Clickertraining: The 4 Secrets of Becoming A Supertrainer Book Review
Reviewer: Will Richardson
Rating:
Married couple Morton Egtvedt and Cecilie Koeste have written what is perhaps the most authoritative, well researched and practiced book on clicker training available anywhere in the world. The book of course is ‘Clickertraining: The 4 Secrets Of Becoming A Supertrainer’ – and at the time of writing this article, well over 45,000 copies have been sold.
Okay so lets back up those comments with some facts to show just what these two dynamic and highly skilled individuals have achieved, as their credentials in my opinion add weight and authenticity to the clicker training methods and techniques.
Morton and Cecilie are both trained psychologists – Morton is a trained biologist, and Cecilie a Doctor. Both have nearly 20 years experience in training search and rescue dogs. Morton was a certified dog trainer in the Norwegian Army where he served for 13 years. Cecilie also trains horses with the clicker training method and competes in show jumping. They also run the highly successful Canis Clickertraining Academy together that operates in 21 cities throughout Norway, Denmark and Sweden.
I think its reasonable to assume then that the book Clickertraining: The 4 Secrets Of Becoming A Supertrainer is backed up by strong practical and theoretical expertise. What is also evident is their passion and genuine interest in their proven dog training methods.
So what exactly is clicker training? Well in very simple terms its using a ‘clicker’ device to trigger (no pun intended) or reward desired dog behaviors. They like to refer to it as click and treat. I will reiterate that this is a ‘simple’ explanation. I will leave Morton and Cecilie to discuss the finer points, theories and techniques here.
Clicker training is not about being nice to your dog – its about being good. The authors often speak about becoming a supertrainer as a result of using these techniques. The technique is also not about bribing or punishing your dog either. Clicker training is about rewarding the right behaviors.
I loved the analogy the authors use when they say a violent husband can still have a very obedient wife. Both have trained dogs in traditional methods and clearly both prefer the most humane and respectful relationship that can be developed using the clicker training techniques – instead of old school punishment methods.
What are the benefits with this clicker training technique then? For starters, the dog learns to think and begins to solve problems, to experiment and to be creative. In other words, the dog experiences a certain level of control and responds positively as a result of this approach.
Is it magic? Definitely not. The authors state very clearly that this is indeed a science – and they both know a lot about science! That said, its certainly not rocket science, as the book clearly illustrates easily and effectively how you can use this method to become a supertrainer of your own dog.
So lets look at some of the benefits you can expect to learn in Clickertraining: The 4 Secrets Of Becoming A Supertrainer Book:
- Learn what clicker training is – and what it isn’t.
- Discover how to clicker train ‘crossover’ dogs (dogs that have also been trained traditionally).
- Find out about the powerful technique of backchaining.
- Get detailed training plans for 30 different dog behaviors.
- Choose the right techniques for the right behavior.
- Discover alternatives (alternative reward markers)
- Learn about the 5 dangerous training syndromes that effect most dog trainers – and get the cure!
- Discover how you can analyze dog behavior like a supertrainer.
- Find out about the 4 secrets to solve problems and improve training.
- Find out about target training.
- How to teach reliable cues that work.
And what also shouldn’t be overlooked here is the additional 5 instructional video bonuses that come with the book. You will get to see clicker training in action and see how it works and is applied in real life situations.
Clickertraining is a wonderful technique that can really develop a much closer and authentic, loving and respectful bond between a dog and its owner. Any training technique that rewards rather than punishes in my opinion is a superior technique – if it works that is.
As with any book review, its important to be objective and discuss any limitations or areas that need further discussion. The authors openly state that this technique has great speed potential – but you have to know how to drive first! By their own admission they readily state that a majority of people practicing these techniques are not doing them properly. So clearly a good reference guide and clear instruction is required to ensure the correct application of these techniques.
Thankfully Clickertraining: The 4 Secrets Of Becoming A Supertrainer delivers on all these fronts. Highly skilled and passionate authors have crafted a 216 page book that offers easy step by step instruction and illustration. The bonus for the reader is that behind this simplification is a wealth of practical and theoretical knowledge and proven results. Highly recommended.
