Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #96256 in Books
• Published on: 1999-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 1.50 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 276 pages

From the Author
Scientific, positive training methods for any dog trainer.
I'm Morgan Spector, the author of "Clicker Training for Obedience." I wrote this book based on my experiences in training dogs, beginning with my first pet and on through my competition dogs. Now, in addition to my competition training I also work with Canine Companions for Independence in training service dogs. This book is for everyone who wants to train their dog. You may only want your pet not to jump up on your friends, or you may want to put a Utility title on your Bavarian Luncheonhund. Whatever your goals, clicker training can get you there faster than traditional training, with greater efficiency and infinitely more enjoyment for both you and the dog. Clicker training involves both technology and attitude. The technology is "operant conditioning," which simply means that the dog learns to produce certain behaviors because he expects to be rewarded for doing so. In other words, the method is entirely positive. And that's the attitude as well. This training tells the dog: "you do what I want, I'll give you what you want." This is a "win-win" attitude, that makes you and your dog partners rather than combatants in a contest of wills. You will find in this book the keys to developing real discipline in your dog without having to resort to punishing training methods. I hope you will enjoy applying these techniques as much as I have enjoyed learning and developing them in this book.

Customer Reviews

254 Pages of Brilliance
This book, like many other clicker books, begins by attempting to teach the reader how clicker-training works, why it works, and how to apply the principles correctly. Of all the similar books that I have read, this one does the best job of accomplishing that task without bullying the reader, and without over-selling the benefits of using the clicker method.

The author does take a few swipes at those who give the often heard cases for not using clicker based methods, but his points are argued with logic and reason, as opposed to the over zealous emotion of many clicker trainers. Even the most hardened of cynics will struggle to argue conclusively against the logic that the author puts forth in support of clicker-based training methods.

All aspects of competitive obedience are covered throughout the book and there are numerous charts, illustrations, and photographs to give clarification to the more technical aspects of the book, such as turning in your heelwork, 'going out', and positioning, to name but a few.

Do not confuse the title of this book with one that aims to teach general obedience to the dog around the house. This is very squarely aimed at those who have an eye on entering their dog into competitive obedience competitions within the formal guidelines and rules set forth by the AKC and similar bodies. As a result, there are numerous mentions of the more formal terms and regulations that the competitive obedience handler will encounter. Of course you can apply any and all of the methods used within the book to the domestic training environment too, but this book would be overkill for that purpose.

Personally, I would purchase this book for the information and education on the principles of clicker-training alone. However, it is so much more than that. It provides great value for money as a reference book that most readers will always be able to constantly return to as they progress through and seek to refine their competitive obedience exercises.

Fantastic book - Must read for anyone serious about clicker training.
I was given this book as a gift, as I am very interested in clicker training and I have to say, this book is fantastic. It explains absolutely everything you could possibly need to know about clicker training, from what forms a cue through to training advanced obedience activities.

I would say this is a must read for anyone who is interested in clicker training, any problems you may be having with trying to use this method will soon be cured.

Great book
This is a great book. Totally, utterly complete. I am very pleased. It is like a text book for a clicker trainer. Great job.