How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend (2002) - Monks of New Skete

This book is well-known in the world of dog owners, receiving both praise and scorn for its simple message of honest communication between human and canine.  It is, as a quote on the back cover notes, very "readable" and is often so much more than a dog training book.

Cover image: yimcatholic.blogspot.com

What comes across from the very start of the book is the love the Monks have for their dogs.  One of their recommendations is to integrate your dog with every possible aspect of your life, which they do in such a natural and beautiful way.  The dogs, mostly German Shepherds, are paired with a monk and spend nearly every waking moment together - from sleeping, eating, working, and playing.  To do this, the Monks require dogs that are highly trained and obedient, to ensure there is tranquility and efficiency in daily life.  Their training techniques seem to be easy to carry over into any dog owner's situation.

There are elements of the book that may be off-putting to some.  There is a high emphasis on the spiritual connection between humans and dogs, as well as the religious elements of the whole training process.  The book also discusses a telepathic connection between owner and dog, which, though earnestly described and backed by a scientific study, still struck me as a stretch to believe.

As I noted before, the book is a great read, not only for the dog training tips, but for a deeper insight into a world most of us seldom see.