Cute, a good intro book, but oversimplified. Fun when it isn't making errors. ( )

The book version of her original groundbreaking N.Y. Times essay. An enjoyable read, though there's stuff about these topics that Shamu can't teach you. Still, that's no reason not to learn what she can help you with. ( )

The author followed around animal trainers for another book, but on the way learned tricks and techniques that she thought she might try on humans (specifically her husband). The book is a fun mix of animal and human training stories. What worked, what didn't, why and how it affected her life. Another story that will greatly appeal to pet owners and animal lovers as well as those who think they can change their spouses. ( )

I should have taken notes while I read this book. Sutherland is sent to write a newspaper article about exotic animal trainers. In the process of writing the article, she realizes that the training techniques of the animal trainers are the same ones we humans use, albeit unconsciously and not very well, on our spouses, our friends, and our children. This book is Sutherland’s attempt to show how she was able to take the methods of the trainers and purposefully apply them to change situations in her own life.Is it really that easy?Well, of course not.But if Sutherland thinks it has made her a better person, a happier person, than I think it is worth it for me to go back through the book and take notes and try some of these things out.Here are my notes:“It’s never the animal’s fault.”“Train every animal like it’s a killer whale,” as if you can neither move it by force or dominate it.“Everything with a mouth bites.”“Reward the behavior you want and ignore the behavior you don’t want.”“Any interaction is training.”“Don’t take it personally. See behavior as just behavior.”“Set your animal up for success.”“People, like animals, aren’t wired to learn lessons when they are out of sorts.”“Punishment produces hatred, fear, desire for revenge, aggression, and apathy.”“Keep your animals happy.”“If one method of training isn’t working, try another.”“Least Reinforcing Scenario”“Incompatible behaviors.”“Go back to kindergarten.” ( )

I recommend this book for familial peace and harmony ( )