When I wrote the first review on this book in May 2001, I had been using this book for a month or so and was suitably impressed. I was also just beginning to invest in clicker training.9 months on (many books later), and having trained (or at least partially trained ... *grin*) 3 dogs, I'm no longer as convinced that newer operant training methods have as distinct an advantage over classical/traditional methods, as some writers would have us believe. We are discovering that all training methods (including the clicker method) have their respective strengths & weaknesses. What many writers don't say is that much depends on the dog itself or that combination training methods work well too.
But that being said ... the clicker is still the most effective way I have discovered of informing my dogs when an action is approved ... its quick, extremely simple & precise ... one click and the dog knows that it has done right ... no buts, no ifs - that's it!
Depending on time, mood and disposition, voice commands can vary in tone and quality - the clicker is consistency paramount.
When used properly, the clicker is one heck of a communication tool ... and this book's value is that it teaches a beginner very quickly how and when to sound the clicker ...
This is a book consisting primarily of drawn illustrations ... very few words ...
And they say a picture is worth a thousand words - therein lies the secret and effectiveness of this book ... the illustrations are as precise and clear to the reader as the sound of the clicker is to the doggie ... The pictures convey in quite a remarkable manner - a clarity of timing to the reader that might otherwise have been lost had words been used ...
The reader will find all basic commands such as sit, heel, stay & come dealt with in the book, including aspects of (a) how to 'shape', namely, to lead a dog progressively towards a behaviour that is acceptable to the trainer; and (b) targetting, which is teaching our doggie friend how to nose or touch anything we indicate ... teaching a dog to target, allows us to then teach the dog more complicated commands, such as closing doors and turning switches on and off ...
This book is great investment for anyone wishing to start clicker training ... If the reader wishes to progress beyond basic training, or wishes to learn more about how and why a clicker works, then the reader may have to get other books ...
But as start-off manual - this book is one of the best!
The ideal training guide for everyone; especially those who don't have time or interest to sit down and pour through long blocks of text, or highly technical writing. Tillman's clear, concise, easy-to-follow illustrations make comprehension a snap, for every type of learner. This is the book my students find the easiest to follow, and it's absolutely marvelous for children.
Feedback from dog training students I mentor worldwide consistently note that the book's presentation style makes it impossible to put down. Because each chapter can be read individually, those who like to "skip around" instead of reading from beginning to end will still find it simple to follow the step-by-step directions.
The pictures are clutter-free, elegant and simple, helping the reader focus easily on the behavior being shown. One example of its effectiveness is how accessible it is for those with learning disabilities. My husband, severely dyslexic, cannot read blocks of text without great difficulty.
Yet, I was able to randomly open the book, give him a clicker and treats, and watch him "shape" the behavior just by following the illustrations. He didn't need to read any of the accompanying text (which is concise, without a wasted word) in order to get the behavior from the dog.
Students with Attention Deficit Disorder find Tillman's book to be a guide written just for them: it moves so quickly, is so simple and easy to follow, that there is no time to get bored, no time for the mind to wander. ADHD students who have never been able to make it through other fine training guides seem to relish Tillman's book from beginning to end. It's just plum FUN.
Tillman's message all the way through the book is that training a dog should not be stressful for the dog or the human, but a dance of joy, fun every step of the way.
Of all the books I have recommended over the years, this is the book I am wildly enthusiastic about, as it opens up the science of shaping behavior to the casual pet owner as well as the serious performance enthusiast.
Void of techical terminology that sometimes confuses those just learning how to clicker train, Tillman present science in a way anyone can understand--have a darned good time, to boot!
Tillman not only addresses teaching all the basic behaviors for "good manners," but shows how to solve behavior problems without resorting to force, coercion and pain.
How effective do I think Tillman's information is? With the information presented in this book, I was able to turn around a fear-agressive dog who went on to win the National Service Dog of the Year award, as well as become a certified therapy dog.
When traditional correction-based training only made his problem behaviors worse, it was following the guidelines Tillman offers that saved this dog's life and helped him become such a phenomenal service dog, therapy dog, school demo dog and marvelous, loving companion.
And, he was the first toy breed service dog to help carry the 2002 Winter Olympic Torch!
Buy the book. Give it away to friends who have dogs with problem behaviors. Buy it for yourself, your kids, for people who are frustrated in their attempts to change unwanted behaviors into wanted responses. It works. Oh, does it work!
