[opokki]

I was really enjoying another thread regarding training and figured I'd start a new topic separately here.

What tools and techniques have worked for you?

My training is based primarily on learning theory.
For basic obedience, I've usually started out using the lure-reward method. I also incorporate a reward marker, non reward marker, & release word in my training. I focus on setting my dogs up to succeed, especially when proofing. Corrections are minimal and often only involve a non reward marker or a body block.

My favorite training tool, the one I've had most success with, is a clicker. I use this tool more for non-stationary behaviors like "heel", "spin", "touch", ect. and for agility stuff.
I sometimes use a 50ft drag line and I just got a hands-free leash for Christmas.

[opokki]

Originally Posted by Helly

Sooooooo, does anyone else here understand what nose licking and yawning means?

Stress and/or calming signals.

[opokki]

I think its important to be aware of what we are doing with our body when we are training but I don't think this is necessarily an easy task. Its hard to concentrate on so many things at once and we tend to move our body without even thinking about it. Its taken much practice but I think I've gotten pretty good at being aware of my own body language.

[opokki]

Originally Posted by dumdog1964

thats one thing handlers have to be aware of in the show ring. if there is slightest bit of tention on that leash, the dog picks up on it right away... much line a telephone wire.... he can get those signals of confidence OR fear.
You just about have to ignore YOUR emotions and focus completely on the dog's. its a lot like playing profesional poker..... just have to shut off your feelings, no matter what they are, if you want to win.

This is an excellent point! And is important outside of the show ring as well.
My trainer has made it very clear that we can actually create aggression, especially while on leash, by keeping pressure on the leash while dogs are greeting or attempting to greet one another. I've seen it happen multiple times in training classes. Therefore, in class if the dogs get too close to one another, she has instructed us to allow the dogs to sniff each other for a second with no pressure on the leash and then we get their attention back on without tightening or tugging on the leash and it works wonderfully.

[opokki]

Originally Posted by Helly

I paired people up, without their dogs, and one person had to "train" the other person to do a simple task, like sit, without saying a word. They could only use body language. And it impressed everyone with how difficult it can be for our dogs to figure out just what the heck it is we're trying to say, because they not only don't speak our language, they don't really have one of their own.

I love this concept...training from the dogs perspective. I've heard of other trainers doing similar things...like having students clicker train each other or teach each other obedience cues using unusual words. For example, instead of using "Sit" for sit they would use "blueberry". They then teach this new cue without speaking.

[opokki]

Originally Posted by dumdog1964

lol blue berry huh? why not? its almost like training your dog in another language!

That was for people training people. Since we already know that "sit" means sit, a word that doesn't mean sit is substituted. It helps owners see from the dogs point of view by trying to teach each other (instead of a dog) an obedience cue.

[opokki]

Originally Posted by dumdog1964

yeah i know that, but it was an intriguing thought to me, none the less lol
i mean rather than buying German Phrase books to teach your dog comands in german.... just use different words in english
and its all the same to a dog. you could popcicle and he would be as clueless about the meaning as opposed to saying sit.

Yes, insteresting concept. LOL. And can you imagine the strange looks you would get from people when you told your dog "cucumber" and he sat.