Positive Reinforcement Training
Recommended Resources
Positive reinforcement is the most cutting-edge
teaching technique available, and it's the one used by every skilled humane
trainer training every animal from mouse to killer whale. When you choose
Positive Reinforcement as your main training tool, you have entered a
field where many established experts have generously shared their techniques
with the public.
Since it's easy to get overwhelmed with all the book choices, I've narrowed
the field down to a few books that provide valuable, up-to-date information
that can help you get started training effectively and humanely. Best
of luck and enjoy!
Understanding Positive Reinforcement
and How to Use it
Don't
Shoot the Dog
by Karen Pryor
This
is the book that started a revolution. Karen was one of the first to tell
the world that the same techniques that were standard with dolphins could
be used on any animal. This book is fun, easy to read, and not only tells
you how to communicate better with your dog, but also gives you ideas
about how to get your spouse to pick up the dirty laundry and your kids
to do their homework, all without raising your voice.
How
Dogs Learn
by Mary R. Burch and Jon S. Bailey
For
those who want to understand how learning really takes place but don't
want to read a textbook, this is a good book to read. It's full of great
information on the laws of learning and how they work. This is a great
introduction to Behavior Science and how to apply it. Read this and you're
on your way to crystal-clear communication with your animal friends!
The
Other End of the Leash and
For
the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotions in You and Your Dog
both by Patricia McConnell
Patricia not only knows her stuff but also has a great writing style.
Both of these books will explain much about how you and your pet communicate.
Her insights will help you enjoy and appreciate your best friend. The
best part is that her information comes from education and experience.
If you're wondering which of the many things you read is the real scoop,
you can find out here.
Specifically for Teaching
Behaviors:
Outwitting
Dogs
by Terry Ryan and Kirsten Mortensen
For
those who want it all — sound behavior understanding with step-by-step
instruction — these guys cover everything thoroughly. It's a bigger
book, filled with answers to lots of questions on a wide variety of topics.
It's hard to find more wisdom and knowledge in one place.
The Power of Positive Dog Training
by Pat Miller
This
book tells you how to build a solid relationship with your dog through
Positive Reinforcement training. Pat covers all the basics with step-by-step
instruction that include pictures and details.
The
Culture Clash
by Jean Donaldson
This
book sets the record straight about the difference between what you think
your dog is thinking, and what he's really doing! A hard look at how dogs
have been misunderstood for years. You won't look at your dog the same
again, and you'll be glad for it.
Parenting
Your Dog
by Trish King
This
book manages to cover what all the other books don't. Trish shows you
how to guide your dog by translating into dog terms your own successful
parenting skills. Trish is very insightful and the most practical dog
trainer there is. A great book to answer all the questions that come up
in the real world.
Getting A Dog
Successful
Dog Adoption
by Sue Sternberg
Whether
you're adopting from a shelter or buying from a breeder, Sue shows you
what you can do to evaluate your potential new companion. You will feel
very empowered when you know what important questions to ask and what
specifically to look for when picking the right dog for your family.
Health
Dog
Health and Nutrition for Dummies
By M. Christine Zink, DVM
Dr.
Zink is more than a vet, she’s a professor, a scientific researcher,
a respected competitor in practically every dog sport there is, and a
well-respected name in canine sports medicine. Dr. Zink knows her subject
and she shares it all in this terrific “all around” volume.
This book covers a vast amount of information to help you take the very
best care of your canine companion.
Whether you want to know how to clean a dog’s ears, understand basic
canine anatomy, perform first aid to an injured dog, or just want know
the best way to remove a tick – this book is a must-have reference.
There is also an extensive amount of information on feeding your dog;
what to feed, how to feed, and even how to prepare food.
Even a very experienced dog owner can find great tips in this well put
together book.
Other Animals
Many people don't really think of training other animals, but all animals
can be trained, and most are just waiting for you to open up the lines
of communication. A great place to start is with beginning clicker training
books from Karen Pryor:
Check out www.clickertraining.com
and find out
How to Clicker train:
Your Cat
Your Parrot
Your Horse
And anything else.
Websites About Positive Reinforcement Training
For more information about Positive Reinforcement
training and the field of Behavior Science, check out these websites:
www.behavior.org
The Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies. This is the “mother
load” of behavior sites. Check out “Behavior Solutions.”
It's full of fascinating information about the latest in behavior. There
is information about teaching any animal, including children. There are
sections on parenting, autism, special needs, and more. This is a great
resource for anyone who wants to learn more about behavior.
www.legacycanine.com
Terry has a fantastic website with all kinds of great information. If
you're lucky enough to live near Sequim, WA, take a class at her place;
if not, you can still enjoy the informative website. Check out all the
great stuff under “Terry's Tips.”
Reward-Based Training vs.
Punishment-Based Training
For those of you interested in reading what the best and the brightest
in the field of animal behavior have to say about the difference between
Positive Reinforcement training and punishment-based training, go to www.behavior.org
and see the page Animal
Behavior under the Behavior Solutions heading, then check
out the articles under the heading on the left: operant (Positive Reinforcement)
vs. traditional (punishment-based). The first ones to check out are “A
Biologist's View” and “Breaking Tradition.”
The Certification Council
for Professional Dog Trainers
At
the moment, there is only one certification a dog trainer can earn
that is given through an independent Certifying Council. This certifying
council is called The Certification
Council for Professional Dog Trainers and the certification earned
is called the CPDT (Certified Pet Dog Trainer).
An independent council means that a standardized test is given, just as
other professional certifications are given: nurses, mechanics, fitness
trainers, etc.
Independence also ensures that the test is not affiliated with any school
or organization that would only test to their own curriculum or might have a vested interest in their students' passing the exam.
The CCPDT is composed of professional dog trainers, behaviorists, vets,
and other experts in the field, and they work with a professional testing
company that monitors the validity and fairness of the test, which is
updated regularly. This professional testing company is also responsible
for giving and scoring the test.
For more information on the certification process, how to become certified,
or how to find a CPDT near you, go to www.ccpdt.org.
You will also find great tips on how to choose a dog trainer and more
information about suggested reading.
