[QuickSilver]

I've always wanted to use clicker training with Thor, but he was terrified of the noise. It was impossible to "charge" the clicker because he would run and hide.

I was inspired by a recent post of Brit's to try some other, quieter, click types, but didn't really get into it.

Well, Thor's doggy daycare gave him a clicker for Christmas, and we're finally getting somewhere! I'm surprised it's working because it's quite loud. Maybe they have used it at the daycare with him already. The sound still startles him, but he's not afraid of it.

I think we've actually gotten a trick in! I taught Thor to go from Down to Sit, but he would transition by jumping on all fours, and then sitting. I did some luring and got him to go straight from Down to Sit. Now we're working on Stand (on all fours) versus Up! (on back paws).

I feel really good with this clicker. I finally feel like I'm getting some precision, and really marking the behavior I want, rather than clicking at some point within a series of random moves.

For us, the key was clicking on known commands. I clicked him on Sit, Down a dozen times or so, and now I think he's really on top of it. I'm so excited! I have felt like our training was stalled, and I think this will re-ignite the fire.