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 ...
