The Thinking Dog: Crossover to Clicker Training

by Gail Tamases Fisher

It is such a joy to work with a dog who proactively engages in behaviors while you build a relationship that will surprise you in its depth and versatility. Clicker training has proven to be the most effective means of developing a "Thinking Dog," one who offers behaviors in anticipation of a reward rather than a dog who has been trained only to wait for his owner's commands. One of the biggest obstacles the new clicker trainer faces, however, is his or her own history of training and habits of working with a dog. But you can make the transition once you understand how dogs learn and the mechanisms of operant conditioning. Learn from author Gail Fisher's crossover experiences as well as those of the hundreds of students she has helped make the change over the past thirteen years.You will * How dog training has evolved over the past 100 years, the strengths and weaknesses of various training styles, and to what extent you can intergrate your previous methods with clicker training.* The particular challenges you will face as you crossover from whatever style of training you have used in the past (compulsion, luring, etc.) to clicker training.* The detailed nuts and bolts of clicker training - from getting a behavior started, to methods of rewarding, to reducing the need to click and treat over time while still getting the results you want.* How to work with dogs trained with force or harsh methods and change them into behavior-offering dynamos.

Genres: Dogs, Animals, Nonfiction

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Nanci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book to help people understand and think about how a dog really learns and how to capitalize on that to learn and use clicker training (positive-based reinforcement) to deepen your bond with your dog, enhance their ability to use their brains, and and have great fun all at the same time!

If you ever had to yank on your dog during a walk, or didn't know how to respond to an unwanted behavior, this book will give you a new and helpful way of handling living with dogs!

Read it, it will change your life and the life of the dogs in your household.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of the many dog training books that I've read or browsed through in the last year, this book is the clearest, most detailed, and most useful. I'm not sure if I'll ever "finish" it, as I'm working my way through it as I try to train my dog.

[MG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and very informative. So much information in this book that I wish I had bought it in written format instead of e-reader. Excellent information especially for those who are not sure about changing from traditional training methods to clicker training.

[Andre · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read for everyone, not only is this a how to guide, but it also addresses why you should behavior mark with a clicker and some real life testimonies.

[Vicki]

I am still reading this book, but so far I am liking it a lot. Gail Fisher does a good job of helping crossover dog trainers.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

not just a how to book, really gets into dog behavior and why clicker training really works.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far so good, Gail does a nice job explaining her journey from traditional methods to becoming a clicker trainer.

[Dixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding. Everyone training a dog should read this.