Dufresne-Cyr

An Introduction to Social Cognitive Animal Training introduces a groundbreaking approach to animal training that moves beyond lure-based conditioning and into the realm of relationship, understanding, and mutual trust. Rooted in science, this book offers a comprehensive look at how social, cognitive, and environmental factors shape behaviour-and how dog trainers can harness these forces to foster deeper, more cooperative relationships with animals.

This book challenges the dominance of lure and behaviourism models by presenting an alternative grounded in social cognitive learning theory and attachment theory. Drawing from psychology, ethology, and decades of hands-on experience, the author explains how animals learn by observing, imitating, and interacting with others in meaningful ways. You’ll explore key topics such as transduction, resilience training, and locus of control, and discover how to create a learning environment based on safety, consent, and choice.

Whether you’re a professional trainer, educator, behaviour consultant, or an animal caregiver seeking a more compassionate and intellectually engaging way to train social animals, An Introduction to Social Cognitive Animal Training offers tools and insights to transform your practice. Learn how to train without lures, build secure attachments, and shape behaviours through trust and shared understanding-not food bribes.

In a world that increasingly values animal welfare, cognition, and agency, this book provides a timely and necessary framework for teaching animals the way nature intended: socially, cognitively, and collaboratively.