Clicker Training vs. Verbal Training + Issue

rawrnathan

Hello everyone, I have been lurking for a few weeks and finally decided to ask the question I have been wanting to ask.

I recently rescued a german shepard mutt from a family who's house foreclosed on them. This was on Nov. 16th 2009.

I seemed to get really lucky with her, as she has never eliminated inside the house, nor tore anything up (sub a small peice of molding when she had no toy)

She also is able to roam around the house without making any messes. She knows sit, will come may 50 percent of the time, and maybe 20 percent off leash. She will also sit before or after I leave a door 20-30 percent of her time.

It was evident the previous owners tried some training, but there are a few key problems I been having and need to know what training technique would work better.

I live with two other males, so I want to have a training plan written up so we can all be as consistent as possible for maximum results.

1. The first problem I am having is her elimination issue, we go to the dog park everyday because it's the only place she will poop. She seems to spin around in a circle while she poops and refuses to on leash. I have checked for worms and everything looks normal. Some days I do not go to the dog park, and she wont poop at all. She doesn't have a problem peeing on command on leash. I don't understand.

2. The next question is should I take up clicker training or just have verbal training? I refuse to use aversion methods as I don't believe in cesar millans training techniques. The only problem I see with clicker training is, what if you dont have a clicker? Also, at dog parks she wouldnt be able to hear the clicker if she was off sniffing around.

3. We have frequent guests that come over, and she will bark very loudly until they sit down and she can sniff them, but I want to have a command where I acknowledge they are "Friends" and for her to stop. I just don't know how to stop her barking so I can reward her for being calm.

I am sorry for this huge wall of text, and REALLY appreciate any responses I get from you guys.

Cali

Welcome to the forum!

1. I would get a long leash and maybe start with taking her to the dog park and letting her run around on it (I'm talking a nice long training lead so she doesn't feel so contained) then you can gradually shorten it til she is going potty on a regular leash.

2. I recommend the clicker, you could also use both. I use the clicker as well as the verbal marker "yes!" interchangeably.
Quick question, if she was off sniffing around, why would you click?
Are you familiar with marker/clicker training?

3. You have to work in small pieces. Just keep rewarding the quiet and she will catch on

Cali

Ah, also arm your guests with treats so that she looks forward to people coming over. Barking is usually a kind of "get away I don't know you" type response, so if they continually drop treats she will be happy to see them and will be more comfortable

Criosphynx

I just want to echo cali's advice...especially the long line idea.

welcome to the forum.

fawkese1

hi, and welcome...

i too would like to say "ditto" to cali's great advice...

as far as everyone being on the same page, you might want to get a book that way someone else has already written it down for you...

i always recommend "the power of positive dog training" by patricia miller...

AdoJrts

Hi,
I agree with everything that has been posted so far. Another thing you can do is ask your guests to not look her in the eye and to turn slightly away from her. It isn't being *submissive* to her but presents a person as no threat, facing straight on to an animal (espeically one that you don't know) can be viewed as a threat or a challenge depending on the animal and the situation.
Another thing that has worked very well for me is for me to touch the other person i.e shake their hand, lay my hand on their arm etc and let her see you do it (but don't force her to get close to them). This tells her that you accept them and it should help her accept them as well.

rawrnathan

That sounds just like Cesar Millan. :S

Thanks for all the tips guys.

Criosphynx

how does that sound like Cesar milan?

shihtzusandwich

I don't think it sounds like Ceasar, I think it sounds like a way to have her not be scared of guests running up to her when she is scared of them. If you look at the language of dogs, they never really greet each other head on..always to the side, or in a circle..never really looking into the other's face or eyes until they get comfortable. If she gets to meet them on her terms (when they are not trying to pet or talk to her) it might be a bit easier on her.

Welcome to the group..It does sound like you have a smart girl! I understand the dilemma with the clicker..I would love to use one, but heck, I lose my cell phone once a day, so I can't imagine I could keep up with a clicker! lol.. I'd say try it, and see if its handy for you, and if not, just go with the verbal cues.

Mikey

I think what they mean by 'that sounds like Cesar' is his 'no touch no talk no eye contact'

I will echo everyones advice and like to extend a Welcome!!

Couple things

I doubt worms are the issue-but checking poop for worms is not foolproof. A vet should prescribe a deworming regimen always-the only real test is a fecal test at the vet office. Excuse me if that's what you meant-that the dog had been checked by a vet-just sounded like you'd done a 'peek at the poo for worms'


My parent's dog would not poop on a leash either-so going on road trips -which we do often was a pain in the butt. I'd almost say wait it out. She is going to HAVE to poo eventually-I would just keep going out on the leash-pick a spot-likely where she is peeing and hang out-go there often and don't return to the park until she poops at home


I REALLY REALLY like this-thats proactive and wonderful