Quote:
Originally Posted by SWHouston  I don't like the Clicker because...
1) I don't like someone else to just be able to pick up a device and control my animals. I think it's basically used for simple commands, but, I still don't like that.
2) What if you loose it ? Do those Classes teach Verbal backup commands, and to what extent. And if you're going to have Verbal commands, why use the Clicker at all.
3) Even with someone who is Verbally Challenged, that person could still rely on Visual (hand) Signals to communicate with his animal.
4) I can see it being of value for an Invalid person to summon his animal. But wouldn't a Bell be as useful, more customary, and have much greater range than a Clicker? |
You're missing the whole point of the clicker.
1. Not anyone can just grab a clicker and your dog magically obeys them. The clicker is not some mystical device that makes you capable of controlling all dogs in the universe. It's simply a training tool. My sister is 5 years old and likes to play with the clicker -- she will be clicking away and he doesn't even care or go running to her. He understands when we're in 'training mode'.
2. If you lose it, it's no big deal, because it's not something you carry with you 24/7. You don't NEED a clicker in order for the dog to listen to you. You're only supposed to use it in the initial stages of training a trick or command anyway. And if you have established that bond and connection with your dog, it's not going to be a problem. Jackson and I have a fantastic communication system built, so a lack of a clicker is not deter-mental to a training session.
3. Not really sure what you're asking here, but I have used a clicker and also use voice and hand signals at the same time. It works for us, because as I said, we have a great bond already and he's good at reading what I want.
4. "Summon your animal"? That's not the point of a clicker. A clicker is not supposed to be a 'call' for your dog. In other words, doing a 'click' in one room while your dog is in the other is not supposed to cause your dog to jump up and come when called. That's NOT the purpose of a clicker.
'Clicker training' really should be called something else -- like 'marker training'. Using your voice, saying 'yes', etc, is still essentially 'clicker training'. People have this misconception about a 'clicker' and that you have to have it on you at all times or the dog won't listen, but that's completely not the point.