READY STEADY CLICK
By Stephen G. King
80 pages 2000

Teach precision and reliability in your dog through shaping and positive reinforcement. Whether you are a pet dog owner or are involved in Obedience, Agility, Working Trials or Show Dog training, this book will give you a great insight on how dogs learn and how to train your dog without force or compulsion. If you want a dog you can be proud of, then this book will show you how, even if you have never trained a dog before! (paperback)

Reviews

"What an excellent book. Enough science to get the message across with practical usage well explained. Another winner!"
Eileen & Brian J Smith, Collingwood ON, Cantass
Your Canadian Dog Friendly Training Resource
www.cantass.com

"Clicker training can be fun for dogs and keepers!
Stephen King's book is a technical introduction to classical and operant conditioning. The use of reward as a 'positive reinforcer' of behaviour is the key word for all behaviourists, human and canine! The glossary is essential for readers who are not fully conversant with psychology terminology.
Stephen's practical, methodical approach is to spell out why 'clicker training' is excellent for bringing out the best behaviour in canines. The unique signalling system of the 'clicker' is that it is not voice-dependant (great for all the family to establish training sessions with the dog) and can be used to communicate to canines in a gentle and caring way.
'Ready, Steady... Click' takes its readers through the 'science' of conditioning, the practical development of clicker signalling, training and understanding behaviour modification. A must for dog keepers and those studying or applying dog training.
Dr David Sands PhD

Following on his videos on clicker training, Stephen King has now produced a very readable and informative soft back book which explains in detail the principles of Clicker training and the use of a Target stick. He first explains the science of changing the dog's behaviour outlining how our dogs learn, and how the use of positive reinforcement can turn the most uncooperative dog into one that any owner will be proud of. He follows on with clear directions for getting started on actually using a Clicker with your dog. Then follows an explanation of teaching such important responses as getting the dog to walk with the owner comfortably, followed by some excellent information on the timing of rewards - an important part of clicker training - and shaping a behaviour by rewarding any movement towards the wanted actions. Some of the terminology will be unfamiliar with those new to this increasingly popular hands-free dog training method, but Stephen thoughtfully rounds off the book with a Glossary of Terms, and some quick reference training tips for success.
There are some lighthearted cartoons interspersed with the text, and also some black and white photographs of actual training situations, though these are not of the best quality.
This is an excellent introduction for the newcomer to the art and science of Clicker Training, and useful too for those already working with this gentle and fast way of training which allows the dog to make decisions for himself.
Dee Woodcock