Clicking with Your Dog is the absolute BEST dog training book I've ever seen. That tells a lot because I think I have the majority of dog training books published in the last 10 years, and have had my hands on the rest (usually those who don't say anything new at all, are the only ones that do not end up on my shelf).Step-by-step instructions do not describe this book at all. The directions are clearly written and suitable for those from about 5th grade on up to the most educated college professor. It is the illustrations though that make this book. Anyone can literally take this book and a dog, and figure out how to teach each behavior with no problem. It is better than a video tape (while those are good), since the illustrations freeze the position the dog, trainer, and other objects in time.
In other words, each behavior is not only described in words, but the individual components of the behavior are broken down. There are seven illustrations alone for teaching the sit.
I really cannot praise this book high enough -- if you want to train a dog, but have no conveniently located classes, or if you want to try clicker training, but can't find someone to teach you, this is the book for you.
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!
