Finally got a clicker

MaidenEddie

Had a friend give me one earlier. This is the way I've been wanting to train my dog. It's just that I don't know how to start with it. If someone could tell how or show me a site that describes the clicker thoroughly, I'd appreciate it so much!

Cali

First you need to load the clicker, which basically means to show the dog what it means.
Get some small tasty treats.
Basically all you're going to do is click, then follow up immediately with a treat. Don't fiddle with treat bag, dig in pockets, etc. Have the treat ready.
Do it 10-15 times in a row. Remember you're not asking him to do anything. These should be easy easy treats!
Once he gets it you can start using it for training

Criosphynx

there are lots of howto vids on youtube.



the best ones I have found are this series. Heres part one.

YouTube - Introduction to ClickerTraining - PART 1 (by Honey the Great Dane)

Cali's advice tho is spot on, loading the clicker is the first step

kmes

After having loaded the clicker, you'll use the click as a marker for a desired behavior. For example, if you ask your dog to "sit", click as soon as his bottom touches the floor. The click means "Good Boy! A treat is on the way!"

MaidenEddie

I already liked that video link you posted Criosphynx. Really helped a lot.

fawkese1

yay...you got a clicker... ! that is great.

like crios said, there are lots of good how to vids on youtube...and that one is a good one...

oliwa

http://www.clickerlessons.com

Other useful info: Clicker training - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

seebrown

I loved clicker training. It really made training so much easier, and you don't always have to use it if it isn't convenient (which was a misconception I had). It really helps the dog learn new things quickly.

MaidenEddie

I'm a little shaky with the clicker but I think Eddie's starting to get it. I have a problem though.

I "load" the clicker by clicking and then giving him a treat till he knows that the click means a treat. So I then start the sit command. I get confused here though. Do I introduce the verbal cue right away or get him to do it without the cue for a while then introduce it?

Also, he loves to lunge forward the hand that has the treats. Not a good experience.

seebrown

Yup, if he's looking at you when you click, you know he has it.

You can do it instead of a click (not at the same time). It's basically in place of a click if the clicker isn't convenient (like on walks). The click or "yes" marks the behavior, the treat comes right after

I'd pull the treat back and wait until he isn't lunging to give it to him. Only give him the treat when you put it in his mouth. He should get it pretty quick. Cannon did that a bit with sit.