Raising Your Dog with the Monks of New Skete - Review of DVD

I had a bit of time over the past week to view the 2 DVD set titled "Raising Your Dog with the Monks of New Skete". The set was about 3 hours long and was very nicely produced. I have to admit that I chose the video over their book because I wanted the visual aspects that training books often lack. I was disappointed to learn (later) that the Monks receive no compensation from the sale of this video. I believe it was originally produced as a documentary for a cable channel. If you choose to research more about the methods used by the Monks, especially if you're not a trainer, the book will likely have more detail and may be of more benefit.

Covering a wealth of topics, The video had marvelous scenery as well as very well organized information. Starting with some basic philosophy and principles, the viewer is then treated to a great deal of information about how much work is involved in everything from raising and caring for these animals, to training.

The 2nd video spent considerable time discussing socialization of puppies. Many people fail to realize that the 1st 14-16 weeks of a dog's life are critical in helping it understand it's world - that's what we're talking about when we speak of puppy socialization. Everything from discovering new places and surfaces, to new sounds, sights, objects, people, places, and things. The more puppies are calmly and reassuringly helped to explore their new world, the less likely they are to develop fears and poor behaviors as they grow into adulthood. This video does a great job of demonstrating these important points for a lay person.

Regarding training, I've pointed out before how the Monks are balanced trainers in that they understand the importance of using corrections as part of training.

"This monastic group in Eastern New York raises and trains dogs as part of their quest for spiritual enlightenment. I think anyone would be hard pressed to call these Men of the Cloth cruel when you watch then work and live with dogs - but they do use corrections as part of their communication with these great creatures."

The video is a great way to see visually a typical example of balanced training. The criticisms so common on Positive Reinforcement training sites against balanced training, don't hold much weight when you take time to understand what balanced training is really all about.

Balanced training using praise, encouragement AND some corrections is nothing more than true understanding and love of dogs. Meeting the needs of your dog, rather than satisfying your own needs, is what love's all about. Dog's need structure and leadership. This video is a shining example of how the Monks live with and love these dogs. Their love includes discipline and corrections for the sake of the dog.... Their words and actions are more eloquent than anything I can blog.

Please spend some time with the Monks if you can...