Don't Shoot the Dog

More about the book

Karen Pryor's engaging explanation of behavioral training methods has made this work a bestselling classic, offering revolutionary insights into both animal and human behavior. Pryor emphasizes that effective behavior improvement—whether managing a child's public behavior, housebreaking a puppy, coaching a team, or memorizing a poem—can be achieved more quickly and enjoyably through reinforcement techniques. She elucidates the principles of behavioral training and demonstrates how they can be applied to a variety of everyday situations without resorting to yelling, threats, or punishment. The book outlines eight methods to eliminate undesirable behaviors and ten laws for "shaping" behavior, providing strategies to address personal challenges, such as dealing with a moody spouse or an impossible teenager. It also includes practical advice on house training dogs, enhancing your tennis skills, and keeping cats off tables. As a renowned dolphin trainer, Pryor discovered that positive reinforcement is even more effective than previously thought. This transformative guide has garnered praise from pet owners who claim, "This book changed our lives!" Discover how these innovative techniques can benefit you as well.