When my husband and I decided to get a new puppy, we announced it to all of our friends and family once we found a breeder and put a deposit down. While I thought I was the only one going on and on and on about the new puppy, it turns out my husband has been jabbering on as well at school (he's a PhD student so it's also his job).

One of his cohorters lent him a book form to read (titled above) since he also shared that I was going research crazy online.

When I first read the title and authors, I was a little skeptical, because what would a bunch of monks know about dogs?

It turns on that this "brotherhood" of monks located in Pennsylvania also double as a GS breeder.

The book starts with an observation of their GS named Anka who is about to have a litter. The book follows her and her litter from birth to year 1 all the way from what is going on biologically as well as mentally for the puppies during their oh so important first year.

I really enjoyed this book because it wasn't a super difficult read with all sorts of technical jargin, and it really emphasized how important it is to understand that while each pup is different, with proper training and affection, any pup can grow to be an obediant and loving companion.

They don't use treat-based training, just affection. He goes week by week outlining what is happening in puppy world and why it's so important that the pup with with mom until at least the 8th week, as well as what kind of consequences are at risk if you remove the pup before then.

He also goes over some 'puppy tests' that you can do with your pup early on to find out if it's going to be more submission or domininant.

There is a chapter dedicated to crate-training, potty-training, sit, down, stay etc.

All in all I really enjoyed it. I was able to finish it in about 3 days. Recommended!

Did you try any of there methods in the book? And were you able to have success with them? I am getting a puppy in August and I am looking for all the info I can.