I've searched the threads and couldn't really get a firm answer to this. My search in the Dallas area for training facilities uncovered a few places but they use clicker training. Now I'm new to all this so it may sound ignorant but my thinking on using a device to give commands is a bit unstable. Personally I would prefer to use voice and hands, something I have at ALL times. However since I'm a newbie I want to do things the correct way and if clicker training is the best way then thats what we'll do. Hurley seems to respond to my hands much better then my voice for basic obedience at this point as well.
Can someone explain clicker training?
- Thread starter keg11
- Start date
Clicker training is a great method of training, and Sheltie really tend to take to it well as they are usually incredibly intelligent dogs but somewhat soft.
A common misconception about clicker training is that the click is the command. It is not. The click is a noise that marks an instant in time that the dog is doing something correct. The click is the promise of a reward. So you still use the hand signals or verbal commands for an action, but you mark the instant that the dog does the action with the click. It's like saying, in a language the dog understands "Yes, right there at that exact moment, you did what I wanted. A treat is coming."
Once your dog becomes clicker savvy, training new tasks is incredibly easy.
Here is a GREAT site explaining what clicker training is and what benefits it has over other training methods.
http://www.clickertraining.com/what_is_clicker_training
A common misconception about clicker training is that the click is the command. It is not. The click is a noise that marks an instant in time that the dog is doing something correct. The click is the promise of a reward. So you still use the hand signals or verbal commands for an action, but you mark the instant that the dog does the action with the click. It's like saying, in a language the dog understands "Yes, right there at that exact moment, you did what I wanted. A treat is coming."
Once your dog becomes clicker savvy, training new tasks is incredibly easy.
Here is a GREAT site explaining what clicker training is and what benefits it has over other training methods.
http://www.clickertraining.com/what_is_clicker_training
Hi,
I use clicker training and I feel it is great. The clicker just marks the behaviour you want. You add the voice and/or the hand signal after the behaviour is learned. I find it is so easy, fun and quick! You can get a lot of information on it at www.clickertraining.com With the clicker, you do not have to 'push' or make the puppy do the desired behaviour, you wait until they naturally are about to do it and click it. You will be amazed as to how quickly they pick up on what it is you want from them. Plus, it makes the dog think and try and figure out what you want and it becomes a game. For example, for potty training, when I see that my puppy is relieving him/herself where I want, I click while they are doing it and then give the treat and praise. If I catch them relieving themselves where I do NOT want them to, I don't click, so no treat. They catch on very quickly.
To teach come:
Sit on the floor and try to coax your dog over to you. When she comes, click and treat. (don't use the treats to coax them though)
Get up and more and try again, Click and treat. Repeat this several times.
Next, call the dog by his name when he is in another room. Do this at different times of the day. Click and treat when he comes to you. If the dog does not come, put the clicker and treats away and don't give the dog a second chance.
etc.
See it's easy and the dog learns very quickly. You can also do this with the help of other people etc.
Clickertraining came about from a dolphin trainer. They use whistles instead of clickers to teach dolphins what to do. It is very interesting.
Hope this helps a little. Check out the web site, it has a lot of info.
I use clicker training and I feel it is great. The clicker just marks the behaviour you want. You add the voice and/or the hand signal after the behaviour is learned. I find it is so easy, fun and quick! You can get a lot of information on it at www.clickertraining.com With the clicker, you do not have to 'push' or make the puppy do the desired behaviour, you wait until they naturally are about to do it and click it. You will be amazed as to how quickly they pick up on what it is you want from them. Plus, it makes the dog think and try and figure out what you want and it becomes a game. For example, for potty training, when I see that my puppy is relieving him/herself where I want, I click while they are doing it and then give the treat and praise. If I catch them relieving themselves where I do NOT want them to, I don't click, so no treat. They catch on very quickly.
To teach come:
Sit on the floor and try to coax your dog over to you. When she comes, click and treat. (don't use the treats to coax them though)
Get up and more and try again, Click and treat. Repeat this several times.
Next, call the dog by his name when he is in another room. Do this at different times of the day. Click and treat when he comes to you. If the dog does not come, put the clicker and treats away and don't give the dog a second chance.
etc.
See it's easy and the dog learns very quickly. You can also do this with the help of other people etc.
Clickertraining came about from a dolphin trainer. They use whistles instead of clickers to teach dolphins what to do. It is very interesting.
Hope this helps a little. Check out the web site, it has a lot of info.
OntarioSheltie
Forums Celebrity
Like GeeRome and Ania said, clickers are not used to give a command, they are used to mark a behavior that you want. Clicker training is widely use for a variety of animals including cats, dogs, dolphins, whales, elephants, etc.
Its a very positive training method, it can be fun for both you and your dog and is a great way of not only building your dog's confidence but it will also strengthen the bond he has with you.
Most training facilities offer it because its a proven training method, its positive and simple to learn and enforce. I highly recommend it!
Its a very positive training method, it can be fun for both you and your dog and is a great way of not only building your dog's confidence but it will also strengthen the bond he has with you.
Most training facilities offer it because its a proven training method, its positive and simple to learn and enforce. I highly recommend it!
Silaria
Forums Sage
I have to echo what everyone has already said. Clicker training is an easy and positive way to train you dog.
When I first tried clicker training, with Edan when he was about 8 months old, I wasn't sure what I was getting into either. Once I learned how it works, I find it an invaluable training tool.
Recently I've been using it to mark the correct behaviors for agility training. Because he understands Click = Yes I find he picks up the exercise quicker than when I don't use the Click. (There have been a few classes I've forgotten the clicker.)
Give it a try. I think you'll like it.
When I first tried clicker training, with Edan when he was about 8 months old, I wasn't sure what I was getting into either. Once I learned how it works, I find it an invaluable training tool.
Recently I've been using it to mark the correct behaviors for agility training. Because he understands Click = Yes I find he picks up the exercise quicker than when I don't use the Click. (There have been a few classes I've forgotten the clicker.)
Give it a try. I think you'll like it.
romeosangiovese
Forums Enthusiast
Just thought I'd add - once the dog has learn something through clicker training, the clicker is phased out slowly so you don't have to carry one with you all the time! I would also recommend that you read up on HOW clicker training (and operant conditioning) works before you go for your classes. My trainer barely touched on this and I have found that understanding the hows and whys really helped. You can use those same principles to train basically anything!
Romeo and I both love clicker training. It rocks!
Romeo and I both love clicker training. It rocks!
graydawntreader
Forums Enthusiast
I use quite a bit of clicker training. It's much more effective than using verbal praise in my experience.
Treader adores the clicker. When I get it out, he focuses better.
Since it's already been explained, I just thought I'd add that.
Treader adores the clicker. When I get it out, he focuses better.
Since it's already been explained, I just thought I'd add that.
Thanks everybody! As I suspected I was ignorant to the whole process. After ya"ll's advice I researched it and it does seem pretty genius. The good news is that I can now train my pet whale and dolphin to do some tricks!! I can't imagine trying to train a whale so if people are able to train them with clickers I'm sure i can train my Mensa bound Hurley with it as well. Really and truly I appreciate everybody's input. This forum rocks!
BarbV
Forums Celebrity
I mentioned on another thread that clicker training was working so well for Bacca that when I swivle one of my makeup tubes that makes a clicking sound, Bacca throws himself into an immediate sit and can't figure out why his treat isn't coming! 
I did stop it for awhile while we were at puppy school and used a verbal "Yes" as a marker instead but plan to go back to it again soon.
I did stop it for awhile while we were at puppy school and used a verbal "Yes" as a marker instead but plan to go back to it again soon.