Editor’s Pick: I am a huge fan of the Monks of New Skete. The Art of Raising a Puppy was the first book I bought after bringing home an eight week old boxer puppy (who would later become the inspiration behind CityDog Magazine). Like all new parents, (whether it’s to four- or two-legged “children”) I felt pretty clueless. The Art of Raising a Puppy walked me through the stages of puppy development, from “the socialization period,” when a puppy is clingy and in need of socialization to the “juvenile period” or what I like to call “Scout’s naughty period,” when they test their boundaries and act out. The monks reminded me that the hard work I put in during the socialization period may appear for naught during the juvenile period, but early training and socialization pays off in the long run and is key to a happy, well-rounded dog (and dog owner). GRADE: 4 PAWS
Click here to buy The Art of Raising a Puppy
I’d be interested to read this “completely revised” version. I read their original book, published in the early 1990s, and found myself somewhat appalled by the aggressive and dominance-based tactics that the Monks recommended. I hope they’ve started to change their tune in this new work!