I’ve heard a lot about clicker training, but had as yet to have anyone tell me HOW to clicker train. I decided when I learn how to clicker train, I am going to document it; so others who would like to learn have a step-by-step guide.
I reached out to fellow blogger Tena from Success Just Clicks and asked for a good book to begin with . Based upon her recommendation I am currently reading, “The Power of Positive Dog Training” written by Pat Miller.
I am extremely eager to begin clicker training with Delilah and by default Sampson, so I couldn’t wait to finish the book.
I start first thing in the morning when I am preparing their breakfasts. Luckily for me, the dogs eat green beans for breakfast and carrots for snacks, so I don’t feel bad when I click treat, click treat.
By natural instinct the dogs sit. This is what I consider win-win!
I have the container of frozen green beans on the counter. I have the clicker in one hand and handful of green beans in the other. I use the entire handful of green beans on one dog, then repeat the process with the other dog. Right now I am asking nothing of them, I just click and treat. I knew I was onto something when after about the 15th click treat I just stood there with the green bean peeking out of my fingers and Delilah looked at the clicker! SCORE!
From what I’ve read so far, it seems like you really want to get the dogs used to the clicker meaning treat; I figure I will just keep clicking and treating and by the time I finish the book, they’ll be ready to get down to the business at hand.
Click or treat!
Look how intently Delilah is focused on me.
Last Thursday, I took my dog to the Animal Humane Society for her first training class, and that is the method that they are using for training dogs. Lila, our dog, now knows how to sit on command! Yes!!
I like your idea of feeding your dogs green beans!
That is great news for Lila!! Keep me posted on her progress.
I think clicker training just might work for Delilah, so far it’s a challenge though.
I look forward to reading about how this goes for you! Training a pup is always an adventure : )
Yes training is hard. Even though we’ve had Delilah in ‘traditional’ obedience classes I have still struggled with her “Downs” “Stays” and “Heels” she is getting fairly reliable on her off leash recalls which according to this book should be at 90%. I think she is there. But if she is interested in a person or animal no go. 🙁
How about Miss Stella? You started class with her, yes?
It sounds like you are making fine progress. I like the way Delilah is focused on you. Will help when you start working obedience with her. Can’t wait to hear more.
I left you something on my blog. If you get a chance, check it out. 🙂
She is very focused when there are treats. 🙂 Still needs work with her stays though. As soon as I stop treating, she moves.
Thank you for the award, I am honored. 🙂
I trained my mom and dad using the BARK Method… I BARK and they focus on me… THEN I Bark Again and they do what I want… Butt it was a SLOW pawcess.. I’m just sayin.
LOL Frankie! Delilah thinks her mom is trained the same way.
Good luck! Sophie loves the clicker because it means food is on the way. I loaded the clicker in about 20mins using her dinner one evening. I especially love it for shaping exercises!
Love the picture. Delilah is so focused!
I can’t wait to learn more and actually begin training her!
The dogs eat raw so using their food won’t work for me; although I could do some shaping inthe morning with their chicken necks. 🙂
Glad Sophie loves it!
I have always been interested in clicker training. I look forward to hearing more, Jodi, and congrats on teaching the class! Keep me posted I may work it out so I can attend with Miss Molly.
Thank you Kathy,
I will work something out with you. I can always come to your place and show you what you need to know if you can’t make it to class. 🙂
Wow, fabulous Jodi! Thanks!
Good for you! Clicker training is amazing. I am a recent convert myself as I never really believed the clicker could be that much different than just using my voice. i was very, very wrong. You are on your way to super-stardom!
Excellent, thank you Kristine. Oh BTW we can still use some help with our sit-stays. 😉
I can’t even remember to take my cll phone when I leave the house, so I know I’d never remember to grab the clicker. I’d probably not even remember where I left it. Also with ten dogs I really need both hands free. There are times I wish I was an octopus.
We’re doing well with our training without a clicker, so it’s all good.
Wow! Good for you Sue, how in the world do you do it? Please explain. I would love to have Delilah well trained!
Several of the dogs have been thru obedience class and two are scheduled to start advanced class soon. Fudge has a Rally Obedience title and I hope to title all six of the pups. I use our late night yogurt snack as a training time. A little bribery helps.
hey jodi…you are onto a great start…keep us posted on progress…