ABCs of Positive Training presents the basics of positive training in an easy to read, easy to follow manner that is truly as simply as A-B-C. Spelling out the terminology, the hows and whys of popular positive-training methods, author Miriam Fields-Babineau makes positive training accessible and enjoyable. This new book gives readers a history of positive-reinforcement training and the people behind it, and demonstrates its practicality and effectiveness with our own pet dogs. Here is a usable, detailed training approach for the essential reward-based methods including clicker training, targeting and successive approximation. In ABCs of Positive Training, you will learn about operant conditioning and behavior modification, schedules of reinforcement, the difference between reinforcement and punishment and other foundations of positive-training techniques, explained in a way that even novice dog owners can appreciate and implement. Every loving dog owner will feel confident about applying the author’s instruction because the methods are presented clearly, step-by-step, from beginning exercises to more advanced levels of obedience training. Leash walking, sit, down, stay and come are explored in detail, along with how to adjust your approach for dogs of different ages and how to work amid distractions. The author’s methods of positive reinforcement can also be applied to everyday behaviors, including house-training, discouraging bad behavior and redirecting bad habits into good manners.
Miriam Fields-Babineau was able to speak to animals before she could speak to people. From her early years of communicating with cats and horses, to eventually connecting with canines and exotic creatures, her life had to be centered around animals.
Ms. Fields-Babineau began training animals professionally in 1978. In 1981 she graduated from the University of Maryland with degrees in Psychology and Zoology. In 1983 she opened the doors of Training Unlimited Animal Training and Animal Actors, Inc. offering instruction in animal communication to pet owners and providing trained animals for media productions.
Since 1985 she has published 37 pet books, several short stories, 2 novels, numerous magazine and newspaper articles and currently writes web content for 4 websites. She also designs and develops pet training tools, fanciful collars and harnesses.
In 2005, her dream of creating a luxury pet retreat bore fruit. Shady Mountain Pet Retreat offers luxury accommodations and training for dogs and cats in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
Her love of animals continues to grow and she goes horseback riding every chance she gets.
