Customer Reviews

The Click That Teaches: A Step-By-Step Guide in Pictures

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

-- This is my second copy of "The Click That Teaches," a gift for a friend who works with abused horses. I can't think of a book that offers better techniques and a kinder spirit for healing abused animals. But this book is not only wonderful for hurt animals, it is also a gift to people with ordinary equine companions. There is a dizzyingly rich abundance of interesting and often fun exercises, set forth in clear words and sequential photos, and augmented with Alexandra Kurland's illuminating explanations and tips. Perhaps best of all for a loving but disorganized horse-lover like me, there is also clear and specific information on how to tailor your own "step by step" program for your own horse, and how to record not only your progress but also the amazing, almost undreamed-of bond you can develop with a clicker-trained horse. These are skills and rewards I've never been able to access before reading this book. Three cheers and MANY thanks for this step-by-step guide.

This book provides detail information on all aspects of horse training. From simply having fun with your horse to the nuances of upper level performance, its all here. And, its all here in frame by frame steps depicting how this action is accomplished. From the amazing "anatomy of a spook" page 121, to simple calm down ques, to perfecting our dressage bends this book has it all. Whether the trainer, rider, or first time horse owner uses a clicker or not this book will help them break down their exercises in a way that is easy to understand for horse and rider. Recommended reading for all ages and ability levels. Each page provides an easy-to-follow lessons complete with training tips and photos. A great resource whether you work with an instructor or on your own. This book will help you no matter what your chosen discipline.

This book has something to offer horse owners of all types from the first time owner to experienced teachers and trainers. Kurland truly de-mystifies the training process and provides owners with the information they need to enjoy a true horse and human partnership. Each page provides an easy-to-follow lesson plan complete with training tips and photos. Can be used as a study guide whether you work with an instructor or on your own. A definite must have!

If you have ever labeled your horse stupid or stubborn -- get this book. Everything you need to know to teach and handle your horse is inside. It is that comprehensive. Do you want to communicate effectively and easily with your horse? Than you owe it to yourself to get the book and use it.

Clicker training is a method of teaching based on the work of Pavlov and later B.F. Skinner. It is not about magic or whispering and it removes all of the macho emphasis on power and control. You will be amazed at how quickly your animals learn. I have been teaching dogs and horses this way for three years now. Because it is so effective and fun I would never go back to the old methods of force and punishment.

If you have prior experience with clicker training just turn to any page and begin. If you have never heard of clicker training, order her earlier book "Clicker Training for your Horse". To see the technique in action, get "The Click that Teaches: A Step-by-Step video lesson series".

While the book suffers from some poor production values the shear quality and volume of practical information more than make up for it. There are loads of photos that effectively illustrate what to do -- both how and why. The sidebars and bulleted lists are especially useful. With a comprehensive contents page, charts, glossary and appendices, this book is a great resource for problem solving.

I am grateful to Alexandra for sharing her knowledge and experience. I predict that you will be too.

This book is extremely useful as a complement to 'Clicker Training for Your Horse', a previous book by Alexandra Kurland that introduces her approach on clicker training for horses and explains the theory and philosophy behind it. The 'Step-By-Step Guide in Pictures' provides the practical, hands-on information on how you can put this theory in practice to train and have fun with your horse. This book is loaded with pictures that show the key 'moments' in training. Some other reviewers have complained about the not-so-high quality of some of the pictures, as they are video stills, but that did not bother me at all as I would much rather see a slightly blurry picture of the precise moment than a high quality picture that misses the mark... The book is laid out in a series of progressive training exercises that is easy to follow and build on, and I am certain any horse owner will find some useful exercises for their situation as well as clear instructions on how to have a wonderful time interacting with their horses!

I bought this book to start clicker training w/ my horse. I LOVE it. Its a great book to start out with. Describes how to start training, clicker for manners, trick training, using clicker to help stop unwanted behavior such as biting, and even how to use it under saddle. Photo's help a lot, easy to read and understand. Great book. I am having a lot of fun w/ clicker training, but my horse is having even more fun!! He loves it :)

I read this book after having read Alexandra's "Clicker training for your horse" and having been clicker training for quite some time. It is another excellent book with clear explainations, good backup with the theory of operant comditioning (in plain english) where required and LOTS of ideas for your training!

The photos are taken from video footage (this is explained at the end of the book) in order to capture the exact moment of the click - so they aren't great quality but the purpose of this book is to act like a clinic where you can see moment by moment what is going on.

There is something in this book for both beginner and experience clicker trainer.

I've trained horses for years using positive reinforcement (eg. clicker training). I am no expert, so I love to read & collect any new titles I can. I will say I've met Alexandra and brought my horse to one of her clinics.

This is an excellent book. It's almost too full of information. You could stay busy for years doing all the exercises in it. It might be a bit daunting for a beginner. I'd suggest starting with her first book before reading this one.

You may even need to watch her videos and/or do a clinic with her to really understand & appreciate all that's in here. To be honest when I first bought the books there were some sections I skipped thinking "who needs that stuff?" Then as my knowledge came along, I realized the applications for the extra exercises. Wow! She could've almost split it into 2-3 books and expanded on some of the sections.

The book is full-color and larger format which is nice for reading. The photos are a bit cheesy (lower quality). I learn better from video or watching someone, so to me the photos weren't my focal point.

Of all the clicker training for horses books out there, this is one of my all time favorites.

Whether you're just getting started clicker training, are an experienced clicker trainer who wishes to translate your skills over to horse training, or have clicker trained your own horse are are simply looking for new ideas and a clearer approach, Alexandra Kurland's book will be an asset to your collection. It gives very clear steps, from introducing the clicker to your horse, to more advanced skills on the ground and in the saddle. The examples given for the various skills are great, because they always offer more than one approach to achieving the goal, and the reader gets to choose the options that work best for them and their horse.

The traditional, and even the more modern "natural", types of horsemanship all rely to some extent on punishment ... whether it's direct punishment or the applying of uncomfortable pressure. Clicker training gives the horse lover another option, a gentle, positive approach that yields great results without intimidating the animal.

This book is a highly recommended purchase for anyone looking for a more positive approach to horse training.

This is a must have for every horse owner. I have seen amazing results with my horses both in behavior and attitude.