Editor ’ s Review
BARKING UP THE RIGHT TREE
THE SCIENCE AND PRACTICE OF POSITIVE DOG TRAINING
Published by New World Library , 14 Pamaron Way , Novato , California . Released December 2023 ; 376 pages ; Where to purchase : New World Library ( newworldlibrary . com ), $ 12.30 ; eBook , $ 15.87 ; Dogwise , $ 29.95 ; Amazon , $ 22.80 , Kindle , $ 9.99 ; Audio CD , $ 27.29 ; Barnes and Noble , $ 29.95 , $ 14.49 ebook ; Audio MP3 on CD , $ 41.99 ; Audio CD , $ 51.99 ; and Bookshop . org , $ 27.85 ; MP3 CD , $ 39.05 ; CD , $ 48.35 .
There is a reason why Dr . Ian Dunbar ’ s newest book , “ Barking Up the Right Tree ,” opens with this proverb : “ The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago ; the second-best time is today .” It is the perfect explanation as to why , 40 years after Dr . Dunbar ’ s positivereinforcement training methods revolutionized the dog training world , there is a need to promote the most-effective training method – again . Not that lure-reward training is “ new ,” but 50 years ago , punitive training methods , such as leash corrections , were the norm – punishing the dog for doing something wrong , rather than rewarding good behavior . It was Dr . Dunbar ’ s success with his SIRIUS puppy training program in 1982 that brought positive reinforcement training to the forefront – and the establishment 11 years later of the Dr . Dunbar-led Association of Pet ( now Professional ) Dog Trainers ( APDT ).
And yet , just like bell-bottomed pants saw an inexplicable resurgence into fashion a few years ago , punitive methods have crept back into the dog training world , heralded by social media personalities who are neither trained nor educated in animal training / behavior . These trainers say R + training is “ cheating ” since the dogs respond to treats rather than commands . Aversive tactics are not the only issues plaguing the industry ; Dr . Dunbar believes the dog training pendulum has swung too far in the other direction by becoming too theoretical and complicated , and that trainers lost their “ voice ” when clicker training replaced praise with a click .
“ It ’ s high time to re-introduce our voice to dog training so that we give clear instructions as to how we would like our dogs to act , praise our dogs from the heart when they do so , and especially , offer specific verbal guidance to help our dogs get back on track when they err ,” he explained .
An esteemed veterinarian , animal behaviorist and self-admitted “ accidental ” dog trainer , Dr . Dunbar argues that dominance training methods are not only ineffective but can also damage the human-canine bond . Instead , he promotes a lure-reward approach , where trainers use treats or toys to guide dogs into performing the desired action , then rewarding them with praise or the treat itself . This method is based on the idea that dogs are more likely to repeat behaviors that have positive consequences . Dr . Dunbar calls this method “ teaching dogs ESL ( English as a Second Language ),” where owners learn to communicate effectively with their canine companions .
The book ’ s 15 chapters are divided into five parts : The Nature of Dogs and Reward-Based Training ; Lure-Reward Training Stage One : Introduction ; Stage Two : Motivation ; Stage Three : Compliance , and Problems and Misconceptions in Dog Training Today . While primarily aimed at new dog owners , “ Barking Up The Right Tree ” offers valuable insights for experienced dog handlers as well . And as usual , when it comes to which end of the leash is the most challenging to train – it ’ s the human end . If you are the type of person who likes to time how long it takes to drive to work each day , load / unload a dishwasher or fold laundry , then the section on differential reinforcement will be your bailiwick .
Dr . Dunbar brings the readers along with a clear and engaging style , peppered with anecdotes and humor to illustrate his points , which makes the reading more enjoyable . He draws on his five decades of experience , research , and differential reinforcement ( yes , math ) to support his recommendations , and the book offers the steps and solutions for common dog training challenges . For a regular dog owner like me , with a field Golden Retriever who has aged me 10 years ( bless her heart ), this book offers plenty of guidance on how to deal with Poppy ’ s overenthusiastic greetings of people who visit or yanking me along to sniff every mailbox post on our walks . The fault isn ’ t hers , it is mine , and I am acutely aware of that .
Dr . Dunbar ’ s emphasis on positive reinforcement and clear communication makes this book a recommended read for dog owners of all experience levels and the perfect addition to every dog training library . — The editor
The APDT Chronicle of the Dog | Spring 2024 63