Positive Reinforcement: Training Dogs in the Real World [Paperback]

Brenda Aloff (Author)

Book Description

Series: Positive Reinforcement | Publication Date: May 2001

Operant conditioning is a specific type of learning whereby behaviors are altered or changed primarily by manipulating the consequences that follow them. Author Brenda Aloff uses the theory of operant conditioning and applies it to dog training in this informative book. Written by an experienced dog trainer in language that the novice can easily understand, this step-by-step guide to reliable obedience and effective training method is based on the belief that the best way to teach your dog appropriate behavior is to use positive reinforcement instead of punishment.

Product Details

• Paperback: 207 pages
• Publisher: TFH Publications (May 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0793805252
• ISBN-13: 978-0793805259
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #325,217 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Bible for Dog Trainers!, July 26, 2004

By 

Amanda Eaton "Jack Russells rule!!!" (Custer Park, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Positive Reinforcement: Training Dogs in the Real World (Paperback)

Fixed action patterns, negative punishers, unpredictable avoidance responses, bridges, and reward marks... OH MY!!!

Do these terms make you dizzy? Do you want to train your dog using the most gentle and effective way, but phrases like successive approximation make you lose interest?

Brenda Aloff has finally done it... In this wonderfully written and funny book she explains all of the terms and methods for training your dog the fun and easy way. One-by-one she shows you the proven techniques for shaping your dog's behavior into that of a well-behaved canine companion. This book also has a lot to offer the more-advanced dog trainer, and even obedience/agility instructors!

As the owner/handler of Fox Terriers, a notoriously difficult breed, Aloff makes it clear that all dogs are trainable if you know how to communicate with them clearly. She is also careful to emphasize that when training your dog it's "the journey that counts" and that the desired behavior is of no consequence if you have ruined your relationship with your dog in the process!

I especially enjoyed this book because although she stresses using a reward mark, or a "clicker," she also discusses training WITHOUT one! I have a noise-sensitive dog who is actually scared to death of clickers, so this was of great use to me. I am able to apply her methods, even though I'm not using a clicker.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in dog training... if your goals are professional, a hobby, or just for fun. This is a great book!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Postive Reinforcement Training Dogs In The Real World, June 11, 2009

By 

Cindy Helder (Mt. Pleasant MI USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Positive Reinforcement: Training Dogs in the Real World (Paperback)

Our Vet recommended this book before we picked up our new puppy. It is an interesting book written more from the dogs point of view. It is helpful in understanding how a dog thinks and the importance of postive reinforcement instead of using punishment for training. It is an important idea to understand before trying to train your puppy or dog. It isn't difficult to understand and can be read in sections. I highly recommend it.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Realistic, Thorough and Concise, January 27, 2006

By 

B. Moody "Deaf Dog Trainer" (Flint, MI) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Positive Reinforcement: Training Dogs in the Real World (Paperback)

Brenda Aloff is a pioneer in her field. She knows the in's and out's of dog behavior better than anyone I have ever read.
This book explains not only what you should do, but why you should do it and helps dispell some of the "old school" trains of thought regarding dogs, behavior and training.
TRULY A MUST HAVE!