Excel-Erated Learning: Explaining in Plain English How Dogs Learn and How Best to Teach Them [Paperback]

Pamela J. Reid (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1996

Great news for those of you who have wanted to read a book that explains animal learning in a manner that is easily understood and entertaining. With the freedom of understanding 'how your dog learns' comes the ability of making the process easy, efficient and enjoyable for your dog. You'll be in a position to excel-erate your dog's learning! Agility enthusiast, obedience competitor and psychologist Dr. Pamela Reid introduces you to cutting-edge scientific techniques in dog training including, autoshaping retrieval (i.e., letting the dog train itself), and 'errorless discrimination learning' for teaching scent articles and directed jumping. The combination of a relaxed writing style and numerous examples that relate to dog training makes learning theory actually fun to learn.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Pamela Reid earned her PhD in Psychology from the University of Toronto, where she specialized in animal learning, behavior and cognition. Dr. Reid teaches at the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph. Dr. Reid is a certified animal behaviorist and operates a Toronto-based private practice for problem pets. Pam competes in agility, obedience and flyball and lives with Shaahin (the Saluki), Ciaran (the Border Collie), Eejit (the Border Collie/Border Terrier mix, and Carmen (the cat).

Product Details

• Paperback: 172 pages
• Publisher: James & Kenneth Pub (February 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1888047070
• ISBN-13: 978-1888047073
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #82,710 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating reading, November 29, 2001

By 

Jeff (Chicago, Israel) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Excel-Erated Learning: Explaining in Plain English How Dogs Learn and How Best to Teach Them (Paperback)

Very well written with good, specific examples. Presents a very well-rounded historical perspective about animal behavior in both scientific and practical examples. I have already read it a couple of times to allow all of the info to sink in. There is a LOT here!! It has very useful information whether you are a professional trainer or just fascinated by animal behavior. Buy this book and be nice to your dog.

42 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars For the serious student of dog training., December 3, 1998

By 

Elizabeth TeSelle ([e-mail]) (Nashville, TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Excel-Erated Learning: Explaining in Plain English How Dogs Learn and How Best to Teach Them (Paperback)

Dr. Reid's book is the next step to take after you think you understand what operant conditioning is all about. You'll find that you didn't know it all! She explains complex concepts in an accessible manner, with many excellent examples. It's a book to keep handy for those times when you just can't remember what negative punishment is!

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good explanation of learning theory -- but less punishment, please!, May 8, 2006

By 

Sympawtico Dog Training, LLC - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Excel-Erated Learning: Explaining in Plain English How Dogs Learn and How Best to Teach Them (Paperback)

This is a terrific book for students wishing to fully understand learning theory. My only reservation in recommending this book to clients comes in its inclusion of practical applications (and endorsement?) of punishment. The dog training world has evolved beyond punishment-based methods. I hope to see a new edition of this book soon -- without the aversive bent.