Karen Pryor American biologist. She worked with dolphins in an oceanarium for many years and mastered a way of communicating with animals and people that teachers still have a long way to go. Date of Birth: 14.05.1932 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Education
2. Career in Marine Biology
3. The Science of Positive Reinforcement
4. The Clicker Revolution
5. Author and Public Educator
6. Founder of Training Companies
7. Personal Life and Legacy

Early Life and Education

Karen Pryor was born in New York City on May 14, 1932. She earned a bachelor's degree from Cornell University in 1954 and pursued further studies in zoology and behavioral biology at the University of Hawaii, New York University, and Rutgers University in New Jersey.

Career in Marine Biology

Pryor was the founder of Hawaii's Sea Life Park and the Oceanic Institute, where she worked as a curator and pioneering dolphin trainer. She also served on the United States Marine Mammal Commission and consulted privately on animal behavior and training.

The Science of Positive Reinforcement

Pryor's work with dolphins in the 1960s led her to become a leading expert in modern animal training methods that rely on positive reinforcement rather than punishment or coercion. She is widely recognized for her contributions to the science and art of operant conditioning.

The Clicker Revolution

Pryor founded and led the worldwide movement of clicker training, which uses a small device that produces a clicking sound to mark desired behaviors. This method has become widely used in zoological facilities, animal handling, medical care, and the training of pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and farm animals.

Author and Public Educator

Pryor has authored several bestselling books, including "Don't Shoot the Dog!: The New Art of Teaching and Training" (1984) and "Nursing Your Baby" (1973). Her work has been translated into numerous languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide.

Founder of Training Companies

Pryor founded Karen Pryor's Clickertraining (KPCT) and Sunshine Books, Inc., which specialize in publishing books and videos on clicker training, positive reinforcement, and related topics. She also established TAGteach International, an organization that teaches coaches to use marker-based learning principles in sports and dance.

Personal Life and Legacy

Pryor has three children and seven grandchildren. She currently resides in Boston with two dogs and a cat, all of whom have been trained using her clicker methods. Her groundbreaking work has had a profound impact on the field of animal training and continues to inspire generations of trainers and pet owners.