Some of the specific advice - like slapping or shaking your dog when he misbehaves or randomly taking his food away to assert dominance - is clearly dated, especially when it comes to sensitive breeds that do not respond well to harsh treatment. You don't find that sort of advice anymore even in books from other proponents of dominance-based training, like Cesar Millan. Still, the book's core message is one of love and respect for your dog, not one of sadism. The authors are monks who have seen hundreds of irresponsible dog owners neglect basic training and socialization; if the monks err on the side of overdiscipline I give them a pass - harmful as physical punishment may be it's probably less harmful than no discipline whatsoever. And some pages of the book should be required reading for any prospective dog owner:

"When it comes to dog, romanticism abounds! [...] Rin Tin Tin, Lassie, Bullet, Benji, and Big Red are all presented as ideal companions who require no training and are faithfully devoted to attending to their owners' every need. They never have soiling 'accidents', they do not need to be taken out for walks, and they are always obedient. They mind their own business when they are not wanted and are always ready to give love and affection when it is asked of them. What could be easier or more wonderful? [...] Not everyone should have a dog. Because of a variety of circumstances, many people simply do not have the time or ability to care for a puppy or even an adult dog. A pup will take us outside of ourselves and our own little world. Ordinary personal decisions that previously concerned only you or your family will now always have to take into account the presence of the puppy. Free time that was once for yourself alone must now be shared with your pup. How do you feel about that? Caring for a dog is a lot of hard work. Canis familiaris, the pet dog, cannot attend to herself. From the moment of her adoption until the day of her death (which, barring accident or illness, can be fifteen years or more), she is a highly dependent creature who will count on you for all the essentials of canine living: food, water, shelter, exercise, training, and periodic veterinary care. But beyond these, the principal need a puppy has throughout her life is social. She requires an owner who is a companion in the fullest sense of the word. Can you see yourself in such a family role?" ( )

2 copies, gave one to Tara

This is a very educational and inspiring book, for dog owners and owners to be. It will help you to have a better understanding of your puppy and enhance your relationship. ( )

This is a terrific book for anyone who has a puppy or plans to get one, though it works best in tandem with the monks' earlier work, "How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend". That's because "The Art" really is more about the art of puppy raising than about specific techniques, while "How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend" is particularly strong on training specific commands. I find it very helpful to use the books together.
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This book begins with a section on the development of the puppy - physically, emotionally, and socially. This is based on behavioral and genetic research over the past twenty years, and helped me understand what my puppy needed at various points in his (still brief) career. Then, the monks proceed to a thoroughgoing discussion of choosing to adopt a dog (first question: should you?) and how to go about doing so. The next section covers the earliest period of puppy training, which is essentially settling your puppy into the routines of your home, and developing an approach to training. The monks then discuss basic puppy training, playing with your puppy, puppy problems, and caring for the pup.

The book focuses most on general principals of training - establish leadership, respecting your dog, building your relationship - but also has some very useful specifics. .One is the restraint hold -- works like a charm when my puppy gets nutsy, leading to rapid relaxation. Overall, however, look to "How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend" for training specifics, and to this book for the Zen of Puppy Raising. ( )

What I did enjoy about this book, is that I agree with way the Monks view puppies. I agree with the attitude that the first year of their life, the first 3 months, the second 3 months, etc, are crucial in their adjustment to humans and the life they will lead away from their mother. What they experience in the pack is of utmost importance in their relationship to the family that ends up bringing the puppy into their human pack.
While every method of training can have its questionable merits, I think what is important is that owners find a breeder or owner with puppies for sale, that agree with the importance of their early life being spent with their mother.
Often puppies are given up much too soon (before they are 8 weeks old, I think they should stay until they are 12 weeks old) and do not gain the valuable behavior "pointers" that only the canine pack can supply. From their siblings and parents, (not always the father) they learn the way to play, how to submit, not to be threatened by another dog sharing toys, family members(human) and even food.
The mother teaches her pups to respect the alpha dog and how to play as opposed to fight. She also teaches them how to fight without hurting them. She teaches them their "manners" basically. She allows them to grow up without fear, and to venture bravely into new experiences knowing she is there, nearby. They grow up close to her warm, fragrant love. The same love that we humans feel from our beloved pets is felt by puppies as they snuggle with the pack at night, keeping each other warm.
I have witnessed this, on a daily basis, as I watched my litter of 9 American Bulldogs grow and play, under the watchful eye of Lyla, their mom. We were lucky to have their father, Remy, with them too, as he proved to be very gentle, allowing them to crawl over him, tugging at his lips and ears, jumping on his tail, sleeping cuddled under his chest and in the curve of his belly for a nap. I have watched these big dogs 102 lbs-male and 85 lb. female share their food, bones and toys with puppy after puppy, never losing patience. If they did reprimand , it was gently, considering what they were capable of doing. Now that the puppies are older, they wrestle around much more with their parents, but no matter what, when they nap, they all cuddle together squished into one crate, even with the option of two others to choose from.
So, while I am not in agreement with every aspect of the Monks teachings when it comes to training puppies, I agree with the most important aspect, which is that it is crucial to understand the early lives of puppies and their interaction with their mother and the rest of the pack. It won't hurt to read this book as the more information about raising your dog the better. The better informed pet owners are the safer both humans and animals are in our world. We owe it to our pets to be incredibly well-informed. ( )