"I am certain that Positive Gun Dogs will be a welcome addition to the bookshelf of anyone interested in gundogs, and a valuable source of reference to those who are keen to look at a new and kindly way of training an effective and happy hunting companion . . . ‘Positive Gun Dogs' takes an exciting and refreshing new look at the training of gundogs as hunting companions. No more ‘ear pinching' or ‘heeling sticks,' but at last a systematic, and effective way of training your gundog using a clearly set out and effective reward-based training programme."
—Pippa Mattinson, founder of The Gun Dog Club
"A pioneering experiment . . . a valuable and comprehensive training resource."
—Jeff Boston, UK trainer and field trial judge
"This book shows you how you yourself can develop keen, reliable, accurate gun dogs by modern methods, using clicker training instead of correction."
"The authors are familiar with the demands of the sport, the nature of the dogs involved, and the ins and outs of applied behavioral science as well."
—Karen Pryor, author, Don't Shoot the Dog
"This book brims with crafty applications of learning laws. The discussions of transitioning to intrinsic reinforcers, generalizing and proofing are among many first rate treatments of topics in this goldmine of a book. Never preachy in tone, Positive Gun Dogs deals rationally with the motivator choices and presents a clear option for those who would rather not employ pain to train their field dogs."
—Jean Donaldson, Director, Author, Culture Clash
"Positive Gun Dogs provides owners and handlers with highly effective but kinder and gentler dog training methods that motivate dogs to perform desired behaviors without causing the pain of traditional ear pinch and electric shock. The authors have created a valuable step by step resource to help owners in developing a motivated sporting dog for hunting and companionship."
—R K Anderson, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, DACVB; Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota
"Just purchased your book, Positive Gun Dogs. Love it! I trained dogs for 28 years using adversive techniques developed by Koehler. I got a dog trainer position with PetSmart, and was trained in positive reinforcement. I love positive reinforcement. I took a 7-year-old dog that I had trained with adversives, and used positive methods, and he became a different dog! Then I got a German shorthaired pointer (GSP) as I have always had one, a pup that I started training in the store. By the time he was 6 months, I could not find a positive trainer in the area. I did find a 'conventional' trainer who understood what I wanted but he and I didn't quite know how to do the FF. He was FF with a toe snare, the only saving grace was that since he was trained with positive reinforcement, he caught on quickly. He was a MH at 18 months, and received a pass on a HRC test! Now I have a 10-month-old GSP, and I held off FF, until I figured out how to do it right. Then I found your book! Yay! Her sire is a 10x NSTRA Champion, so I want to do right by her. Then I accquired her brother, so now I have two to get trained. Thank you for the big contribution to the gun dog world. I really think that there are people out there that want a better method without killing the dog's drive."
—Sandra Misaras
