Training - Help....!!!

Deiota · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 6:36 am Post subject: Training - Help....!!!

Hello!
I'm doing some basic training with Gandalf. he's 11 weeks now!
I've started with sit command, then the down command. The come also, with the sit when arrived near me. Also walking on leash, no push, sit when I stop and sit before cross the street.
I think we're doing fine, but I need some tips.
The sit command works fine and I even get the release word, OK to release him. (when I put food, for instance).
The major problem is I don't use signals yet, I don't know them! I just use voice!
I'm considering on buying a clicker, and I wanted to know your opinion about it!Does it work? Easy of use?
Should I buy a book related to clicker to help me? I own the "101 Dog Tricks: Step by Step Activities to Engage, Challenge, and Bond with Your Dog", which I consider excellent and is helping me! If so, which one?
Thanks a lot!
Deiota

Welches · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 7:17 pm Post subject:

We never used a clicker but we did train to hand commands. When you give him the voice command, also give him the hand signal so he knows to associate which command with which signal. Then after a few times just give him the hand signal, but with no voice.

peppernaei · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 7:39 pm Post subject:

I'm not a clicker user either -- that means I would have to know where I put it all the time. Confused

We do train with a similar idea though. I say "Yes" when I get a behaviour I want. As a pup yes = treat but now yes is reward alone.

I also use hand signals. You can probably find the standard ones somewhere on-line but you could do whatever you wanted as long as you stay consistent and that the signals are different enough not to confuse the dog.

It's great that you are working on his training. It is so much easier to do it right away. Very Happy

weimdogmom · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 9:41 pm Post subject:

Yes. Clicker training does work. As has already been mentioned, you don't need to get a clicker, unless that's what you want to use. Just a certain word or sound you use (and it's good if you don't use this word/sound for anything else) so your dog knows he has done what you have asked.

What is nice about this type of training, you can wait until your dog has done something you will want him to do on command. Say -- it's "Down". Sometime when you are with your dog and he lays down. Use your sound or word, give a treat. After a few times of this (him laying down on his own and being rewarded), then name the activity. Tell him, "Good Down". Soon he will realize what "Down" means. Training this way, I think, makes it easier to teach activities that are natural for the dog, but may be more difficult to teach on command.

There are clicker training sites on line if you don't want to purchase a book right away. They may help give you an idea if the is the best method of training for you and Gandalf.

versatilek9s · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 11:18 pm Post subject:

Don't stress about not knowing signals. You can learn them later and so can your dog.

I also mark positive responses with a "yes!" or "good dog" rather than a clicker. I have enough equipment to lug around without having to worry about a clicker, too! Whoever said babies require a lot of "stuff" never saw the trunk of my car... Very Happy

There are a lot of good books out there tp pick and choose from.

It does sound like you're doing just fine with him!

meredith