Clicker-training. I have one question.

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Hi @ all.

I have a question concerning clicker training. I think I understand how it works basically. But: Vito knows exactly the difference between "Christine having a clicker and some treats in her hand" and "Christine not having a clicker". How can I transport my good clicker experience into everday life?

 

Do you use the clicker all the time? 24 hours?

[Paige P]

I marker trained Dash, but I did not use a clicker. Instead I used the word "yes" for the click (of course, the treat comes after the "yes" along with "good boy!" and all that stuff). I only did that because we go to dog parks and when 100000000 people are clicking at their dogs, it is hard for my dog to hear my particular click. But he does know my voice. Also, you don't have to worry if you've got the clicker or not, which for me is brilliant because I'm forgetful and am more likely not to have it on me when needed.

I don't know if that is helpful, but it worked for us. There were times when I thought he was incorrigible and hopeless, but we stuck it out and right around 15 months it was as if someone threw a special switch and Dash suddenly "got" it. You don't say how old Vito is (adorable name) but hang in there - he's a smart boy and he'll get it eventually. Dash is 18 months old now and no longer ignores me when I give him a command out of doors (indoors is never a problem). I can even walk with him off leash and he will heel, though he does not want to - he wants to run!

[Paige P]

Your English is fine - English is a very hard language!

In my experience, you have to be training your dog every day if you want your dog to be obedient. It is like raising children - consistency is important. I read once that your dog will learn a new skill if you practice the skill 10x every day for 20 days. I have found that this is true; it takes a lot of repetition (and rewards) to learn a skill, even as simple as "sit" or "come." With clicker training, you have to work with Vito every day so that he understands what you mean when you give a command, but also so that he understands that you are the boss and he must do what you say. I recommend: every day a 20 minute training "class" inside the house and then every day (maybe during your walks) training outside with commands like "sit" "stay" "come" and "heel." It is harder to be a good boy when you are outside, so outside practice is important, too.

Once Vito truly understands his commands, he will walk off leash beside you. It just takes time and consistent training, every day. Good luck! I can see he is a beautiful boy!