Summaries and Customer Reviews are supplied by Amazon.com

The book observes a litter of monastery puppies from birth to 12 weeks. Tender photographs and dialogue reflect these precious first few weeks of life. Even at this time, the human-canine link is vital; the monks stress the importance of gentle touch to help forge this connection. Basic puppy training techniques are explored and executed, all of which puppy owners should find easy to implement. Virtually all types of dog problems and dog training are examined in the book, always in compassionate and easily comprehensible language. The monks also look well beyond surface training techniques to analyze the roots of dogs' problems and explain how training can help. Owners are taught how to gently assert dominance over their dog, which will make for a long-lasting and fulfilling relationship. Beautiful black-and-white photographs of monastery puppies will pull at every heartstring.

Average Customer Rating:

so far so good	Customer Rating:
I am reading the chapters that relate to my puppy, and the ideas make sense.. I love the intellectual style of the book.

First hand experience

Customer Rating:

Never have I been more impressed as a veterinary student at Cornell than when I visited the Monks of New Skete. Picture a dozen or more monks eating dinner around a large table, each with a German Shepherd dog lying quiety by his side throughout the entire meal. The monks have been doing this for decades- no reason to change their training methods because they work so well. Aren't we fortunate that they have been willing to share their trade secrets with the rest of the dog loving world.

Don't change what works	Customer Rating:
helped me tremendously in understanding my newly purchased German Shepherd puppy. Their techniques work! Unlike many other books that I have read, the Monks understand that there is a balance between positive and negative reinforcement and a place for both praise and stern discipline.

Somewhat helpful	Customer Rating:
I really loved this book until we got our puppy. However it swiftly became apparent that the dog had never read the manual. I still got something out of it, but its hardly the guidebook to puppyhood I wanted.

not the best training guide.

Customer Rating:

I have read tons of other training guides, and while I found this book a good read, it was not exactly helpful in terms of training. It focused more on their monastery, stories about dogs they trained, and the birthing process of a German Shepherd. Mind you, I'm big GSD lover so I enjoyed this book, but I wish I had purchased another book for more tips on training. Some of the tips offered are great and work well, but there should have been more. But do keep in mind the book's title! "The ART of Raising a Puppy," not "HOW to Raise a Puppy." So it's understandable that there are numerous stories and other bits of info. But if you're looking for a real how-to guide with a lot of tips, I would look elsewhere.