Karen Pryor

Karen Liane Pryor (née Wylie; May 14, 1932 – January 4, 2025) was an American author and behavioral biologist who specialized in marine mammal biology and behavioral psychology. She is best known as the founder and proponent of clicker training, a humane, science-based method using positive reinforcement to teach animals appropriate behavior[1][3]. Pryor also served as a Marine Mammal Commissioner to the U.S. government and authored influential books including Don't Shoot the Dog!: The New Art of Teaching and Training[1][3].