Don't Shoot the Dog!: The New Art of Teaching and Training [Paperback]

Karen Pryor (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0553253883 | ISBN-13: 978-0553253887 | Publication Date: August 1, 1985

"Whatever the task, whether keeping a  four-year-old quiet in public, housebreaking a puppy,  coaching a team, or memorizing a poem, it will go  fast, and better, and be more fun, if you know how  to use reinforcement."--Karen  Pryor.

Now Karen Pryor clearly explains the  underlying principles of behavioral training and through  numerous fascinating examples reveals how this art  can be applied to virtually any common situation.  And best of all, she tells how to do it without  yelling threats, force, punishment, guilt trips--or  shooting the dog. 8 methods for putting an end to  all kinds of undesirable behavior. The 10 laws of  "shaping" behavior--for results without strain  or pain through "affection training."  How to combat your own addictions to alcohol,  drugs, cigarettes, overheating or whatever, how to deal  with such difficult problems as a moody spouse, an  impossible teen, or an aged parent. Plus. .  .House training the dog, improving your tennis game,  keeping the cat off the table, and much more!

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In the course of becoming a renowned dolphin  trainer, Karen Pryor learned that positive  reinforcement (the only kind useable with dolphins, who can't  be reached with leashes, bridles, fists, or yells)  is even more potent that prior scientific work had  suggested. . .This new book looks like the very  best on the subject--a full-scale  mind-changer."--Stewart Brand, The Coevolution  Quarterly .

From the Publisher

"Whatever the task, whether keeping a four-year-old quiet in public, housebreaking a puppy, coaching a team, or memorizing a poem, it will go fast, and better, and be more fun, if you know how to use reinforcement."--Karen Pryor.

Now Karen Pryor clearly explains the underlying principles of behavioral training and through numerous fascinating examples reveals how this art can be applied to virtually any common situation. And best of all, she tells how to do it without yelling threats, force, punishment, guilt trips--or shooting the dog. 8 methods for putting an end to all kinds of undesirable behavior. The 10 laws of "shaping" behavior--for results without strain or pain through "affection training." How to combat your own addictions to alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, overeating or whatever, how to deal with such difficult problems as a moody spouse, an impossible teen, or an aged parent. Plus. . .House training the dog, improving your tennis game, keeping the cat off the table, and much more!

"In the course of becoming a renowned dolphin trainer, Karen Pryor learned that positive reinforcement (the only kind useable with dolphins, who can't be reached with leashes, bridles, fists, or yells) is even more potent that prior scientific work had suggested. . .This new book looks like the very best on the subject--a full-scale mind-changer."--Stewart Brand, The Coevolution Quarterly .

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Bantam (August 1, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553253883
• ISBN-13: 978-0553253887
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #899,077 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Karen Pryor is a behavioral biologist with an international reputation in two fields, marine mammal biology and behavioral phsychology. She is a founder and leading proponent of "clicker training," a training system based on operant conditioning (isolate wanted behaviors and ignore the unwanted) and the all-positive methods developed by marine mammal trainers. Clicker training is now in use world wide with dogs, cats, horses, birds, zoo animals, and increasingly with humans, in the teaching of sports and athletic performances and developing behaviors in autistics.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every animal owner needs to read this book, December 5, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Don't Shoot the Dog!: The New Art of Teaching and Training (Paperback)

This is my favorite training book (and isn't just about dog training- it's about operant conditioning for the average Joe). It humorously and thoroughly explains how to influence and shape behavior using well-timed reinforcement. This book will be especially helpful to people trying to train animals to do unusual behaviors (such as disabled people who are self-training their own assistance dog). When you're done reading this, you'll understand how to break literally any behavior down into small manageable pieces that you can train for. But don't assume it's just for animal trainers. I know an excellent manager who read this book when he was first promoted to management. It's a quick-read, it's fun, and the info is very valuable. Certainly a "must read".

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't Shoot The Dog, February 10, 2007

By 

Fred Innamorato - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Don't Shoot the Dog! The New Art of Teaching and Training, Revised Edition (Audio CD)

Every pet owner should read this book. Also any parents that have a child with autism.It teaches and explains how our pets view our actions and how they react to us. You can't believe the things you may be unaware you are teaching your pet. Some may be causing poor behavior. This book completely explains the correct way to train and get good behavior from your pet. It also explains how to eliminate bad behavior. I own a parrot and have put into practice many of the suggestions mentioned in the book. The suggestions WORK! I bought both the book and the audio CD because you need to read or listen to the author several times to fully grasp her work. So having both has been useful.The book goes into great detail so be prepared to concentrate, learn and open your mind to concepts that are scientifically based. No unsupported claims made in this book! GET THIS BOOK!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book, July 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Don't Shoot the Dog!: The New Art of Teaching and Training (Paperback)

When I first read this book, I was so fascinated that I read it again and again. It's not a step by step manual for dog training but it's a behavioral modification manual. I also purchased "Clicker Training for your Horse" by Alexandra Kurland which deals with the same thing only this is much more of a step by step training book. I loved both books and it definitely gives one a much more positive outlook on life. And it makes for MUCH happier, mentally healthier pets. I also will read Anything by the Monks of New Skete...for dog training.But this is just a way...you can use any method of training with it.