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alerycelery's review
4.0
Helpful. Was able to find just the right collar for Dolly with the thorough recommendation in this book, as well as some tips for avoiding mistakes in training.
aysha_blake's review
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
2.0
I'd like to preface my review by saying that I support the use of ecollars and training collars on dogs. I have used ecollars and other training collars on one of my own dogs. However, the way that they are going about using these tools isn't a good way to train your dog. Just for context, I subscribe to LIMA training methods.
1. Over emphasis on the value of walking off leash. Dogs can be perfectly happy on leashes and they're safer that way. The vast majority of public spaces have leash laws. Wanting your dog to be off leash is more of a human desire.
2. They are not aware of pitbull mislabeling and often say "70 pound pitbull" . Bully breed mislabeling is a huge contribution to the bans going on for bully breeds today. I would expect "professional dog trainers" to know better and advocate for these dogs.
3. Call dogs pack animals repeatedly. Wolves are pack animals, dogs are domesticated pets and are separate from wolves. Humans and apes are related, but we do not behave the same way.
4. They want to be the pack leader. The alpha method has been disproven so many times. This just shows their method isn't science based.
5. Suggested that the ecollar is fine for dogs 5 months and up. Dogs should be given a chance to learn and exhibit correct behavior before the handler turns to the use of tools.
6. 30 pound labradoodle. Dog people know that poodle mixes aren't breeds and are not consistent in relation to behavior or size. Mutt or mixed breed would have been the correct terminology here.
7. The breeding the monks are doing is super shady. I looked online for information about their program after they mentioned that the breeder they got their first two dogs from suggested that they breed them. I was unable to find any proof of health testing, pedigrees, or titles on any of their dogs. These are clear signs of an unethical breeder.
8. They don't use rewards enough in their program. It's correction based with treats being used only sometimes and never mention once that some dogs are toy motivated.
9. Big claims with no evidence to back them up. This shows their method is not science based.
10. They keep mentioning a dog feeling prideful. Like guilt, pride is a human emotion that dogs are incapable of experiencing.
11. Promising fast results. No good trainer guarantees results for their work, let alone fast results.
12. There's more of an emphasis on positive punishment than positive reinforcement.
13. They don't ever mention toys as a reward. Their only tools are treats and training collars. A good trainer makes use of more than just tools with a side of treats.
14. Why are we tapping for a turn? The previous exercise with the rapid turns teaches your dog to pay attention to you. You don't need to tap the dog if the dog is already paying attention to you.
15. Suggests using pressure on the hips to teach sit (a big no no). Most good trainers can teach basic obedience without even touching the dog. This looks a lot like compulsion training.
16. Dogs don't need to go to cafes with you. In fact, many things that we as humans enjoy aren't very enjoyable for our dogs. Don't anthropomorphize your pets.
17. Abandons the importance of sniffing for dogs.
18. They say not to use any tools that aren't in their method.
19. Lack of adjustment to the individual dog, they seem to believe every dog can be trained with an ecollar. This just goes back to train the dog in front of you, not the dog you wish you had.
20. They never mention any certification that they have to train dogs. Dog training is an unregulated industry and anyone can call themself a dog trainer. But there are certifications that can be earned to show that you are educated on manners relating to dogs and they never mention having any.
21. They also copied and pasted instructions and used them in two chapters. It may be petty of me to fault them for this, but they could have at least reworded it.
What I do like
1. The ecollars they recommend are good ecollars.
2. I like the tap on the shoulder example.
3. Saying some dogs feel the sensation before even a small reaction.
4. Referal to training as an art.
5. The spiritual connection to dogs.
1. Over emphasis on the value of walking off leash. Dogs can be perfectly happy on leashes and they're safer that way. The vast majority of public spaces have leash laws. Wanting your dog to be off leash is more of a human desire.
2. They are not aware of pitbull mislabeling and often say "70 pound pitbull" . Bully breed mislabeling is a huge contribution to the bans going on for bully breeds today. I would expect "professional dog trainers" to know better and advocate for these dogs.
3. Call dogs pack animals repeatedly. Wolves are pack animals, dogs are domesticated pets and are separate from wolves. Humans and apes are related, but we do not behave the same way.
4. They want to be the pack leader. The alpha method has been disproven so many times. This just shows their method isn't science based.
5. Suggested that the ecollar is fine for dogs 5 months and up. Dogs should be given a chance to learn and exhibit correct behavior before the handler turns to the use of tools.
6. 30 pound labradoodle. Dog people know that poodle mixes aren't breeds and are not consistent in relation to behavior or size. Mutt or mixed breed would have been the correct terminology here.
7. The breeding the monks are doing is super shady. I looked online for information about their program after they mentioned that the breeder they got their first two dogs from suggested that they breed them. I was unable to find any proof of health testing, pedigrees, or titles on any of their dogs. These are clear signs of an unethical breeder.
8. They don't use rewards enough in their program. It's correction based with treats being used only sometimes and never mention once that some dogs are toy motivated.
9. Big claims with no evidence to back them up. This shows their method is not science based.
10. They keep mentioning a dog feeling prideful. Like guilt, pride is a human emotion that dogs are incapable of experiencing.
11. Promising fast results. No good trainer guarantees results for their work, let alone fast results.
12. There's more of an emphasis on positive punishment than positive reinforcement.
13. They don't ever mention toys as a reward. Their only tools are treats and training collars. A good trainer makes use of more than just tools with a side of treats.
14. Why are we tapping for a turn? The previous exercise with the rapid turns teaches your dog to pay attention to you. You don't need to tap the dog if the dog is already paying attention to you.
15. Suggests using pressure on the hips to teach sit (a big no no). Most good trainers can teach basic obedience without even touching the dog. This looks a lot like compulsion training.
16. Dogs don't need to go to cafes with you. In fact, many things that we as humans enjoy aren't very enjoyable for our dogs. Don't anthropomorphize your pets.
17. Abandons the importance of sniffing for dogs.
18. They say not to use any tools that aren't in their method.
19. Lack of adjustment to the individual dog, they seem to believe every dog can be trained with an ecollar. This just goes back to train the dog in front of you, not the dog you wish you had.
20. They never mention any certification that they have to train dogs. Dog training is an unregulated industry and anyone can call themself a dog trainer. But there are certifications that can be earned to show that you are educated on manners relating to dogs and they never mention having any.
21. They also copied and pasted instructions and used them in two chapters. It may be petty of me to fault them for this, but they could have at least reworded it.
What I do like
1. The ecollars they recommend are good ecollars.
2. I like the tap on the shoulder example.
3. Saying some dogs feel the sensation before even a small reaction.
4. Referal to training as an art.
5. The spiritual connection to dogs.
hannas_heas47's review
5.0
Interesting read! Wealth of information on how to gently train mans best friend using a ecollar. I’m new to the Monks of New Skete but this was an easy guide to training your dog. I don’t actually have a dog but I’m researching a ton of stuff before I get one. I’ve had dogs before and I’ve always had issues with getting a dog to obey commands.
What did I like? They take the guesswork out of collars and give you a couple that they recommend. They also guide you through how to collar your dog, and leash. This could be a beginner guide all the way up to just information to learn the behaviors of dogs. There are a ton of pictures to help with teaching your dog commands, all very easy to spot issues you might be having. I’m still working on finding a good breed that will be compatible with me, but I will be definitely using these techniques.
Would I recommend or buy? Yes....These Monks have a passion for these animals, and I found this to be a great guide. Years of experience inside this training guide. Anyone looking to use this book to gently train there dog will benefit at the wealth of knowledge. I will be using these techniques and the tips for collars.
I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review.
What did I like? They take the guesswork out of collars and give you a couple that they recommend. They also guide you through how to collar your dog, and leash. This could be a beginner guide all the way up to just information to learn the behaviors of dogs. There are a ton of pictures to help with teaching your dog commands, all very easy to spot issues you might be having. I’m still working on finding a good breed that will be compatible with me, but I will be definitely using these techniques.
Would I recommend or buy? Yes....These Monks have a passion for these animals, and I found this to be a great guide. Years of experience inside this training guide. Anyone looking to use this book to gently train there dog will benefit at the wealth of knowledge. I will be using these techniques and the tips for collars.
I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review.
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