Buddy started school

[sammi]

Last night was Buddy's first night of obedience class. We are using the clicker training and also the gentle leader. All this is new to me and my husband. But it went good Buddy was one of the calm dogs!! So we have lots homework to work on for next week. Not sure if Buddy gets the real idea of the clicker thing - he keeps watching the treats instead of my eyes. Any suggestions?

[k9-luvr]

What is the clicker training ?
I'ts the first time I've heard that term

[aly]

I know a game to play to teach eye contact but I'm not sure if it would tie in with the clicker training. I'll tell you about it and you can decide if it would work for you.

Put the dog on a leash in front of you. Step on the leash so he can't go anywhere. Have 2 handfuls of treats held behind your back and then just wait for eye contact. Stare at your dog but don't encourage him to look at you, just wait until he does. When he does, mark it with praise and feed a treat. It is important to alternate hands when feeding treats or he'll just concentrate on the hand where the treats come from. Once he has this part down pretty good, hold your hands straight out to each side of you and continue to wait for eye contact. As he gets consistent, move your hands lower and lower. It could take weeks though to get your hands down real low. We have a dog at the shelter who learned this exercise and we can hold treats on each side of her face and her eyes are locked on ours, not even a flinch.

Reece starts obedience in a few days!!!

[tatsxxx11]

I've done clicker training with my lab with great results. I can't find the "address" but if you use your search engine to search "Gary Wilkes" you will find a lot of great articles on clicker training. He's sort of the clicker training "guru!" Good Luck! It's lots of fun but easy to get into bad habits with! When you read the articles you'll see what I mean!

Sammi. It's so important to make sure the dog doesn't start thinking "I'm gonna get a treat" every time she sees the clicker. My instructor suggests we keep it in our pocket most of the time. Mine has a wrist band attached so I don't have to openly hold it all the time!! It's all a bit confusing at first for every one, but can have incredible results. There are handlers in my class who can "direct" their pups in ways (until clicker training) they never could before.

I signed Fritz up for puppy classes today! Can't wait!

[*LabLoverKEB*]

sammi, Is Buddy a Assistance or Guide Dog pup in training? I just wondered because the pups in training go to "puppy class", too! (and they have it a lot!)

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[tatsxxx11]

Found another great site for clicker training. Not JUST for dogs! Cats, birds as well
www.karenpryor.com
And
www.clickandtreat.com


The click is a marker signal
Clicker training is a science-based system for teaching behavior with positive reinforcement. You use a marker signal (the sound of a toy clicker) to tell the animal (or person) when it's doing the thing that will pay off. The system was first widely used by dolphin trainers, who needed a way to teach behavior without using physical force.

No corrections or punishment
In traditional training, you tell an animal or person what to do, make that behavior happen (using force if necessary), reward good results, and punish mistakes. In clicker training you watch for the behavior you like, mark the instant it happens with a click, and pay off with a treat. The treat may be food, a pat, praise, or anything else the learner enjoys. If the learner makes a mistake all you do is wait and let them try again.

Replacing the clicker with praise
Clicker trainers focus on building behavior, not stopping behavior. Instead of yelling at the dog for jumping up, you click it for sitting. Instead of kicking the horse to make it go, you click it for walking. Then, click by click, you "shape" longer sits, or more walking, until you have the final results you want. Once the behavior is learned, you keep it going with praise and approval and save the clicker and treats for the next new thing you want to train.

Fun and exciting for pets and people
Dogs and other animals quickly learn that the marker signal means, "Something good is coming." Then they realize they can make you click by repeating their behavior. They become enthusiastic partners in their own training. In people, clicking reduces the need for correction and is especially useful for training physical skills. Clicker training is exciting for animals and fun for us. And it's easy to do. You might get results on the very first try.


[This message has been edited by tatsxxx11 (edited May 30, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by tatsxxx11 (edited May 31, 2001).]

Sandra ~

Showed your kliker post to Dad ~ He sez "Onya, Sandra; that's the most bestest write-up of the why and how of Kliker Training he ever saw!"

Methinks ole Dad jest might be lookin for a Kliker next time we visit the pet shop!

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/s/ Cinder & Smokey
the Rescued & Adopted
FurKids of *Phred*

[tatsxxx11]

Thank you lots Cinners. Coming from Dad, I consider that high praise!! Gotta get off the 'puter. Star and Cody wanna write you ona rescue page! Got lotsa catchin up to do! Look for Star's message soon, 'kay? Love ya Cinder Girl and Smokster!!!

[aly]

I just got an email telling me which shelter dog I'll be taking through obedience (on Thrusdays and I have Reece on Tuesdays). Her name is Piper and I'm in love with her (as usual )



She's a husky/rott mix.

[This message has been edited by aly (edited May 31, 2001).]