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Positive Reinforcement: Training Dogs in the Real World
 
 

Positive Reinforcement: Training Dogs in the Real World [Kindle Edition]

Brenda Aloff
2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)

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Product Description

Product Description

This step-by-step guide for trainers (or anyone interested in training principles) shows how to use positive reinforcement instead of punishment to teach a dog appropriate behavior. Author Brenda Aloff, a professional dog trainer specializing in solving problem behaviors, for years has researched alternative training techniques and worked with all types of animals. She has found that applying the theory of positive reinforcement provides amazing results in her canine pupils. This book will show you a kinder, gentler way to get a dog to behave properly.

Synopsis

Operant conditioning is a specific type of learning in which 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 her informative book. Positive Reinforcement: Training a Dog in the Real World. 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 methods 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

  • Format: Kindle Edition
  • File Size: 7948 KB
  • Print Length: 207 pages
  • Publisher: TFH Publications, Inc. (8 Mar 2011)
  • Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
  • Language English
  • ASIN: B004R1Q9SU
  • Text-to-Speech: Enabled
  • Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #197,513 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
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Brenda Aloff
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I have read many books on dog training - most of which make it appear simple - even use diagrams - but don't tell you HOW to get you dog to work RELIABLY and CONSISTENTLY in different environments with a multitude of distractions. This book does precisely that - showing you precisely how to elicit desired behaviours using reward markers and non-reward markers. It also provides suggested training schedules - and explains the importance of shaping behaviour and generalisation. It includes a very amusing "training game" (to be played by humans) in which one person plays the dog and the rest of the "players" try to elicit the desired behaviour. This really teaches you about training from the dogs point of you and emphasises the importance of timing rewards correctly!

A really interesting and practical book.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a book any and every one involved in the training of dogs should read - in my view Brenda Aloff is currently the best writer on this subject in the US.

I tried to give the book five stars but the Amazon software hasn't let me and I've never had any success with their telephone helpline - not very helpful at all! If anyone on actually Amazon reads this stuff perhaps you can put some directions on the Amazon website about how to re-download the software!!

Anyway, back to the book.

The author is characteristically modest and forthright - she doesn't claim to have won lots of prizes exhibiting dogs, and keeps her animals primarily as pets. Yet her text is not only authoritative (she's certainly done her homework) but is also highly practical, being based on Aloff's many years working as a remedial dog trainer.

The text is clearly written and laid out in an easy-to-access plan, and the explanations she provides are both credible and easy to understand.

Aloff acknowledges her debt to William E. Campbell, and takes contemporary behavioural training to a new level, with an acute observational skill that enables her to provide a clear analysis of what to look for in presenting behaviours, and what to aim for when setting out a training programme.

Also check out her other books: Aggression in Dogs ; and Canine Body Language.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:  5 reviews
29 of 30 people found the following review helpful
The Bible for Dog Trainers! 26 July 2004
By Amanda Eaton - Published on Amazon.com
Format: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
Postive Reinforcement Training Dogs In The Real World 11 Jun 2009
By Cindy Helder - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
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
Realistic, Thorough and Concise 27 Jan 2006
By B. Moody - Published on Amazon.com
Format: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!
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