I have a new 9 week old pup that I am considering imprinting with a clicker. I have read several of the books out on clicker training but I would like some feedback from those who may have used it on a dog you have trained for Schutzhund. What are some of the pros and cons in comparison to the basic positive reinforcement.
He who has never tasted soap has never bathed a dog
The advantages to a clicker are the ability to mark the moment very accurately, and to let a second person do it for you on some of the exercises like the motion commands. The handler, on the motion commands, cannot tell exactly when the butt hits the ground on the sit, etc without looking back, but a second person can stand by and click at the exact moment to mark the sit. The handler can instantly spin and reward with the ball, knowing for sure that the dog did complete the sit.
In general, however, I prefer to use a special word as my marker (conditioned reinforcer) because the biggest disadvantage to the clicker is having it in your hand. If you hang it on your wrist, you have to fumble to get it and you are too late clicking. If you have it ready and in your hand, it's always in the way of handling the line or pulling out your ball, etc. There's no harm in conditioning the dog to both the click AND a special word; you will find uses for both.
I use the clicker as a marker also. I can really see communication going on when I use it. It's helped on bringing precision to the exercises. I use praise in my training but have been contemplating on using a word also to replace the clicker as a marker (something only said when used as the conditioned reinforcer).
One of my concerns was the consistency in the tone. Do you get the same response by using a word?
I have also fumbled around with it once a while. Overall, I think it's excellent!
Yes, you get the same response if you use a special word as your CR instead of the clicker. But you have to pay attention to not using it indescriminately or it loses some of its value.
Originally posted by Sch3FH2: Yes, you get the same response if you use a special word as your CR instead of the clicker. But you have to pay attention to not using it indescriminately or it loses some of its value. Thank You / Gracias
While I never criticized out loud those that use clickers, I secretly thought it was just another "training fad" of the season. Full of self-rightousness, and to prove to myself that clicker training was just froo-froo stuff used by ad-animal trainers, I started teaching the "take" command for the dumbell using a clicker.
Process seemed easy enough: "load up" the clicker first, to get the click-treat message across. So it didn't take the 15-20 times advertised to get that connection. Took all of 5 times. Must have been a fluke...
On to the "take" command.
Welll heck!...in three sessions, of 5 times each, the dog is now reaching (ever so slightly, but still noticable) for the dumbell. And holding, even if still mouthy, for several seconds.
Ok. I must have a super smart dog then. I just hate to think I was wrong about clicker training... crow is a tough meal... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
I have found that the "click" sound really gets thier attention, even around distraction. But I like to have both hands free and it can't really be used effectively from across a field (unless you buy a remote clicker).
It is useful for some things... why not add it to your toolbox?
I also use the clicker alot in my training.. I pair the word "yes" with the click.. so if I don't have the clicker on me.. "yes" will do. I find it very useful working with my students.. because I can click for them.. and they get the release or reward to the dog on time!
I use the clicker in tracking, in obedience and also in protection.. It is a great tool for the tool box..
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