I have a new pup and I'm researching training tips. I didn't realize there were
so many dog experts in the world. I got a list of hits on Amazon that would
take all week to review. I remembered a guy on TV that I'm trying to find info
on but can't remember his whole name. I think part of his name was Mattie. He
would use a sweet talking voice with the dogs, that's what I remembered most,
it was years ago. He took a dog and made it stop hopping on a sofa in a minute
in one episode.
Anyone think they know who I'm talking about please speak. Any other teachers
are also welcomed. I only want to order a few books or videos. I don't want
scolding, beating or pain techniques.
Thanks

In article (BErney1014) writes:
I have a new pup and I'm researching training tips. I didn't realize there were
so many dog experts in the world. I got a list of hits on Amazon that would
take all week to review.

Dear Berney,

Operant conditioning is the single most effective approach for training
animals. One of the earlist articles was this:

B.F. Skinner (1951). "How to teach animals." Scientific American
185 (12): 26-29.

This article described "clicker training" and 50 years later it
is the "rage" not because it is a fad but because it is effective.

There are many versions of "clicker training." Two of the
stars are Karen Pryor and Gary Wilkes. If you google their
names and "clicker" training you find many sites such as:


http://www.clickertraining.com/home/index.htm

http://www.clickersolutions.com/

http://www.clickandtreat.com/

http://www.behavior.org/

http://www.clickertrain.com/

If you don't want to buy a video, see if your local library
can get one through interlibrary lone.

Puppies are not only cute but little learning machines when
their environments are properly structured.

Best wishes to you and your friend,

--Marshall


Marshall Lev Dermer/Associate Professor/Behavior Analysis Specialty/
Department of Psychology/University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee/
Milwaukee, WI 53201

http://www.uwm.edu/~dermer

"Knowing how things work is the basis for appreciation,
and is thus a source of civilized delight." -- William Safire