Chaser: a Unique Border Collie Reading Plus

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Commencement your review of Chaser: Unlocking the Genius of the Dog Who Knows a Chiliad Words

November 17, 2013 Kari rated information technology really liked it

John Pilley uses former-school psychology to train his edge collie in Chaser: Unlocking the Genius of the Dog Who Knows a One thousand Words, co-authored with Hilary Hinzmann. What a coincidence that the methods he uses, based on his experience equally a professor of man psychology, look a lot similar forcefulness-complimentary dog training!

With one exception: Like Ted Kerasote in Merle's Door, Pilley turns to an aversive method to curb Chaser's "chase drive." While Kerasote used a daze collar, Pilley uses a mighty jerk

John Pilley uses old-school psychology to train his edge collie in Attorney: Unlocking the Genius of the Dog Who Knows a Thousand Words, co-authored with Hilary Hinzmann. What a coincidence that the methods he uses, based on his feel as a professor of human psychology, await a lot like forcefulness-complimentary dog training!

With one exception: Like Ted Kerasote in Merle's Door, Pilley turns to an aversive method to adjourn Chaser'due south "chase drive." While Kerasote used a shock neckband, Pilley uses a mighty jerk of a long line and a stern "No." It's difficult for me to say these techniques are incorrect, wrong, wrong, because as far equally reported, they prevented the dogs from chasing things, and neither Merle nor Chaser developed aggressive or fearful tendencies as a result. I can say that knowing what I at present know, I would never apply either method on a domestic dog.

Otherwise, the volume is a joy to read. I honey that this retired professor refers to himself every bit Attorney's "Pop Pop" (because that'due south what his grandson calls him). Throughout, Pilley emphasizes how much fun it is for Chaser to learn new words. He turns down an offering to allow another scientist work with her, which would have meant more academic acclaim, because that would hateful having Chaser live with someone else temporarily. Above all, Chaser is a family canis familiaris.

When Chaser appears on the Today Show, Pilley feels bad that Chaser doesn't have a adventure to play with her toys subsequently fetching them past name for Matt Lauer. Attorney is supposed to become to play with her toys every bit her advantage for fetching the right toy.

I've heard domestic dog trainers brag near how many words their dogs know. How practise they really know? I wondered. Across their names and basic obedience commands, near dogs know "outside" or "walk" or "dinner," but how do you keep rail of the number of words? Pilley prepare about it scientifically, by giving each toy a unique name. He has a list of 1,022 different toy names that Attorney understands. He likewise teaches her categories of words: she knows a racquetball by its proper name "Blue," and besides knows that information technology is a "toy" and a "ball."

Pilley works with Chaser for hours a day. With that much dedication, I bet whatsoever dog of higher up average intelligence could larn quite a few words.

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Dec 29, 2013 Heather rated it really liked it

This was an enjoyable and educational read. Dr. Pilley, a retired psychology professor who loves dogs, takes the time to not only brainwash his edge collie, just document her learning so that there is some scientific contribution made in terms of what animals tin empathize about linguistic communication and how they learn. The book is far more in depth than any videos y'all can meet about Chaser, even so accessible to the average reader vs. scientist in terms of methodology. Information technology is clear that Chaser is a loved family grand This was an enjoyable and educational read. Dr. Pilley, a retired psychology professor who loves dogs, takes the time to not only educate his border collie, but certificate her learning so that there is some scientific contribution made in terms of what animals can understand about language and how they learn. The volume is far more in depth than any videos you can see almost Chaser, yet accessible to the average reader vs. scientist in terms of methodology. Information technology is clear that Attorney is a loved family member and that her aptitude is capitalized on. Non every dog or every border collie will exist able to achieve these results. Even so, what was interesting is the fashion he trained her and 1 can get some good ideas about communication grooming to employ with your own dog if you'd like to endeavour. His techniques are positive and tailored to the dog. Chaser is more toy motivated than treat motivated - dogs like that can be harder to train but Pilley has really done a wonderful job with Chaser, making the nigh of that strong toy drive.

1 thing I enjoyed virtually the book was that, although in no way portrayed equally a negative, it should exist obvious to the average reader that a edge collie is not a skilful domestic dog for virtually people. They have such drive and energy, what it takes to go on them happy is way more most people tin can provide. Chaser is very lucky - she has an possessor who worked with her natural play and herding drives to make learning fun for her, and also documented it to make it useful for scientific enquiry. He clearly recognizes that when she is asked to perform and not rewarded with play it's not fair. It should too be clear that fifty-fifty a dog like Chaser, who is trained hours per 24-hour interval, tin be a scattering - she has a will of her ain. She is non always obedient. She tin can be very demanding. She volition non let you lot watch Television receiver and ignore her. This is the truth nigh most herding breeds - they really are very demanding and in the incorrect homes they become neurotic or destructive. I hope that Chaser'southward popularity doesn't motivate people to get border collies for the wrong reasons - hopefully anyone who reads the volume will realize that, every bit with all smart animals, they are a HUGE commitment!

If you similar really smart dogs, are interested in domestic dog preparation, or you have an interest in language skills and animate being vs. man language learning, you lot are sure to bask this. I think even near canis familiaris lovers would enjoy it, though there is a lot of accent on training techniques. I found it enjoyable throughout.

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The data provided on Chaser and his ability to learn was very interesting to me personally. Withal, I establish the positive influence this project had on the author, Johm Pilley, equally fascinating. Pilley did his extensive work with Chaser in his tardily 70s, and it is notwithstanding continuing into his mid-80s. The research, also as his incredibly strong human relationship with his canis familiaris, accept kept him physically, mentally, and spiritually energized. As a senior citizen who works with agile large dogs, The information provided on Chaser and his ability to learn was very interesting to me personally. However, I found the positive influence this project had on the writer, Johm Pilley, equally fascinating. Pilley did his all-encompassing work with Chaser in his late 70s, and information technology is still standing into his mid-80s. The enquiry, every bit well as his incredibly strong relationship with his dog, have kept him physically, mentally, and spiritually energized. As a senior citizen who works with agile large dogs, I discover that very encouraging.

This is a book worth reading for anyone interested in animal intelligence or simply in learning more than about dogs as our companions--or both. I enjoyed it and admire Professor Pilley for his impressive dedication to his new career, furthering our understanding of canine language acquisition. In my stance, he models the perfect "retirement." It sure beats sitting on a beach or lounging on the front porch. He is quite an inspiration.

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May 21, 2017 Simona rated information technology it was amazing

The story does accept a scientific background in language learning, merely information technology'southward primarily a memory, author'south personal feel of the advice with the dog, through grooming. Information technology's hard to avoid the comparing between own canis familiaris with Chaser - which is extremely susceptibility to learning, simply I'chiliad convinced that we all run into our own pets as the smartest (and the most beautiful) animal in the world, and that we all tin can share our own breathtaking experience of our pets in communicating with the states. Thursday The story does take a scientific groundwork in language learning, but it's primarily a retentivity, author's personal feel of the advice with the dog, through preparation. Information technology'southward difficult to avoid the comparison between ain dog with Chaser - which is extremely susceptibility to learning, but I'm convinced that nosotros all see our ain pets as the smartest (and the most beautiful) fauna in the world, and that we all tin share our own scenic experience of our pets in communicating with us. The story is full of joy and love, and perfectly illustrates the relationship between man and domestic dog, how great (sometimes moody and likewise demanding) companions are dogs. ...more

Attorney is a border collie who knows the names of over 1 g of her toys. She tin can fetch them, manus at them or nose them on control- by others besides non just her dad/trainer. This is the story of how Dr. Pilley, a retired psychology professor trained and tested Chaser. It also covers how they got published and the shows they were on.

It is very interesting if a little long winded. Chaser knows a bunch of balls by ball, an individual proper name and toy. How Dr. Pilley taught this to Attorney was gone o

Chaser is a border collie who knows the names of over one thousand of her toys. She can fetch them, paw at them or nose them on command- by others likewise not just her dad/trainer. This is the story of how Dr. Pilley, a retired psychology professor trained and tested Chaser. It also covers how they got published and the shows they were on.

Information technology is very interesting if a little long winded. Chaser knows a agglomeration of balls by ball, an individual name and toy. How Dr. Pilley taught this to Chaser was gone over in particular. Again very interesting. So all over once again for the frisbees. That happened more than than once.

What I like the nearly is above all else Attorney is a pet. She doesn't alive in a lab and Dr. Pilley refers to her as his research partner. Only equally I think it should be!!

I final thought...all of Chaser's toys are labeled. Anyone else think she's just reading the names?!

RIP Chaser 7/23/19 😢A dog I would have loved to take met! Also RIP Dr. Pilley 6/17/eighteen.

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Mar 07, 2014 Marianne rated it really liked information technology

Interesting volume, VERY interesting dog. Lucky dog to have come into the life of the perfect human being existence for her. He is a mostly retired psychology professor who loves dogs and has a lot of fourth dimension on his hands, literally four-5+ hours a day to work with the domestic dog, plus students to aid him. It's the perfect storm of people, animal, and passion for each other's well-being.

Some aspects of the volume were a flake tedious. He'd offset out talking about something mundane and I'd exist thinking, something is going t

Interesting volume, VERY interesting dog. Lucky domestic dog to accept come into the life of the perfect homo being for her. He is a mostly retired psychology professor who loves dogs and has a lot of time on his hands, literally iv-5+ hours a day to piece of work with the canis familiaris, plus students to help him. It's the perfect tempest of people, animal, and passion for each other'south well-being.

Some aspects of the volume were a bit dull. He'd start out talking almost something mundane and I'd exist thinking, something is going to happen here, and well, nothing does. But on the whole, if y'all're a dog lover and into all the new enquiry going on in the field of canine ethology, or y'all just really love cool dogs, this is a good read.

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I really don't think at that place was plenty here to fill an unabridged book, so in that location was a lot of filler that I constitute myself skipping over. Still, I enjoyed it, and am trying some of the things I learned here with my own dog. I loved the photo on the back flap; information technology made me smile every fourth dimension I looked at it. I really don't think there was enough here to fill up an entire book, so there was a lot of filler that I establish myself skipping over. Still, I enjoyed it, and am trying some of the things I learned here with my own dog. I loved the photo on the back flap; it made me smile every time I looked at it. ...more

May 19, 2021 bup rated information technology it was amazing

Just a thoroughly entertaining read. If you're interested in brute intelligence, or language, this is a delightful but all the same substantive book that examines and expands the understanding of how much of spoken language dogs can understand. But a thoroughly entertaining read. If you're interested in fauna intelligence, or language, this is a delightful but all the same substantive book that examines and expands the agreement of how much of spoken language dogs can understand. ...more

And so much nicer an catastrophe than Dogs of Babel! We need to learn the linguistic communication of dogs instead of thinking they need to speak the language of humans.

Dec 21, 2019 Susan rated it really liked it

I don't think in that location are many who would deny that pets can empathise some things that nosotros say. And some pets are smarter than others. Dogs particularly seem to have a gift of intelligence, especially breeds similar border collies.

A friend has a border collie who I accept "canis familiaris-sat" several times over the years. Flash amazes me with her soulful eyes and the way she seems to empathise. Once this summer I came in to take care of her. I couldn't find the ball she loved to play with so I asked her, "Flash,

I don't think there are many who would deny that pets can understand some things that nosotros say. And some pets are smarter than others. Dogs particularly seem to have a gift of intelligence, specially breeds similar border collies.

A friend has a border collie who I have "dog-saturday" several times over the years. Wink amazes me with her soulful eyes and the way she seems to sympathize. In one case this summer I came in to take care of her. I couldn't find the ball she loved to play with so I asked her, "Wink, where is your brawl?" She immediately went over to the couch, crouched down, and put her olfactory organ to the basis. I looked under the couch at that spot and guess what was under the burrow, nearly 12 inches back? Yep — the ball. It really was amazing.

Chaser is as well a edge collie. Her owner, professor John Pilley, worked with her to the betoken where she had learned over m words. Pilley had owned several dogs, but when his beloved dog died while Pilley was in his 70s, he said he would not get another. His married woman, even so, decided he needed i and then they adopted Attorney.

Pilley was retired and devoted hours each day (four-v hours of language preparation daily, and 2-iii hours of other concrete activity) to preparation Chaser. "Dogs of all breeds and mixtures of breeds can be highly intelligent, only no dogs have shown greater skill and creativity at problem solving than Border collies." He knew he had the platonic subject in Chaser. Pilley was no passive trainer either; when he wanted Chaser to roll over, etc., Pilley would become onto the ground and practice the thing too.

It was fun reading how Pilley scavenged at thrift shops for toys for Chaser (imagine having over 1000 unique dog toys in your house) and trained him. After a inquiry paper came out, Chaser became famous, appearing on TV shows. This book did seem to go repetitive at times, but honestly given the repetitive nature of training a pet, this kind of seemed appropriate. I loved reading about Chaser, but only every bit much I enjoyed reading about John Pilley and his joy at working with his dog.

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An amazing volume near an amazing brute. What this book is actually practiced at doing is comparing your own, untrained animals to the wit of Attorney. I mean sure, Danny understands 'Get a Ball', merely I've never discriminated confronting any of his toys. They are all 'Brawl' and a stick does just as well. That this canis familiaris knows each of its toys past proper noun, and knows the difference between nosing or taking the toy amazes me. I knew Edge Collies were intelligent (two of my boys are half Border Collie) just this dog An amazing volume about an amazing brute. What this volume is really proficient at doing is comparing your own, untrained animals to the wit of Attorney. I mean certain, Danny understands 'Get a Ball', but I've never discriminated against any of his toys. They are all 'Ball' and a stick does just besides. That this domestic dog knows each of its toys past name, and knows the difference between nosing or taking the toy amazes me. I knew Border Collies were intelligent (two of my boys are one-half Border Collie) but this dog is beyond amazing. The book passes rapidly in a rush of everything learned and experienced. I highly recommend information technology for whatever fauna lover or domestic dog enthusiast! ...more

Chaser is a Very Good Dog.

Sep 04, 2021 Chelsea rated information technology really liked it

I saw a lot of my border collie in the descriptions of Chaser. All canis familiaris owners know they know words. Attorney is a chip farthermost, merely apparently tin can practise thousands!!

Oct 12, 2018 Bob rated it really liked it

Fascinating. Eye warming. And a pretty good read, too! Actually enjoyed Pilley's journey and Chaser's responses every bit she learned to accept enormous fun doing what she was bred to do: herding sheep... but without the sheep! I especially loved Pilley's descriptions of Attorney's celebrity appearances on network Boob tube. If you truly love dogs, don't miss this book! In the author's own words...
"The journey with Chaser e'er has the same number one priority: fun. Emerge and I find fun with her every day, a rou Fascinating. Centre warming. And a pretty good read, too! Really enjoyed Pilley's journey and Chaser's responses as she learned to take enormous fun doing what she was bred to exercise: herding sheep... but without the sheep! I especially loved Pilley's descriptions of Chaser's celebrity appearances on network TV. If y'all truly beloved dogs, don't miss this book! In the writer'southward own words...
"The journey with Chaser always has the aforementioned number one priority: fun. Sally and I find fun with her every day, a routine that never becomes stale." ~ John W Pilley, "Chaser Unlocking the Genius of the Domestic dog Who Knows a Thousand Words" ...more

This is the second time circular reading this book. It'due south the story of an incredibly, patient and loving scientist, a brilliant man and his dog. So sorry to hear of Dr Pilley'south contempo passing merely what an extraordinary contribution this man and his dog have made to the agreement of the intelligence, sensation, empathy, and learning ability of man'due south best friend. Dr. Pilley'southward respect for his dog and his connection of fun and learning are amongst some of wonderful aspects of this story that will rem This is the second time round reading this book. Information technology's the story of an incredibly, patient and loving scientist, a brilliant man and his dog. So sorry to hear of Dr Pilley's recent passing but what an extraordinary contribution this man and his dog have fabricated to the agreement of the intelligence, awareness, empathy, and learning ability of man's best friend. Dr. Pilley'due south respect for his dog and his connection of fun and learning are amongst some of wonderful aspects of this story that volition remain with you long after yous take put the book downwardly. ...more

Oct 28, 2013 Mary rated it information technology was amazing

MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

Bottom Line: Dogs are much smarter than they are given credit. John Pilley explains exactly how quickly they learn and given the chance can communicate with us. Pilley explains how he used his dogs equally research subjects in his lab in his chore as a psychology professor. His students observed them and dissected their abilities. After his last dog dies, his wife insists he is getting a new puppy for Christmas and they both agree that a local breeder of Edge Collies is their best

MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

Lesser Line: Dogs are much smarter than they are given credit. John Pilley explains exactly how quickly they learn and given the adventure can communicate with us. Pilley explains how he used his dogs as research subjects in his lab in his job as a psychology professor. His students observed them and dissected their abilities. Later his last canis familiaris dies, his married woman insists he is getting a new puppy for Christmas and they both agree that a local breeder of Border Collies is their all-time choice. With infinite patience and his grooming as a scientist, he teaches his new pup to relate objects to words.

Edge Collies are working dogs and dearest routines, without structure in their lives, they tin be almost subversive. Their natural curiosity and power to be trained is both a souvenir and a curse. I had an Australian Shepherd with a similar personality and if nosotros didn't do our routine each twenty-four hour period, he was a very unhappy dog. I had taught my dog probably 100 words and he could easily follow commands to retrieve certain objects. I never imagined that a canis familiaris could identify names to over a thousand objects.

There is a science background to this book, then also as being a memoir, it also has some wonderful information based on fact to become along with it. Chaser was featured on a NOVA program about her unique abilities. This is one fascinating look at how yous can train a dog to larn more than y'all thought possible with a niggling actress fourth dimension and energy. Dog and memoir fans are going to admire this story.

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Dec 18, 2019 Wesley rated information technology information technology was ok

I actually wanted to similar this volume only at that place are some major problems with it.
First of all, Pilley isn't a good writer and can't make practiced decisions on what to include and what to leave out.
The irony is that his paper to Scientific discipline was rejected just because of this. To give a few examples. He ofttimes talks like talking to a child explaining things about dogs and trying to give it a beautiful feel. And so he switches to semantics.
If the audition is more similar the kid he will non empathise one bit of the scie I really wanted to similar this book merely there are some major issues with it.
Kickoff of all, Pilley isn't a good author and tin can't brand good decisions on what to include and what to leave out.
The irony is that his newspaper to Science was rejected simply considering of this. To give a few examples. He oft talks similar talking to a kid explaining things about dogs and trying to give it a beautiful feel. Then he switches to semantics.
If the audience is more than similar the child he volition not empathize i bit of the scientific discipline part. If the audience is a somewhat scientific adult the tone of the book is off. But it gets worse when Chaser becomes viral.
Pilley finds information technology important to proper noun every magazine, every reporter and every photographer past name. Then there is the reporter from the Daily Post, which is the second biggest paper in the United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland, with reporter and so then, and the photographer is called this. Chaser liked the photographer. And it goes on and on.
The enquiry is interesting plenty, together with some anecdotes that would tell a bit of Chaser'southward life story this could be a bang-up read. But sadly in that location wasn't an editor that helped Pilley to write that good book.
Information technology could as well be a cool kids volume. An introduction to learning and not only to teach your dog stuff only actually help him/her to acquire.
Now it'due south none of the above. And either way, the interesting part for me is likewise the smallest. ...more than

February 27, 2014 Theresa rated it actually liked it

Perfect book for an English teacher and a dog lover such as myself. Might be a bit of a slog for someone not quite as interested in how language is learned (by humans or past dogs). What a smart dog you lot are, Chaser!

Anyone interested in dogs and/or animal behavior should read this book. The writer gets bogged down with too much detail virtually the everyday, notably Chaser's appearances on Tv, only the information on how he taught Chaser and what Attorney is capable of is extremely interesting. Anyone interested in dogs and/or animate being beliefs should read this book. The author gets bogged down with too much detail well-nigh the everyday, notably Chaser'southward appearances on Idiot box, only the information on how he taught Chaser and what Chaser is capable of is extremely interesting. ...more than

Now that'southward i smart dog and an incredibly dedicated, patient, loving owner. All of this came out loud and clear in this book. I can't say I was riveted to the story simply it was interesting to read near the grooming. Now that's ane smart dog and an incredibly defended, patient, loving possessor. All of this came out loud and articulate in this book. I can't say I was riveted to the story but it was interesting to read about the preparation. ...more

Astonishing application of language psychology

Ane of my all time favorite books on dogs. I think a must read for all canis familiaris lovers. So much showed the immense possibilities with dogs.

Some of my favorite dogs when I was a child and in my adult life were/are Edge Collies - or had traces of Border Collie in their lineage. There was Ben, Falkor, Gus & Joey, Hank, Tanner, Fly & King. They were/are infrequent dogs. Every man worth his salt has a predilection towards a certain breed or traits condign of a sure breed of dog. Dad'due south domestic dog of pick is Border Collies.

After relaying his ain excitement most reading this book and his subsequent sterling review, he sent me his copy i

Some of my favorite dogs when I was a child and in my adult life were/are Border Collies - or had traces of Edge Collie in their lineage. There was Ben, Falkor, Gus & Joey, Hank, Tanner, Fly & Rex. They were/are exceptional dogs. Every man worth his salt has a predilection towards a certain breed or traits condign of a certain breed of dog. Dad'southward dog of choice is Border Collies.

After relaying his own excitement most reading this book and his subsequent sterling review, he sent me his re-create in the mail service knowing I'd enjoy reading it as much every bit he did. My dad is the smartest man I know and so information technology goes to figure that he would champion the smartest of all breeds: the border collie. :)

My dad heard about this book after recently going to the Meeker Classic here in Colorado. The Meeker Archetype, dubbed the earth'south toughest sheepdog competition, is a renowned sheep domestic dog trial that dad and his wife like to attend. During a trail, the handler and his dogs work together to herd a group of sheep through a defined course that is then scored past a group of judges. If yous've seen the movie Babe, yous know what I'1000 talking about. :) I went to the Meeker classic years ago and it was astonishing. The communication, verbal and otherwise, between a good herding dog and an adept handler is remarkable.

While this book gets a footling besides scientific at times for my feeble mind, I absolutely enjoyed information technology. In that location is as well some redundancy and bloat in the middle. More importantly, Chaser is astonishing! I was more interested in the Attorney's "pack" and upbringing and bond with her humans than I was anything scientifically significant. I'chiliad just a sucker for a good dog story. A adept practiced-dog story is exactly what this volume is.

The author and Attorney'south main buddy, professor John Pilley died June 17, 2018. I can imagine the anguish that Chaser must accept felt after spending her long lifetime with such a devoted and caring man.

Chaser died July 23, 2019 of natural causes. RIP Chaser.
"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I desire to go where they went." ~ Will Rogers

"When y'all get a pet, sooner or after you lot get a cleaved heart. Your heart gets whole when yous tin adventure its being broken again. The spirit of our relationship with 1 pet lives on in and shapes the spirit of our relationship with another pet, even years later." ~ John Pilley

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I actually enjoyed this volume. I came across it through a used book auction and until then I had never heard about Chaser. What impressed me most about this story was his age and the inspiration information technology was. Virtually people effigy at 80 years sometime life is just well-nigh retirement but here he was actively pursuing publication in a field that is hard to be published in due to the preconceived bias humans in full general have that we are superior intelligent beings and all other animals are not. Yet, being around anim I really enjoyed this volume. I came across it through a used volume sale and until then I had never heard about Chaser. What impressed me about almost this story was his historic period and the inspiration it was. Most people figure at 80 years former life is just about retirement but here he was actively pursuing publication in a field that is hard to be published in due to the preconceived bias humans in full general have that we are superior intelligent beings and all other animals are not. However, being effectually animals all my life, being actively aware of their presence , and actively engaging with them it's obvious to see how intelligent, peradventure even more than so, animals are compared to us. I appreciate individuals who are willing to take the behemoth by the horns and endeavor to talk sense into this large proportion of people who remember animals are just automated machines with no capacity for emotions, cognitive reasoning, or intelligence. I enjoyed how he talked about his work in a way people unfamiliar with this topic could understand. I appreciated how he shared some information on the area of study on human psychology. I like how he shared a fleck well-nigh the procedure it takes to conduct experiments, the critical eye needed to see whatever potential flaws in ane's experiments, and the process by which one gets published. This was very informative, entertaining, and enjoyable story and what makes me sad is that I discovered that sadly the author has at present passed away. How nice information technology is though to have this as a memoir of a man who truly held intelligence which was obvious by the fact that he was able to run across the intelligence of animals. Anyone can see what the masses see but information technology's the wise ones that see the hidden gems of wisdom.

Recommend for:
Age sixteen+
Parents and caregivers due to the information on toddler language development
Animal trainers
Animal lovers
Psychology interests
Creature beliefs interests
Pet owners

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Jul 13, 2020 Sheillagh rated it it was amazing

Fascinating book about Chaser, the intelligent Border Collie, whose principal, Prof. John Pilley trains to identify her stuffed animals past their proper names and takes information technology fifty-fifty farther by teaching her nouns, verbs and direct objects. It's the story of the relationship between Chaser and her family, particularly her shut relationship betwixt the professor and his beautiful puppy. He begins working with her equally an 8 week one-time puppy and ultimately, his grooming of her results in national recognition of he Fascinating book most Chaser, the intelligent Border Collie, whose principal, Prof. John Pilley trains to identify her blimp animals by their proper names and takes it even farther by educational activity her nouns, verbs and straight objects. It's the story of the human relationship between Chaser and her family, specially her close relationship betwixt the professor and his beautiful puppy. He begins working with her as an eight calendar week old puppy and ultimately, his training of her results in national recognition of her abilities to know the names of over 1,000 toys. Prof. Pilley presents a paper to the American Psychological Association, outlining his training methods. He and Attorney also appear on the TODAY show and the ABC News Tonight program with Diane Sawyer. I was amazed at this dog'southward capacity for learning language. ...more

May 12, 2017 Leanna Aker rated it really liked it

I enjoyed this story about Chaser and his retired-from-academia owner. The story discusses how Chaser came to know over 1000 words, acquire how to place objects by exclusion, and start to put together iii part commands (take 1 object to another object). It helps the story that Chaser is very endearing. :-)

I small gripe.... at times the book seems to take the flavor of a dog training volume. (i.e., do it this way). However, I think that if the "typical" dog possessor was looking to train a "typical"

I enjoyed this story nigh Attorney and his retired-from-academia owner. The story discusses how Attorney came to know over grand words, acquire how to identify objects by exclusion, and starting time to put together 3 role commands (take one object to another object). It helps the story that Chaser is very endearing. :-)

One small-scale gripe.... at times the book seems to take the season of a dog training volume. (i.eastward., do it this style). Notwithstanding, I think that if the "typical" canis familiaris owner was looking to train a "typical" dog, in that location might be pieces missing.

All in all, a very enjoyable read with included stories well-nigh Chaser'south public appearances.

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Sep 20, 2017 Steve Nolan rated it really liked it

I've read a lot of books about famous animals recently, and this is by far the all-time one. (Information technology's so deep in my wheelhouse I think it can't e'er get back out.)

You get a existent sense of what the person, fauna and scientific discipline are all doing, which is a lot more than virtually of these books exercise. (Commonly information technology'due south just a recollection about what the animate being's owner'south life was like. Which, I don't care, you're non the point of this. Tell me more than almost the cute puppy.)

It'd prolly have been a v star review, if not for thursday

I've read a lot of books about famous animals recently, and this is past far the best one. (It's so deep in my wheelhouse I retrieve it tin't ever become dorsum out.)

You go a existent sense of what the person, animal and science are all doing, which is a lot more than most of these books practice. (Ordinarily it's just a recollection about what the animal's possessor's life was like. Which, I don't care, you're not the point of this. Tell me more nearly the beautiful puppy.)

Information technology'd prolly have been a five star review, if not for the hokey dialogue. I dunno why, but everyone always turns into the biggest cornball in the world when quoted in books like these.

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Pretty fascinating stuff, here. Human being sets out to run across how many words he can teach his Border Collie puppy, and basically finds there isn't any answer to that question. Well-nigh interesting to me was that he could teach the dog "take the brawl to Pop-Popular" only just if he reversed subject and object in the sentence, as they do in some languages other than English: "accept, to Pop-Popular, the ball."

I was less than thrilled about two-thirds through when the chapters started to focus on where they exhibited Chas

Pretty fascinating stuff, here. Man sets out to see how many words he tin can teach his Border Collie puppy, and basically finds there isn't any answer to that question. Almost interesting to me was that he could teach the domestic dog "accept the ball to Pop-Popular" but but if he reversed subject and object in the sentence, every bit they do in some languages other than English: "take, to Popular-Pop, the ball."

I was less than thrilled about two-thirds through when the chapters started to focus on where they exhibited Chaser and what he did and how people reacted to him. That was kinda tiresome. But hey, don't blame the dog!

...more

May 30, 2020 Giulia rated it really liked it

It was actually interesting to discover how a man can teach a dog and so many words through play.
Chaser was a great dog and as an owner of a border collie pup I wanted to know more than well-nigh how Pilley arrived at such a bully success with his domestic dog. She learnt more yard words and remembered all of the names. Good book for people actually interested in the bailiwick. Sometimes may seem tiresome because he talks a lot about the experiments (difficult to understand if you're not an expert in psycology) and less Information technology was actually interesting to discover how a man can teach a domestic dog so many words through play.
Attorney was a corking dog and as an owner of a edge collie pup I wanted to know more than near how Pilley arrived at such a great success with his dog. She learnt more than than g words and remembered all of the names. Good book for people really interested in the field of study. Sometimes may seem boring because he talks a lot about the experiments (difficult to empathise if you're not an practiced in psycology) and less about the method he used to teach her the names simply information technology's definitely a must read for dog lovers! ...more

JOHN W. PILLEY is an emeritus professor of psychology at Wofford Higher. He has been working with Chaser since 2004 and has published the findings from their work in the journal Behavioural Processes.

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"At that place was no doubt about information technology. Chaser had learned Puddin the pony's name in a single trial. Identifying the new object correctly afterward hearing its name merely one time indicated that Chaser had achieved a form of referential understanding. Somehow she had grasped the idea that objects can have names." — three likes

"When you go a pet, sooner or after you get a cleaved center. Your heart gets whole when you tin can risk its existence cleaved again." — 1 likes

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Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17415012-chaser

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