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I am overwhelmed with hundreds of messages now, I am not sure I will be able to answer them all! Ack~!

I train my dogs using the clicker training method (used by aquariums and zoos)- which is a subset of operant conditioning. That means I don't use positive punishment or negative reinforcement (I don't say 'no!' or 'eh eh' etc) Instead I use positive reinforcement and negative punishment (I add good things and take away good things from my dogs environment)

WHY TRICKS? (a question I get asked a lot!)-
1- Dogs need not only physical exercise but mental exercise as well, a tired dog is a good dog!
2- It builds communication skills. The dog is learning how to learn. Great if you want to do obedience
3- You are building your relationship with your animal. So your dog actually WANTS to do what you ask them to do.
4-It actually makes your dog smarter!
5- It is a fun way to interact with your dog, besides sitting on the couch together. If your dog isn't a fan of the rain, you could do a trick training session inside instead of a walk.

Learn more about clicker training at - www.clickertraining.com

Dog training books-
My 1# favorite-
'Animal Training: Successful Animal Management Through Positive Reinforcement'- Ken Ramirez

The books that most inspired me to do tricks- all of Kay Laurence's books at www.learningaboutdogs.com

Great book for shy/reactive dogs - 'Scaredy Dog' by Ali Brown

Learn what your dog is saying to you, read -
Turid Rugaas- 'On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals'

She also wrote this awesome book on leash walking-
'My Dog Pulls. What Do I Do?'

'Canine Body Language: A Photographic Guide'- Brenda Aloff

You have a new puppy or new adult dog, or just want to start training with positive reinforcement and are not sure how? Read- 'Positive Perspectives: Love Your Dog, Train Your Dog'- Pat B. Miller

For dog trainers- 'Control Unleashed'- Leslie McDevitt is pretty awesome.

Where I get my dog training books- www.dogwise.com

Dog training classics-
Don't Shoot the Dog- Karen Pryor
The Culture Clash- Jean Donaldson