Section 1. Overview
The Triadic Approach
Two Species, Two Components
My Approach
Client Concerns
Personal Orientation
Research Is Valuable
Black Swans
Personal Models
Writing Style
About Learning
Blissful Ignorance
I’m Uncomfortable
I’ve Got It
Smooth and Integrated
Refinement
Section 2. Before You Start Training
Professional Trainers and Behaviorists
Aren’t There Just Good and Bad Dogs?
Basic Issues for Puppy and Dog Owners
Veterinarian Relationship
Dog License
Purchase or Adoption Contract
Registration
Identification
Rides in Cars
Grooming
Chewing
Dog Food
Rituals
A Safe House
The Crate
Section 3. Common Concerns
My Dog Has Issues
My Dog Is Hyper
Mental Health Issues
Separation Anxiety
Cases Examples: Separation Anxiety
Nipping and Play Biting
The Aggression Factor
Owner Fear
Multiple Dog Families
Case Example: Father and Son
Siblings
Family Protection
Good Obedience
Canine Intelligence
Developing a Relationship
Section 4. Play and Exercise
Exercise: Can’t Live Without It
Case Example: Dog Choice
Treadmills
Fetch
Rough Play
Playing Tug
Toys
Get the Most Out of Toys!
Section 5. Finding a Training Plan
When to Begin Training
Puppy School
Group Classes
Private Lessons
Training in Your Home
In-Kennel Training
The Most Important Consideration
Locating Trainers
Picking Your Training Team
Case Example: Stop Jumping
Analyze Your Options
Supplements and Medication
Section 6. Assessing What’s Real
The Map Is Not the Territory
Case Example: “No”
Why You Should Care
Traditional Training
Contemporary Training
Case Example: 4-H
The Extremes
Your Choice
Bias Influences Choice
Case Example: Dysfunction
Examine Your Bias
Section 7. Know Thyself
Identifying Our Own Style
Style Descriptions
In Charge
Social
Steady
Analytical
A Best Style
Getting It Done vs. Feeling Good
Style, Comfort and Competence
What Dogs Want
Section 8. Our Inner Voice
The Voice That Haunts Us
A Computer-Based Analogy
Growing Up
Evaluating Our Programming
Case Example: Beliefs About Training
Just the Facts, Please
Section 9. Beginning the Work
Waiver and Release
The Complexity of Liability
Case Example: Dog Evaluation
Getting to Know Your Dog
The Interview
Protocol: A Structure for Doing Things
Section 10. A Structure for Training
Explanation of Training Approaches
An Indisputable Truth
Positive Reinforcement
The Dog’s Perception
Punishment
Accumulating Chips
Fear and Feelings
Socialization
Stages of Development
Meeting People
Rule of Thumb
One-Trial Learning
Case Example: Electronic Collar
Overprotection
Housetraining High Points
How to Schedule
Sample Schedule
Amount of Food and Water
Age of Accomplishment
Older Dogs
The Human-Canine Relationship
The Communication Gap
Family Structure
Section 11. Foundation Blocks
Leadership and Bonding
Symbolic Feeding
Quality and Quantity of Food
Symbolic Feeding Procedure
Massage: Body Desensitization
Furniture and Beds
Section 12. Relationship and Structure
Formal and Informal Life
Picking Cues
Case Example: Baseball
Consistency
What’s in It for the Dog?
Basic Training Equipment
Leashes and Long Lines
Harness
Head Halter
Flat Collar
Limited Slip Collar
Slip Collar
Prong or Good Dog Collar
Electronic Collars
Is the Clicker Quicker?
Section 13. Context for Training
Prevention, Management and Training
Creativity and Planning
Case Example: Welcoming Guests
Case Example: Stealing Food
Managing the Environment
Dogs as Environment
Rehearsing Behavior
Three Ways We Relate to Dogs
Case Example: The Jumper
Case Example: All Dressed Up
Section 14. Fundamental Cues
The Cue and the Action
Do You Need a “Stay” Cue?
Release Cue, “Okay”
“Wait” Cue
“Good Girl” and “Good Boy”
The Reinforcer
Primary Reinforcers
Secondary Reinforcers
Variable and Random Reinforcement
Random Treating
Nickel Slots Players
Expected Hits
Your Part
The Rattling Treat Bag
The Lure
“Sit” Position
“Down” Position
Generalizing the Cue
Proximity
Section 15. Dogs on Leash
Leash Signals
Puppies on Leash
Leash Walking
Equipment
Teaching the Leash Walk
Dogs Off Leash
Moving Forward
Section 16. Attention and Recall
Attention Work
Step One: Charge-Up
Step Two: Turn-Look
Step Three: Final Focus
The Recall
Informal Recall
Formal Recall
Training Sequence: Formal Recall
Section 17. Solidifying “Sit” and “Down”
Duration
The Crossroads
What Is Awkwardness?
Duration in the “Down” and “Sit”
No Awkwardness
Nonverbal Hand and Body Signals as Cues
Teaching Nonverbal Signals
Section 18. Home Base and Time Out
A Portable Home Base
Defining the Cue
Steps to Home Base
Time Out
Section 19. Problem Solving
Behavior vs. Labels
Solving Problems
Define
Expectations
Brainstorm
Evaluate
Choose
Plan
Review
Recycle
Section 20. Intuition
A Rational Basis
Intuition and Reality
The Reliability of Intuition
A Structure to Work With Intuition
Where Intuition Takes Place
Enhancing Intuition
Most Important
Results of the Intuitive Effort
Complementing Intuition
In “The Zone”
Risk Assessment
Section 21. Final Words
Please Be Clear
A Consistent Teaching Approach
Nothing Takes Place in a Vacuum
About the Author
Selected References
