Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 8:29 am Post subject: Clicker training
..Does anyone on here do this?
I've read quite a fair bit about it, and it does seem like a really positive way of teaching pups alsorts of different things!
But, I can't help but wonder if it's just adding extra work to letting them know they're doing the right thing, that I could have done with my voice?
Various people I've read about have said their dogs can be taught new commands within minutes using this method, but I find that very hard to believe..
Am I just a cynic?
Would love to know what others think of this type of training and how effective it's been for them!
I used this with bailey and will occasionally get it out again for something he isnt getting or someting new.
Bailey is quite advanced in his class, i think we were very lucky with him but i also think the clicker helped - it dosent suit all dogs, but i used the clicker on the second day we had him to train him to sit. It can sometimes be seen as extra work, but its also a very distinctive sound that the dog must always associate with something positive.
It also depends on how it is used, its important to click right away when your command has been performed, then follow this right away with a treat to start with
eventually you can take away the treat and reward with a praise, and then simply click, I havnt had another dog to train without the clicker to compare to so weather bailey is just a quick learner or the clicker is great i am unsure. but, never change what works and the clicker I believe worked for us.
We dont use it in training class, but as I said - i will use it to help him with anything he may not understand. He also knows when i get the clicker out its time to train as apposed to me playing with him but throwing in some commands.
I used the Clicker for the first time with Mojo and it worked really well. I'm going to start using it with Oyster too.
The big advantage I found was it was much more of an instant reward and more consistant too. Saying "Good girl" is so inconsistant....we all say it in different tones and in different ways. Whereas click= treat, an easy equation for all to understand .
Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 5:49 pm Post subject: clicker training
I use a clicker for training some skills with some dogs. It is a useful tool
It is true that the purpose of the clicker ( it acts as a marker to let the dog know exactly which behaviour you are rewarding) can be replaced with a verbal marker.
I use the word 'good' in this way with quite a lot of training. However, the clicker is a far more precise, consistent and accurate marker than the human voice and for certain purposes ( marking fleeting changes in behaviour for example) is the ideal tool. The sound of your clicker will not vary when you are fed up or tired, it won't get higher when you are excited.
The philosophy behind clicker training is sound and based on proven scientific principle. It is an ideal way of establishing a basic behaviour, though I find it less advantageous when it comes to 'proofing' behaviours against distractions.
I adore clicker training. Its so much easier to teach a complex routine with a clicker, ive taught my staffyx boy to pick out different coloured markers touch certain objects on cue (including stella cans ), he can go around my back and leg on command now - taught in 5 mins.
My other two (collies) are a bit thick lol so the clicker helps them by marking exactly what they are getting the treat for so they can repeat the action.
Now im teaching the new pup, she can already sit on command (taught at 6 weeks) - i taught her in 5 mins!
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), he can go around my back and leg on command now - taught in 5 mins.
