spiritdogs
Posted : 9/23/2008 7:08:57 AM
Clicker classes aren't any different from any others, in that some people will simply not "get it", just as there are people who will continue to tell their dogs to "get off" when you've told them repeatedly that they are actually reinforcing the dog for jumping up. You might want to grab a copy of "Coaching People to Train Their Dogs". It's a quick guide to some of the personality types and learning styles that you find in classes. Some people just really don't have the coordination at first to handle the clicker, leash, treats, unruly dog, etc., so I reframe the sequence by calling it a marker, and let them use the word "yes". Because people have different learning styles, my sequence for teaching is: explain the exercise, demonstrate it, remind/show them what not to do, let them practice the exercise, go around and help each student individually.