Tatjana V. (tatjana) reviewed How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend : A Training Manual for Dog Owners on + 27 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Dear Reader,
These gentlemen and their female counterparts that make both cheesecakes and dog beds, were espousing the Millan method before Millan. Our family has read and used the monks' methods of dog training with great success. Both our own Bouviers (a breed known for dominance issues as well as aloofness) and rescues have benefitted from the wisdom of the New Skete method.
Don't worry, it doesn't involve going to chapel and praying over your dog. What it does require, like Cesar's methods, is a commitment to the living being you are bringing into your family. The commitment involves time and an understanding of pack structure and a willingness to create soothing repetition and structure within your own life. Believe me when I tell you that it is as good for your spirit as it is for the dog's.
You can't go wrong with this method. If you are considering a puppy, I recommend "The Art of Raising a Puppy" by the same group. Trust me. It works like a charm. There is nothing like taking enormous dogs in public whenever the whim strikes us because we have trained them in a method that really works.
These gentlemen and their female counterparts that make both cheesecakes and dog beds, were espousing the Millan method before Millan. Our family has read and used the monks' methods of dog training with great success. Both our own Bouviers (a breed known for dominance issues as well as aloofness) and rescues have benefitted from the wisdom of the New Skete method.
Don't worry, it doesn't involve going to chapel and praying over your dog. What it does require, like Cesar's methods, is a commitment to the living being you are bringing into your family. The commitment involves time and an understanding of pack structure and a willingness to create soothing repetition and structure within your own life. Believe me when I tell you that it is as good for your spirit as it is for the dog's.
You can't go wrong with this method. If you are considering a puppy, I recommend "The Art of Raising a Puppy" by the same group. Trust me. It works like a charm. There is nothing like taking enormous dogs in public whenever the whim strikes us because we have trained them in a method that really works.
Gail B. reviewed How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend : A Training Manual for Dog Owners on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This book contained useful information about training a dog. The reader must keep in mind that this book was written in the 1970's. Two of the suggestions that I found to be most helpful were to use icecubes as treats and cardboard boxes for your dog's entertainment. Some of the book was outdated, such as how the dog fits into the average daily life of a housewife. Also, there was a kneeing of the dog technique used to curb jumping, which I found to be a bit harsh. There are better, more humane ways to teach not jumping, such as leash teathering, which was not mentioned in this book. Overall, i would say that this book was helpful. Even the book suggests that the dog owner at least reference three books, when deciding how to train their dog. I would have to agree with this, as the dog owner needs to expose themselves to several ideologies in order to figure out their own way of how they want their dog to be. Also, this book recomends hanging toys from springs in an outdoor pen to entertain the dog, which is not something I would personally recommend due to the chance of strangulation. This book recommends building an obstacle course in your backyard for your dog's enjoyment, not something most owners would be willing to do. The reader must also keep in mind that this was written by monks. I would moste certainly recommend this book to new dog owners and suggest that they also bring their dog to an obedience class and read any of Cesar Milan's books for a well-rounded, comprehensive approach to dog training.
Bobbie M. (BobbiesZoo) reviewed How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend : A Training Manual for Dog Owners on + 107 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Pretty nicely done book. Training is more of the "old standard" way which works for larger breeds better than small breeds. Will have to disagree w/two things though...NEVER leave a choke chain on a dog when not in training and NEVER leave a dog in the car unattended. You dog is better off at home then dead in the car or stolen.
Jeffro B. (jeffro) reviewed How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend : A Training Manual for Dog Owners on + 11 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
great book! the training is a little out dated but very helpful. I more enjoyed learning how they integrated their dogs into their daily lives and truly became best friends.
Jinny Joy J. reviewed How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend : A Training Manual for Dog Owners on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I have raised and rescued Golden Retrievers and other dogs throughout my life and I cannot recommend a better book on the relationship between owner and dog. The Monks of New Skete have an immense experience and share it clearly and helpfully in this great book. I would also recommend The Art of Raising a Puppy.
Mary G. reviewed How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend : A Training Manual for Dog Owners on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is one of my "Must Have' books for anyone who trains dogs. I always have bookmarks in place and highlighter all over.
Helpful Score: 1
This was an excellent book and will benefit our family for years. I'm still using some of the information to bond with our 9 month old puppy. I would recommend this book to others.
Carol J. reviewed How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend : A Training Manual for Dog Owners on + 5 more book reviews
The Monks of New Skete know their dogs. This is a book that follows up their The Art of Raising a Puppy. Both books are excellent, but are best read BEFORE obtaining a puppy. However, if you are looking for training tips for your less than obedient pup, these books are certainly worth your time.
