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Rating: 
Summary: For the serious student of dog training.
Review: Dr. Reid's book is the next step to take after you think you understand what operant conditioning is all about. You'll find that you didn't know it all! She explains complex concepts in an accessible manner, with many excellent examples. It's a book to keep handy for those times when you just can't remember what negative punishment is!
Rating:
Summary: For the serious student of dog training.
Review: Dr. Reid's book is the next step to take after you think you understand what operant conditioning is all about. You'll find that you didn't know it all! She explains complex concepts in an accessible manner, with many excellent examples. It's a book to keep handy for those times when you just can't remember what negative punishment is!
Rating: 
Summary: Learning Theory You Can Understand
Review: This book is a very thorough presentation of learning theory. Yet, by referring to experiments and to dog training, the author makes a difficult subject very approachable. I had a number of "ah-ha!" moments and will re-read to get more out of it. I was concerned about all the abbreviations I saw when browsing the book, but they are not used to such excess that you get lost/confused. As I said, the book is thorough, so it does present the negative end of the scale -- aversives and punishment. I understand why the author had to include this information, but it is still difficult reading for those of us who consider our dogs our friends -- and who applies electric shock to their friend? I only wish she had placed the caveats of using these methods at the beginning, rather than at the end, of their respective sections. If you are looking for more depth and science than found it dog training books or "Don't Shoot the Dog," in a book that won't bore you to tears, get a copy of Excel-erated Learning, well worth it's reasonable price.
Rating:
Summary: Learning Theory You Can Understand
Review: This book is a very thorough presentation of learning theory. Yet, by referring to experiments and to dog training, the author makes a difficult subject very approachable. I had a number of "ah-ha!" moments and will re-read to get more out of it. I was concerned about all the abbreviations I saw when browsing the book, but they are not used to such excess that you get lost/confused. As I said, the book is thorough, so it does present the negative end of the scale -- aversives and punishment. I understand why the author had to include this information, but it is still difficult reading for those of us who consider our dogs our friends -- and who applies electric shock to their friend? I only wish she had placed the caveats of using these methods at the beginning, rather than at the end, of their respective sections. If you are looking for more depth and science than found it dog training books or "Don't Shoot the Dog," in a book that won't bore you to tears, get a copy of Excel-erated Learning, well worth it's reasonable price.
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating reading
Review: Very well written with good, specific examples. Presents a very well-rounded historical perspective about animal behavior in both scientific and practical examples. I have already read it a couple of times to allow all of the info to sink in. There is a LOT here!! It has very useful information whether you are a professional trainer or just fascinated by animal behavior. Buy this book and be nice to your dog.
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating reading
Review: Very well written with good, specific examples. Presents a very well-rounded historical perspective about animal behavior in both scientific and practical examples. I have already read it a couple of times to allow all of the info to sink in. There is a LOT here!! It has very useful information whether you are a professional trainer or just fascinated by animal behavior. Buy this book and be nice to your dog.
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