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Let Dogs Be Dogs: Understanding Canine Nature and Mastering the Art of Living with Your Dog
America's foremost authorities on dog care and training distill decades of experience in a comprehensive "foundational" guide for dog owners.
No matter what training method or techniques you use with your dog, the training is unlikely to be optimally successful unless it is predicated on an understanding of the dog's true nature. Dogs need food, water, exercise and play, rest, veterinary care -- the basics. But since dogs naturally want to be led, they also need focused and compassionate guidance.
Through abundant stories and case studies, the authors reveal how canine nature manifests itself in various behaviors, some potentially disruptive to domestic accord, and show how in addressing these behaviors you can strengthen the bond with your dog as well as keep the peace. The promise of this book is that, especially in an ever-accelerating world filled with digital distractions, you can learn from your dog's example how to live in the moment, thereby enriching your life immeasurably.
No matter what training method or techniques you use with your dog, the training is unlikely to be optimally successful unless it is predicated on an understanding of the dog's true nature. Dogs need food, water, exercise and play, rest, veterinary care -- the basics. But since dogs naturally want to be led, they also need focused and compassionate guidance.
Through abundant stories and case studies, the authors reveal how canine nature manifests itself in various behaviors, some potentially disruptive to domestic accord, and show how in addressing these behaviors you can strengthen the bond with your dog as well as keep the peace. The promise of this book is that, especially in an ever-accelerating world filled with digital distractions, you can learn from your dog's example how to live in the moment, thereby enriching your life immeasurably.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published September 12, 2017
204 people are currently reading
890 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
December 21, 2023
If you’re a dog owner wondering why balanced dog training gets a bad rap, this book serves as a pretty good explanation.
As a dog owner with one super sweet goofball dog and one super anxious challenging dog, I have spent a great deal of time learning about dogs. Aside from reading books, I’ve watched hours of webinars, attended a few seminars and online classes, and easily participated in over 100 hours of in-person dog training classes that don’t include the hours spent on structured pack walks with dog trainers.
I skew to the positive end of dog training, probably because I used to teach middle school students. There are many similarities between training your dog and teaching middle schoolers. Ideas like…
Reinforce the behaviors you want.
Build relationships to build trust.
Wait time is your friend.
Within the opening chapters of this book, the Monks define the three branches of dog training: the dominance-based trainers, the purely positive trainers, and the balanced trainers.
The Monks hold up balanced dog training as the happy medium between the two distinct ends of the spectrum. Sounds ideal, right?
When I started learning about dog training, I liked the idea of balanced training. (I still do, which is why I read this book hoping for a better take on balanced dog training).
I’m okay with telling my dogs “uh-ah” or "no". I’m fine with using proximity to steer my dogs. I used to use a squirt bottle to spray water on the paws of my demand barker.
These are all aversives, so within the world of purely positive, none of these techniques would be okay. But within balanced training, they’re fine.
The problem, though, is that there are balanced dog trainers, like the Monks of New Skete who seemingly ignore science.
The biggest myth the Monks push, and they push this one hard is that dogs are pack animals. Go Google that one. The whole alpha wolf idea came from an incredibly flawed study involving captive wolves. Other researchers have studied feral dogs living on the street. No packs there. But the Monks insist that your dog is a pack animal that requires you to be the pack leader.
Nope!
If you read carefully, you’ll see how the majority of their techniques are supported by “We believe” statements. Basically, anecdotal evidence. While anecdotal evidence contributes to a more entertaining book about dogs filled with carefully selected success stories, that’s not science.
Another big no go for me: repeated sexist stereotypes being pushed.
In at least two places, the Monks discuss anxiety. Both times they use female pronouns to describe either an anxious woman or an anxious female dog. They even included the word neurotic with female pronouns.
I listened to the audiobook, so tracking pronouns was a bit hard, but at some point I may read the physical book so I can highlight easier. If I do, I’ll be writing an even more in depth review on my blog, so I’ll drop a link here.
In a few places they also describe spoiled dogs. Examples include owners carrying a dog around in a purse, using baby talk, and infantilizing their dogs.
I’m sure these people exist, but the Monks make it sound like a plague. And again their language choices imply that female owners just don’t know what they’re doing.
Along the same questionable language choice lines, they pejoratively refer to positive reinforcement training as “treat training”.
First, this bugs me on a personal level because I don’t actually train with treats. I train with food. Not kibble. Actual yummy food that motivates my dogs. I measure how much food I use for training and I balance that with the food they receive at their meals.
The Monks tell you that they use treats too, but their way is better. They use many treats when they’re introducing a new concept to a dog and then taper off the use.
Duh!
That’s what positive reinforcement trainers do as well. Denise Fenzi actually has an entire book dedicated to teaching dog owners how to fade the cookie. She describes how she wants your dog to be an optimistic gambler.
The Monks have some limited advice that any dog owner could benefit from. Ideas like…
Make sure your dog has as consistent of a schedule as you can create and maintain.
Don’t force your dog into a crate. Instead make the crate a safe space for your dog.
Remember to have fun and play with your dog.
Finally, I was annoyed by how general this book was. It’s really more of an overview of their beliefs about dogs and philosophy of dog training.
I did find it funny that the Monks are highly critical of anyone who uses the internet to find answers to whatever problems they’re having with their dog. Then a few chapters later when they’re discussing food and nutrition, they advocate for doing some Internet research.
Yeah, okay🤦🏻♀️
As a dog owner with one super sweet goofball dog and one super anxious challenging dog, I have spent a great deal of time learning about dogs. Aside from reading books, I’ve watched hours of webinars, attended a few seminars and online classes, and easily participated in over 100 hours of in-person dog training classes that don’t include the hours spent on structured pack walks with dog trainers.
I skew to the positive end of dog training, probably because I used to teach middle school students. There are many similarities between training your dog and teaching middle schoolers. Ideas like…
Reinforce the behaviors you want.
Build relationships to build trust.
Wait time is your friend.
Within the opening chapters of this book, the Monks define the three branches of dog training: the dominance-based trainers, the purely positive trainers, and the balanced trainers.
The Monks hold up balanced dog training as the happy medium between the two distinct ends of the spectrum. Sounds ideal, right?
When I started learning about dog training, I liked the idea of balanced training. (I still do, which is why I read this book hoping for a better take on balanced dog training).
I’m okay with telling my dogs “uh-ah” or "no". I’m fine with using proximity to steer my dogs. I used to use a squirt bottle to spray water on the paws of my demand barker.
These are all aversives, so within the world of purely positive, none of these techniques would be okay. But within balanced training, they’re fine.
The problem, though, is that there are balanced dog trainers, like the Monks of New Skete who seemingly ignore science.
The biggest myth the Monks push, and they push this one hard is that dogs are pack animals. Go Google that one. The whole alpha wolf idea came from an incredibly flawed study involving captive wolves. Other researchers have studied feral dogs living on the street. No packs there. But the Monks insist that your dog is a pack animal that requires you to be the pack leader.
Nope!
If you read carefully, you’ll see how the majority of their techniques are supported by “We believe” statements. Basically, anecdotal evidence. While anecdotal evidence contributes to a more entertaining book about dogs filled with carefully selected success stories, that’s not science.
Another big no go for me: repeated sexist stereotypes being pushed.
In at least two places, the Monks discuss anxiety. Both times they use female pronouns to describe either an anxious woman or an anxious female dog. They even included the word neurotic with female pronouns.
I listened to the audiobook, so tracking pronouns was a bit hard, but at some point I may read the physical book so I can highlight easier. If I do, I’ll be writing an even more in depth review on my blog, so I’ll drop a link here.
In a few places they also describe spoiled dogs. Examples include owners carrying a dog around in a purse, using baby talk, and infantilizing their dogs.
I’m sure these people exist, but the Monks make it sound like a plague. And again their language choices imply that female owners just don’t know what they’re doing.
Along the same questionable language choice lines, they pejoratively refer to positive reinforcement training as “treat training”.
First, this bugs me on a personal level because I don’t actually train with treats. I train with food. Not kibble. Actual yummy food that motivates my dogs. I measure how much food I use for training and I balance that with the food they receive at their meals.
The Monks tell you that they use treats too, but their way is better. They use many treats when they’re introducing a new concept to a dog and then taper off the use.
Duh!
That’s what positive reinforcement trainers do as well. Denise Fenzi actually has an entire book dedicated to teaching dog owners how to fade the cookie. She describes how she wants your dog to be an optimistic gambler.
The Monks have some limited advice that any dog owner could benefit from. Ideas like…
Make sure your dog has as consistent of a schedule as you can create and maintain.
Don’t force your dog into a crate. Instead make the crate a safe space for your dog.
Remember to have fun and play with your dog.
Finally, I was annoyed by how general this book was. It’s really more of an overview of their beliefs about dogs and philosophy of dog training.
I did find it funny that the Monks are highly critical of anyone who uses the internet to find answers to whatever problems they’re having with their dog. Then a few chapters later when they’re discussing food and nutrition, they advocate for doing some Internet research.
Yeah, okay🤦🏻♀️
April 24, 2018
When I adopted my first dog, I read The Art of Raising a Puppy by the Monks of New Skete. I was overwhelmed by the book, the advice, and the actual experience of puppyhood. Now on my second dog, a rescue, I am so appreciative of the common-sense advice in this new book. Very different from Cesar Milan’s style of establishing pack dominance, the Monks approach the dog-human relationship more like a parent-child relationship. In short, the human needs to be the boss, but dogs (like children) do better with boundaries and routines (that involve mental stimulation and physical exercise). I love this book. Might buy it, so I can consult it repeatedly.
December 30, 2017
I’m a lifelong fan of the Monks of New Skete and their balanced approach to dog training, and nothing in this book changed my opinion of them. I agreed whole-heartedly with all of the following ideas in the book:
*Dogs are dogs, not people. They have different needs than people and aren’t suited to be the emotional dumping ground for humans.
*The human is the leader in the dog-human relationship; it’s not an equal relationship where both parties get an equal say.
*”Leadership” is not a bad word when it relates to dog-human relationships.
*Dogs are most content when they live a structured, ordered life where they understand expectations and consequences.
*There is nothing wrong with appropriate leash corrections for disregarding known commands. (In my opinion and experience, appropriate leash corrections speed up the training process and make my life a lot easier in exchange for slight, momentary discomfort on the dog’s part.)
*As the leader, the human is absolutely responsible for providing for all of the dog’s needs. Someone who can’t meet a dog’s needs for exercise and training has no business owning a dog.
*Respect for the dog and its nature is a fundamental requirement of a fulfilling dog-human relationship.
*Tethering is an excellent method for instilling good habits in a new dog.
If I had any criticism of this book, it would be that it is a little light on the actual mechanics of dog training for novice owners. I do not believe those people will have success managing reactivity since they don’t have the demeanor of a leader resulting from years of experience as a dog trainer that the authors have. However, this book is not marketed as a “how-to” dog training book, but rather as a book about relationships, and in that category there’s not a lot for me to disagree with.
*Dogs are dogs, not people. They have different needs than people and aren’t suited to be the emotional dumping ground for humans.
*The human is the leader in the dog-human relationship; it’s not an equal relationship where both parties get an equal say.
*”Leadership” is not a bad word when it relates to dog-human relationships.
*Dogs are most content when they live a structured, ordered life where they understand expectations and consequences.
*There is nothing wrong with appropriate leash corrections for disregarding known commands. (In my opinion and experience, appropriate leash corrections speed up the training process and make my life a lot easier in exchange for slight, momentary discomfort on the dog’s part.)
*As the leader, the human is absolutely responsible for providing for all of the dog’s needs. Someone who can’t meet a dog’s needs for exercise and training has no business owning a dog.
*Respect for the dog and its nature is a fundamental requirement of a fulfilling dog-human relationship.
*Tethering is an excellent method for instilling good habits in a new dog.
If I had any criticism of this book, it would be that it is a little light on the actual mechanics of dog training for novice owners. I do not believe those people will have success managing reactivity since they don’t have the demeanor of a leader resulting from years of experience as a dog trainer that the authors have. However, this book is not marketed as a “how-to” dog training book, but rather as a book about relationships, and in that category there’s not a lot for me to disagree with.
July 18, 2019
Full disclaimer: I'm totally an animal person. That is, I often prefer animals to people. And now I have a better explanation for it.
I wasn't at the library searching for this book. I was looking for dog training books and to learn more about dogs in general. Our family recently adopted a small dog and we had a lot to learn. I looked for books on training and first aid. I wasn't looking for this book.
But I picked it from the shelf at the library and I'm glad I did. Because this book was, for me, more than a book on training dogs or about dog behavior. This book was about what it means to share your life with a dog.
Yes, if you read and apply the lessons you'll cultivate a better relationship with your dog. But this book opens the window to how special the dog human relationship really is.
I encourage you to read this book in it's entirety, including the introduction and the epilogue.
I wasn't at the library searching for this book. I was looking for dog training books and to learn more about dogs in general. Our family recently adopted a small dog and we had a lot to learn. I looked for books on training and first aid. I wasn't looking for this book.
But I picked it from the shelf at the library and I'm glad I did. Because this book was, for me, more than a book on training dogs or about dog behavior. This book was about what it means to share your life with a dog.
Yes, if you read and apply the lessons you'll cultivate a better relationship with your dog. But this book opens the window to how special the dog human relationship really is.
I encourage you to read this book in it's entirety, including the introduction and the epilogue.
April 8, 2018
_Let Dogs Be Dogs_ isn't your typical training manual; in fact; you will find only a handful of training instructions. Instead the book is written in tandem by one the Monks of New Skete (famous for their trained German Shepherds) and Goldberg a well known dog trainer from Chicago. The book address the many ways things can go wrong in our relationships with our dogs, because of attitudes and things we do. Many of these things are because most dogs are now kept to fill emotional companionship sometimes substituting for spouses and children. I loved the mixture of the monk's view from his training shepherds and also clients' dogs, and Goldberg's examples. I found so much relevant story here for my own training experiences with working hunting and performance dogs. Some have criticized this book for supporting and teaching the pack leader message of dog training and dog behavior. They say this comparison with wolves and pack and leadership is all outdated. I am not sure I agree. I wonder how closely they read the book, because the monks refute this criticism effectively and they provide research to support why and how a benevolent pack leader -- or leader is so important for dogs' well being. I found the monk's philosophy to be well balanced, fair, and intelligent. I especially think this book is valuable for households that have multiple dogs like my own.
September 23, 2025
Loved it!! Who knew there was a monastery that trains dogs. Two of my favorite things ❤️❤️❤️
August 22, 2025
Ugh!! 5 stars. Teared up at the chapter about how much dogs love us. Amazing read. Competes with “the other end of the leash” and yes I will be reading their third book too
April 1, 2020
This book had so many real life scenarios that explained types of dog behavior and ways to correct it through specific training techniques. Don't think I aligned with everything, but still good to know how they do things!
February 23, 2022
Must-read for anyone who is thinking about getting a dog or has one. I wish I had read this when I first got Luna, but it's still super helpful now! The book is less about specific training techniques (although it has those!) and more about the dog-human relationship. A lot of what the Monks of New Skete promote/believe to be true about the dog-human relationship is not really the norm in reality, but it definitely should be. A core concept is that dogs are animals with certain needs (work, rest, and play) and instincts. As pack animals, they need a pack leader (which should be their human!). There is a tendency to anthropomorphize dogs, but this actually contradicts their nature. The authors emphasize the importance of letting dogs be dogs, NOT humans.
I found a lot of important and helpful tidbits of information based on this principle: incorporate your dog as much as you can into your daily life, set firm boundaries with your dog, make them work for their different resources and see you as the leader who provides the resources, avoid using them for too much emotional support, pay attention to their behavior, and recognize that there is an art to living with your dog that you develop over time with consistency and training.
I found a lot of important and helpful tidbits of information based on this principle: incorporate your dog as much as you can into your daily life, set firm boundaries with your dog, make them work for their different resources and see you as the leader who provides the resources, avoid using them for too much emotional support, pay attention to their behavior, and recognize that there is an art to living with your dog that you develop over time with consistency and training.
March 30, 2023
“Dogs radiate an awareness of the gift of the moment, the joy of the simplest pleasures, and that can speak meaningfully to us if we are awake.” (p. 250)
Wonderful resource for dog owners, not simply a training manual, but an explanation of who dogs are and how we interact with them. I have only recently embarked on the journey of being the sole owner to my rescue and greatly enjoyed reading this book while getting to know her. I’m sure I’ll be re-reading it again soon to refresh myself of the monks’ and Goldberg’s wisdom.
Wonderful resource for dog owners, not simply a training manual, but an explanation of who dogs are and how we interact with them. I have only recently embarked on the journey of being the sole owner to my rescue and greatly enjoyed reading this book while getting to know her. I’m sure I’ll be re-reading it again soon to refresh myself of the monks’ and Goldberg’s wisdom.
June 26, 2019
I can't get through this; the narrator puts me to sleep. Such a shame as what information I have gleaned has worked well. I need to get my hands on a hard copy.
July 9, 2020
A really interesting discussion of dog psychology.
November 11, 2022
Timeless advice on how to be the pack leader and truly enjoy being with your dog.
January 31, 2023
Practical advice on well… letting a dog be a dog. I appreciate how they tap into canine instincts to help humans be the best pack leader they can be, and advise tempering against the tendency to anthropomorphize your dog. In the first week of owning my first dog it’s helped me feel confident and appreciative of my new little pal. 🥰
March 29, 2025
It changed my perspective on dogs!
January 7, 2022
Loves this book. So insightful and helpful for my human/dog relationships. I will listen to this over and over!
June 20, 2024
“Put very simply, by being a strong pack leader you will strengthen your dog’s pack drive, which in turn will lead to good behavior and a happy relationship… Even quieting a territorial bark on command asks the dog to switch into pack drive.”
What strikes me most about this book, is how out of date it feels. I don’t see the terms used very much anymore, presumably the authors use “pack drive” to mean a motivation to be part of a group with a clear leader, because they talk about being your dog’s leader on almost every page. everything falls back to when dogs were wolves, yet according to science that was 40,000 thousand years ago!!! and things have changed a LOT since then, dogs ears got floppy, tails curled and in some bobbed, eyes became larger and round in some. dogs developed an extra muscle not found in wolves just to communicate to us -evator anguli oculi medialis, a muscle responsible for raising the inner eyebrow intensely! also many thousands of years ago wolves that turned in to scavengers became dogs, that behavior is one of foundational instincts that still drive dogs to countersurf and trash dive, stomach lining changed overtime to become omnivorous and to processing more refuse foods when wolfs digest RAW MEATS in a completely different way infested with pathogens that will kill a dog. Wolfs only mate once a year (dogs can have puppies every 6 month)
Wolfs play as pups and young adults learning social skills and to establish the wolf pack order, when dogs play FOR FUN through out life, which is where this book fails the reader.
so when the authors briefly mention that there are several theories about the evolution of dogs from wolves, they never mention the research that shows social behavior is in large part driven by resource distribution in feral dogs or anything else. nor is there a discussion about the vast scientific body on learning and training and endorphins that fuel the FUN part of the engaging the dog in the activities wherther they are work or play, nor is there any of the research that shows that physical corrections can be harmful to our relationship.
dogs are attracted to people that some would call “natural leaders” in the best sense of the word. However, this has nothing to do with leash pops or “strong verbal no’s”. It has everything to do with being around someone who is comfortable in his or her own skin, is comfortable and not overwhelming to lean on, and is a gateway to oxytocyn, serotonin and dopamine, and for some dogs adrenaline and cortisol. Don’t you know someone who dogs love to be around? not people who fuss over dogs, but who have a presence about them that everyone can sense, someone with a ball in their hand who knows how to use it to get great response. Everyone, not just animals want to be around people with this kind of presence, people and dogs alike. They come into a room and everyone looks at them. People want to stand beside them, dogs come to stare into their eyes or lean against their legs. What sets them apart is their sense of comfort in being who they are,they are rock solid. this is what natural leader is like. Like the earth.
one of my very first dog trainers was like that, he is a vietnam war veteran,Marine Corps Veteran Ron Godshall, who now lost a leg to diabetes but still "runs" agility and trains dogs. Ron helped ME trained my giant schnauzer who was becoming reactive by encouraging ME to trust more my dog and keep engaging and shaping him, rewarding behaviors i preferred to the ones i did not. did i correct my dog? yes i did, by withholding that what my dog wanted. no tunnel = no meatball, no outing the ball= no more jumping into the pool. my dogs were taught to volunteer a downstay when we prepare meats. because no downstay=no random hamburger toss only when dog is down. my dog understands these trades.
my dogs are calso not a pack. i know very few breeds that are actually. depending on the breed purpose, it will not have a pack mentality and will not comprehend why they are forced in to a pack. many working breeds will be singltons, dogs developed to think and take action for it self. most dogs will want to self reward, and be all about avoiding the stressors and maximizing the fun. so to let dogs be dogs one needs to understand the breed's needs, provide appropriate brain and physical challenges. these are dogs, they sole existence is to work for us ( in some breeds to just look pretty or serve as hand warmer), not to survive in the wild like wolves
Author background:
Monks are a non profit organization making profit by A. breeding (12k a dog), B. training (3.5k plus nyc tax for 2.5 weeks) and C. publishing books ($14.99 kindle) on dog behavior. Let Dogs Be Dogs: Understanding Canine Nature and Mastering the Art of Living with Your Dog book was written by 1 monk, brother Christopher, and 1 dog trainer Mark Goldberg, perhaps authorship to MONKS is inappropriate as this clearly not.
also, to understand the authors background, and delving into "Monks" history i have found that breeding happens as "GOD wills it". meaning no modern technologies other than kennels are used to ensure successful outcome. dna, heart, retina,elbow and hip, temperament and independent structure, no health testing is done on the stock dogs. im sorry, but "carefully researching select bloodlines" does not equal health testing. researching bloodlines is good for epilepsy and toe cancer carriers as there arent any genetic markers identified for those yet. Puppies are non - early neurologically stimulated after welping, parents are non-family and nonworking dogs and their off spring quite frequently end up in the shelters and BE (im about 60 miles from Skete and volunteer for the dog rescue), the "MONKS" want nothing to do with their git once puppy purchase and transfer is done. this really strongly suggests a BYB practices. not a reputable knowledgeable kennel one has respect for and recommends to a friend. further study of "socialization" process https://vimeo.com/480363037 from attached to skete video, one can observe 2 kennel dogs obsessively fidgeting, pacing and circling behind the speaker thats showing how all puppies are being handled. my take away from the video was that puppies are apparently raised kennels and not house trained that i would never purchase a dog NOT raised in home, this is not a military/police/monastery watch dog and will struggle mentally to cope with realities of modern society
but wait, they also train dogs in addition to breeding and raising them?
Monks say:
"Our methods, described at length our books, How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend, The Art of Raising a Puppy, Divine Canine, and most recently, Let Dogs be Dogs, employs a philosophy of praise, fairness, and discipline, set against a background of patience, repetition and dedication.
Additionally, we have stayed current with the latest advances in training methodology, and have incorporated the gentle use of remote collars. We use them on very low levels (usually lower than a human can feel in their own hand) as a way to communicate with the dog.
Here at New Skete we offer a course in AKC (American Kennel Club) type obedience, incorporating the values of our monastic environment with the teaching of standard exercises both on and off leash. We also help owners with any behavioral difficulties they may mention to us.
"
OK great. as side note, you cant use training collars for AKC level obedience, you will be disqualified, and all accolades and titles earned by monks from accredited organizations that would support their 40 year training history is kinda missing.
i am always looking to maximize my dog's potential. my experience is in training dogs at upenn working dog center, scent detection, cancer detection in humans, high impact dog sports, training top 5 hunting and #1 detection dog in breed. my 2 personal dogs titles recorded with akc alone are FDC BCAT SWEE SWM SHDAE SHDM THDN RATN CGCA CGCU TKP and NFP CAA FCAT2 SWM SHDE RATCHX2 CZ8B DM DSX2 AS HDJ TKA VSWB not including UKC or NACSW of various dock diving organizations
What strikes me most about this book, is how out of date it feels. I don’t see the terms used very much anymore, presumably the authors use “pack drive” to mean a motivation to be part of a group with a clear leader, because they talk about being your dog’s leader on almost every page. everything falls back to when dogs were wolves, yet according to science that was 40,000 thousand years ago!!! and things have changed a LOT since then, dogs ears got floppy, tails curled and in some bobbed, eyes became larger and round in some. dogs developed an extra muscle not found in wolves just to communicate to us -evator anguli oculi medialis, a muscle responsible for raising the inner eyebrow intensely! also many thousands of years ago wolves that turned in to scavengers became dogs, that behavior is one of foundational instincts that still drive dogs to countersurf and trash dive, stomach lining changed overtime to become omnivorous and to processing more refuse foods when wolfs digest RAW MEATS in a completely different way infested with pathogens that will kill a dog. Wolfs only mate once a year (dogs can have puppies every 6 month)
Wolfs play as pups and young adults learning social skills and to establish the wolf pack order, when dogs play FOR FUN through out life, which is where this book fails the reader.
so when the authors briefly mention that there are several theories about the evolution of dogs from wolves, they never mention the research that shows social behavior is in large part driven by resource distribution in feral dogs or anything else. nor is there a discussion about the vast scientific body on learning and training and endorphins that fuel the FUN part of the engaging the dog in the activities wherther they are work or play, nor is there any of the research that shows that physical corrections can be harmful to our relationship.
dogs are attracted to people that some would call “natural leaders” in the best sense of the word. However, this has nothing to do with leash pops or “strong verbal no’s”. It has everything to do with being around someone who is comfortable in his or her own skin, is comfortable and not overwhelming to lean on, and is a gateway to oxytocyn, serotonin and dopamine, and for some dogs adrenaline and cortisol. Don’t you know someone who dogs love to be around? not people who fuss over dogs, but who have a presence about them that everyone can sense, someone with a ball in their hand who knows how to use it to get great response. Everyone, not just animals want to be around people with this kind of presence, people and dogs alike. They come into a room and everyone looks at them. People want to stand beside them, dogs come to stare into their eyes or lean against their legs. What sets them apart is their sense of comfort in being who they are,they are rock solid. this is what natural leader is like. Like the earth.
one of my very first dog trainers was like that, he is a vietnam war veteran,Marine Corps Veteran Ron Godshall, who now lost a leg to diabetes but still "runs" agility and trains dogs. Ron helped ME trained my giant schnauzer who was becoming reactive by encouraging ME to trust more my dog and keep engaging and shaping him, rewarding behaviors i preferred to the ones i did not. did i correct my dog? yes i did, by withholding that what my dog wanted. no tunnel = no meatball, no outing the ball= no more jumping into the pool. my dogs were taught to volunteer a downstay when we prepare meats. because no downstay=no random hamburger toss only when dog is down. my dog understands these trades.
my dogs are calso not a pack. i know very few breeds that are actually. depending on the breed purpose, it will not have a pack mentality and will not comprehend why they are forced in to a pack. many working breeds will be singltons, dogs developed to think and take action for it self. most dogs will want to self reward, and be all about avoiding the stressors and maximizing the fun. so to let dogs be dogs one needs to understand the breed's needs, provide appropriate brain and physical challenges. these are dogs, they sole existence is to work for us ( in some breeds to just look pretty or serve as hand warmer), not to survive in the wild like wolves
Author background:
Monks are a non profit organization making profit by A. breeding (12k a dog), B. training (3.5k plus nyc tax for 2.5 weeks) and C. publishing books ($14.99 kindle) on dog behavior. Let Dogs Be Dogs: Understanding Canine Nature and Mastering the Art of Living with Your Dog book was written by 1 monk, brother Christopher, and 1 dog trainer Mark Goldberg, perhaps authorship to MONKS is inappropriate as this clearly not.
also, to understand the authors background, and delving into "Monks" history i have found that breeding happens as "GOD wills it". meaning no modern technologies other than kennels are used to ensure successful outcome. dna, heart, retina,elbow and hip, temperament and independent structure, no health testing is done on the stock dogs. im sorry, but "carefully researching select bloodlines" does not equal health testing. researching bloodlines is good for epilepsy and toe cancer carriers as there arent any genetic markers identified for those yet. Puppies are non - early neurologically stimulated after welping, parents are non-family and nonworking dogs and their off spring quite frequently end up in the shelters and BE (im about 60 miles from Skete and volunteer for the dog rescue), the "MONKS" want nothing to do with their git once puppy purchase and transfer is done. this really strongly suggests a BYB practices. not a reputable knowledgeable kennel one has respect for and recommends to a friend. further study of "socialization" process https://vimeo.com/480363037 from attached to skete video, one can observe 2 kennel dogs obsessively fidgeting, pacing and circling behind the speaker thats showing how all puppies are being handled. my take away from the video was that puppies are apparently raised kennels and not house trained that i would never purchase a dog NOT raised in home, this is not a military/police/monastery watch dog and will struggle mentally to cope with realities of modern society
but wait, they also train dogs in addition to breeding and raising them?
Monks say:
"Our methods, described at length our books, How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend, The Art of Raising a Puppy, Divine Canine, and most recently, Let Dogs be Dogs, employs a philosophy of praise, fairness, and discipline, set against a background of patience, repetition and dedication.
Additionally, we have stayed current with the latest advances in training methodology, and have incorporated the gentle use of remote collars. We use them on very low levels (usually lower than a human can feel in their own hand) as a way to communicate with the dog.
Here at New Skete we offer a course in AKC (American Kennel Club) type obedience, incorporating the values of our monastic environment with the teaching of standard exercises both on and off leash. We also help owners with any behavioral difficulties they may mention to us.
"
OK great. as side note, you cant use training collars for AKC level obedience, you will be disqualified, and all accolades and titles earned by monks from accredited organizations that would support their 40 year training history is kinda missing.
i am always looking to maximize my dog's potential. my experience is in training dogs at upenn working dog center, scent detection, cancer detection in humans, high impact dog sports, training top 5 hunting and #1 detection dog in breed. my 2 personal dogs titles recorded with akc alone are FDC BCAT SWEE SWM SHDAE SHDM THDN RATN CGCA CGCU TKP and NFP CAA FCAT2 SWM SHDE RATCHX2 CZ8B DM DSX2 AS HDJ TKA VSWB not including UKC or NACSW of various dock diving organizations
November 27, 2017
I wish this erroneous idea would go away. It is like a recidivist that you just can't reform. This is lumped with Cesar Milan and all those others who have bought into the "Dominant Alpha/Leader of the pack" mentality that is so incredibly wrong. These "alphavists" mean well, but are woefully short-sighted and are causing more harm than good when it come to the behavior and the training of a canine. These techniques are in line more with how you'd treat a slave. Not a companion or working animal. Animal Scientist and Behaviorist who have done extensive study on canine behavior, dropped the bottom out of this unscientifically founded idea years ago. Dogs are removed, genetically, from wolves. Don't waste your money on this book. You will get the expert and professional information and the correct handling education if you study Dr. David Mech, Dr. Patricia McConnell, Dr. Sophia Yin, Dr. Susan Friedman, and Karen Pryor KPA; CTP just to name a few to help you have a happy, well trained, dog that trusts you, plays with you and makes a great companion, instead of a submissive dog that sits in the corner.
February 10, 2021
Enjoyed the read but found a lot of the information to be dated based on current research and our understanding of canine communication and social behaviors.
October 7, 2017
Not your typical dog training book. Let Dogs be Dogs is entertaining, informative and well-written. It is full of easy-to-implement & follow ideas for improving your relationship with your dog by becoming pack leader. Most of them are easily incorporated into daily activities. I’ve begun with the pack walk and find that walks are more enjoyable for me and more of a workout for the dogs than our usual wander & sniff outings. Mealtimes are becoming a little quieter as well since I’m not allowing them to hurry me along with their barking and hunger-driven excitement. I especially appreciated the chapter on leading a multi-dog pack. I highly recommend this book to anyone who lives with a dog—not just those with puppies. It’s never too late to take your rightful place as leader of the pack.
March 16, 2018
This was the first Monks of New Skete book that I've read, and probably not the one to start with. This isn't a training book but a more general book. I found it frustrating that the training tips are relayed in anecdotes, which are amusing and interesting but not great for replicating success yourself. For example, "separation anxiety" is not in the index as a phrase by itself under S, but can be found under M for "Milly (Maltipoo with separation anxiety)".
At the same time, this isn't exactly a book about canine nature and why dogs behave how they do. It seemed a strange (and unsuccessful, for me) mix of quasi-training tips, reminiscing about the dogs the authors have known, and quotes from other books by the Monks of New Skete. I'm not sure who the audience for this is meant to be.
At the same time, this isn't exactly a book about canine nature and why dogs behave how they do. It seemed a strange (and unsuccessful, for me) mix of quasi-training tips, reminiscing about the dogs the authors have known, and quotes from other books by the Monks of New Skete. I'm not sure who the audience for this is meant to be.
June 7, 2022
I normally read stuff by Cesar Millan, but I'm super excited to have discovered the Monks of New Skete. They have a very similar approach to dog interaction that values truly working with dog psychology even in a world that is deeply uncomfortable with that. People want to anthropomorphize dogs (I fall into that trap just like everyone else), and it bothers people a lot to face the concept that you can't treat your dog the same way you would a human, and have them be fulfilled. They are not "dog children" they are dogs, and if you love them, you need to ask what they truly need to be happy, not what makes you emotionally fulfilled to give.
In some ways I think I will learn more from the Monks than from Cesar, simply because he isn't as good as communicating what the owner is supposed to actually *do*. His interactions with dogs are so intuitive and automatic that he makes an incredible dog rehabilitator, but not as good of an instructor to humans. I intend to learn from both.
In some ways I think I will learn more from the Monks than from Cesar, simply because he isn't as good as communicating what the owner is supposed to actually *do*. His interactions with dogs are so intuitive and automatic that he makes an incredible dog rehabilitator, but not as good of an instructor to humans. I intend to learn from both.
May 16, 2018
When I embarked on this journey of puppy raising, I didn't know this is such a huge topic with so different schools of thought. After being bombarded with too many conflicting online information, I decided to search for books about dogs. I have heard about the Monks of New Skete but my library doesn't have a copy of "The art of raising a puppy" so I reached for this as the next best thing. After all, my puppy now is already in adolescence so most of the puppy training stuff probably won't apply anymore. The title spoke to me because my dog does pretty well on basic obedience already, it is I that feel like I'm still lacking in integrating her into my life. This book isn't a training book per say, but it is eye opening for me to recognize what kind of relationship I need to build with my dog. I cried a bit reading the last chapter :).
July 15, 2018
Meh. First of the monks books that i read. I was also unfamiliar with the other trainer Marc Goldberg. It's not really a training book for most part except a little bit the last 50 pages or so. I was not looking for a training book,my problem is that this book was dry and hard to get through until the last 50 pages. Might be useful if your dog has one of the problems they do address like crate anxiety or multi-dog household fighting, but mostly the book talks about a dogs nature and how to be a leader for your dog and gives lots of anecdotes which are okay, but just not riveting or especially useful. It all seemed like the same information i'd read elsewhere or seen on dog training tv shows. Nothing in the book makes me leery of the Monks or the trainer Marc Goldberg and i would consider their other materials .
April 1, 2022
Not a training mannual per say, but filled with reviews of actions, training, results from a dog's perspective and that of trainers with years of professional level expereince. Unique because the authors have a perspective on life guided by their faith that has allowed them the tiem and opportunity to see God's gift of dogs and their place in this world and our lives. ALL of the training tips included are valuable.
I found myself appologising to my dogs for not doing some of/ providing for them some of the things they need to better enjoy life as part of my family. I bought a Kindle and repurchased it and re-read 60%. Will be buying more from this group.
I found myself appologising to my dogs for not doing some of/ providing for them some of the things they need to better enjoy life as part of my family. I bought a Kindle and repurchased it and re-read 60%. Will be buying more from this group.
July 26, 2024
This was a pretty frustrating read. Ironically, given the title, dogs were mostly compared to wolves and young children; obviously they are neither. It was also amusing how much they talked about living in a state of openness to changing their ways of thinking, yet referred to the current scientific understanding of dogs' psychology, behavior, and genetic roots as "political correctness." Really didn't get anything out of this book except the fact that one can dehydrate liver to produce an inexpensive yet highly valued dog treat. One star for that.
January 19, 2025
This book had some good information and gave an overview their approach to dog training, which does sound very successful. This is the first dog training book I’ve read out of my pile of 8 books to read before our new puppy comes home. I didn’t super love some of the advice, but I’m not an experienced dog trainer either, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. Lot of good information about dogs and pack leaders. I did the audiobooks and it felt quite repetitive. The last chapter is all about Christianity and that was weird.
April 27, 2025
This was clear and informative dog training instruction, with case studies and outcomes from 2 long time professionals in that field. Written in an interesting and enjoyable manner. Made me reflect on my childhood dog experiences and perhaps why I have shied away from the commitment it takes to raise and care for a dog. Key takeaway is that dogs have different characteristics by breed, but also by the way they interpret us, and it's important for the owner to understand their nature and how to be their "pack leader", in addition to meeting their resource needs - food, water, playtime, rest.
September 27, 2017
I received an early copy of Let Dogs Be Dogs through the Giveaway & finally was able to read the book. Reading this book reminded me so much of my father who was a master with his dog. In the Army, he trained GSD as a MP stateside during Vietnam. The monks repeated much of the lessons he tried to impart on me. The one that holds most true is that people are harder to train than dogs. I will make a point to pick up the other books as this is the first one I've read.
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