Reaching the Animal Mind: Clicker Training and What It Teaches Us About All Animals »

Karen Pryor wrote the first edition of Nursing Your Baby in 1963. A biologist by training, she currently writes and lectures on the art of positive reinforcement training.

From the pioneer in the field of no-punishment dog training, comes an illuminating and revealing look into the minds of all animals.

Library Journal

In the 1960s, Pryor worked with her husband to build an oceanarium and research facility on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. Drawing on newly emerging behavioral concepts, most notably by B.F. Skinner, she was given a golden opportunity to use his conditioning principles to develop a one-of-a-kind dolphin-training facility, with public performances that went beyond anything anyone had done before. Pryor later wrote the groundbreaking Don't Shoot the Dog! (1985), in which she introduced the concept of positive reinforcement training, first developed for marine mammals, and applied it to canines. Here, Pryor presents anecdotes and observations collected over her 40-plus years researching and practicing these techniques, most notably "clicker" training. Her 12 chapters cover such concepts as shaping, creativity, attachment, fear, and emotions. The beauty of Pryor's writing is that it is clear and understandable even to novice and would-be animal trainers. The techniques she has pioneered and promoted work on an amazingly wide variety of animals, including humans. VERDICT Backed by the author's impressive credentials and readable style, this is highly recommended for both pet lovers looking for training advice and students of animal behavior.—Edell M. Schaefer, Brookfield P.L., WI

A Note from the Author on Clicker Training ix

1 Reaching Minds 1

2 Shaping 17

3 Communication 40

4 Feelings 62

5 Creativity 80

6 Attachments 96

7 Fear 119

8 Conversations 140

9 Questions 155

10 Answers 171

11 People 189

12 Intention 213

Find Out More! 229

Glossary 238

Do It Yourself 243

Thanks 257

Index 259