Training Resources
The Mark and Reward Training offered by Hilltop Dog Training is derived from a number of excellent sources of information on dog behaviour, canine learning theory, and positive reinforcement techniques. We encourage you to look into those information and training resources yourself so that you can create a training plan that best suits your lifestyle and offers you dog or dogs the best chance of being successful at everything you do together.
Here are some of the training resources we recommend to our clients:
Books
Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson is perhaps the single best book about dogs, dog behaviour, and the challenges we face when integrating dogs into our very human lives.
Don't Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor is the first and best introduction to Clicker Training and the science behind it that we have found. Pryor makes clear in no uncertain terms how and why this method of training produces enthusiastic and long lasting behaviours in dog and other animals as well.
The Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell presents an informed view of the differences between dogs and humans and how miscommunication can happen despite our best efforts. As a Certified Applied Animal Behaviourist, Dr. McConnell brings considerable experience and scientific knowledge of dogs to this wonderful book.
Click and Play Agility by Angelica Steinker is a must for all agility enthusiasts. Written in a clear, well organized format, Angelica's book offers a wealth of training tips and ideas for training your dog to do agility. With a focus on clicker training and positive reinforcement, the book is full of wonderful games and exercises designed to bring out the best in your dog on the agility course.
Internet Training Articles
There is a lot of great information out on the Internet to help you learn more about dogs and dog training. We have included a few below that we have found very useful in our own training and in helping others understand the foundations of Mark and Reward Training.
How You Get Behaviour Really Does Matter by Melissa Alexander
Luring by Bob Bailey
On Punishment by Bob Bailey
On Being A Change Maker by Karen Pryor
Are You Clicker Training, or Training with a Clicker? by Kathy Sdao
Online Resources
The Internet offers the opportunity to join interactive discussion groups with other trainers and dog owners to share ideas, experiences, tips, and techniques to improve your training skills. Some of those we find most useful are listed below.
Clicker Solutions is moderated by author Melissa Alexander. This group offers monitored discussion focused clicker training and positive solutions to training challenges.
Click-L_ABAT is an unmoderated group offering free discussion on training from a behavioural analysis point of view. This is an excellent place to explore the science behind behaviour and how to apply it to training your dog.
Website Resources
Karen Pryor's Clicker Training Site
Melissa Alexander's Clicker Solutions Site
Kellie Snider's Animal Behaviour Site
Shirley Chong's Positive Solutions Site
Additional Books to Consider -