training

This is a thorough work on clicker training, and the theories behind it. As such, it certainly makes worthwile reading for those with a serious interest in clicker training. And, more generally, for those whishing to understand modern humane dog training methods that are based on behavioral science. As others have noted, the book may not be well suited for the impatient novice, and it definitively isn't a simple 'how to' book.

I find that the text is heavy not only due to the substance, but unfortunately also because the discussion tends to be lacking in clarity. The work would in my opinion benefit from compression and some reorganization.

Although otherwise a thorough discussion on the subject, I find it has a fundamental shortcoming in the basic assumptions: Spector only considers using food rewards in clicker coniditioning, and simply discourages against using other types of rewards.

While this is probably fine for training dogs that have a keen interest in food, it cannot work well with dogs which simply aren't very interested in *any* kind of treats. Moreover, in order to motivate dogs with a strong prey drive to work with very high intensity, a prey object, such as a ball, tends to be the ultimate reward. Using food treats (or a clicker associated to the treats) simply doesn't tend to motivate such a dog to work that hard.

I believe that variying the type of reward (or correction, even) depending on the phase of the training of the particular movement, and the general character of the dog and perhaps also the trainer, would be more effective. I find that Susan Barwig's methods for Shutzhund training are well suited for the dogs with a strong prey drive that typically excel in this sport.

I live with and train Smooth Fox Terriers, considered by many to be one of the hardest breeds to train in obedience. Since I started using the methods suggested in this book, I've had tremendous success with my dogs.

My oldest male, who earned his CD during my pre clicker training period, after much hard, frustrating work, learned "go out, sit" in 3 short, fun, easy lessons. And, he learned to love to retrieve his dumb bell, finding what others call the "forced retrieve" to be one of his favorite games. And, that is the key. Having fun while learning.

The dog who has fun learning a behavior will carry that behavior over into daily life, and, for me and my dogs, Clicker Training for Obedience is helping us achieve just that. It helped me create a training program that is fun for us all.

The presentation of each segment for training a behavior is such that a trainer new to training can follow along and achieve success.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in having a happy, well trained dog. Not just for competition, but for daily life as well.

This book was way too technical for me. All I wanted was book that gave me the basics of clicker training and a how to guide for very simple tasks. This is definitely not for the beginner or nonprofessional.