Clicker Training with puppy - where do I start?

[3peasinWa]

I'm wanting to get a training DVD on clicker training, but don't know which one to get...

 

Does anyone clicker train?

[Cindyz]

Go to youtube and search for clicker training. There are LOTS of videos by some really great trainers. I didn't find a need to purchase a video after watching them all.

 

Kikopup is one of my favorites. Spend some time browsing her videos. :)

 

http://www.youtube.com/user/kikopup

[southernm]

Before you go with the clicker, google "reward mark word training". It's the same as the clicker but instead of clicking you say a word like "yes". Clicker training is useful if you plan to do some serious training where you needto mark a behavior at an exact point (think obedience trials or movie stunts). To me, it's easier to say a word than to hold clicker in one hand and treats in the other!

[LuvingLife]

To me honestly, clicker training is a big waste of time and is useless in the long run. I was one of those people who wanted to try it with my dog but dropped it as soon as my dog was old enough for a prong collar. http://leerburg.com/fit-prong.htm

 

This has worked wonders on my dog, it is very humane, (it has been proven to be the most humane training device, and remember that dogs have thicker skin, and fur to prevent any sort of "pain"). He has responded so well in fact that we will be eventually moving on to e-collar training so he can go off leash yet still listen to our commands. Everything I mentioned is all humane so don't listen to those who try to say otherwise, it's all humane. Now depending on the age of your puppy, I would continue with "marker training" http://leerburg.com/puppytraining.htm .

http://leerburg.com/flix/videodesc.php?id=17

 

But as your dog gets older, like 8 or 9 months, try the prong collar, it is very effective, and my dog loves it, as soon as I take it out his tail starts wagging like crazy!!:001_smile:

 

HTH!!

[SailorMom]

We tried the clicker, but so frequently the clicker would be in another room.

We did the "word mark" method. I think it works the same way for almost everything.

Now, as was said above, I think the clicker is more effective for very specific actions - but for genenral "sit, stay, come, go to the bathroom" type stuff I think it isn't necesarry.

[southernm]

Please do not go straight to an e-collar. They are not humane. If anyone says they are, I challenge you to wear it and give yourself a buzz. http://www.hollysden.com/say-no-to-shock-collars.htm Also, prong collars are so not necessary for a puppy who has a basic understanding of obedience. Prong collars can easily be replaced by a harness or similar device.

 

This is the position of the AVASB (American Vet Association on Animal Behavior):

AVSAB’s position is that punishment1 (e.g. choke chains, pinch collars, and electronic collars) should not be used as a first-line or early-use treatment for behavior problems. This is due to the potential adverse effects which include but are not limited to: inhibition of learning, increased fear-related and aggressive behaviors, and injury to animals and people interacting with animals.2

[3peasinWa]

yeah, I'm not interested in those collars. I've never had to use them before, so I see no point with a new puppy.

[Candid]

I'm with others that suggest using word mark training. I trained my lab to look totally back at me while walking in less than a week by just shaping her slowly over the time period by using her word mark and treats (I trained her to do that because when she looks at me she doesn't pull).