Karen Pryor Books

[oddbird]

Any suggestions on which Karen Pryor book to read?

I just finished Mike Ritland’s Trident K9 Warriors (LOVED, hits close to home for me) and before that Team Dog. In each book, though not training manuals, I was able to pick up one or two items that I didn’t think of before or saw a new perspective on. Given that he was heavily influenced by Pryor, I figured that was the most logical next step!

I don’t use a clicker (I do mark with an embarrassingly high pitched and syrupy sweet “Good!”) but I am open to her books on clicker training as well. She just has a few out, so I am not sure where to start! I also don’t really need a book that tells me how to get my dog to sit per se. What I liked about the Ritland books is that it made me more “handler” aware you could say.

[centrop67]

Many years ago, I read Don't Shoot the Dog. The only thing I remember is getting a clear understanding of operant conditioning, which isn't exactly what everyone thinks in terms of negative/positive and punishment/reinforcement.

The best book I've read so far is Shutzhund Obedience: Training in Drive by Sheila Booth.

[oddbird]

Many years ago, I read Don't Shoot the Dog. The only thing I remember is getting a clear understanding of operant conditioning, which isn't exactly what everyone thinks in terms of negative/positive and punishment/reinforcement.

The best book I've read so far is Shutzhund Obedience: Training in Drive by Sheila Booth.

Thank you for the suggestion! Is the book by Sheila Booth predominately geared toward Shutzhund or is it more general than the title let’s on? We probably won’t be doing Shutzhund because the club here is.... well. Special. lol

Definitely interested in learning more about operant conditioning!

[centrop67]

You definitely want to fully understand operant conditioning.

The book is about training for Schutzhund, yes but, the fundamentals learned can be applied for many different things. It attempts to help you activate the natural drive of a working dog to achieve desired behavior.

[Steve Gossmeyer]

A dog training manual by Conrad Most is to this day the best book I've ever read about training and behavior...

[Steve Gossmeyer]

Many years ago, I read Don't Shoot the Dog. The only thing I remember is getting a clear understanding of operant conditioning, which isn't exactly what everyone thinks in terms of negative/positive and punishment/reinforcement.

The best book I've read so far is Shutzhund Obedience: Training in Drive by Sheila Booth.

Thank you for the suggestion! Is the book by Sheila Booth predominately geared toward Shutzhund or is it more general than the title let’s on? We probably won’t be doing Shutzhund because the club here is.... well. Special. lol

Definitely interested in learning more about operant conditioning!

Where are you located?

[oddbird]

Many years ago, I read Don't Shoot the Dog. The only thing I remember is getting a clear understanding of operant conditioning, which isn't exactly what everyone thinks in terms of negative/positive and punishment/reinforcement.

The best book I've read so far is Shutzhund Obedience: Training in Drive by Sheila Booth.

Thank you for the suggestion! Is the book by Sheila Booth predominately geared toward Shutzhund or is it more general than the title let’s on? We probably won’t be doing Shutzhund because the club here is.... well. Special. lol

Definitely interested in learning more about operant conditioning!

Where are you located?

I’m in Northeast Florida. The Shutzhund club here are very much GSD focused and clique-ish I was trying to get into their puppy classes.

In a way, I am super happy that they are like that or I would never have found my current trainer and facility instead, which I feel is leaps and bounds above them and exactly what I needed.

ETA: In fact, the local GSD rescue associated with the Shutzhund club came out to evaluate us for placement of one of their dogs and denied us because Irma took down our fence. Meanwhile, our rescue DS fell into our laps and is getting top notch training and the opportunity to dock dive, track, and if he passes his evaluation, FR. While we won’t place in all these sports, it’s mostly to see what *he* enjoys and to give him the chance to live his best life. This rescue now has an influx of dogs with fences being returned to them We were very upfront on what happened to our fence and were told they make exceptions for people with common sense. I guess I must not have much common sense adopting a DS!