greet other dogs by getting close to and/or licking another dog's face. The monks take a straightforward common sense approach to conditioning a dog toward proper dog behavior, correcting behavior that is less desirable and reinforcing behavior that is.
I bought both of the books from the Monks of New Skeete - "How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend" and "The Art of Raising A Puppy" based on the recommendation of a friend when I got my first dog, a yellow lab. People remark about how well behaved and what good dogs my dogs are. (I later wound up with my Brother-in-Law's yellow lab) I attribute their behavior and well being to what I have learned from these two books. I believe in them to the point where I have bought them and given them to several people who were getting dogs due to how they are written, how the material is structured, and above all else, how easy it is to apply to my own dogs.
A couple of other things that I think are worth mentioning regard talking about how dogs show fear, (prevents getting a "fear bite" where a dog lashes out because it's frightened) how to deal with an overly agressive dog, how to repair damage in a dog that has been abused, and interestingly enough, how to cope when your dog dies - apparently this is something that is avoided by other dog training books and manuals.
I believe in these books so much that I consider them to be the first and best authority on the subject, and if you had to choose only one book to buy when considering buying and raising your own dog, this book would be it.
Excellent Resource!April 2, 2010 Miriam M. Morales(Houston, TX) I have never owned a dog before, needed an overview of what to expect and how to prepare my home and family for a new dog. Very very informative, excellent resources on what it means to bring a dog into your home, how to prepare for your new family member, and how to get basic training started. I also purchased their book: The Art of Raising a Puppy, which is a great in-depth details if you are bringing home a puppy. I loved them both!
Received the book quickly and in the condition I expected.March 8, 2010 Gregory L. Sherman(Denver, CO USA) 0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I seller actually gave me money back because they did not believe the book was in as good of condition as advertised on Amazon. How do you complain with that. I received the book in a few days from the seller and it was in good condition.
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