Hi

As some may know we have a 10 week Benji who is a beautiful English Springer.

He knows sit, good boy and din din's. He is learning no, well.... of a fashion.

I was wondering how to start using the clicker, we are wanting to go to puppy trainng classes but we cant until a week after his 2 vaccination, this will be 2 weeks from now when he will be ready.

Any advise/ experience of using a clicker and what you do welcomed and links to a good video.

Thanks

A clicker is used to mark a behaviour rather than digging through pockets and bags to get treats as the behaviour has to be rewarded the second they do it. Start by just clicking it and then giving him a treat straight after so he learns that the click means he gets a treat. Then when he does a desired behaviour click and give him a treat this way he can learn some really good behaviours very quickly. The first few times just click and treat and then once he's learned that behaviour gets him a click build in the word or hand signal.

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Clean slate time I guess
Owned by Buster cairn terrier mix and Leo Netherland Dwarf mix rabbit

Thanks

I will start with that home work

Google for clicker training and you'll find hundreds of articles.

Like Nicky09 explained, you have to get the dog to understand the association between the clicker and reward fisrt in order to be able to 'mark' the desired action the split second it happens. This is called conditioning. Here's a video to show you how to do it YouTube - Dogmantics- Dog Training Television- Episode 1

Once the conditioning is in place you can start to associate it to various actions such as 'sit' etc... try this video from Karen Pryor a pioneer of clicker training YouTube - An Introduction to Clicker Training

If you want to read up on how far you can go with clicker training (over the coming years not just months!) try
Clicker Training for Dogs by Karen Pryor
or
Superdog by Mary Ray

Have fun!

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Some days you're the dog: some days you're the lampost

I second the Mary Ray book I have the HTM one and its fantastic.

__________________
Clean slate time I guess
Owned by Buster cairn terrier mix and Leo Netherland Dwarf mix rabbit

Hi,

You'll find info here:

http://www.fun4fido.co.uk - Clicker training 4 dogs

Any questions just ask

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www.fun4fido.co.uk

"Properly trained, a man can be a dog's best friend."
Corey Ford

It's never too early to start training with a clicker! the important thing is though to get the clicker/treat timing spot on! There have been several books written on the subject a search or either google or amazon should through up loads!

Springers are quite easy to train imo as they are an intelligent dog that loves to please! so all the best - please keep us informed!
regards
DT