August 08, 2011

I have a stray dog that I want to do some clicker training with and he screams and tries to hide when he hears the click. Do you have any suggestions for a quieter clicker?

Full Question:
I take in and rehab strays. I do a lot of trick training using clickers. However, I have a Blue Heeler who screams and tries to push himself under the bed or cram himself into the corner of a closet when he hears the click. Someone suggested using a retractable pen, but the timing with it is unreliable. The Heeler was not scared of its sound, though, so I am hoping a quieter clicker would do. I saw two in the Leerburg catalog that advertised as being having softer clicks. They were the i-Click and the Clik Stik. All things being equal, I would prefer the i-Click, but if the other is significantly softer, I would get it. Or do y'all know of something else that could be used as a marker that would have the same accuracy as a clicker? I know you don't use clickers a lot, but they work real well for teaching tricks to these abandoned dogs. They really enjoy the trick training--they loosen up and get a little confidence.
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
Use a verbal marker, instead of a clicker. We use the word YES. Some dogs are bothered by the clicking sound.

You can also use a clicking sound you make with your mouth (like you would use to encourage a horse) the timing may not be as accurate but for trick training, it should be fine.

Good luck!

Cindy Rhodes

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Expert Dog Trainer Cindy Rhodes
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