
Adam's Task
Calling Animals by Name
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Narrated by:
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Rachel Fulginiti
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By:
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Vicki Hearne
Have you ever watched a horse flick her tail or had a dog greet you at your door and known in your heart that the animal was exhibiting something more than simple instinctual responses? If so, you must read this book. In it Vicki Hearne asserts that animals that interact with humans are more intelligent than we assume. In fact, they are capable of developing an understanding of "the good", a moral code that influences their motives and actions. Hearne’s thorough studies led her to adopt a new system of animal training that contradicts modern animal behavioral research, but - as her examples show - is astonishingly effective. Hearne’s theories will make every trainer, animal psychologist, and animal-lover stop, think, and question.
©2007 Skyhorse Publishing, Inc. Introduction copyright 2007 Donald McCaig (P)2012 Audible, Inc.Listeners also enjoyed...




















Editorial reviews
Part philosophy treatise and part pet owner manual, Vicki Hearne's Adam's Task: Calling Animals by Name is groundbreaking. In it, she presents an unconventional but surprisingly effective animal training system. Hearne, herself, was both a professor of philosophy at Yale University as well as a dog and horse trainer. Rachel Fulginiti's graceful performance does this audiobook justice. Her voice is warm, sweet, and clear as a bell. Her pacing is thoughtful. She provides vocal variation in quite a natural way. This audiobook is a must listen for all animal lovers.
Difficult to Follow and Understand
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How to think about rescue, teaching, and learning
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Interesting, but...
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It is about language in so many of its complexities, and its varied applications interspecies and interpersonal.
I picked it up numerous times through the years, and through this (plus growing practical experience), was happily surprised each time that my understanding of the concepts and philosophies had deepened.
Delighted to see it on Audible, I downloaded it immediately. Once again, I understand it more essentially than ever. I have trained very many horses, thousands of riders, a few dogs, and thousands of school students. This book is like a practical manual in some ways. My past and present methods and philosophies have been shaped, validated, and sometimes retroactively rebuked in these pages.
My failings are made clear, if I have the ability and willingness to truly hear; and when this happens the origins of my shortcomings are laid bare. I do that work. It's my moral obligation in general. Hearne's work, if it is to be truly understood, commands self reflection and personal work - if we are dedicated to doing the best work with others.
It is the dedication to language, to seeking to understand the individuals in our charge, and to ensuring that our own egos are properly checked that is studied. Of particular interest to me has always been the confusion of cruelty and kindness. It's easy to make this mistake, and it's very easy to recognize accidental victims of this in the classroom.
My only complaint is that the narrator doesn't seem to be a player in the niche world lived in _Adam's Task_, so there are some mispronunciations and missing inflections. It does improve some as the book progresses. I am admittedly biased on this point; so don't let it turn you away.
Strict behaviorists will either loathe this book, or else their horizons may be broadened. Anthropomorphism reigns here; for how else can their be language?
Wonderful book; NOT light reading
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