Learning About Dogs - all about Clicker Training

Great NEW book and DVDs from Kay Laurence:

Selected exercises from the Clicker Trainers series to show you step-by-step progression through the essential skills as taught in the very successful courses at Wag More Barn. Broaden your skills and deepen your understanding of the key clicker principles

Book £16. 2 DVDs £30. Set £40. £5 discount for early bird orders!

"Clicker training? Bah, humbug - it's a gimmick - how can a child's toy help you train a dog?"

"… only idealistic idiots use them - it can't possibly work …… can it?"

Yep, that's where I was - up to a few months ago. I had dismissed clicker training until a chance comment from a friend made me decide to find out more. I watched and chatted to various people at shows - one friend was thrilled by my interest

"I'll send you a clicker and a book she said - try it for yourself."

I read the book. I read it again. I got another book off the reading list and read that - and another. Started asking questions. Joined an email list about clicker training. Asked more questions and then …… I broke my foot in an accident and was confined to crutches on a non walking plaster for several weeks. I have since termed it 'our lucky break' for it was at this time I introduced my dogs to 'clicker training'.

Armed with a 'pot of sweeties' and THE CLICKER I hopped outside and sat on a garden chair with one of the boys. Following the instructions in the book I got them used to the clicker meaning something nice was going to happen and then waited to see what they would do.

My three year old border collie (Buzz) stood and looked at me as if I'd lost my marbles

"I can't do anything unless you tell me what you want" he wailed silently as he stood in front of me.

"Okay then" I thought to myself. “What can he do, what does he do? How can I let him know what it is I want?" Gosh it got me thinking too!

I turned away and when he came round the front and made eye contact I clicked and threw a piece of food. He put his head on one side so I clicked for that, that piece of food made him wag his tail so guess what - yep I clicked for that too! He stepped back and I clicked again - he was beginning to get the idea that it was okay for him make his own choices.

My seven year old standard poodle (Gunner) who hasn't had any 'formal' training for several years took to it like a duck to water. Within a minute he had figured out that movement on his part was causing me to click and reward him. He was soon offering walk backs, sits, downs and 'speak' to earn his reward.

The nine year old mini poodle (Ripper) took a bit longer - possibly two minutes! "Hey Mum I can do that too - watch me". Not sure I could believe my eyes I closed the pot, ended the session and hobbled back into the house to evaluate the situation.

Some hours later I decided to have another go. This time I had a definite goal in mind - touch the back of my left hand with nose to get food from the right hand. I tried this with Gunner who is food motivated. I just couldn't get my head round the fact that this dog who had always been 'stubborn' was now not only co-operating in his learning - but actually enjoying it!

I asked more questions and decided I needed to get to classes, but unfortunately there are very few around, but "clicker people" are very generous with their time and interest and supplied answers to the many, many questions I pursued them with.

I simply cannot believe how much fun our training sessions are these days. Formal obedience exercises, moves for 'dancing', fun tricks, or doing the exercises on the Clicker One course, all the dogs and myself have a ball.

The moment the dog becomes aware of what is required is stunning to watch. To see them work out how to get the reward and then put it into action is quite simply mind blowing, and leaves me breathless in admiration. I'm not quite sure who gets the most pleasure from the moment - me or the dog who has earned it!

To see the dogs vie with each other to come out for their 'session' is thrilling. I've had to teach them to wait on a mat for their turn as they find it difficult to contain themselves when they see the clicker and 'sweetie pot' come out.

It has made a difference to other people too. Seeing my dogs offer so much for the sheer joy of it and so happily has motivated them to give it a try. It has worked for them too and they are now enjoying their dogs more.

It is not only for sports and tricks, the increased ability to communicate with the dogs has helped me solve several behaviour problems using these methods, even using the method alone has solved relationship struggles. It works permanently and it can "heal the wounds" not just patch over with a temporary dressing.

I have not been so excited about anything for a long, long time. I feel so much more relaxed about everything which of course passes through to the boys, they are set up to win at every opportunity which increases their confidence in you and themselves. I have also gained confidence in myself through this form of training, the only limit to what you can achieve is your imagination. The boys have learned so much and come freely and without compulsion to learn more. The clicker has become our friend and I have one in every jacket I use for the dogs.

They say there's none so passionate as the newly converted, and I am a convert.

But the passion still lives with me.

Lynda and The Curly Boys and Buzz