The Secret History of Kindness

In "The Place of the Dog," Melissa Holbrook Pierson shares her enlightening journey into dog training, sparked by her experiences with her border collie, Mercy. As she navigates the world of positive reinforcement techniques, Pierson explores the foundational ideas of B.F. Skinner and their applications not only in animal training but also in broader societal contexts. Through engaging encounters with animal behaviorists and firsthand observations at the National Zoo and Clicker Expo, she uncovers the profound connections between kindness, motivation, and our relationships with both dogs and humanity.