Thanks for the links!!
This stuff is addicting. I've been using positive reinforcement (clicker) training methods with Spice. She's the first dog I've ever used it on. A friend at work is big into clicker training and she got me hooked. It makes the dog think on their own and because they choose whether or not to do what you are asking, they are in charge of their own fate- whether or not they get a click and a treat. I love to watch her thinking. Once they learn 1 or 2 things, everything comes so fast since they know what the pattern is for learning. The '101 things to do with a box' game is fantastic and gets their little minds working. I'll never go back to traditional training methods. If anyone is interested, there is a wonderful magazine that comes monthly. Look up 'clean run' and it should pop up. Also, Karen Pryor writes books and training manuals for clicker training. A good starter book is her starter kit and also a book called 'Don't Shoot the Dog." Good luck to everyone with their training excursions!! |