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Bookmark“Whatever the task, whether keeping a four-year-old quiet in public, housebreaking a puppy, coaching a team, or memorizing a poem, it will go fast, and better, and be more fun, if you know how to use reinforcement.”–Karen Pryor.
Now Karen Pryor clearly explains the underlying principles of behavioral training and through numerous fascinating examples reveals how this art can be applied to virtually any common situation. And best of all, she tells how to do it without yelling threats, force, punishment, guilt trips–or shooting the dog. 8 methods for putting an end to all kinds of undesirable behavior. The 10 laws of ”shaping” behavior–for results without strain or pain through “affection training.” How to combat your own addictions to alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, overheating or whatever, how to deal with such difficult problems as a moody spouse, an impossible teen, or an aged parent. Plus. . .House training the dog, improving your tennis game, keeping the cat off the table, and much more!
Great tips for the average reader. Just be sure to read it cover to cover and not take notes out of context. Easy read and very good tips that can help with kids, spouses, in laws, and pets.
I’ve read this book a few times, and even got the book on dvd for my commute. I’ve recommended it for coworkers who have problems with blowing up at others. I’ve recommended it to anyone with a temper problem. I’ve recommended it for parents.
I’m so glad I ran into this book: all because I adopted a “special needs” dog and had to recondition some undesirable behavior out of him. I thought I was learning to help him, and I ended up helping my whole life. I’m a better trainer at my job, I’m a more affective wife, and a much better parent. And frankly, I like people so much more now.
Training an exuberant, willful boxer puppy is a challenge. The tendency is to use prong, choke collar, even a shock collar. How much better to use positive reinforcement, consistency, and patience, patience, patience! Our puppy has become much more manageable and fun as my attitude changed towards training. The principles work in relationship of any kind. GREAT BOOK!!
I bought Ms. Pryor’s book on the recommendation of a friend who has been reading Ms. Pryor’s work. I was looking to get ideas from Ms. Pryor on how to address common problems with dogs–such as walking freely at my side,and to stop barking at the sound of doorbells. Among her books, I chose this one because it had the word “dog,” in it and I was expecting most of the book to provide examples and experiences with dogs but that was not the case. I was aware that Ms. Pryor had trained dolphins, nevertheless, I thought her focus would be on dogs. The book offers a variety of behavioral training approaches but most are explained in the context of dolphins she trained, human behaviors we try to change in our relationships and in some rare instances, dog behavior. To put it bluntly, I’ve been disappointed with the book. I’m in the last chapter and am straining to get it finished.
Any serious dog trainer, shelter/rescue volunteer or dog owner eventually needs to read Don’t Shoot the Dog but it would not be my first choice for a novice dog owner intent on “taming” their beloved bundle of energy. Pat Miller wrote a better introduction to clicker training, The Power of Positive Dog Training but even that would not be my first read. Perhaps one of Ian Dunbar’s earlier books, Teaching a New Dog Old Tricks, or Dr. Dunbar’s Good Little Dog Book. I’ve read dozens of doggie books and have yet to find the perfect one. Patricia McConnell has several short ones that deal with specific issues that are very good.
It amazes me how ardent supporters of “All Positive” training are but I suspect that most of them really don’t understand classical and operant conditioning and few have studied any books about clicker training. I believe there are two types of clicker trainers: (1) people with a clicker hanging from their wrist and (2) true dog trainers who happen to use a clicker.
While I do not use aversive methods (but I did as recently as six years ago) that does not remotely mean that my three dogs weighing in at from 70-130 pounds don’t know the meaning of “NO!” or that they don’t have limits and boundaries. To me “NO!” is a management word (as opposed to a training term), meaning, “stop whatever you are doing instantly.” I doubt that I use it more than once a week. “NO!” is like setting off the fire sprinkler system—it’s an emergency measure beyond which there are no “easy” remedies. Off leash and without a remote device I have to know that a sharp, “leave it”, “here!” or “Uh-Uh” or “enough!” will instantly bring a smiling Great Dane or Weimaraner back to me. If there is a daredevil squirrel jumping from tree to tree it can be difficult to break their focus but the three of them sitting at the base of the tree staring longingly upward as if in a trance means they aren’t getting in any trouble and they will begrudgingly respond to me…eventually.
It also is surprising to discover how impassioned the other side is—the so called “traditional” trainers. Many of them who are in the business have probably seen their revenue shrink. Some, based on their rantings, aren’t very bright or educated. Others are just really intent on dominating someone or something. When they start talking about how much more humane their prong collars are than The Gentle Leader…
If you have a dog and are not enjoying the experience—good for you for attempting to learn some possible answers by buying a book. Sadly, it probably won’t be enough. You need a trainer to train you as much as to train your dog.
Don’t be wowed by the slickest web site and view with suspicion franchise dog training operations. A local shelter or rescue might have some suggestions. You might check with a local hospital that allows therapy dogs and find out who trained them or certified them. At a local dog park seek out the owners with well balanced dogs and ask them.
Degrees are nice when coupled with hands on experience and successes. Telephone consults are worthless. Expect that the top of the game in terms of dog training and behavior assessment will be not only few and far between but heavily booked and not inexpensive.
The two best in my area, both women, both educated but not doctoral level, both widely admired, both do hours of pro bono work for shelter and rescues, both own big dogs of breeds with aggressive reputations, both with many years of documented success rehabilitating dogs with problems. Not every dog owner needs their services. For most people, a reputable entry level group class will be invaluable.