First, a target stick is great to use with small breeds, it eliminates the need to continually bend over. Once your dog has learned how to target, you can use it in games. One of my dogs love "target". I use plastic yogart tops, paper plates etc.,, I let him know that the top is what I want him to nose by putting the object on the ground, when he approaches it, I click/treat, and each time he touches it, I click/treat. Now, it takes him about 2 tries and he knows what I want. So, I will place the object 20 feet away from me, tell him to "touch" he runs, put his nose on it and returns for a treat. Great exercise for him and all I do is stand there. I will also put the target item in the tall grass and have him "find it".

I love targeting.

Lynn King CPDT

Clicker training is more for the human then the dog. A clicker is a bridge/marker between a behavior and the reward. Their use is so effective because it helps the handler to perfect their timing and also, it helps to elimanate a lot of "talk" during training. For some reason, us humans can't shut up when they are training dogs and the cues/commands get lost in "please sit", "if you sit I'll give you a treat", " be a good boy and just sit for me", it's never any wonder to me that it takes so long to teach a dog simple skills. Also, the sound of a clicker is such a unique sound that it's very clear to the dogs hearing.

When I train with a clicker, I also use the marker word of "Yes". Because I don't always have a clicker on me, the secondly marker works well. Remember, clicker training is just that, training. Once the dog has a solid response to a cue, the clicker and the rewards can be faded out.

Lynn King CPDT

now we just beg our dogs to listen.. (if please doesn't work)..

but mostly.. our only problem is getting them off the couch.. normally it is easier to just sit on the floor.. heheh




bulldogs ehh!

I have not really seen much about training multiple dogs at the same time. I did see a video on youtube where a guy was having one lay down while he had the other dog jump over him.

I would assume in the early stages it is probably best to train one and keep the others crated while doing it.

do you have to get the other dogs out of the room to train the one who needs the clicker training? that could be quite a pain.

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Andrea, Ruby, Lola and Jigger
XXOO

could you e-mail me? PLEASE? I am reading a book about clicker training but need some tips.

Thank you,

Andrea

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Andrea, Ruby, Lola and Jigger
XXOO

I have been watching some videos on clicker training. I understand you tie in the voice command with whatever you are teaching. Do you eventually totally weed out the clicker for the command though once the seem to really understand it?

As for target training I have seen some use a target stick. Is that what you are refering to there? It seemed to me on that you could just use the treat in your hand as a lure for the same thing.

I've used the clicker to train the 3 bulldogs I've had in my life. But where I train we also use a word in place of the clicker so that if you don't have a clicker with you you can say "yes" and get the same result.
The verbal click is not as precise as the clicker but it works. Have fun, you won't believe how smart bulldogs are! The 2 month old ShizTzu will have fun with "target" training. Do a google search of that too.

and yes, Spanky will obey commands without the clicker. It may take treats to get him to do something he doesn't want to do, but you don't need it constantly. At least I don't.

Michelle, Helen, Penny, Spanky and Faye pup

show forum: http://www.network54.com/Forum/485283/message/1231255226/Does+anyone+do+clicker+training+with+your+dogs-

Hope that helps!

Really the large majority of my training is done for around the house. After you have trained the dog a command using the clicker , will they obey the commands just as well without the clicker. This is really the part that I have not understood. It doesn't seem very realistic to carry around a clicker all the time so your dog will listen to you.

I've used clicker training with 2 of my bulldogs and just love it. It really works very well.

When Olivia sees the clicker & treats she immediately goes into "work mode". The training facility that we go to only uses clicker training and regular buckle collars...no chokers.

Olivia has her CD...AKC Companion Dog title...which she got in 4 shows.

So...charge up your clicker & get started!

Sue

Do you think it would be a good idea since I will be using this on the 2 new dogs to also start training my 4 year old Basset Daisy with it as well? Or since she she has had the other method for so long now would it be best to just stick with what she knows?

Should you say yes and hit the clicker at the same time? If so should you after awhile when they learn start alternating between the two or at least just use yes on it's own without the clicker.

I think I am definitely going to give this a shot. I think it will be especially useful with the Shih Tze from what I have seen.

especially your small dog, to target a clothes pin. Once she/he reliably targets the clothes pin, clip it to your pant leg. Ask the dog to "touch" and click/treat for everytime the dog puts its nose on the pin. Teaches the dog where you want she/he to walk along side of you.

Lynn King CPDT