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Don't Shoot the Dog!: The New Art of Teaching and Training |  | Author: Karen Pryor
Publisher: Bantam
Category: Book
List Price: $17.00
Buy Used: $2.47
as of 11/20/2009 13:25 MST details
You Save: $14.53 (85%)
New (39) Used (69) from $2.47
Seller: dreamboat_books
Rating:  124 reviews
Sales Rank: 58961
Media: Paperback
Edition: Revised
Pages: 224
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 8.2 x 5.2 x 0.7
ISBN: 0553380397
Dewey Decimal Number: 153.85
EAN: 9780553380392
ASIN: 0553380397
Publication Date: August 3, 1999
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
A Better Way to Better Behavior
Karen Pryor's clear and entertaining explanation of behavioral training methods made Don't Shoot the Dog! a bestselling classic. Now this revised edition presents more of her insights into animal—and human—behavior.
A groundbreaking behavioral scientist and dynamic animal trainer, Karen Pryor is a powerful proponent of the principles and practical uses of positive reinforcement in teaching new behaviors. Here are the secrets of changing behavior in pets, kids—even yourself—without yelling, threats, force, punishment, guilt trips...or shooting the dog:
•The principles of the revolutionary "clicker training" method, which owes its phenomenal success to its immediacy of response—so there is no question what action you are rewarding
•8 methods of ending undesirable habits—from furniture-clawing cats to sloppy roommates
•The 10 laws of "shaping" behavior–for results without strain or pain through "affection training"
•Tips for house-training the dog, improving your tennis game, or dealing with an impossible teen
•Explorations of exciting new uses for reinforcement training
Learn why pet owners rave, "This book changed our lives!" and how these pioneering techniques can work for you too.
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 124
 Not the best introduction to clicker training---so what's the answer? November 12, 2009
J. Tew (Delaware, Ohio USA)
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.
 Dealing with people & animals: the manual November 1, 2009
O. Fischer (Atlanta, GA)
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.
 Loving a puppy into behaving September 7, 2009
Dee (Miami FL)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
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!!
Great purchase June 25, 2009
K. Wilson
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I got the book I ordered very promptly and the book was in great condition. Very happy customer!
The BEST place to start for any pet owner April 29, 2009
Terindogs (Florida)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
After being in dogsports for many years I still recommend this as the place to start for new pet owners. I even give it as a gift sometimes to new pet owners. It opens the door to a whole host of more complicated books, seminars, videos, etc. HOWEVER, if the beginner gets lost initially or set on the wrong path, they may be doomed to have poorly trained pets forever. Start easy, with the proper info. That is exactly what this book does. I'd give it 10 stars!
Showing reviews 1-5 of 124
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