The Art of Raising a Puppy : Book Review

"The Art of Raising a Puppy" by the Monks of New Skete is an invaluable guide for new puppy owners. With their decades of experience in training German Shepherds, the Monks share their expertise and provide clear and concise instructions on how to raise a happy, healthy, and well-behaved dog.

This comprehensive book covers all aspects of puppy care, including socialization, feeding, grooming, housebreaking, and basic obedience training. The Monks emphasize the importance of building a strong bond with your puppy, which lays the groundwork for a fulfilling relationship. They offer guidance on establishing a routine, creating a safe and stimulating environment, and understanding your furry companion's needs and instincts.

What sets this book apart is the Monks' holistic approach to puppy raising. They highlight the significance of providing both physical and mental stimulation for your puppy's well-being. From exercise and playtime to mental challenges and problem-solving games, they provide a plethora of ideas to keep your puppy engaged and content.

In addition, the Monks focus on positive reinforcement training methods, advocating for praise, rewards, and gentle corrections to shape desired behaviors. This positive approach creates a positive association with learning and makes training sessions enjoyable and engaging.

"The Art of Raising a Puppy" is written with empathy, understanding, and a genuine love for dogs. Whether you're a first-time dog owner or have had dogs before, this book offers timeless guidance and practical tips to help you navigate the joys and challenges of puppyhood.

What are readers saying?

"The Art of Raising a Puppy" by the Monks of New Skete has elicited varied responses from readers. While some found the book informative and helpful for raising a puppy, others believed it lacked practical advice and contained outdated information.

Many reviewers appreciated how comprehensive the book was, particularly praising its insights on puppy development, training techniques, and socialization. They found the information to be valuable and well-explained, providing a solid foundation for new puppy owners. The Monks of New Skete emphasized important qualities such as patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.

However, there were also critics who felt the book fell short in certain areas. Some readers believed the training methods advocated by the Monks of New Skete were too strict and harsh by modern standards. They expressed concerns regarding dominance-based training and physical punishments, such as alpha rolls. These readers believed that more emphasis should have been placed on positive training techniques.

Other reviewers noted that the book lacked practical advice on common puppy issues like house training, chewing, and teething. They felt that rather than offering step-by-step guidance for problem-solving, the book was more focused on philosophical concepts and anecdotes. Additionally, some readers expressed disappointment with the lack of diversity in the examples and scenarios presented, which they felt limited the book's practical applicability.

Despite these criticisms, many readers appreciated the holistic approach to puppy raising advocated by the Monks of New Skete. They found the book thought-provoking and emphasized the importance of building a strong bond with their puppy and understanding their individual needs.

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