| Brand: | Karen Pryor Clickertraining | ||
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Shaping top performance positively! In this breakthrough book, Morgan Spector shows you how and why to use clicker training, the technology of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement, to train you dog. Whether you’re startingoff with a new puppy or headed for the Obedience ring, these step-by-step instructions will work for you.
You’ll learn how you can use positive reinforcers, instead of force and punishment, to build reliable performance at every level of training.
If you just want a hassle-free, truly enjoyable companion dog, this book will show you how, even if you’ve never trained before. And if you have visions of going all the way to top scores and Obedience championships – with a happy, eager, positively trained canine partner – go for it!
Here’s your travel guide for a wonderful journey. more info
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This book covers it all
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
and then some. I’ve not made it all the way through yet, but I’m getting there. Some of it takes awhile to “digest” as it can be a little too wordy at times.
Best Clicker Book Out There
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I’ve read a bunch of dog training and clicker training books, and this is by far my favorite. If you are still a little foggy on how to implement clicker training or if you are completely new to this concept, then I’d recommend this book. It has very clear and concise explanations on how to shape certain obehaviors, and it reads well too.
Not To Be Missed
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This book is a MUST for anyone interested in dog training. It is very detailed and FULL of very useful information. I have tried the suggestions with my dog – a Cairn Terrier and she has improved incredibly. From beginning to advanced training this book has it all. Thank you so much Morgan Spector!
Disappointing
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I purchased this book because of its good reviews, but could not have been more disappointed. In my opinion, there is little here for the advanced trainer.
Great for the beginner!
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
This book has nothing new to offer professional trainers well versed in clicker (marker) training, but is great for the first time dog owner or novice trainer. Although the behaviors covered are very basic, the detail is just enough without being overwhelming, and the explainations make sense without too much jargon.
It isn’t great (there are much better books out there) but it isn’t horrible, either!
Very detailed explanations & very useful …
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This book ought to be read together with Ms. K.Pryor’s `Don’t Shoot the Dog’ … Ms.Pryor’s explains the theory and how ‘clicker’ training had its beginnings … Mr. Spector explains how ‘clicker’ training is done …
Having read most of the clicker books sold by Amazon and now into my first year of training my Beagle & Labrador … I think this is probably the best so far … Certainly this book contains the most detailed explanations & instructions as to how ‘clicker’ should be carried out. Mr. Spector even goes so far as to explain why he uses certain words and expressions in his book …
To derive the best benefit, this book has to be read carefully (and its a substantial book) …
The book opens with an introduction to operant and positive reinforcement training methods, and makes a comparison between these ‘newer’ training styles and the more traditional training methods.
Drawing from his own experience, Mr. Spector then suggests the various stages of training for the dog … Unlike many other authors/trainers, he begins with teaching the dog to ‘target’ rather than the usual ‘sit, stay & heel’ … innovative to say the least … and it works. The book covers just about everything a dog & owner needs to learn, including off-leash and distance training.
The strength in this book lies in the clear and detailed explanations for each training stage and training method … It allowed me to consider what Mr. Spector was saying, to consider his reasons & rational of his advice; and this in turn helped me understand Mr. Spector’s methods more fully … All of which makes for more effective training of my dog …
Although this book is very much designed for taking a dog through Obedience trials, there is much here that will benefit every dog owner … even one who only wishes his doggie would stop jumping on his guests …
Wish there were few more illustrations or photographs though …
Clicker Training for Obedience
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This book is fantastic for anyone who is wanting to do obedience trialling with their dog. In the few weeks that I have used the methods described in the book, my dog has improved 10 fold !!!. Starts with the very basic’s, the use of a target stick, step by step through all the exercises that are used in obedience trials.
For the young puppy to the older “trained” dog and everything in between. With 100% positive reinforcements used, this is the only way to train your dog.
Excellent product
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
The book is exactly what I needed to both begin and move onto more advanced work in clicker training as my dog and I are “crossovers”. It gives great explanations about the theory behind this method and easy to understand practical steps to achieving the desired outcome. The book was second hand and in the condition the seller promised so I was also happy with that, and with the speed it reached me.
A must have for competition training
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Morgan Spector’s book is all about precision. It isn’t as helpful for the owner who just wants to instill basic manners, but if you are looking for a book to help really make your dog stand out in the ring, this is it. This can be a dense read – I recommend Karen Pryor’s book as an introduction to OC before attempting the techniques in this book. This book is a must have for the serious dog trainer.
Best Book for those serious about Positive training
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This book is for those serious about:
- obedience
- agility
- other sports, including herding
- service dogs
- or just an eager, happily-working and well-behaved pet.
I’d suggest that people first have at least a basic understanding of operant conditioning (clicker training) but I say that only because Mr Spector provides a great deal of detail, explanation, trouble-shooting, and theory for each of the exercises, and his focus is on the serious trainer.
Those are all advantageous aspects of this book, particularly for those of us who want the details and thought processes behind the actions. Working with totally positive principles, he guides us through the most basic of exercises right on through to utility exercises.
Now, for someone not interested in competitive obedience you’d think this book is not the one for you — not so! Many of the exercises and behaviours he details are transferrable to the agility ring (and elsewhere) and I’ve discovered some are also transferrable to herding.
The style of writing is simple, straight-forward (not what you’d expect from a lawyer) and very easy to follow. He sometimes provides examples that relate to humans to help understand some of the principles – another plus. Filled with clear photographs, it is possible for any dog guardian to follow and understand his explanations.
I also found that the logic he uses behind training certain exercises at certain stages, unlike many other trainers, made so much sense. One example: he recommends training a dog to heel off-leash before doing it on-leash. His explanation for why and how has worked flawlessly with my own dogs! I’ll never go back to my old way again. He does this throughout his book.
The index makes it easy to look up specific exercises, problems, or other related information.
Even if your dog will never enter an obedience competition, and you simply want a reliable, happily-working, obedient dog — this book will get you that and more.
Thorough, messy and a fundamental shortcoming
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
This is a thorough work on clicker training, and the theories behind it. As such, it certainly makes worthwile reading for those with a serious interest in clicker training. And, more generally, for those whishing to understand modern humane dog training methods that are based on behavioral science. As others have noted, the book may not be well suited for the impatient novice, and it definitively isn’t a simple ‘how to’ book.
I find that the text is heavy not only due to the substance, but unfortunately also because the discussion tends to be lacking in clarity. The work would in my opinion benefit from compression and some reorganization.
Although otherwise a thorough discussion on the subject, I find it has a fundamental shortcoming in the basic assumptions: Spector only considers using food rewards in clicker coniditioning, and simply discourages against using other types of rewards.
While this is probably fine for training dogs that have a keen interest in food, it cannot work well with dogs which simply aren’t very interested in *any* kind of treats. Moreover, in order to motivate dogs with a strong prey drive to work with very high intensity, a prey object, such as a ball, tends to be the ultimate reward. Using food treats (or a clicker associated to the treats) simply doesn’t tend to motivate such a dog to work that hard.
I believe that variying the type of reward (or correction, even) depending on the phase of the training of the particular movement, and the general character of the dog and perhaps also the trainer, would be more effective. I find that Susan Barwig’s methods for Shutzhund training are well suited for the dogs with a strong prey drive that typically excel in this sport.
This is the BEST training guide I have ever used.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
While I have read all the great reviews, this book still managed to exceed my high expectations. “Clicker Training for Obedience” provides clear, concise instructions. If you are even remotely interested in clicker training, you MUST buy this book. I have seen not only great success with my dog, but also a dog that looks forward to training. I cannot say enough good things about the “Clicker Training for Obedience”.
The best obediance training book I’ve used.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I live with and train Smooth Fox Terriers, considered by many to be one of the hardest breeds to train in obedience. Since I started using the methods suggested in this book, I’ve had tremendous success with my dogs.
My oldest male, who earned his CD during my pre clicker training period, after much hard, frustrating work, learned “go out, sit” in 3 short, fun, easy lessons. And, he learned to love to retrieve his dumb bell, finding what others call the “forced retrieve” to be one of his favorite games. And, that is the key. Having fun while learning.
The dog who has fun learning a behavior will carry that behavior over into daily life, and, for me and my dogs, Clicker Training for Obedience is helping us achieve just that. It helped me create a training program that is fun for us all.
The presentation of each segment for training a behavior is such that a trainer new to training can follow along and achieve success.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in having a happy, well trained dog. Not just for competition, but for daily life as well.
Not a bedtime read!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This book is absolutely packed with information and is well written. This is not a bedtime read! There is so much information in each chapter than I found myself finishing a chapter in bed and thinking to myself “what did I just read?”
If you want a simple book for clicker training, this is not it. This book explains WHY clicker training works and WHY your dog didn’t do what you wanted to do, with logical and scientific methodology.
Overall an excellent book that I would highly recommend to anybody with some degree of reading comprehension.
Clicker training is such a joke!
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I know that this clicker training is the newest thing out there but what a way for someone to make a buck! Clicker training is a scam and a rip off. Humans have been training dogs for years and never with a clicker…think about that. What if you dont click at the perfect time then you are teaching the dog the wrong thing and not what you desired to train them. Food is how humans domesticated canines in the first place. It is clear that the way to get them to do what you want is through their stomach.
A Densely packed reference
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
In his introduction, Morgan Spector mentions that it took him approximately 6 years to write this book and you can see why. He has produced a book so densely packed with up to the minute references, detailed instructions for various obedience exercises, and managed to still lace throughout a profound love and respect of animals. Owning up to old, outdated, and cruel methods of training, Spector gives lots of credit to pioneers of clicking like Karen Pryor and has put an excellent bibliography within the book. If any criticism exists, it would be that some exercises are hard to picture (purchasing Peggy Tillman’s “Clicking with Step-by-Step Pictures” would be a helpful adjunct) and also Spector has used precise scientific language which causes the reader to slow down during certain passages. A fabulous book and a must on your shelf if you plan on doing fun and intensive training.
The Bible of Clicker Training
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have never seen a dog training book like this. My dog is a crazy, hyper maniac without any focus but since I’ve been following this book he is learning insanely fast and having a blast doing it. I trained him to follow the target stick and the first time I ever tried it he heeled BEAUTIFULLY with it. Left turn, right turn, about turn, he was staying with me without crowding me, lagging or anything. He had no leash on! He was just following the stick! When I took the target stick away HE WAS STILL DOING IT! He had VERY little heeling experience before this. All I could get out of him was to maybe follow me somewhere in the realm of heel position for about 10 feet. Turns were out of the question. Not anymore! It’s like….the target stick finally clarified it in his mind.
If I want to show him how to position himself for any behavior I just lead him with the target stick. Where the nose goes the body follows. He remembers the motion. Once he learns the que I can take the stick away. It’s amazing.
For every dog I’ve ever worked with…clicker training has been a way of great motivation and very clear communication…hence the fact dogs catch on fast…but no book I read compares to this one. It’s the closest you can get to having a very wise trainer with you showing you. He’s very detailed and tries so hard to save you from making any mistakes that you will regret later. He helps prepare you for the path ahead and keep from digging any pits you’ll later fall into. Having never competed in anything other than Rally and Conformation I need this!
You see…clicker training is a VERY POWERFUL, VERY EFFECTIVE, VERY FAST training method….but it’s only as good as the trainer! You need knowledge! This gives you that knowledge!
I will update this review after I start trialing. I am certain I will be very successful. I’ve been to trials and the biggest problem I see is the dog not having what’s expected of him clear in his mind to start with.
European view
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
From european point of view the drawback of the book is that it describes the tasks of american rules for obedience trial. As we in europe have different set of tasks in our obedience trial the book did not fill the need for specific instructions on those tasks. I was also looking for more structured and simplified clear instructions in the book things are more of discussed through. Still the book was worth the money paid for it. It has lots of grounds for why to do this way. The basics of the book is fluencies on what the obedience tasks are based on and those same fluencies are still usefull with european rules too.
Even my dog loves this book
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I’m one of those obsessive types. Before I got my dog I read tons of books about raising and training them. I only wish I had found this one first. Every other book I read focused on what I was doing and how I was doing it. Morgan Spector makes you understand that the key is in the dog — which when you think about makes sense. Even though I have no intention of competing with her, I know that the most important things are being accomplished with the help of this book. Most obviously, she has been invited to visit my parents because her manners have improved so dramatically thanks to this book and its techniques. Don’t hesitate — if you aren’t comfortable yelling at your dog, Morgan Spector is for you. By the way, you can theoretically clicker train anything, so this book can help you with recalcitrant cats, children, and husbands too.
Not too impressive in person either.
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I met Mr. Spector and we had a long and rather uninspiring talk about various methods of dog training. To be honest I had no idea who he was, the name didn’t ring a bell and I’ve been training dogs for decades. He recommended his book and I borrowed it from a fellow trainer. I was as unimpressed with the book as I was with him and can not recommend it.
Not for beginners!!!
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
This book was way too technical for me. All I wanted was book that gave me the basics of clicker training and a how to guide for very simple tasks. This is definitely not for the beginner or nonprofessional.
Best book on clicker training
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Clicker Training for Obedience: Shaping Top Performance-Positively
Best resource for anyone interested in using the Clicker method of training for obedience and just a well rounded and happy dog. All thumbs up!!! I only wish I had found it sooner.
DogRead book of the month
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This book was chose to be on the prestigious ‘DogRead’ as a book selection of the month. We only do 12 books a year and this was July 2001. The author comes on line for the whole month to answer questions on the book. It was very well received by our 3000 member email group. The author was very knowledgeable and easy to understand even though also very in depth.
treshell owner DogRead
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Clicker Training for Obedience
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Here is an excellent and thorough book for teaching not only basic obedience but advanced exercises as they occur in AKC Open and Utility competition. I was already familiar with clicker training from my agility classes but found this a wonderful way of promoting willing and happy performance of sometimes complex behaviors. Do away with choke and prong collars, “ear pinches” and leashes and instead motivate your dog with clicks and treats. I found the variable reinforcement plan for heeling got my dogs to really focus and want to stay with me in perfect heel position, and the step by step descriptions for training directed jumping and scent discrimination especially detailed and helpful. This is clearly a book that has been very well thought out and planned by someone who also knows how to write lucidly.
A great clicker training book!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I loved this book. If you have had an introduction to the basics of clicker training, it describes in great detail how to shape even the most basic to more complex behaviours, and the theories behind it.
If you are new to clicker training, then try to attend a clicker clinic or even rent clicker videos first to help you visualize how it all works. Once you and your dog understand the principle and the “rules” , every training session will nothing short of fun! Anyone from the recreational dog owner to the more serious competitor will benefit from this book.