Thanks for the quick reply JSR

We've been teaching him 'Watch Me' using treats since we got him about 10 weeks ago from the rescue centre and his eye contact has improved dramatically and when he's not too distracted he does it really well, but OMG this chasing the cats thing is getting ridiculous, he just will not leave them alone!

I'm definitely going to find out more about the clicker method, we're at the stage where we're willing to give anything a go!

Thanks again!

Sorry to butt in on your thread, but this has reminded me that theres a local class near me which does clicker training which i am considering going to, can anyone tell me though if these are any good in a class situation? I'm just wondering whether dogs can tell the difference between your clicker and everyone elses clicker as presumably they will all be clicking at different times?? Can anyone enlighten me?

I've heard both points of view - some people say that the dog learns his "own" click, some say they get confused...

i train dogs using clicker training but its a lot easier to learn it when someone shows you rather then reading it from a book. its a fantastic way of training. I used it during my degree on a dog that even the staff thought to be next to impossible to train and once he got it he loved it. Im going to be setting up my own beginer classes soon as i think everyone should try it. its fun!!

from my experiances dogs generally know whos training them unless someone is standing almost directly behind you and clicks theres not really a problem. they know where the click is coming from.

I've always wondered the exact same thing!

I clicker trained two rescues at the same time using the same clicker and to distinguish I always said their names immediatley in front of each click so that there would be a distinction and association to each click

My neighbour uses a clicker (incorrectly) in the garden, the sound travels obviously, but mine do not seem to associate that noise with reward, so I would go along with cassie.
Having said that, a few years ago, I was walking through a large park and clicking my DA dog for calm behaviour, when I noticed a bit of a pied piper effect.... I had three unfamiliar dogs walking to heel and following my every command, I turned round to see two panting owners running and calling after their dogs. It turns out that they were all clicker trained and had heard the clicker miles away (out of the owners ear shot) and came running over to get their rewards!!!

Never underestimate the power of the clicker

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My collie has been clicker trained since 10 weeks old in a class situation and they seem to listen more to their own clicks in my experience. Mine didn't find the clicks a distraction, more the other puppies when he was little as he just wanted to play! Now he is older at our obedience class I occasionally find him looking at me waiting for a click, even if we are waiting. It's great because they get really focused on working for the click and then the treat/reward.
I'd say give it ago. The sky really is the limit with clicker training

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