[Dopeydawg]

Has anybody used clicker training to successfully train their dog?

I can see how it could work if the dog is close at hand, but how is it at distances. I couldn't see how you could train re-call with a clicker, but then maybe I'm wrong?

[opokki]

Originally Posted by Dopeydawg

Has anybody used clicker training to successfully train their dog?

I can see how it could work if the dog is close at hand, but how is it at distances. I couldn't see how you could train re-call with a clicker, but then maybe I'm wrong?

I took a clicker training class with my dog and I still use the clicker successfully for a variety of things.
We practiced recalls in class using the clicker. The clicker marks the exact behavior you want, the instant is it occuring. For recalls, we would put our dogs at one end of the room and have them "wait" while we walked to the other end. We would then call the dogs to "come" and click as the dog was moving towards us. In doing this, we were marking the act of coming as it was happening. This seemed to work really well.

I use the clicker for agility too, which involves distance. I click while Natalie is in mid air jumping over the bar, while she is inside the tunnel, the second she is on the pause table, ect.

I've also used it to teach Natalie to defer to me rather than react to disturbances in class, to spin, to "leave it", to "touch" a target, and to walk by my side on a loose leash.

[Dollydog]

I was actually thinking of giving this a go myself, but didn't know how successful it would be.

It sounds as if you are having a really good experience of clicker training with your dog, and I suppose if you can teach you dog recall from one end of the room, then eventually distance doesn't matter.

I think I'll be getting myself a clicker!

[LuvMyMutt]

I am really interested in how the clicking thing works myself..I just don't get how it helps more than them knowing commands? Could someone with clicker experience explain it to me? I would be greatly appreciated

[opokki]

Originally Posted by LuvMyMutt

I am really interested in how the clicking thing works myself..I just don't get how it helps more than them knowing commands? Could someone with clicker experience explain it to me? I would be greatly appreciated

A clicker is just a marker. Its used to mark a specific behavior the second it occurs. The sound of the clicker is paired with food treats. It is important that the sound of the clicker is always followed by a food treat otherwise, the sound can lose its value.
The dog learns that this sound means that his behavior just earned a reward and therefore he is more likely to repeat that behavior in the future. Once you get the behaivor repeatedly you can add a cue word and once the dog is responding to your cue you can fade out the clicker and then begin giving treats intermittently. So there is no need to have the clicker on hand forever, its just used temperarily to teach new behaviors or to perfect already learned behaviors.
Timing is important, you want to mark the behavior the second it occurs. Its a good idea to not make the clicker or the treats real obvious to the dog because you don't want the dog to learn to repsond only when the clicker or treats are present. I keep the treats in my pocket or otherwise out of sight most of the time and the clicker stays in my hand, its not necessary to show the dog the clicker...he only needs to be able to hear it.


I will post a few resources below in case you are interested in learning more:

Click For Joy! by Melissa Alexander is an excellent book that will give you a great understanding of clicker training and answer any questions you might have about it.

To find a clicker trainer in your area:
Clicker Teachers

Clicker Training websites:
ClickerSolutions Home
Clicker training, clicker training for dogs, stop dog barking, dog obedience training
clicker training for dogs clicker training for obedience
Home
Clicker Training Lessons

[Dopeydawg]

Thanks for all the information, folks.

I will certainly be looking into this. My dog is not that bad for most things, but he does have his 'naughty' moments. I think clicker training will minimise these problems and hopefully make us both a bit happier!