So Tasha has some awefuly cute play behaviors that I would like to shape into tricks. When we are just being silly, she dances and playbows and acts like a geek.
The problem is that when she sees me with a clicker in hand or any kind of treats she's all business. She downs, sits, barks and high fives. The problem is that she gets frustrated quickly when she has already gone through the whole bag of tricks. I can't get her to loosen up and do any of the cute stuff!
Of course, it doesn't really matter if she ever does any of it. Id just like to be able to play with free shaping a little.
One of the reasons I prefer verbal markers. It allows for "capturing" spontaneous behaviors for *just* that reason.
Hide the clicker in your pocket from now on.
Initially she may hear the first click and begin offering her standard repertoire of behaviors. Just ignore them and re-engage her in play with the clicker and treats still hidden.
It may take some trial and error, but you'll get it.
Like Aaron, I use a verbal marker, and don't see why you can't introduce one in addition to the clicker. Tasha will quickly understand that both the clicker and the word mean the same thing, then you'll be able to capture those behaviors when you are not in "training mode".
She's familiar with both the clicker and "yes". Sometimes I will use them both at the same time. Depends on if I'm teaching something to her or sharpening something up.
I just find my timing is a lot better with a clicker. I'm a dufus sometimes and end up screwing it up with "yes".
Ross Rapoport Webboard User Reg: 07-24-2010
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Quote: aaron myracle
One of the reasons I prefer verbal markers. It allows for "capturing" spontaneous behaviors for *just* that reason.
I'll throw my limited experience behind this...I was discouraging Roger from barking in the house the other day, and every time I said "no" he would put his head down on the floor. Within 10 minutes he was obeying the command "head down" and we had a new trick to show Mom.
No, it makes a lot of sense, Aaron. I did make that mistake when I started last year and I stopped doing it. I think it will just take more experience for both of us
Just for fun I got the Clicker Train Your Own Assistance Dog dvds. I figured I could sharpen my marker training skills and put her to work!
Maybe with working on some more focused exercises beyond obedience training will be a good experience.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
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Quote: aaron myracle
... This is probably as clear as mud.
Connie, help?
Man, I just wish I had said it that clearly.
I stumble when I try to explain in words that perception that dog has to get about running through his entire repertoire not being M/R worthy -- only asked-for behaviors and how to get there.
"The problem is that when she sees me with a clicker in hand or any kind of treats she's all business. She downs, sits, barks and high fives. The problem is that she gets frustrated quickly when she has already gone through the whole bag of tricks. I can't get her to loosen up and do any of the cute stuff!"
I don't know about others, but for free-shaping, I might have the rewards tucked on a bookshelf at my reach but above the dog's line of vision, and the clicker (if I'm using one) might be in my pocket. That is, I don't necessarily start with "Ready?" and our cue for a session.
I'd like to hear whether others do this, or what they do for free-shaping.
It doesn't take much for the dog to perceive that M/Rs can fall from heaven at the most unexpected times.
The marker training I have done with her so far has all been building on behaviors that she learned before I started marker training. Things like tightening up heeling, adding distance to a sit or down, ect.
All of these things were originaly taught with luring. Her only shaping experience has been learning to "speak". The only brand new things she has learned through marker training are the hand touch and place.
No wonder she thinks marker training is about stuff she already knows!
I'm going to get to work on those dvds. I bet it will open up a lot of communication to work on new stuff.
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