Example of clicker training (video)

[Capri]

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I filmed the video for the chair trick today, and then continued onto training Merita for this week's balance trick. This was the FIRST time we tried anything with the container and therefore is a good example for anyone who doesn't know or understand what clicker training is.
- at first Merita was trying to offer what we'd been doing previously (side heel positions with eye contact)
- but then figured to try something else because she wasn't getting praised from that
- first clicking one paw, then two paws and finally all four on the container.
- ending the trainings when it's going super-well

That took TWO minutes for her to learn all that . It's all about shaping behaviour by only rewarding a specific action.

http://watercubs.kuvat.fi/kuvat/Our+Dogs/Kivisilman+Rutikuiva+Merita/balanceclikerMerita20wsmall.wmv


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[wrknnwf]

Excellent video. Perfect timing, too. I LOVE watching clicker training. You can see the wheels turning in their brains. It's a great mental exercise for the dog and they always seem to take great delight in figuring out what you want. Thanks for sharing!

 

[mulenag]

Great video!! Thank you for sharing that!!

 

[chumleysma]

Merita learns quite fast. Good job!

 

[heather pluciennik]

Nice video. Maybe I should try that to teach Morgan to watch me during our walks and training.

 

[2Paws]

Excellent video. Perfect timing, too. I LOVE watching clicker training. You can see the wheels turning in their brains. It's a great mental exercise for the dog and they always seem to take great delight in figuring out what you want. Thanks for sharing!

Exactly!!!! That was fun to watch. Up until recently, I've trained the traditional way with success but don't feel I've had the enthusiasm that I also wanted. And Henry is a perfectionist and doesn't like to be wrong. Therefore when I try to introduce new things, he's afraid to try them for fear of being wrong. I've micro managed his learning.

I've used nothing but shaping with Truman and can't believe the difference in our training. He loves to learn new things and has no reason to fear being wrong because there is no wrong. We are in "do" land. And wow, he's learning things quicker.

I'm doing more shaping with Henry but find it goes a little slower as he is used to being micro managed. But I'm seeing improvement as we continue on our journey of learning by shaping. There is so much more enthusiasm when we work together.

The hardest part is switching from the mindset of the traditional way of training to shaping. Big learning curve for me. :lol:

 

[2Paws]

I also wanted to say that I'm so impressed how your other newfie followed your command to leave the treats alone and stay away while you were training.

 

[Capri]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video - and I hope it can help others learn more about clicker training. It took me a while to grasp the idea of it and especially develop my timing! It is a very different mind-set to the handler from traditional training, but I agree with Sue that it definitely produces dogs that are eager to try just about anything. In traditional training the dogs would need luring to perform an action and then gradually fading the lure away, but with clicker the dog will try to independently perform the action, and you get a "do"-er. I still go back and forth with clicker vs. non-clicker depending on what we're training, but things like that I find easier to click on.

 

[wrknnwf]

I had the pleasure of showing my neighbor how effective clicker training is. She wanted her dog to go to a specific place when someone came over, so I suggested she get a small throw rug and we train Lizzie to go to the rug, wherever it was laid. It looked exactly like your video! That little brainiac had all four paws on the rug in a very few minutes and was so eager, she was beside herself. LOL

My neighbor was stunned and I was so proud of Miss Lizzie. She's not had any training other than teaching her to sit and down. Unfortunately, my neighbor never continued the training. What a shame for a dog that wants to learn.

One of the ways I practice timing is to use the clicker when the dog is not around. I click myself, or click people on TV or whatever, hahaha.

 

[Capri]

Dogs are much smarter than what we give them credit for!

One of the ways I practice timing is to use the clicker when the dog is not around. I click myself, or click people on TV or whatever, hahaha.

Good idea, whatever works !