The November 2006 issue of Bark magazine features a wonderful profile of Karen Pryor ("the maven of clicker training"). The piece is written by Boston writer Amy Sutherland, author of Kicked, Bitten, and Scratched. Bark magazine is a high-profile publication, and we're delighted to have the spotlight shine on clicker training—and Karen too!
Dogs
Training Alone
By Melissa Alexander on 11/02/2006Training classes have definite benefits. An instructor walks you through the process of getting the behavior you want, the class offers structure and motivation to keep training, and your classmates are available to act as extra hands or distractions. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to good training classes. So how can someone get the benefits of class without taking one? A recent thread on the ClickerSolutions mailing list brainstormed ideas for training alone.
But I want my dog to work for me!
By Bill Peña on 10/19/2006Some people object to positive reinforcement methods because they believe that the dog should simply work for them - not for food or for a sound (clicker). These people are usually highly committed to corrective methods - and what they don't always understand is that their dog isn't working for them; he's working to avoid being punished.[...]
Susquehanna Service Dogs in the News
By Miranda Hersey Helin on 10/06/2006Susquehanna Service Dogs, based in Pennsylvania, raises and clicker trains service dogs and hearing dogs to assist children and adults with physical disabilities. Another successful placement just made news with the Pocono Record
Reliability or Relationship?
By Melissa Alexander on 10/06/2006Why do you train? Is it because you need your animal to do certain behaviors, and you want to be able to elicit those behaviors reliably? Or is it because you've found that training helps you build a bond with your pet and is a rewarding journey for both of you? Reliabilty or relationship?
