Newly released in paperback with a new afterward, Chaser became famous before her book ever hit the shelves.
Since picking Chaser up from Wayne West of Flint Hill Farm in 2004, John W. Pilley has been teaching her in much the same way you would teach your two-year old toddler. And, he says, she is just as smart.
Pilley is no ordinary dog owner, however. He is an emeritus professor of psychology at Wofford College. His background in psychology and how we learn has helped him unlock the potential of his own dog and has given the rest of us reason to wonder what our dogs are truly capable of achieving.
Before you think, “There is no way I am reading a dry textbook that combines dog training with psychology,” let me assure this book is not that. Written in easy to understand language, there are only a few things you may have to refresh yourself on (like what are syntax and semantics for those English class flunkies), but otherwise it is an easy to read story with wonderful training advice and suggestions woven throughout.
Chaser takes you through her life with the Pilley’s, not necessarily chronologically, but in a way that makes sense training-wise. From learning her 1000+ toy names to sheep herding and the difference between nouns and verbs, you will follow her along in an incredible discovery of learning.
Perhaps most enlightening for the trainers out there, is that fact that Pilley suggest a different approach to training than just plain positive reinforcement.
As he puts it so well:
“In his own research, Skinner focused on reinforcement, and so has much animal science ever since. But [John] Stadon calls on animal science to switch focuses and ‘look around for the sources of variation that yield the most exciting kinds of teaching [and learning].’ The most powerful such source of variation, the best nurturing for creative learning, is surely play.” (Chaser, pp. 232-3)
Play can be a powerful learning tool (think of how our human children learn through play – house, restaurant, doctor – their own imagination and problem solving skills teach them a lot about the world). Many of us forget about play as we stress for the “most perfect” heel or straightest sit. Pilley reminds us of the power of play.
Best of all, the book is written in a manner that inspires and encourages. Afterward, you will be compelled to grab your leash and see what your dog can learn.
And, that, is exactly what Pilley wants.
About the Author
Based in Wilsonville, Ore., animal lover Kristina N. Lotz is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and works as a full time trainer. She is the founder of A Fairytail House, a unique all-positive all-sport dog training facility that helps rescue dogs in her area and provides free seminars and training classes for the community. In her spare time, she trains and competes in herding, agility, obedience, rally, and conformation with her Shetland Sheepdogs. She smartly married a Veterinary Technician, who helps keep the fur kids happy and healthy, and provides a quick resource for articles.
Toledo, United States.
