All Things Dog Blog

ASK THE DOG TRAINER: Clicker Training Pros and Cons

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 03:46 AM PST

by Terry Lynn Cuyler, APDT, CPDT-KA

Dear Terry:

I have a situation where I could use a little assistance or your recommendation. In training dogs, what situations would you advise using a clicker, and which ones would you prefer another method? I am trying to figure out which is best for what types of training. I do know that some dogs are afraid of it, but aside from that, I'd just like an opinion on the best areas of training for using a clicker.

Thanks,

A student of dog training

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Dear student:

The clicker is a fabulous tool for positive reward training. But, I don't use it in all situations. There are some trainers who just use clickers occasionally, and some who use it as the basis for all their training. The effectiveness of the clicker is based on the concept that it is a marker/bridge to let the dog know that THAT particular behavior is the one which will earn it a reward. As a marker it has the advantage of being unique and something that stands out in the dog's mind. It also has the advantage of sounding the same no matter who is using it or what emotions the handler is feeling. So when there are multiple trainers/handlers in a household, the clicker helps give a consistent message. It also has no emotion attached to it - it is pure and concise. So if you've had a rotten drive home on I-4, the clicker doesn't impart that anxiousness to your pup.

The disadvantage is that the handler's timing has to be precise and some folks find it difficult to juggle clicker, treats, leash, dog and their own learning all at the same time. And as you mentioned, some dogs are fearful of the noise. Though that can be conquered by using one of the quieter clickers. The other disadvantage is that most people don't always have a clicker in their pocket and miss opportunities to tell a dog she's right. This can be solved by training an alternative word like "click" or 'YES', to use when your clicker is in the car instead of your pocket. Wish someone would invent a jewelry grade clicker I could wear around my neck or wrist........

I personally find the clicker most useful when I'm trying to shape a behavior. This means that I have to get small approximations of the behavior and build it up to the finished product. I don't use it as often for simpler behaviors where I can lure the dog into the finished behavior without having to go through steps.

For example I might use a simple lure/hand signal to get the dog into a 'down' position. You can click that, of course, but you don't have to. Dog follows the treat into a prone position and gets the treat in that position. She "gets it" that being is that position is what earned her the food.

If I'm trying to get the dog to go to her bed and lie in it, I will use the clicker to mark small approximations of the end behavior I'm building. I will begin clicking any interaction with the bed, might toss one or two treats into the bed and click when she's in there, then toss the actual reward treat outside the bed to restart the 'game'. A clicker savvy dog figures out quickly that it's the bed that gets the treat.

Then you up the criteria and only click for say, putting a paw on the bed, then for two paws, then getting in, and so on. It sounds long to write up, but it is really a very quick process and it is amazing to watch the dog learn. They love the 'game' because they are using their brain and having fun while they learn.

So the quick response is that if the end behavior can be lured or molded such as with a spin or a sit, I feel the clicker is superfluous. I also have to take into account the ability of the trainer to time the click and coordinate all the parts. But if the end behavior requires chaining several behaviors together, or capturing a behavior like a stretch to turn into a "bow" then the clicker is the perfect tool. Give it a try!

A good source for more info is www.clickertraining.com and kikopup's channel on YouTube. Finally, watch for our post coming up this Saturday, December 18, when we will offer an extremely entertaining Kikopup video right here. You're sure to enjoy this wonderful dancing troupe. Don't miss it!

Terry, the Paws Prof

Our ASK THE DOG TRAINER Column can be reached at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com

For more information on Terry Lynn Cuyler and her training, you may find her at Paws Prof.

A personal appointment with a trainer will likely provide more specific information on your dog's issues and your questions.

The PawsProf's advice does not replace an actual consultation with a qualified trainer.

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Young Dog Fans? 8 Free Books for Young Readers

Posted: 15 Dec 2010 03:06 AM PST

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

I'm thinking about starting a kids'corner--an occasional article or post related to kids and dogs. What do you think? Hubby thinks maybe a book review of all the great dog books for kids would be a good start. Can you tell he's a big reader? He managed to quote to me that "It's the 30th anniversary of Stone Fox coming up shortly". I guess he's serious!

A couple of days ago I offered up a batch of books for preschoolers. Today I have 8 new books for middle grade readers, ranging from about ages 8-12. How do you win a book for you, your kid, or a special child in your life? Super simple:

Become an email subscriber (in the top right column of the blog)
Comment on this post, telling me what you think should be included in the kids' corner. The COMMENTS link is at the bottom of EVERY post.
Comment on our Facebook page, with your ideas for our kids' corner, great books or anything else you'd like to share about kids and dogs.
Send me a picture of your dog along with your kid's name.
Finally, you'll have to send me an address so I can mail the book (my email is LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com). The first 5 addresses and comments I receive will get the books. Don't forget to let me know that you're entering for the middle-grade books. I've also got other book giveaways going on, so I don't want to send your preschooler an adult title she won't enjoy.
Winners whose addresses are received by December 19 will have their books mailed that week. Addresses received after December 19 will be mailed in January when Tanner and Oliver are back on duty. They love going to the post office.

No spam to that address or your email; scout's honor. I'll only use it for your package if you win something. If you don't win, I'll be sure to put your name in the bucket for our rolling drawings, that will restart later in January, after I return from a bit of time off. Don't worry, the posts will continue to roll. I've preloaded the blog and it will be on auto-pilot while I'm playing with my own dogs. Happy reading!