David Ian Miller

Monday, June 25, 2007

Snapping, snarling, growling, jumping, sulking or just plain sad and scared — if this describes your dog’s behavior, it may be time to send Rover on a religious retreat.

The Monks of New Skete, an Eastern Orthodox community in Cambridge, N.Y., rehabilitate dogs with issues. Their training techniques are based on getting a dog calm, centered and balanced, as well as encouraging the deep emotional and spiritual connection possible between humans and dogs. You can watch them in action on Animal Planet’s “Divine Canine” series.

The Monks of New Skete, an Eastern Orthodox community in Cambridge, N.Y., rehabilitate dogs with issues. Their training techniques are based on getting a dog calm, centered and balanced, as well as encouraging the deep emotional and spiritual connection possible between humans and dogs. You can watch them in action on Animal Planet’s “Divine Canine” series.

The monks support themselves by raising and training dogs, but their furry friends are far more than a business endeavor. Dogs are a central part of the monks’ religious training and spiritual practices, as well as beloved companions that enhance the life of the religious community. Hanging out with dogs, the monks believe, can bring you closer to God and also make you a far nicer person.

Brother Christopher, 52, and head of the New Skete dog-training program, joined the monastery in 1981. I spoke with him by phone about what he’s learned in his 25 years of working with (hu)man’s best friend.

To read the rest of this interview click here
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Jeanie Marie Kraft, Lic.Ac. is keeping tails wagging on the North Shore of MA with K9 acupuncture house-calls. Center in FourPawsAcupuncture.com for more information.

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