So, you want to be a dog trainer?
Written: Mar 14 '01 (Updated Mar 24 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Accurate, Precise detailed scientific learning theory.
Cons: Too detailed for the layperson. High level learning theory
The Bottom Line: For the dog professional or a highly motivated dog owner. The average dog fan will probably be bored with the Skinnerian theory that fascinates the professional.
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| empireofthedog's Full Review: Excel-Erated Learning: Explaining in Clear English... |
Excel-erated Learning by Pamela Reid Ph.D. should be on the "must read" list of every animal trainer. Ms. Reid, a certified animal behaviorist with a Ph.D. in psychology, explains the science behind how dogs learn.
The text begins with an explanation of Learning and Learning Theory. She goes on to discuss Motivation, Classical and Operant Conditioning, "Factors that Affect Learning", and Stimulus Control( how to put a behavior on cue). If this sounds "tech-y", that is because learning theory is a technical science. It is based on the studies of Ivan Pavlov and B.F. Skinner. This text outlines the scientific principles involved in learning theory, and takes the mysticism out of how dogs learn.
This book isn't going to tell you how to "stop your dog from barking or digging" in an answer, rather it discusses how to extinguish unwanted behaviors and how to reinforce preferred behaviors. Not as dry as a college course text, nor as simplistic as a dog training manual, this text should be reserved for the dog professional, or aspiring dog professional. For the dog enthusiast, an easier read would be "The Culture Clash", or "Dog Friendly Dog Training" by Andrea Arden.
As a professional, this book was a great educational supplement that didn't require me to be in a university classroom to understand it.
The examples she provides to support her text are clear, and the whimsical illustrations serve to lighten up the tone a bit. A section at the end of the book for reference and suggested reading gives the reader more avenues to pursue after completing the text.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
empireofthedog
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Member: denise herman
Location: New York
Reviews written: 9
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
Denise trains dogs in NYC, and writes about dogs.
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