Divine Canine: The Monks' Way to a Happy, Obedient Dog

by Monks of New Skete

Bring out the divine in your canine! Obedient, devoted, and happy -- that's what we all want our dogs to be. Let Brother Christopher and the Monks of New Skete show you how to get there through the stories of sixteen unruly dogs who came to them with more than a few lessons to learn. In this engaging and informative companion book to the hit Animal Planet series, the Monks of New Skete, renowned masters in the art of raising and training dogs, demonstrate tried and true techniques for influencing animal behavior, showing how a caring attitude and honest communication can turn any dog into a divine canine. The Monks inspiring insights into the special New Skete training methodsTips on tackling dominance, aggression, separation anxiety, and more"What if" guides when things dont go as plannedGlossary of key training techniquesStep-by-step photos and full-color illustrations of dogs in training at the New Skete monastery A must-have for anyone who loves dogs, Divine Canine offers unique and entertaining lessons that resonate far beyond the food dish and water bowl

Genres: Dogs, Nonfiction, Animals

352 pages, Paperback

First published July 12, 2009

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super interesting book about a few of the Monks' dogs that they've trained. It shows the methods and ideology behind those methods, and the lots of details from the owners. I found it to be useful if you're having easy problems such as jumping/mouthiness in dogs. I like that the Monks aren't "pure positive" and support saying no to your dog.

[Ivette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more of a "lite" version of their other books. It profiles individual dogs brought to the monks to participate in their 4 week boarding/training program, and focuses on these dogs' particular issues. The main point is that just about all behavior problems stem from poor basic training. Once the foundation is laid, most unwanted behaviors resolve themselves.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

read for bookclub... avc is getting a puppy! 2 young boys came to visit the gallery 2 and 3 years young they really reminded me of puppies. I considered telling the mom about this book as a way to assert herself as the alpha leader; but refrained thinking it would to be appreciated. haha

[Michelle Bird · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, sweet, easy to read, and written through case studies of "problem dogs." I was able to sit down in an afternoon and work my way through this book, which seems to have a very reasonable approach to dog training. Brother Christopher is my new hero. Jared and I have agreed he's like the Zen monk of dog training. And the pictures of all the baby German shepherds running around are really too cute.

[JLynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good sound training for both dogs and people.

[Inder · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sigh. This is SO not as good as "How to be Your Dog's Best Friend." I should've known - it's based on a reality TV show.

So I have a new rule: Don't buy books that have anything to do with reality TV shows. (You'd think this would be obvious, but some lessons have to be learned the hard way.)

Cesar Millan doesn't count, because his books contain ACTUAL advice. Whereas this is a book full of pretty pictures with no content whatsoever. I took a brief look and immediately threw it in my to-sell pile. Thank goodness my housemate works at a used bookstore.

Anyway, it's too bad this book sucks, because I love the monks! Well, you win some, you lose some.

__________________________________
I love these monks!! Won't you let this married girl join your dog-loving monastery? Pleeeeaaaassseee??

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have grown up with dogs, and the approach that the Monks of New Skete take with their dogs is the closest to what I think is the kindest and most sane way to raise, train, and live with dogs! I have read "How to be your dog's best friend" by the monks, and this book seems to be an excellent follow-up, full of case studies with "problem owners" and their dogs.

I would recommend this book to someone perhaps who wants "case studies" about dogs with various problems and how they can be dealt with. Most of the solutions have to do with changing the way the owners treat the dogs, such as becoming a good leader of your dog's pack instead of trying to treat your dog like one of your children!

[Lkelly6 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another inspiring and well written book by the monks of New Skete. This book tells the story of several different dogs, each one a different breed. All of these dogs exhibit serious behavior problems, causing their owners to bring them to New Skete for rehab. Anyone who has a problematic dog should resource this book. For each dog in the book, there's a list of problems with its picture. Then follows a detailed description of training the dog to overcome these problems. Excellent resource for dog owners!

Update on review: We adopted a nearly 4-year-old, totally untrained giant schnauzer who had lived on a ranch -- barn horse style. We are following these ideas and practices step by step to build a strong trust bond and to turn her into a real dog.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have previously read (and am currently re-reading "The Monks of New Skete"'s other two dog training books. Those offer a lot more information.

But I did enjoy this book--not so much to teach me in detail how to train a dog but more as a look at those techniques in action with "unruly" dogs. It's more of an interesting, picture-filled, individual-dog's-story book...than a precise info book like their other ones.

So, if you are looking how to try your dog or new puppy read their other ones. But if you are interesting in dogs and training methods in general for a quick read this is a great one.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had read this book many years ago, but with the edition of Puppy to the household, I decided I needed a refresher. I enjoyed The Art of Raising a Puppy, but this book is the one that was on the shelves when I went to the library!
Divine Canine takes several of the special case dogs that the Monks of New Skete have trained in their one-month intensive course. Dogs that haven't mastered some of the basic commands, like Come, Stay, Heel. By demonstrating how all the basic commands are interrelated, and the role that consistent training plays in having a well-mannered dog, it gives me confidence to continue working with my dogs.

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is sort of the "lite" version of "How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend." It's useful in conjunction with that book, I think, because it reiterates some of the training methods and casts them in real-life contexts. It's also a beautifully produced book, with lots of wonderful photos. I would not recommend it as a stand-alone training manual, though; it doesn't go in-depth enough, I don't think, and the descriptions of the techniques for correction and of the obedience exercises themselves aren't quite enough to give someone the tools they need for training.

[Amanda Emmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of their most recent. My vet recommended it and I love it!
Quote pg. 11 "...many of the behavior problems owners struggle with result from the dog unintentioanlly being given a dominant place in the human family."

[Z.A. Mackic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful if you wish to learn about the dog training and why is necessary to train the dog. Unfortunately, descriptions about the actually training are sparse and leave loads questions especially when one starts to train the dog.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. No it is not as information packed as their other books, but I liked how they tailored the basic commands to different dogs. The pictures are beautiful and this is one that I will definitely skim through later on with future dogs as a refresher.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was another great addition to my "dog-knowledge," also from New Skete. I really appreciate their philosophy on dogs and life, and I found the story-based approach to training really accessible and compelling.

[Dr. Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

These monks live what they teach and their own German Shepard dogs are a testimony to their techniques of training a dog according to how a dog thinks. And respecting their "dogness".

[Nicole Lavin Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read, easy to follow. Makes tons of sense. The "story-telling" format is great.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous full-color photographs and info taken straight from their Animal Planet TV show.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had great colorful pictures and fun stories about families working with the Monks of New Skete on training their dogs to be better canines.

[Naye Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good tips if you have a German Shepard.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved their books - both this and the puppy book.

[Anastasia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, kind book, with beautiful pictures and stories. I'm yet to try the tips on the puppy though.

[Marisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book deal with common problems of dogs (chewing, jumping, humping, etc).

Does not give a general overview on dog training.

[Karen Christino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply a lovely book about much more than training dogs. I've read it twice and liked it even more the second time.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book in my quest to be prepared for the new puppy! :) I love all the monk's books! So much common sense! Wonderful

[Jessica Brazeal Slaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful tips and cute pics. More of an overview book than anything in depth.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book filled with wisdom and common sense.