how many of you have trained with the clicker?

i have one but have not used it so far. also any reccomendations on websites which help with how to use it.
I have already taught him the basics, sit, paw, leave it, stay etc but he is beginning to develp some unwanted hobbies and I wandered if using a clicker to reward good behaviour might help.

I have had great success with buster and his clicker training. a good resource is Karen Pryor Clickertraining| dog training and cat training info, books, videos, events


It is also good for wearing the dogs out! i taught spin totally with the clicker, no luring, and the learning process took it out of him. building the trick up slowley, making him think about what it was that was making the click... so look left, building up to step left, turn left etc. I also used this technique to teach 100 things to do with a box (a game), give paw, stand, roll over, play dead, close the door, turn on a light (touch switch lamp)...

Once you get the hang of it it is a lot of fun for both you and the dog, there are some good books and websites out there, but by fair the hardest bit to get is the timing.

Hope that helps

oh, just to add it is also good for desensitising things....buster was afraid of his muzzle, and was over protective of bones etc. both have been over come using clicker training

I've used clicker a lot, it is a useful training tool, but sadly its only as good as its operator. I went to see and work with good clicker trainers when I wanted to learn how to use it, Nina Bonderenko, Val Strong and Mary Ray are all excellent, go to see them if you get chance.