Here is some clicker training advice
 

I never used clickers but I know a lot of you do so here is some advice from Adam.

IN THIS ISSUE:

- Using a Clicker vs Adopting the Flawed Clicker Training
Methodology

PLEASE SEND THIS E-MAIL ALONG TO A FRIEND

To Subscribe to this F R E E e-zine, go to
http://www.dogproblems.com/subscribe.htm

Copyright 2006 by En El Blanco Internacional Inc SA
All Rights Reserved.

-----------------------------------------------------
Using a Clicker Vs Adopting the Flawed Clicker Training Methodology

There are two points you must recognize:

1.) You CAN train a dog using a traditional approach AND use the
clicker. It depends on your style, but yes... I've had very good
results using the clicker as an event marker, and for getting the
dog to understand a new behavior... especially a more complex
behavior. However, THIS IS ONLY USED DURING THE FIRST PHASE OF
TRAINING ... the "learning phase." Once you move into the
reinforcement and proofing phase, the clicker loses it's benefits.

2.) The idea that "some methods work better for some dogs," is a
falsehood. It stems from people who are not completely competent in
working with dogs.

Here's where the misperception comes in:

TRUTH: Some dogs are very soft. These dogs you will emphasize more
praise and build them up. Use of corrections are minimal, and
depending upon the dog's temperament, may just be just a verbal
correction to be motivational.

MYTH: These dogs never need to be told when they do something
wrong, therefore a "different method" (i.e. clicker training)
should be used. This is complete bunk.

Recognize that using a clicker as an event marker is not the
"clicker training approach."

The clicker training approach requires that you keep your dog
confined at all times that you are not following him around this
house with a clicker to reward the right behavior. This is why it
works so well with dolphins: Because they're confined in a small
pool when they're not being trained.

In any event... I'm off on a tangent.

Using the clicker as ONE tool in your arsenal is fine. But using it
to the exclusion of all the other tools at your disposal and you're
being blind.

Thank you, I dont have time right now but I am definately going to check that out!

Interesting... I guess I used the clicker according to what this says... Even if it was by chance! :) My little buddy loved it!

We learned that type of clicker train in obedience class, but I've found that the clicker isn't really necessary as a marker. Plus, sometimes I would forget to carry the clicker with me, so it was hard to be consistent. I just say "good girl" and that phrase takes the place of the clicker.

I have never used a clicker to train but I am not against it. That was interesting thankyou for sharing.

yes and no
 

I have had success with positive dog training as opposed to negative (what I used with my other equally stubborn dog). The clicker...well...i keep losing it, dont' have enough hands, and dont' agree with not physically putting the dog in positions or never punishing. So I am for and against it. I need to post on the training area some issues I have had.
suzie