Does anybody use clicker training with their dog?
Tuesday, April 13th, 2010 at
5:28 pm
If so, how has it worked for you? I would like to start using this for my dogs but I’ve never seen it done. If anyone has any information or success stories, tips, etc. I would greatly appreciate it.
Tagged with: anybody • Clicker • Their • Training
Filed under: Dog Clicker Training
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I used it on all my dogs to teach them the basic sit, down, stay, come, adn Hi-5.
Here are some vid I used:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IC367wKGi4M
and the vids from that user!
I was first introduced to clicker training by reading an online diary called “Raising A Clicker Puppy.” I really enjoyed it:
http://www.clickersolutions.com/blog/blog01.htm
You can also explore the rest of the ClickerSolutions website.
I gave clicker training a shot. It’s perfectly fine, but I always lost the clicker and my timing isn’t very good. A great way to practice improving your timing is to drop a ball from one hand and try to click exactly as it hits the ground.
I also love this site, explore it!:
http://www.clickertraining.com/
Try to find a facility in your area that uses positive training methods. There’s a great place around here with very well-educated trainers who taught us how to use the clicker. I believe Petsmart, which is near most people, offers a clicker class.
The principles used in clicker training are called “marker training”. In the case of clicker training the marker is the click.
I do use marker training, and find it a very easy way to teach my dog new behaviors.
My marker is the word “Yes!” The main reason I don’t use a clicker is what happens if you lose, break, etc. the one you have on you and your backup is at home?
Since my marker is the work yes, everywhere in the following that I tell you to say yes, you would substitute with a single click for clicker training.
You’re going to need a bait bag that clips on your waistband. Keep it in the center of your back, so that the dog isn’t looking for the treat instead of looking you in the eye.
Start your marker training by putting your hands behind your back and simply calling the dog’s name. As soon as the dog makes eye contact with you mark it by saying “Yes!” once and giving a treat. Always start with your hands behind your back so that the dog looks you in the eye and not at your hands looking for the treat. Do this all the time in the beginning. When you’re walking periodically call the dog’s name and mark it as soon as you make eye contact. Do it while your watching TV, playing in the backyard. You want to create that association between the marker and the reward.
Make sure you use high-value treats for this training. I typically use the protein from last night’s leftovers cut up into cubes, or have the deli cut me a 1/2 inch thick slab of whatever the cheapest lunch meat is. I cut that up into cubes.
The website I’m putting as my source is where I learned marker training. They also offer videos and books, but the online article is pretty comprehensive.
There is more to it, but this gives you the foundation, go to the Leerburg site and read more.