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Post by masha on Oct 24, 2004 5:10:52 GMT -5
Hi
Ive just started using the clicker with Anastasia - My trainer suggested it as a way of getting her to hold (and eventualy retrieve) her object. So far its working WONDERFULLY . At the moment I'm just holding the object and when she takes it in her mouth, with me still holding it, she gets a click, I take it out of her mouth and drop a treat on the ground. I'm not allowed to say anything at any time, my (Mervyn) drilled me on this as I'm very liable to talk to her and praise her.
I've started teaching her other things with the clicker (this is only day 2!) like Wait For The Treat Rather Than Try To Eat My Hand and Sit When I Fold My Arms.
Shes really quick. I've got a problem holding her attention, so I've been holding the clicker behind my head and a treat next to her head - and clicking when she looks in my eyes.
I got a good book from the library, - (see a real convert already) but I'd really appreciate advice on this method and what to avoid doing.
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Post by Iluvmypup on Oct 25, 2004 11:50:01 GMT -5
Yayy!! Welcome to the wonderful world of clicking. Its a great tool to teach new tricks, and to perfect old ones. What to avoid..hmm...one thing I've gotten better about over the years is to fade the clicker quickly. Don't keep using it on the same command if he already knows it. Either get rid of it and only use treats and voice instead, or perfect the command by making it longer, adding in distractions, or adding distance. Also, although you probably already know this, if Anastasia ever gets frustrated and can't seem to 'get it' for whatever your teaching, get ready to shape the command. If you were teaching a good solid recall for example, but she didn't seem to understand, you would click even for when she looked your way. Eventually you'd click for her taking a step towards you, then when she came a little closer and so on. I prefer shaping over luring any day, and letting the dog think and find out what actions get rewarded and which ones don't. Check out http://www.clickertraining.com...they've got some great info on all kinds of topics. If you ever have a specific question or problem, feel free to ask. Its great that you have a trainer nearby to help you out. If you don't mind me asking, which book did you pick out? You may be interested in checking out CLICK FOR JOY!...its an awesome book that answers many questions you may have.
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Post by masha on Oct 25, 2004 12:54:32 GMT -5
Excellent Thanks for the advice.
Great site as well. I'm going to be tempted to buy some books and stuff...
I got "Clicking with your dog" by Peggy Tillman from our dog club library - but I'll look out for that one you mentioned. Sounds realy familiar, I'm sure Ive seen it at a book shop.
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Post by Kona on Jan 6, 2005 14:23:26 GMT -5
Good for you! I love the clicker, but I have a hard time teaching others to use it. Timing is critical! Glad you found such a great tool.
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Post by masha on Jan 6, 2005 15:18:07 GMT -5
You can say that again! I've using the clicker to teach her to hold her retrieve article as a first step to doing the retrieve.
My trainer was asking me to hold the article, let her take it, let her hold it, click and then take the article from her and treat her. It worked, except that I could not get her to extend the time she held it. She was so tuned into the "click means treat" that she would spit the article out as soon as she heard the click.
After quite a while of getting frustrated, I thought about it, and started clicking AFTER I took the article out of her mouth. It imedeatly worked, after such a long time of failing doing it the other way! She suddenly understood that she had to perform the whole action to get the reward. And from there it was one two three and she was doing the full retrieve the next day.
I think thats the great thing for me - you are really forced to look at the dog and think - "hmmm - now, whats going on in her mind?"
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Post by Kona on Jan 6, 2005 19:13:47 GMT -5
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Post by masha on Jan 7, 2005 12:30:39 GMT -5
Hey! Gotta try that. Now to find a family member who will play along...
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