Clicker Training for Obedience

by Spector, Morgan

• ISBN13: 9780962401787
• ISBN10: 0962401781
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-02-01
• Publisher: Sunshine Books

Summary

In this breakthrough book, Morgan Spector shows you how and why to use clicker training, the technology of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement, to train your dog. Whether you're starting off with a new puppy or headed for the Obedience ring, these step-by-step instructions will work for you.

Table of Contents

A Personal Note	p. 1
The Basics	p. 5
Physical interaction	p. 5
primary and conditioned reinforcers	p. 7
Why the clicker?	p. 8
Conditioning the sound	p. 12
Basic shaping	p. 15
Two types of reinforcers	p. 16
The "ringwise" dog	p. 19
Superstitious behavior	p. 20
Establishing the clicker	p. 21
Maintaining the association	p. 22
Schedules of reinforcement	p. 24
Variable reinforcement mistakes	p. 27
"Whisper" commands	p. 28
Putting behavior on cue	p. 29
Generalization ("proofing")	p. 34
The behavior chain	p. 35
Fading the clicker	p. 38
Crossover dog, crossover trainer	p. 39
Fluencies	p. 45
Building fluencies	p. 45
Shaping with the target stick	p. 46
Attention	p. 52
Working the rear end	p. 55
Shaping the sit	p. 57
The down	p. 66
The stand	p. 72
Left-side walking	p. 75
The informal recall	p. 83
Beginning the retrieve	p. 89
Jumping	p. 96
"Find the one that smells like me"	p. 104
Novice--or, Beginning Utility	p. 109
Heeling	p. 110
The "group" exercises	p. 140
The Stand for examination	p. 147
Finish, front, and recall	p. 154
Open: Step Two to the UD	p. 171
Heeling	p. 172
Jumping practice	p. 173
Performance exercises as behavior chains	p. 173
Drop on recall	p. 174
The retrieve	p. 179
The high jump	p. 182
The broad jump	p. 187
Utility: Are You Having Fun Yet?	p. 193
The signals exercises	p. 193
Scent discrimination (articles)	p. 200
The directed retrieve ("gloves" exercise)	p. 209
The moving stand and examination	p. 211
Directed jumping, Part 1: the go-out	p. 213
Directed jumping, Part 2: the jumps	p. 219
For the Pet Owner: Who's in Charge Here?	p. 225
Some thoughts for the pet owner	p. 225
Application of clicker training	p. 227
Solving behavior problems	p. 229
Appendices	p. 233
Variable Reinforcement and Long-Duration Behaviors	p. 233
Unofficial Awards, Events, Titles, Scoring Systems	p. 236
Standard Heeling Patterns
Problem Solving
Fitting the Dumbbell
Glossary of Terms	p. 245
Suggested Readings	p. 251
Acknowledgments	p. 253
About the Author	p. 255
Index	p. 257
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