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Don't Shoot the Dog!

summary ofDon't Shoot the Dog!Book by Karen Pryor

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You’ll learn

  • The magic of clicker training's success
  • Secrets behind timing in reinforcement
  • Surprising impact of "jackpot" rewards
  • About mimicry's power in behavior change

first KEY POINT

One of the worst ways of getting rid of unwanted behavior is through punishment

Punishment is still one of humanity's most popular strategies for eradicating undesirable behavior. It has a negligible effect on the subject's behavior. When a subject makes a mistake and is penalized, it does not imply that the activity will end or that a better solution will emerge. Usually, when one degree of punishment fails to work, a greater level of punishment is employed, which almost always has negative consequences.When punishment is administered after an undesired conduct has occurred, and over a lengthy period of time, it may not always succeed. As a result, the subject may not be able to link the punishment to his or her past actions; animals rarely learn from punishment, and humans often fail to do so either.

Doing the wrong thing over and over again only wastes time and produces negative results.

Reinforcement, which is the continuous practice of a behavior, whether negative or positive, is the most effective method to alter or eliminate undesirable behavior. If we really want to make a good change, however, we must embrace some methods like reinforcement, clicker training, rewards, etc, that are employed to promote positive change.

Karen Pryor has effectively produced one of the books that will stand the test of time in a way that only specialists can. She was able to create a workable approach and technique for changing our behavior or teaching others how to alter theirs by teaching us how to train a dog.In this summary, you will learn how to train animals, and how to apply some of the training methods mentioned here to yourself and your environment. Continue reading to learn more about how to utilize positive and negative reinforcements to accomplish your goals.

second KEY POINT

A reinforcer serves as a trigger that initiates behavioral changes in animals and humans

To understand the concept of encouraging good behavior, it's important to know about behavioral reinforcements. These are continuous practices that make a habit or behavior become part of you.There are two types of reinforcements:
• Positive reinforcement
• Negative reinforcementPositive reinforcement occurs when you encourage an activity with a good attitude on a regular basis. This gives you a higher chance of carrying out the said attitude. Negative reinforcement, on the other hand, refers to the continuous process of doing away with something you would want to avoid.A negative reinforcer is an aversion that may be overcome by altering one's behavior. This is particularly easy to accomplish when a new behavior begins. Once you start a good behavior, you tend to cease practicing the unpleasant ones.

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first KEY POINT

A conditioned reinforcer comes in handy when you want the trainee to know the exact moment they’re doing well

second KEY POINT

To establish a signal, you have to begin with the behavior first

third KEY POINT

There are eight methods you can use to get rid of unwanted behavior in and around yourself

fourth KEY POINT

The lack of reinforcement in any aspect of life can cause a trainee to feel less adequate

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Karen Pryor is a writer and behavioral biologist. She was Hawaii's Sea Life Park's founder and pioneer dolphin trainer. She has an international reputation as a scientist in behavioral psychology and marine mammal biology.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Don't Shoot the Dog!: The New Art of Teaching and Training about?

Don't Shoot the Dog!: The New Art of Teaching and Training, authored by Karen Pryor, focuses on the principles of positive reinforcement in training animals and people. It emphasizes the importance of understanding behavior modification techniques that lead to effective learning.

What are the key takeaways from Don't Shoot the Dog!: The New Art of Teaching and Training?

Key takeaways from Don't Shoot the Dog! include the significance of rewarding desired behaviors, the impact of timing in reinforcement, and the use of shaping techniques to encourage gradual improvement. These principles can be applied not only in animal training but also in various teaching and training contexts for humans.

Is Don't Shoot the Dog!: The New Art of Teaching and Training worth reading?

Absolutely, Don't Shoot the Dog! is considered a valuable read for anyone interested in behavioral psychology, training methods, and effective communication. Its practical insights make it applicable to training pets, teaching students, or even managing workplace behaviors.

How many pages is Don't Shoot the Dog!: The New Art of Teaching and Training and when was it published?

Don't Shoot the Dog! spans approximately 192 pages and was first published in 1984. This classic book remains relevant today as it shares foundational concepts in behavior training.

Who is the author of Don't Shoot the Dog!: The New Art of Teaching and Training?

The book is authored by Karen Pryor, a renowned animal trainer and author known for her expertise in the field of positive reinforcement and behavior modification. Her work has significantly influenced both animal training and educational methods.