"Reaching the Animal Mind" by Karen Pryor

• 10-17-2009 7:25 PM

  Stacita Joined on 08-20-2006 Sacramento, CA Posts 1,628 Points 60	"Reaching the Animal Mind" by Karen Pryor Reply Contact For the first couple of chapters, I felt Ms. Pryor was just rehashing "Lads agaist the Wind" However in reading the book, I found strong arguments for clicker training. I've never done harsh training, and never had huge expectations so I didn't see a big need.
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• 10-18-2009 5:32 AM

  In reply to Stacita

  poodleOwned Joined on 01-13-2009 Posts 112 Points 5

  Re: "Reaching the Animal Mind" by Karen Pryor Reply Contact Stacita: However in reading the book, I found strong arguments for clicker training. I've never done harsh training, and never had huge expectations so I didn't see a big need.   Hi I got into reward oroientated training through clicker training, and while i describe myself as an ecletic posiitve trainer, i would never be seen without a clicker.  I think that modern neuro science may help us understand why such a sound is so successful, but IMHO, my dogs are way to quick for me to use a verbal marker. My dogs do flip finishes in three frames fo film... I have started researching the Neuro Science that Karen Pryor mentions, and i find it very exciting. I have had more lightbulb moments with this than in any other book that i have read on training in several years.. probably since my first CT book.    Tch Cadbury CDX (RIP) Tch Nascere Bella Nera CDX Ch Jenuin Constanine

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• 10-18-2009 8:31 AM

  In reply to poodleOwned

  griffinej5 Joined on 09-10-2007 Pa Posts 2,775 Points 60

  Re: "Reaching the Animal Mind" by Karen Pryor Reply Contact  Just in case anyone is looking for the other book, it's Lads Before the Wind. I didn't read that until after I read Reaching the Animal Mind, so I guess I wouldn't have realized the rehash, but I could see where one would feel that way. I liked it, and then I went and bought Lads Before the Wind. If you care about how it works, I think then you'd like it. If you just want to train your dog, and you don't care about how it really works, I don't know if you'd care so much about either of these books.  I think I liked Lads better, but I think the masses would like it less. Probably because I don't feel as much like Lads was written for the masses. I don't think Lads would get time on GMA. Emperor of the Markie Fan Club

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• 10-18-2009 8:51 AM

  In reply to griffinej5

  spiritdogs Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 11,726 Points 1,020

  Re: "Reaching the Animal Mind" by Karen Pryor Reply Contact  I have to admit, I find Karen's style a bit dry for the masses, but sound science nevertheless.  I would be willing to bet that had Jean Donaldson's "Culture Clash" made it to Oprah first, she might get time on GMA.  Hey, someone send Oprah a copy... Regional Director for Massachusetts, International Positive Dog Training Association Director, SeniorCare Pawsitive Connections Program AKC CGC Evaluator #3669 Therapy Dogs, Inc. Tester/Observer Sioux, CGC, TDInc. Maska, CGC, TDInc. Sequoyah, CGC Fergie, Retired Lap Dog, Age 20 1/2 Dancer, CGC, TDInc. (1989-2006) #1 Heart Dog In memory of Mike, please become an organ donor today. "If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them and what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys." - Chief Dan George "The fidelity of a dog is a precious gift demanding no less binding moral responsibilities than the friendship of a human being. The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be." ~ Konrad Lorenz

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• 10-18-2009 9:12 AM

  In reply to spiritdogs

  Kim_MacMillan Joined on 11-21-2006 Eastern Canada Posts 1,591 Points 200

  Re: "Reaching the Animal Mind" by Karen Pryor Reply Contact It's on my list of books to buy when I am able to. I like Karen's style because it's more...institutional...than some of the more anecdotal training/behaviour books. But that's likely because I come from a background where the learning theory I read was really dry so even Karen's seems a lot more fun!! Zipper, 6 yo. Gaci, 5 yo. Shimmer, 2.5 yo.

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• 10-18-2009 4:40 PM

  In reply to Kim_MacMillan

  griffinej5 Joined on 09-10-2007 Pa Posts 2,775 Points 60	Re: "Reaching the Animal Mind" by Karen Pryor Reply Contact  Kim, that's a great interpretation. The other stuff I am reading these days are books on behavior analysis, so it isn't nearly as dry as the stuff I usually read. Though actually, some of my textbooks aren't horribly dry. Emperor of the Markie Fan Club
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