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Clicker Training
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Clicker Training Clickers are a useful training tool. There's a bit of controversy about this method from those who do not yet understand how responsive the dogs are to this clicker thing their owners have produced. All I can say is get one, try it, and see for yourself how your dog reacts to it. The dogs think this is cool, and Chihuahuas aren't dummies! Most dogs catch on quite quickly and eagerly begin offering behaviors in order to produce that "click" that signals a job well done and a reward to follow. While they love us and would do anything we ask, this game is one that they can control, and they do love their newfound power once they realize they have it. It's like being able to turn on and off a light bulb once you find the switch, in this case it's the click for the dog. The clicker marks an event that will be rewarded. Much like taking a photograph of an event you would like to keep. It is very easy to begin. Click and offer a cookie. Repeat this several times so that the dog begins to understand that this sound precedes the treat. Dogs quickly come to understand that they can control this game themselves, then the fun really begins for the both of you. The clicker purist would begin clicking for a behavior without luring. For the skeptic, or those of us with less time, click for a behavior that is known or you can lure the dog into the behavior. This will help you get past the doubting Thomas stage, and give your dog a chance to play the game. If you have given your dog the opportunity to learn the rules of this game you will soon find that your dog will offer you a multitude of behaviors most excitedly hoping to produce that click and earn the reward. While doing things for you is rewarding to the dog, making you produce that click and earning the reward for doing so is a whole new challenge for the dog. Since when do they get to be in charge? It's a fun activity to do with your dog, in your spare time, even if you don't do any more formal training with the clicker. You can teach fun tricks to amaze your family and friends and with a method in which the dog views himself as being in control. Give your dog this opportunity and see what he says about it. Good sites to visit for additional information are: Don't Shoot the Dog Karen Pryor's site. Courteous Canine from Angelica Steinker. © 1999 - 2003 Agility Ability. No portion of this may be copied in any manner without expressed written permission.
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