Lads Before the Wind : Diary of a Dolphin Trainer

Rating:
Summary: Excellent reference, and extremely enjoyable
Review: A fantastic explanation of the process of Operant Conditioning, told with the structure of a story. Not only is it incredibly informative on the subject, it is a lot of fun to read! This book is still recommended reading for trainers at Sea World, and animal trainers in general. If you enjoy dolphins, and might be interested in behavior research, or might train ANY animal, this book is for you.

Rating:
Summary: For the trainer, the dolphin enthusiast, or both!
Review: As someone who has loved dolphins her entire life (when I was little I wanted to be a dolphin trainer), this book intrigued me just because it was about dolphins and written by a dolphin trainer. I was pleasantly surprised on how much I was actually able to learn by reading it. Not only is it a great wealth of information about cetaceans (dolphins), it is also a very interesting read on training. It is full of anecdotes, making the book entertaining, and scientific data and fact, helping to lend a bit of seriousness. The unique training ideas that Karen Pryor discovered by trial and error can be, and are, used on every animal from a dolphin to a cat to a human. I highly recommend this book.

Rating:
Summary: Great for Everyone
Review: For those interested in positive motivation animal training this book is an excellent resource that is also a fun read. For those who like animals and a good story there is a lot of great adventure in Karen's experiences. The training techniques are given as part of the story which keeps it from being dry. I highly recommend this to all. As soon as I finished it, I read it again.

Rating:
Summary: Now I know how they train dolphin to jump...
Review: I always wondered how in the world did they train a dolphin to jump, flip and do all those fancy moves and now I have some idea. I mean afterall, the dolphin is in the water and you are on land? With dogs, at least, you can say commands with your voice and reward it by petting it. Well, this book answers all those questions you wondered about how they trained dolphins but were to afraid to ask or afraid to look stupid by asking. It is written in a very friendly, easy to read language and I was very pleasantly surprised with the book. I would highly recommended to to anybody and who knows, you might pick up a pointer or two on how to train other animals!

Rating:
Summary: Fun to read again and again
Review: I first read this book almost 20 years ago, when I was a kid and in love with dolphins. I have re-read it two dozen times since then and enjoyed it just as much every single time. It will help the reader understand behavior in general...of your pets, your kids, your co-workers, your spouse...and how you can affect that behavior with timely and positive reinforcement of desirable responses. A delightful book! Hugely entertaining throughout.

Rating:
Summary: Fun to read again and again
Review: I read *Lads* through the first time like a novel, glued to every word. The second time, I underlined it and wrote in the margins. Now I refer to it all the time, dipping in and out. It's one of my favorite dog training books -- and it's not even about dogs! A must-read for anyone who thinks they know it all about training -- and for those who know they don't!

Rating:
Summary: Required reading for any serious trainer.
Review: I read *Lads* through the first time like a novel, glued to every word. The second time, I underlined it and wrote in the margins. Now I refer to it all the time, dipping in and out. It's one of my favorite dog training books -- and it's not even about dogs! A must-read for anyone who thinks they know it all about training -- and for those who know they don't!

Rating:
Summary: For the trainer, the dolphin enthusiast, or both!
Review: This book provided a great insider's look to what is means to be a dolphin/marine mammal trainer. I would recommend this book to anyone who is considering this for a career path. I know I am and that this book has helped me gained a great perspective and tips on dolphin training. The stories are really touching and before you know it, you're feel like standing right next to the author feeding and playing with the dolphins. This book is a definite must-have!

Rating:
Summary: Great book-a must have!
Review: This book provided a great insider's look to what is means to be a dolphin/marine mammal trainer. I would recommend this book to anyone who is considering this for a career path. I know I am and that this book has helped me gained a great perspective and tips on dolphin training. The stories are really touching and before you know it, you're feel like standing right next to the author feeding and playing with the dolphins. This book is a definite must-have!

Rating:
Summary: Most Fun and Information Book
Review: This book was great!!! Karen Pryor is a great writer and a wonderful scientist!!! I have never read a more inciting book! It was great, it gave me different perspectives on dolphin training and even some insight on careers!! Buy this book, you won't regret it!!