clicker training

[lauren G]

Hi I was thinking about starting clicker training with my pup but it looks so complicated has anyone else done it and what was it like for you thanks

[elaine.e]

The first time I used a clicker was for agility training with William when I changed from training with a club that didn't like clickers to a trainer that did. I found it quite difficult but I guess I must have been getting it right because William made rapid improvement with his contacts.

For me, I find it difficult to click at exactly the right instant and reward immediately. If I have treats in my pocket I've missed the moment by the time I've got them out. If they're in my hand I don't have enough hands - one for holding the dog lead, one for the clicker and one for the treats = 3 

So I haven't tried it with Louis yet, also because I haven't done a lot with him at all because I'm still so sleep deprived because of his poor sleeping at night 

I think I'm not very nimble fingered and probably a bit slow off the mark, so please don't be put off by my problems. Loads of other people do clicker training very successfully.

[AnnieA]

I tried some clicker training with Henry and it was great fun.    Watching his little face trying to figure out what I wanted him to do was very funny. 

I had this book:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Clicker-Training-Dogs-Karen-Pryor/dp/1860542824/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251967489&sr=8-3

and somebody else posted this link to some videos:

http://www.clickertrainusa.com/clicker-training-videos.htm

As Elaine said, you do have to be quite speedy, and it did make me feel all clumsy and uncoordinated, but we both did enjoy it.  I think with little pups you want to keep the sessions really, really short.  Good luck. 

[lauren G]

ok thanks just wanted to know whether ne one had any success 

[elaine.e]

Thanks for the links Annie. I'll have a look at them and maybe have a go with Louis.

[lauren G]

hey elaine let me know how you get on  ive just been looking through the links thanks for posting them

[Top Barks]

ok thanks just wanted to know whether ne one had any success 

You want success? have a look at these, all taught with a clicker.
If you have the time, patience and are willing to develop your skills then the ends are boundless.
have fun!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqnjr8K5KSk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlIJNfQe8Vc

[lauren G]

thats amazing it must of been hard work learning all of that

[AnnieA]

ok thanks just wanted to know whether ne one had any success 

We were definitely having some success, although as we sadly lost Henry at 12 weeks  we only had a few goes.

He was sitting beautifully, and would sit for quite a while waiting for the treat.  We'd just started having some success with down as well.  The hardest thing I found, was moving on from 'sit', as the little bum tended to hit the floor the moment he saw the clicker.   

[lauren G]

aww bless im so sorry you only had him for a short period of time

[mofi]

We have had Lottie since Saturday and I am introducing the clicker to her.  I already have her sitting and targeting a target stick.  It's quite funny watching her offering different behaviours for a treat but as it's my first time using this method I don't want to move too fast and confuse both of us    I can definately see how it works though and how much quicker they will learn.  The only problem is making sure I have a clicker to hand at the right times.

[AnnieA]

aww bless im so sorry you only had him for a short period of time

Thank you, he was a gorgeous little snuggly puppy. 

Good luck with your training. 

[Top Barks]

We have had Lottie since Saturday and I am introducing the clicker to her.  I already have her sitting and targeting a target stick.  It's quite funny watching her offering different behaviours for a treat but as it's my first time using this method I don't want to move too fast and confuse both of us    I can definately see how it works though and how much quicker they will learn.  The only problem is making sure I have a clicker to hand at the right times.

You could also condition a word (such as "yes") and use that as a verbal event marker.
Clicker training without a clicker
Charge up the word the same way as you would the clicker.

[mofi]

Thanks, that sounds like a good idea.   
 
Is it best to perfect one action before you move on to another?

[Top Barks]

It's the same principle so you can use a word alongside the clicker as long as both the word and the click have value.