Clicker 101 Part One

Have you heard about clicker training, but dont know what it is?  How it got started?  Why they are used?  What all the fuss is about?  And, hey, are they worth it, or is the clicker just another gizmo youd be forced to juggle, as if the dog, leash, treats and poop bags werent enough?!

Ill start with some of the history of clicker training, and what it does, and then (in the interest of brevity, so this post stays short enough for you to read and me to write) Ill go into more detail in follow up posts.  Like how to use a clicker, and common concerns about clicker training.  Ill probably throw in a video at the end, so you can see clicker training in action and decide for yourself what you think of it (though I think trying it with your dog for a few weeks is the best way to give it a true trial).

So, where did clicker training begin? The concept originated around the time of WWII with Marian Kruse and Keller Breland, students of the famous B. F. Skinner.  They used clicker training to teach a wide animals including pigeons, cats and dolphins.  Its use in training marine mammals took off (instead of a click trainers use the high pitched whistle we now associate with Flipper and Shamu, but the concept is the same), but clicker training still hadnt really made it to dogs.

One behavior expert was using clicker training with dogs though, and in 1992 Karen Pryor put on a seminar in San Diego, California that would change the face of dog training forever.  Along with her book, Dont Shoot the Dog, Pryor began to spread awareness of clicker training and the fantastic results it could bring when teaching obedience commands or modifying behavior.

The basic principles of clicker training are quite simple.  The "click," that sound made by the clicker, becomes what is known as a conditioned reinforcer.  It is a sound that initially means nothing to a dog; it is quite literally just a click.  But, after repeated pairings with food rewards, the click begins to take on meaning.  It starts to mean "Yes! You got it right!"  It means food is coming, even if you cant see it yet.  And it means "All done!" that whatever behavior they have been working on is complete.

How does one sound come to mean so much to a dog?  Thats where the "conditioned" part of conditioned reinforcer comes in.  Lets use dolphins as an example.  Its one of my favorites, as you know if youve learned clicker training with me.  Training a dolphin offers some unique challenges.  You cant put a choke collar on a dolphin and make it mind.  You cant flip it over and pin it to the ground, exerting your "dominance" over him, the way some famous "trainers" would. (Since we cant express sarcasms well in the written word, let me just insert that here. I do not advocate choke collars or dominating your dog, or any creature for that matter.  Sarcastic sneer noted.)

Dolphins also swim much better than we do, which makes it hard for us to be near them when they are performing tricks.  Training dogs is starting to sound pretty easy, right? Clicker training (or "marker training" - a more general term that can include other types of sounds like the whistle that marine mammal trainers are likely to use) helps with dolphin training in many ways.  First, by giving the dolphins a consistent, easy to recognize cue that means the dolphin has done something right, we improve communication and thus speed up training.  Marking the exact moment a dolphin performs also allows the trainer to reward for increments of behavior, not just the final product. 

Finally, the whistle acts as a bridge (lots of fancy terms this time!).  A bridge (in normal-person language) is a way to increase the amount of time between when the behavior is performed and when the reward is received, without ruining the animals understanding of why they are being rewarded.  Think of a dolphin learning to jump up and touch a ball suspended 20 feet above the pool. (I have no idea about dolphin training, and its been a while since Ive seen a show, so forgive me if my example is totally inaccurate.)  It would be nearly impossible to get a fish to the dolphin at the exact moment that he touches the ball, since the dolphin is way out in the middle of the pool (and 20 feet in the air!) and the trainer is stuck on their little platform.  If the dolphin doesnt get his fish within a few seconds of performing the behavior, he wont connect the two.  Enter marker training (clicker training if you missed all the bouncing around with terminology)!  Because the dolphin has been conditioned to know that the whistle means a fish is coming, the trainer blows the whistle at the exact moment the dolphin touches the ball and, bingo!  Dolphin makes the connection and learns the new behavior.  And you and your friends pay an arm and a leg to see his show.

What does all this mean for you and your dog?  Clicker training isnt just a gimmick, but an effective method based on scientific learning principles.  Using a clicker allows you to be clear and consistent in your communication about when your dog has done something right, and also allows you to break a behavior into smaller parts as they are learning.  And once your dog is conditioned to the clicker, you can afford more time between the time the dog does a behavior and the time your get the reward to him.

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Introducing Dogs and Babies Part One

My wonderful friend, Kathy Nolasco, is getting ready to welcome her first child into the world.  Well, her first human child that is.  Kathy is also the proud parent of a beautiful German Shepherd Dog named Linda.  Which is what prompted Kathy to send me a message the other day, the gist of which was "How do we introduce our dog to the baby?"

Its a question I get a lot, at least from those who are expecting, or know someone who is.  So I thought Id share my answer with everyone.

A little background first.  Kathy and her husband Gerson have a one-year-old female German Shepherd, Linda, from the Dominican Republic (a Dominican Shepherd I tease her).  They are also expecting a baby boy in about 20 days, should he cooperate with his due date.  Kathy has made arrangements for Linda to stay with her parents while she is in the hospital after the baby is born, and they are already planning on bringing baby blankets to Linda so she can smell the baby before she meets him. 

But Lindas already nervous, and the baby hasnt even been born yet.  According to Kathy, Linda is scared of the new baby things in the house, especially the stroller and the swing.  So this is where the training needs to start.  Ill tackle part one - fear of the stroller and swing - in this post, and part two - introducing Linda to the baby - in a later post.

The first rule of training Linda to accept the new baby should be "100% positive."  Because we want the relationship between dog and baby to be a positive one, the training should always be positive too.  We dont want Linda to make any associations between bad things and the new baby.

To teach Linda to accept the baby stroller and swing, get some really yummy treats (PureBites, Natural Balance Rolled Dog Food, Charlee Bears, or Wellness Wellbites).  If she is clicker trained, grab the clicker, but if not, Kathy can tell her "yes" every time she would get a click (for more on clicker training basics see Karen Pryors website, clickertraining.com. Start out with either the stroller or the baby swing (tackle one before the other - the second time around will be easier). 

Lets say Kathy picks the baby swing.  Have the swing set up, but not activated.  Bring Linda into the room where the swing is, and the instant she looks at (or near) the swing, click (or say "yes!") and give her a treat.  Stand in such a way that Linda needs to look back to get her treat, away from the swing.  When she looks at the swing again, click and treat.  Repeat the exercise a couple more times, then take a big step towards the swing.  Kathy should click and treat for Linda looking at the swing, again, the instant they move towards it.  Do another 3 or 4 rounds, then move closer and closer.  Eventually they should be able to stand right next to the swing.

When Kathy is beside the swing, she should reward Linda for looking at the swing once or twice, but then hold off and see if shell voluntarily lean towards it, sniff at it or even touch her nose to it.  If she does, definitely click and treat!  Work on getting as much interaction as possible, without resorting to bribing or luring (an example of that would be putting the treat on the swing).  Be patient - it will pay off in many ways!

The first time Kathy moves Linda towards the swing the swing should be turned off, not moving at all.  Once Linda masters the exercise with the swing off, start over with the swing turned on low - bring Linda into the room and click and treat the instant she looks at the swing.  Continue progressing until there are no issues with the swing.  Then its time to move onto the stroller.

If Linda gets nervous at any point, things have gone a little too fast.  Keep things light and fun.  There dont need to be any commands, and dont force her at any point. This exercise is so effective because Linda is in control - something that goes a long way towards building confidence and eliminating fear.  By rewarding her every time she looks at the baby swing shell start to have a positive association with the swing.

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Boring Puppy Educate It Some Tips With One Of These Ideas!

Pet dogs are some of the most lovable, loyal critters on this planet. Nonetheless, also, they are among the most mischievous, disobedient critters, too. Do you get sick and tired of locating your footwear, household furniture, carpet and many other valuables ruined from your pet(s)? Are you feeling such as you do not have other decision but to quit on your own puppy, simply because she or he will never pay attention to any order on your part? Nicely, youre reading through the proper report. This article discusses some great step-by-move strategies to workout your pet into behaving correctly and obeying every single demand. By following these tips, your pet will briefly be the ideal house dog!

Always employ your dogs name when issuing directions. When coaching your pet, it is essential to be able to get and sustain their interest. With your dogs title when giving a demand will make them concentration. Utilize your dogs label often. Get them used to both ability to hear and responding to it.

Exercising is an important part associated with a dogs training course. Creatures that are restless and cooped up are more likely to take action out and possess difficulty following guidelines. Taking your pet out to get a every day move or taking those to a nearby canine portion can help them to achieve success.

Bad ways of instruction your puppy dont operate. Just as with human beings, positive support of behaviors is far more efficient. Use praise, goodies and perform time to demonstrate your dog that you will be pleased about their efficiency. If he are not able to do what you are inquiring him, will not punish him or yell at him. He will connect trying to do the process with negativity and will steer clear of the process even tougher when.

Housebreaking your dog needs time to work. The trick is being regular when educating him exactly where its not acceptable for him in order to alleviate him or her self and consistent within the information that you send with regards to the place you expect him to look. This may be over a mat inside the house, on the steer when you get him outside the house or operating free of charge within a fenced yard.

When training your pet, make sure you impose each and every order you give. This helps your puppy recognize that they have to listen to you once you give you a demand. In case your dog understands to consider that he or she can can dismiss you when you offer a command, it could be very difficult to proper this.

When trying to train your puppy, always strengthen positive behaviors even if youre not positively inside a training session. Its easy to remember to incentive your pet during the training session, but its in the same way crucial that you reward your dog for anyone trained behaviours the other time, too. This strengthens an effective link to the puppy in between the behavior as well as the reward.

In case your canine is not being attentive when you are undertaking dog training, make certain that your pet is not sickly. You will see no advantages to penalizing your dog if it is not sensing well, and it will have extremely damaging consequences later on. In case you are unable to evaluate if the canine is sick then contact a veterinarian for help.

When canines is most likely the most sensible thing to actually afflict you, they can also be just about the most dangerous stuff also. Dogs could have a brain of their, but as talked about earlier in this article, they have a smooth spot for their users. Simply being that pet dogs have this delicate place, it can be quite easy to coach them. If you totally adhere to the above mentioned tricks and tips to successfully instruction your pet, you can expect to never ever take into consideration getting rid of your dog once again!

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Copper the Whopper Beagle Demo Dog One Year Aniversary

The Lovely Shane, the entire pack at the Dog Training/Foster Shack and I congratulate Copper the Whopper Beagle on his one year anniversary!

We adopted Copper on January 12, 2013 and he almost immediately became my demo dog. He has an almost perfect personalty for a demo dog. He is very calm and gentle. He loves people and other dogs.

I could not have asked for a better demo dog! He loves to show off the behaviors that make him a polite dog! He is also good at helping to teach other dogs here at the shack!

He has also been a very good companion and friend to me over the past year. When I am sick he takes care of me. I mean he does not leave my side when I am sick. He constantly checks on me. He also helps me in my Lawn Maintenance/Handyman Business. He loves to meet customers and supervise my work (when the weather is mild enough of course).

We all love Copper here and look forward to spending many more years with him! Thank You my buddy, Copper!

If you need help teaching your dogs to be polite little guys/girls, Copper and I will be happy to help you! I always tell you, Polite Dogs = Happy People. Let Copper and I help you get happy today!

Till next time

-William

William Moore 

William Moore Canine Training

678-702-4791

fayettedogtrainer@gmail.com

William Moore Lawn and Handyman Services

678-702-4791

fayettelawnmoore@gmail.com

fayettelawnmoore.blogspot.com

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There is more than one way to skin a cat!

When asked recently what I found most inspiring and surprising about learning to train dogs, I replied "the people!" The more I learn about dogs, the more I realize it is us, the owners, who need the training!

Ive just started working with four dogs, all different breeds, with all different issues. (Above is Eva, a little Staffordshire Terrier who suffers from fear aggression and noise sensitivity) One thing that I have learnt from teaching is that there are many ways to treat issues and not all of them work for all dog handler teams. As I sit down with the perspective clients for the first time and ask them to tell me what their concerns and goals are in regard to their pets, I discover a lot and not just about the dogs. I learn what different expectations people have of their dog trainer, as well as their expectations of their pets. They provide me with a guideline of what they expect to get out of it and how much time, money and effort they are willing to invest. From this I can put together a plan for us to follow and a proposition for the training. During this consultation, I also get an insight into how the person communicates, which indicates the way they need to be taught. I can only teach the dog as much as I can teach the owner. Really the client is the student, not the dog.

Dog training is a service and must be customized to the client. Not all owners will be willing to put in the necessary hours required to fully obedience train a dog. Its hard work and requires time that many busy modern families and individuals dont have. They will however be able to make small changes to improve the communication between them and their pet, as well as teach their dog a few basics so that it can function within our society and enjoy a better quality of life. Many people just want a pet who is well behaved and good company. They dont realize that dogs are a lot of work and most need a lot of exercise and attention. This is common when clients acquire dogs that they like the look of and may know little about. What I have learned about pet dog training is that a client may actually want you to train the drive out of their dog. Drive is something that many purebred dogs, (as well as mutts) have in high levels and is considered a good thing by breeders. However, the very thing that makes a Labrador an excellent hunting dog, may cause it to chase things inappropriately and to possibly torment the family cat. The instinctive herding nature of a boarder collie, will drive some owners crazy with barking. The point is, that working dogs, or sporting dogs have high levels of prey, defence and pack drive that, if left unshaped, dont always transfer well into the pet dog category. So when training a pet dog, one must adjust the plan of action to the situation.

For a instance, the approach to teaching, lets say, a labra-doodle to be a good family pet, would not be the same as if we were teaching it to be an competitive agility dog. Dont get me wrong, there are lots of people who want to take their dog to a higher level of obedience, or have aspirations of competing, even just for fun in sporting and utility events. For this type of client, you can expect that they will be thinking more long term and want to layer the training you can offer them, even using multiple trainers to get a diverse education. However, most people who come to pet dog trainers are not looking to compete with their family dog. They may end up pursuing that at some point as a hobby, but that is not what they are coming to the pet dog trainer for. I am quickly discovering that the competitive show dog and sporting dog world is an entirely different one. Although many competitive dogs make great family pets, the training is very specific and not suited to the average dog owner. Nonetheless, all dog training shares some of the basics of obedience work and all dogs benefit from basic obedience training.

Like many people I stumbled into dog training because I started training my own dogs and got hooked. The more I learn about our canine companions the more I want to learn. They are such an amazing addition to our lives and such a compliment to our being. The more I learn about dog training, the more I realize I have so much more to learn. There are as many methods out there as there are trainers. Everyone has different advice; however, not all methods are appropriate to all dogs or all types of owners. The important thing I have learnt from Holly and Miko, is if it isnt working, try something else. When you figure out the thing that does work, then you can go back and try the other method again (if you really think there is something to be gained by it). For example, treat training works on Miko, but affection wasnt the best way to get this shy dogs attention. In the beginning, it was a case of the reinforcement (petting) being perceived as and adversary. Nine months later, he will do things just for love and enjoys a good bum rub! More surprisingly, with my dog aggressive Holly, now that I have her reactivity under control, using strictly pack order and traditional obedience training, Im bridging back to clicker exercises and operant conditioning and it is working!

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Training Your Pet Dog May Be Straightforward With One Of These Sound Advice!

You want to workout a pet dog to suit your certain demands, but are not sure what sort of dog breed will work best with your coaching fashion and expected outcomes. A lot of puppies are unsuitable for certain activities, while some stand out. This information will enter into details to what puppy is perfect for you.

When you have received a fresh pet so you will work on coaching a vital point to not forget is you should always enforce the orders that you just give your dog. Do not allow the dog disregard you, and do not repeat the control time and time again. If you are not going to be strong enough to enforce what you really are stating, you may as well not spend your time and energy.

Have a good reward method when training your pet dog. Amount and the right time are crucial when it comes to advantages. By providing pleasures on the suitable time, youll ensure your dog recognizes which habits its being compensated for.

Tend not to workout your puppy through the fear of actual physical consequence. Instructing your puppy to value your commands and dominance will create a good and stable pet. Canines figure out how to regard the rest innovator within the wild when you are ruled, not attacked. Actual physical consequence can lead to an irrational and frequently aggressive animal.

Consider your dogs persona while you commence your training curriculum. Be sure to begin slowly and gradually if your family pet has hostile inclinations. By trying to apply control over a dog that would rather be dominant, your furry friend may possibly take action assertively toward you and derail your coaching strategies.

When you find yourself coaching your dog, ensure you are quite individual. Distinct breeds of dogs find out at diverse rates. 1 canine can learn quickly whilst another canine will take too much time. If you are impatient you will tension your pet and the man is going to be resistant to your greatest training endeavours.

Allowing the whole family to share with your dog various things will totally conquer the purpose of education him. Have a household reaching or continue to keep a list of training your dog policies about the freezer to help remind everybody that connect with your pet to get steady with commands, punishments and rewards. Usually your dog are usually in a constant condition of uncertainty and every loved one will be entirely discouraged.

An incredible training your dog tip is to remove your dogs meals dish. Pet dogs like searching for points. They love to discover, and so they like making use of their nostrils to locate goodies. By dropping your dogs meals plate and through concealing pet food during the entire residence, your dog will end up significantly more content.

A apply jar filled with water can be an invaluable training instrument whenever your canine engages in poor habits like woofing, biting or gnawing. This allows your dog realize that specific steps are certainly not satisfactory. In no time you will find a nicely behaved dog of which you could be very proud.

When youre education your puppy it is crucial that you simply by no means neglect your pet dog. Abusing your dog in kind of penalty will just lead to your puppy fearing you. A straightforward "no" is a lot more successful. You really have to stay consistent, and affected person.

1 idea to bear in mind when education your pet dog is basically that you are also essentially testing on your own. This is very important to be aware of because if you get rid of your patience or get disappointed, then both you have to rethink your method or hire a company more to consider over the training.

Crate-training is fantastic for puppies with break up nervousness. Crates properly turn out to be safe spaces for stressed puppies. Comforters or filthy laundry that odours similar to their favored folks may help during the kennel-instruction procedure. Nervous pet dogs can also be probably going to be destructive when their managers will not be home. A crate maintains anxious pet dogs from harms way.

Dont be scared to reach out to an experienced puppy fitness instructor if your dogs issues turn out to be excessive so that you can handle by yourself. Problems like aggression and severe nervousness are the best managed by experts, as these troubles can become dangerous if theyre managed by inexperienced folks. Your coach can help you inside your attempts directly.

When instruction your dog dont go all the way. Should you be working with a dog only work with one talent weekly, right up until your dog has perfected it. Make your workout sessions quick and your dog will retain far more. You are both not as likely to have irritated this way.

To have your puppy simply to walk adjacent to you rather than taking you, enhance the behavior with pleasures. Treats help it become interesting to your canine simply to walk next to you. You must also use a funnel rather than collar. It is less difficult to manipulate a pet dog using a funnel and he wont seem like you are attempting to choke him.

Give your pup to interact with other dogs. Young puppies tend to be removed off their brothers and sisters when they are quite younger, prior to they already have got a chance to figure out how to by natural means connect with other puppies. Virtually all such a pet at first learns is via its relatives. When your pet has all of the suitable photos, allow him to hang out with other dogs.

You might want to employ the assistance of dog-adoring good friends who understand that a pet dog are unable to aid his habits without having the help of the folks around him! Many problems like unprovoked hostility in the direction of kinds of folks or woofing in your own home must be mediated by recreating the situation and delivering positive activities to condition behavior. Your pet-loving good friends is going to be crucial help in recreating varieties of trigger situations to your canine. Seek advice from your instructor to ensure proper security measures are undertaken for every single sort of conduct youre shaping.

In conclusion, there are many different types of dog breeds available, and choosing one that best fits your requirements is vital. As long as you stick to the tips for which particular puppy dog breed to decide on for a particular training kind, you need to be content with the final results.

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Doggy Dan Ways to Train Your Dog In One Evening

One Evening

Does your pet bark all the time? Does your dog chew everything? Would you such as to learn How To Train Your Dog In One Evening to stop this.

I guess since you are reading this post that you are trying to find responses to these issues, let me help:.

Make your training sessions brief and enjoyable, about 10 to 20 mins tops, if your pet isnt having a good time they will not respond in the means you desire. Dont become cross with your dog during training, if you seem like your getting frustrated then call a stop the session and attempt once more tomorrow.

Avoid puzzling your pet, keep your commands short, constant and clear. If your pet jumps on your sofa and you say "down", the pet is going to lie down, as this is the command for lie down, what you ought to state is "off" as this implies get off something.

Attempting to get your canine to stop barking completely is practically impossible along with being cruel to your pet dog, managing your canines barking nevertheless would be great for yourself and your neighbors. A number of things you can try are:.

1, Give your pet some consideration, pet dogs are pack animals and are utilized to having company, among the main reasons for you canine barking is they might be lonesome. Spending time with your pet playing and exercising will result in a pleased and pleased pet dog, the pet will bark less. If you have to leave your dog for long periods of time take them for a long walk and play extreme games with them.

2. Your house and your family mirror your pet dogs pack and canines do have the tendency to handle qualities of the pack. If your home is noisy so will be your canine, try relaxing the scenario this will prevent them from barking rather as much.

Digging is a common thing for canines to do, they can do it for all kinds of factors, dullness, wanting to escape and also trying to reach you to discuss but a couple of. Trying to identify the factor can be tough however you might take a look at where the holes are being dug. There is a great deal of reality in the saying: "the lawn will forgive your pet, definitely in the marvelous scheme of things a healthy dog is better than a best yard". The best thing for dogs who dig is to find a part of your lawn for them to dig, attempt burying deals with or their toys to encourage them to utilize this area even fence it off if you need too, but give them an area where it does not matter if they dig.

Chewing is likewise a routine activity for pets, they do it due to the fact that:.

1. They are attempting to sooth sore teething gums.

2. They are bored.

3. They are trying to ease tension or stress and anxiety.

Attempt moving everything you wouldnt want the canine to ruin out of sight, if they cant see it they will not want it. Provide them something of their own to chew, some of the most popular canine chews are: Stuffed Kongs and Nylabones.

Kongs can be stuffed with foods such as peanut butter or bananas, and even frozen items.

Nylabones come in an assortment of styles colors and textures, you need to commend your pet or give them the odd treat if he or she chews these products.

Watching your dogs chewing practices will assist when he or she tries to chew something they should not, state "no" and offer them their chew instead, be persevere and constant, praise your pet when they stop chewing.

These are just a couple of ideas on training your canine to stop barking, digging holes in your yard and chewing up your treasured items. for much more help and helpful solutions why not have a look at: How To Train Your Dog In One Evening. 

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