The Monks of New Skete, while seemingly well-intentioned, demonstrate a significant lack of knowledge and practical skill in their approach to dog training, as evidenced in their publications. Their stated goal of fostering well-behaved dogs integrated into family life mirrors that of many responsible trainers. However, their methods, particularly those presented in “The Art of Raising a Puppy,” fall short of modern, humane, and effective dog training principles.
Upon revisiting the 1991 edition of “The Art of Raising a Puppy” and subsequently the “Completely Revised And Updated” 2011 version, it’s apparent that the revision offers little improvement. Having gained experience with exceptional trainers since first reading the initial book, I can no longer endorse their training philosophy or recommendations. This review will delve into the specific shortcomings of their approach, highlighting why their advice can be detrimental to a dog’s well-being and a harmonious human-canine relationship.
Inadequate Puppy Socialization and Early Correction
A fundamental flaw in the Monks’ approach lies in their advice for handling a puppy’s first night away from its mother and littermates. They acknowledge that “whining this first night” is normal, yet their proposed solution is concerning. They suggest a calm approach initially, but escalate to a “gentle scruff shake along with a low ‘No, go to sleep'” if the whining persists. This is problematic for several reasons. A young puppy experiencing separation from its familiar environment, mother, and siblings is already under significant stress. Introducing a physical correction, even a gentle one, paired with a verbal reprimand, can instill fear and anxiety rather than comfort. This early negative association can undermine the crucial development of trust and security between the puppy and its new human companion, effectively betraying the “new best friend” role. This contradicts the understanding that positive reinforcement and building a secure bond are paramount during this sensitive developmental stage.
Questionable Housetraining and Resource Guarding Advice
The housetraining methodology described in the book, which involves covering the entire floor with newspaper, is likely to create more challenges than it solves. This extensive use of newspaper can confuse a puppy, making it difficult for them to distinguish between an appropriate potty spot and the rest of their environment. More concerning is the advice provided on page 64 of the 2011 edition regarding feeding. The suggested approach to potential possessiveness or aggression around food is ill-advised and can exacerbate these issues. Instead of structuring the puppy’s early weeks to prevent such behaviors, their methods risk solidifying them. Addressing resource guarding and possessiveness requires careful management and positive training techniques, not forceful confrontation, which can permanently embed negative behaviors during this critical period of a puppy’s development.
Misguided Discipline and Aggression Management
The chapter on “Discipline and Common Puppy Problems” contains advice that is particularly alarming, especially concerning the recommendation for forcefully dealing with a five-month-old German Shepherd that growls at guests. Growling is a crucial communication signal, often indicating fear, anxiety, or discomfort. Rather than addressing the underlying emotion and teaching the dog a different response, the Monks’ approach of forceful confrontation is likely to suppress the warning sign. This suppression does not resolve the dog’s distress; it merely teaches them not to vocalize their discomfort. Consequently, the dog may proceed directly to biting without any prior warning, making the situation far more dangerous. This advice starkly contrasts with expert recommendations that focus on understanding the root cause of aggression and implementing fear-free desensitization and counter-conditioning techniques.
Unnecessary and Potentially Harmful Training Tools
The book’s endorsement of “training collars” is another significant area of concern. The recommendation to transition from a flat-buckle or martingale collar to other types after one to two months suggests a belief in the necessity of more aversive tools. The explicit recommendation of a “snap-around nylon training collar” (essentially a nylon choke collar) and a modified prong collar, as well as the introduction of remote collars (shock collars) in their adult training program, is outdated and ethically questionable. Modern, science-based training emphasizes positive reinforcement methods that do not rely on pain, fear, or intimidation. These aversive tools can suppress behavior without addressing the underlying emotional state, potentially leading to fear, anxiety, and increased aggression. True expertise in dog training lies in effectively communicating with the dog and guiding their behavior through positive means, not through the use of coercive equipment.
The Flawed Concept of Dominance and Alpha Theory
A pervasive issue throughout the Monks’ teachings is the overemphasis on “dominance” and “alpha” theory. Their approach advocates for demonstrating who is “boss” and acting harshly when necessary. This outdated perspective fails to recognize that dogs, like humans, thrive on partnership and leadership, not authoritarian rule. While leadership is essential in a dog-human relationship, it is about providing guidance, structure, and clear communication, not about establishing an adversarial dynamic. True leadership involves understanding the dog’s needs and motivations, building trust, and earning cooperation through positive reinforcement and clear expectations. Dogs are more likely to work willingly with a respected leader than to submit to a harsh boss. Many behaviors mistaken for “dominance” are, in fact, rooted in a lack of self-control, insufficient training, or underlying fear. Assertive, confident dogs require a committed leader, but this leadership does not necessitate harsh methods or aversive tools.
Superior Alternatives for Effective Dog Training
For a more effective, humane, and relationship-focused approach to dog training, resources like John Rogerson’s “The Dog Vinci Code” offer invaluable insights. Rogerson, a world-renowned trainer with decades of experience, provides comprehensive guidance on early behavioral development, aggression, and fear, which are far more constructive than the Monks’ recommendations. His work, particularly Chapter 4 on “Early Behavioural Development,” offers a superior framework for housetraining and feeding issues. Furthermore, for understanding and addressing aggression, Chapters 42 and 44 provide expert advice. Suzanne Clothier, another highly respected figure in the canine world, offers profound wisdom in her book “Bones Would Rain From The Sky.” Her insights into compulsion, coercion, and building a strong partnership with dogs, especially Chapter 17, provide a nuanced understanding of ethical training practices. Learning from trainers like Clothier and Rogerson emphasizes the importance of building a strong, trusting relationship, leading to a dog that cooperates willingly rather than one that submits out of fear.
Ultimately, the Monks of New Skete have an opportunity to evolve their understanding of dog behavior and training. By seeking out the knowledge and methods of exceptional trainers who prioritize building strong relationships and fostering willing cooperation, they can move towards a more effective and compassionate approach. Such a shift would undoubtedly benefit the dogs they aim to help, ensuring they are not viewed as prisoners of harsh training regimes but as cherished partners in a well-understood and loving relationship.
