Click for Joy!: Questions and Answers from Clicker Trainers and their Dogs

by Melissa C. Alexander

Melissa C. Alexander, moderator of the online discussion forum ClickerSolutions, collects clear and accurate answers to over one hundred commonly asked questions about clicker training in one essential reference. Click for Joy! is packed with information for experienced trainers and newcomers alike, * positive, effective solutions to common problems * practical instructions to train any behavior for fluency and reliability * encouragement, advice, and success stories from clicker trainers around the world * short-term and long-term consequences of controversial training techniques * clear, easy-to-understand explanations of the science underlying clicker training * glossary of clicker training terms and concepts * easy-to-use cross-referencing and index

Genres: Dogs, Animals, Nonfiction, Reference

222 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2003

About the author

I’ve been critter-crazy since birth, and I wrote my first “novel” (27 whole pages!) when I was in third grade. It’s not surprising that I’ve spent the rest of my life pursuing, and frequently combining, those two passions.

In 1999, I “discovered” clicker training while doing pre-puppy research. I was hooked! A year later I and my friend Debbie Otero founded the ClickerSolutions mailing list and Web site, and a couple of years after that my book, Click for Joy!, was published by KPCT (then Sunshine Books). I have taught clicker training classes, given clicker training seminars across the country, and clicker trained chickens, dogs, and horses.

I mostly retired from the clicker world in 2007, though I still maintain the ClickerSolutions Web site and check in on the mailing list when I can. My focus now is on my husband, my dogs, and my personal writing. I’m currently working on a novel I plan to have finished and subbed to agents in 2018.

My husband and I are based in the Pacific Northwest, but we travel full-time. You can currently find us in San Miguel de Allende, MX.

Reviews

[Gemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone interested in clicker training. It is written in a 'question and answer' format and, because it tries to tackle so many different aspects of clicker training, the actual step-by-step training portion of the book is relatively brief. However, because it so clearly explains why and how clicker training works, some of its history, and its comparison to other training methods (like dominance theory), I consider it a must-read for anyone who is interested in using this training method.

[Rowyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author explained clicker training in a simple and practical way. However, I would not recommend this book to beginners as the basics were skimmed over and not explained in depth.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a very good resource for anyone with a strong interest in clicker training. I don't think I'd recommend it for beginners though. You should have a strong foundation in the mechanics of clicker training to get the most out of this book.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recently adopted a crazy rescue dog.

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wanted an easy basic explanatory book re clicker training. This seemed a bit more advanced for me and the puppy at this time.

[Jodee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice read in capturing the essence of clicker training. It's just GOTTA be fun!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great intro and step-by-step instructions for working with a clicker.