Hi CollieMan-
You are correct, "The Dog Rules" is entirely different from "101 Dog Tricks." (For starters, it is a hardcover, all-text book, few pictures). Where 101 Dog Tricks gave you the step-by-step for teaching a particular behavior, The Dog Rules gives you the core training concepts.
It explains things like: timing and reward markers, why we use a variable vs. a fixed schedule of delivering treats, jackpotting treats, optimal length of a training session, getting maximum motivation through prey drive motivators, the 5 ways of eliciting a behavior, shaping, why we do praise-touch-treat in that order, focus on the solution not the problem, reward moments--not only complete behaviors, using progressively greater hints...
It also explains how to make your dog your willing partner by being a good leader and properly using discipline: using your attention as a reward (or withdrawing it as a consequence), teaching your dog to manage his frustration, one command one consequence, pressure and release training (as used by horse whisperers), motivating correction vs. discouraging correction, the 7 tenets of “Come," leveraging your resources...
And communication: Jacobson's Organ (your dog's ability to smell fear), vocal patterns of professional trainers, stress indicators.
That was probably more than you wanted in this *short* summary!
You can read the TOC and intro here:
Kyra Sundance & Chalcy - Stunt Dog Team - Trick dog show acrobatics dog show at halftime shows with performing frisbee dogs, half time trick show dogs, celebrity dogs, performing dogs, dog tricks, sporting event shows, dog comedy shows, comedy dog sh
--Kyra
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