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The Art of Training Your Dog: How to Gently Teach Good Behavior Using an E-Collar
Fully train your dog in just six weeks with this revolutionary new method.
The Monks of New Skete, long-time breeders of German shepherds and renowned trainers of all breeds and mixes, have codeveloped a successful new training technique. They and Marc Goldberg, who pioneered the approach, offer you and your canine companion a way forward using a game-changing the invisible leash or electronic collar. Now in paperback, The Art of Training Your Dog presents their compassionate, efficient system along with helpful advice on choosing the best collar. At the right moment, using a light touch—that many humans can’t even feel—strategically refocuses your dog’s attention. This method helps you create effortless teaching moments that tie into your dog’s pack instincts and help strengthen your bond with your dog. In as little as six weeks, your pup can master good leash manners; obey basic commands, such as sit, down, and stay; stop problematic behaviors; and play safely off leash with consistent recall.
The Monks of New Skete, long-time breeders of German shepherds and renowned trainers of all breeds and mixes, have codeveloped a successful new training technique. They and Marc Goldberg, who pioneered the approach, offer you and your canine companion a way forward using a game-changing the invisible leash or electronic collar. Now in paperback, The Art of Training Your Dog presents their compassionate, efficient system along with helpful advice on choosing the best collar. At the right moment, using a light touch—that many humans can’t even feel—strategically refocuses your dog’s attention. This method helps you create effortless teaching moments that tie into your dog’s pack instincts and help strengthen your bond with your dog. In as little as six weeks, your pup can master good leash manners; obey basic commands, such as sit, down, and stay; stop problematic behaviors; and play safely off leash with consistent recall.
- GenresDogsNonfictionAudiobook
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2020
319 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 7, 2021
I appreciated this book more than Larry Krohn’s book on how to use the e-collar (though I very much like Mr. Krohn’s videos online - they’re *very* helpful). This book is just more detailed in a helpful way than Mr. Krohn’s and I got more out of it. Besides just understanding the basic steps, I was able to visualize the scenarios that Marc Goldberg describes and imagine how to implement them with my dog. And I really, really like how concrete the lessons are - the lessons are numbered, and they offer advice on how long the training sessions should be, how many times per day and how many days in a row you should work on them before progressing. Yes I know, it’s always individual to your dog, but it’s still helpful to have a benchmark. For once, a practical book on dog training!
May 15, 2024
An absolute must read if you are looking for a simple structured way to incorporate an e-collar into your dogs training.
January 11, 2024
I'd like to preface my review by saying that I support the use of ecollars and training collars on dogs. I have used ecollars and other training collars on one of my own dogs. However, the way that they are going about using these tools isn't a good way to train your dog. Just for context, I subscribe to LIMA training methods.
1. Over emphasis on the value of walking off leash. Dogs can be perfectly happy on leashes and they're safer that way. The vast majority of public spaces have leash laws. Wanting your dog to be off leash is more of a human desire.
2. They are not aware of pitbull mislabeling and often say "70 pound pitbull" . Bully breed mislabeling is a huge contribution to the bans going on for bully breeds today. I would expect "professional dog trainers" to know better and advocate for these dogs.
3. Call dogs pack animals repeatedly. Wolves are pack animals, dogs are domesticated pets and are separate from wolves. Humans and apes are related, but we do not behave the same way.
4. They want to be the pack leader. The alpha method has been disproven so many times. This just shows their method isn't science based.
5. Suggested that the ecollar is fine for dogs 5 months and up. Dogs should be given a chance to learn and exhibit correct behavior before the handler turns to the use of tools.
6. 30 pound labradoodle. Dog people know that poodle mixes aren't breeds and are not consistent in relation to behavior or size. Mutt or mixed breed would have been the correct terminology here.
7. The breeding the monks are doing is super shady. I looked online for information about their program after they mentioned that the breeder they got their first two dogs from suggested that they breed them. I was unable to find any proof of health testing, pedigrees, or titles on any of their dogs. These are clear signs of an unethical breeder.
8. They don't use rewards enough in their program. It's correction based with treats being used only sometimes and never mention once that some dogs are toy motivated.
9. Big claims with no evidence to back them up. This shows their method is not science based.
10. They keep mentioning a dog feeling prideful. Like guilt, pride is a human emotion that dogs are incapable of experiencing.
11. Promising fast results. No good trainer guarantees results for their work, let alone fast results.
12. There's more of an emphasis on positive punishment than positive reinforcement.
13. They don't ever mention toys as a reward. Their only tools are treats and training collars. A good trainer makes use of more than just tools with a side of treats.
14. Why are we tapping for a turn? The previous exercise with the rapid turns teaches your dog to pay attention to you. You don't need to tap the dog if the dog is already paying attention to you.
15. Suggests using pressure on the hips to teach sit (a big no no). Most good trainers can teach basic obedience without even touching the dog. This looks a lot like compulsion training.
16. Dogs don't need to go to cafes with you. In fact, many things that we as humans enjoy aren't very enjoyable for our dogs. Don't anthropomorphize your pets.
17. Abandons the importance of sniffing for dogs.
18. They say not to use any tools that aren't in their method.
19. Lack of adjustment to the individual dog, they seem to believe every dog can be trained with an ecollar. This just goes back to train the dog in front of you, not the dog you wish you had.
20. They never mention any certification that they have to train dogs. Dog training is an unregulated industry and anyone can call themself a dog trainer. But there are certifications that can be earned to show that you are educated on manners relating to dogs and they never mention having any.
What I do like
1. The ecollars they recommend are good ecollars.
2. I like the tap on the shoulder example.
3. Saying some dogs feel the sensation before even a small reaction.
4. Referal to training as an art.
5. The spiritual connection to dogs.
1. Over emphasis on the value of walking off leash. Dogs can be perfectly happy on leashes and they're safer that way. The vast majority of public spaces have leash laws. Wanting your dog to be off leash is more of a human desire.
2. They are not aware of pitbull mislabeling and often say "70 pound pitbull" . Bully breed mislabeling is a huge contribution to the bans going on for bully breeds today. I would expect "professional dog trainers" to know better and advocate for these dogs.
3. Call dogs pack animals repeatedly. Wolves are pack animals, dogs are domesticated pets and are separate from wolves. Humans and apes are related, but we do not behave the same way.
4. They want to be the pack leader. The alpha method has been disproven so many times. This just shows their method isn't science based.
5. Suggested that the ecollar is fine for dogs 5 months and up. Dogs should be given a chance to learn and exhibit correct behavior before the handler turns to the use of tools.
6. 30 pound labradoodle. Dog people know that poodle mixes aren't breeds and are not consistent in relation to behavior or size. Mutt or mixed breed would have been the correct terminology here.
7. The breeding the monks are doing is super shady. I looked online for information about their program after they mentioned that the breeder they got their first two dogs from suggested that they breed them. I was unable to find any proof of health testing, pedigrees, or titles on any of their dogs. These are clear signs of an unethical breeder.
8. They don't use rewards enough in their program. It's correction based with treats being used only sometimes and never mention once that some dogs are toy motivated.
9. Big claims with no evidence to back them up. This shows their method is not science based.
10. They keep mentioning a dog feeling prideful. Like guilt, pride is a human emotion that dogs are incapable of experiencing.
11. Promising fast results. No good trainer guarantees results for their work, let alone fast results.
12. There's more of an emphasis on positive punishment than positive reinforcement.
13. They don't ever mention toys as a reward. Their only tools are treats and training collars. A good trainer makes use of more than just tools with a side of treats.
14. Why are we tapping for a turn? The previous exercise with the rapid turns teaches your dog to pay attention to you. You don't need to tap the dog if the dog is already paying attention to you.
15. Suggests using pressure on the hips to teach sit (a big no no). Most good trainers can teach basic obedience without even touching the dog. This looks a lot like compulsion training.
16. Dogs don't need to go to cafes with you. In fact, many things that we as humans enjoy aren't very enjoyable for our dogs. Don't anthropomorphize your pets.
17. Abandons the importance of sniffing for dogs.
18. They say not to use any tools that aren't in their method.
19. Lack of adjustment to the individual dog, they seem to believe every dog can be trained with an ecollar. This just goes back to train the dog in front of you, not the dog you wish you had.
20. They never mention any certification that they have to train dogs. Dog training is an unregulated industry and anyone can call themself a dog trainer. But there are certifications that can be earned to show that you are educated on manners relating to dogs and they never mention having any.
What I do like
1. The ecollars they recommend are good ecollars.
2. I like the tap on the shoulder example.
3. Saying some dogs feel the sensation before even a small reaction.
4. Referal to training as an art.
5. The spiritual connection to dogs.
October 27, 2020
Interesting read! Wealth of information on how to gently train mans best friend using a ecollar. I’m new to the Monks of New Skete but this was an easy guide to training your dog. I don’t actually have a dog but I’m researching a ton of stuff before I get one. I’ve had dogs before and I’ve always had issues with getting a dog to obey commands.
What did I like? They take the guesswork out of collars and give you a couple that they recommend. They also guide you through how to collar your dog, and leash. This could be a beginner guide all the way up to just information to learn the behaviors of dogs. There are a ton of pictures to help with teaching your dog commands, all very easy to spot issues you might be having. I’m still working on finding a good breed that will be compatible with me, but I will be definitely using these techniques.
Would I recommend or buy? Yes....These Monks have a passion for these animals, and I found this to be a great guide. Years of experience inside this training guide. Anyone looking to use this book to gently train there dog will benefit at the wealth of knowledge. I will be using these techniques and the tips for collars.
I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review.
What did I like? They take the guesswork out of collars and give you a couple that they recommend. They also guide you through how to collar your dog, and leash. This could be a beginner guide all the way up to just information to learn the behaviors of dogs. There are a ton of pictures to help with teaching your dog commands, all very easy to spot issues you might be having. I’m still working on finding a good breed that will be compatible with me, but I will be definitely using these techniques.
Would I recommend or buy? Yes....These Monks have a passion for these animals, and I found this to be a great guide. Years of experience inside this training guide. Anyone looking to use this book to gently train there dog will benefit at the wealth of knowledge. I will be using these techniques and the tips for collars.
I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review.
April 24, 2023
It was decent. The big thing that was beneficial was the way they made the lesson plans easy to understand and replicate. It can be beneficial to dog owners who start their dog off as a puppy. This book isn’t for dogs that have serious problems, which they do mention at the very end of the book.
They pulled punches by talking about evolution and not acknowledging God in the animal and working it. Being “Christians” they don’t give biblical framework for why they do what they do. Anyone of any religious or spiritual faith can do “X” is true, but why?
They didn’t spend adequate time discussing discipline and why it’s a blessing to the animal. It seemed like the way it was written was to mostly please a certain crowd of people, almost like they’re trying to play both sides. Say things in such a way about training as to appeal to both positive only/force free trainers and balanced trainers.
I’m planning on reading the rest of their books and also paying them a visit. This is my first impression of reading this book all the way through.
They pulled punches by talking about evolution and not acknowledging God in the animal and working it. Being “Christians” they don’t give biblical framework for why they do what they do. Anyone of any religious or spiritual faith can do “X” is true, but why?
They didn’t spend adequate time discussing discipline and why it’s a blessing to the animal. It seemed like the way it was written was to mostly please a certain crowd of people, almost like they’re trying to play both sides. Say things in such a way about training as to appeal to both positive only/force free trainers and balanced trainers.
I’m planning on reading the rest of their books and also paying them a visit. This is my first impression of reading this book all the way through.
December 31, 2020
The Art of Training Your Dog: How to Gently Teach Good Behavior Using an E-Collar by The Monks of New Skeet and Marc Goldberg (The Countryman Press 2020) (636.70835) (3493).
This is a very 21st century method of teaching a dog how to become a wonderful human companion instead of just a beloved wild animal. The authors refer to the electronic collar which emits a shock to the dog when its behavior needs correcting as an “e-collar” as opposed to its former designation as a “shock collar.” This change in terminology actually reflects the much more humane method of issuing corrections when the dog's behavior needs to be adjusted that this book teaches.>/p>
This book strikes me as promoting “good karma.” I hope that the Monks of New Skeet will be pleased with this compliment..My rating: 7/10, finished 12/30/20.
June 24, 2020
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Countryman Press for the Advanced Release Copy in exchange for my honest review.
I grew up with German Shepherds and have been a Certified dog trainer through both NADOI and IACP for 16 years. There was no way not to know who the Monks are. It was very exciting to get the chance to review their new e-collar book.
Like all of their other books, this one is very detailed, comprehensive and informative. When used appropriately, there is so much utility in e-collars that it is wonderful to have a resource written by experts like the monks.
I grew up with German Shepherds and have been a Certified dog trainer through both NADOI and IACP for 16 years. There was no way not to know who the Monks are. It was very exciting to get the chance to review their new e-collar book.
Like all of their other books, this one is very detailed, comprehensive and informative. When used appropriately, there is so much utility in e-collars that it is wonderful to have a resource written by experts like the monks.
November 27, 2023
I love all books written by the Monks of New Skete. I also loved this one. The more I read about modern e-collars and ways you can teach and communicate with your dog with its help, the more sad I am of how bias we are about this tool. As Larry Krohn said, this is the biggest invention in the world of dog training. Of course, you need to get high quality tool, you need to teach yourself and then you need to teach your dog. But it is well worth the price. You will need to adjust the lesson plan from the book if your dog knows the basic commands. But still, great book.
August 30, 2020
This is a great book! I have a Great Pyrenees, a Husky and a pomeranian so this book has been very helpful. I did have trouble with the kindle version it has weird errors I'm assuming will be corrected in publication but I was able to view it fine in the Adilko.
This book is very detailed and informative and has great information on using an e-collar. (I don't have an e-collar but I found it very well written). I highly recommend it.
I received this from NetGalley for an honest review.
This book is very detailed and informative and has great information on using an e-collar. (I don't have an e-collar but I found it very well written). I highly recommend it.
I received this from NetGalley for an honest review.
August 26, 2020
Great book! I have a German Shepherd and a Husky and besides the fact that they're both trained with simple commands, it's always great to read more about it. This book is very detailed and informative about training your dog using e-collar. Super recommend it. I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
November 22, 2021
Very practical, step by step guide to using an ecollar humanely. Definitely leaves no stone unturned and makes everything simple to understand in regards to why a behaviour occurs and what to do. Easy to understand!
December 29, 2021
We're still going through the training plan to get our dog reliable off leash. But her improvement is walking on a leash alone is worth the effort put into this training. She isn't pulling like she used to and is doing so much better paying attention to us.
May 1, 2023
A perfect guide for using e-collar for training in a fair and humane way. The lesson plan layout is incredibly valuable and easy to follow. The only thing you need to add is consistency and you’ll have a happy, well-trained dog in about 6 weeks!
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April 25, 2021If I could get the rest of my family to follow this life would be easy.
May 21, 2022
Excellent book
This book is not just about a training regime,but also and more importantly how to develop a trusting relationship with your dog.
This book is not just about a training regime,but also and more importantly how to develop a trusting relationship with your dog.
July 7, 2022
Very good book on how to use en e-collar in the training of your dog.
March 10, 2023
Helpful. Was able to find just the right collar for Dolly with the thorough recommendation in this book, as well as some tips for avoiding mistakes in training.
April 20, 2025
Giving this a preliminary 4-star rating, will modify when we see the results.
October 5, 2025
Loved it. Am working thru the training with the boys 😊
August 21, 2025
After having adopted a new dog recently that will likely be difficult to train, I found this book to be pretty inspiring. I'm hoping that in the coming months it will also prove helpful. If so, I'll give it a better rating, as I'll be better able to assess whether the book was full of wisdom or fluff.
May 13, 2023
I found this book to be helpful and encouraging.
September 7, 2020
I was gifted a copy of the book by the authors, Br. Christopher of the Monks of New Skete and Marc Goldberg.
This is a terrific book! It covers all phases of dog training including the use of e-collars. It took years to get me to use an e-collar on my dog. I started using one in 2013, after working with Br. Christopher. I rarely had to use the collar on my German Shepard, though he wore it every time we went out for a walk. Usually all I had to do was show him the remote "wand" when I wanted him to back off from any mischief he was contemplating. Smart boy that he was, he figured out the correct response from the visual reminder.
Excellent hands on book. Five easy stars!
This is a terrific book! It covers all phases of dog training including the use of e-collars. It took years to get me to use an e-collar on my dog. I started using one in 2013, after working with Br. Christopher. I rarely had to use the collar on my German Shepard, though he wore it every time we went out for a walk. Usually all I had to do was show him the remote "wand" when I wanted him to back off from any mischief he was contemplating. Smart boy that he was, he figured out the correct response from the visual reminder.
Excellent hands on book. Five easy stars!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews