Click to Calm, need info

Emma wrote the book about her dog aggressive Golden, and how she rehabbed him.  But, the techniques work for anxious or aggressive dogs, because they are based on attention to the handler, desensitation, and positive reinforcement.  I think you will like it.

I loved the book.  The insights were amazing, especially clicking at the lowest point of intensity.  I have used this technique on the pom. Sometimes with results, sometimes not.  I wouldn't consider him aggressive, just very exciteable.

Another issue that was in the book that I never would have considered, is clicking dog on dog interaction.  Say for instance Willow kindly allowed a dog to sniff her and didn't make a fuss... c/t.

Also teaching/ clicking the dog for using calming signals when around other dogs or in stressful situations.

So, my personal opinion is that the techniques are not just for aggressive dogs. They can be modified without losing the basic concept.

The desensitizing aspect is also laid out really well.

Another concept that it explored was clicking the dog into a different state of mind and breaking behavior chains with a click, even if the dog cannot/will not take food due to excitability.

It is a must read Lori.  And I think it will help you to get a leg up on your new classes.  Even if you won't be using the clicker.

I don't feel the book is just about aggression, not at all. The reason Emma used it was to help her aggressive dog, yes, but I think it goes just as the Title says: "for Calm", regardless of behaviour. I used things from it personally for my human-fearful girl. I've seen arts from it used also for anxious dogs, in fact I've seen it used on dogs who are simply over-active, and on dogs that don't really have problems but need some guidelines and also as a preventative.
 
I think there's something in there all dogs can benefit from, really.  

Yeah, I think it's definitely worth a read. It gives a lot of "basics" that can be applied towards whatever your dog is aggressive towards or fearful of.

Well, I'm going to give it a shot.  I don't know if she'll respond to it but I guess I'll see.  Thanks!

Good luck, let us know how it goes!

Also teaching/ clicking the dog for using calming signals when around other dogs or in stressful situations.

So, my personal opinion is that the techniques are not just for aggressive dogs. They can be modified without losing the basic concept.

You just described our work in public. While I have reinforced standard obedience moves with the clicker, I also catch him being good in public and click and treat right dang there. This leads him to want to be calm more often since it's rewarding, and will also build the association that meeting other dogs and being in public can be rewarding for him.
 
Example. If we're in Petco and he finally calms down and feels confident and secure enough to lay down, click and treat.

Gee, ron, it must be working for you - I don't see you quite so much on certain other areas of the forum.  [sm=devil.gif]

I have found that with Zeus, some days he is receptive to clicker training, some days he is like..you need to put that thing away and hide my cookies for me.

I have just come to the conclusion that I can only work with what he is willing to offer me that day.

ORIGINAL: willowchow

Well, I'm going to give it a shot.  I don't know if she'll respond to it but I guess I'll see.  Thanks!

Gee, ron, it must be working for you - I don't see you quite so much on certain other areas of the forum.

 
That was cute.[]
 
But true. Some other discussions may be interesting. If they turn sour, I'm not interested. Or, if they go on without adding anything new, I may not respond as much. And, I only have so much time. So, I'd rather concentrate on what is working for us and brag about something, or learn something, or, goodness gracious, try and help. So, yes, the overall effect is that I may not spend as much time in those other threads.

A little late on this, but what I found really nice about C2C (if I remember correctly) was that it was very straightforward and cookbook.  I definately think it would help you and Willow.

I found "Scaredy Dog", that someone here recommended, to be super helpful for Ixa's anxiety and fear aggression. "Click to Calm" has been recommended to me, too, and I'll surely go put in my order ... but I have to whimper for a moment! [X(] I never knew just how many books I'd be buying (just ordered a couple of O'Connell books, and have 2 others on my wish list, too). Sometimes I feel like I'm spending more time reading about interacting with my dog than actually *interacting with my dog*!!! [X(]

ORIGINAL: Ixas_girl

I found "Scaredy Dog", that someone here recommended, to be super helpful for Ixa's anxiety and fear aggression. "Click to Calm" has been recommended to me, too, and I'll surely go put in my order ... but I have to whimper for a moment! [X(] I never knew just how many books I'd be buying (just ordered a couple of O'Connell books, and have 2 others on my wish list, too). Sometimes I feel like I'm spending more time reading about interacting with my dog than actually *interacting with my dog*!!! [X(]

Hang around here and you may need an extra room added on just to house the bookcases [].

I just ordered, Click to Calm, The Cautious Canine and Feisty Fido.  Now, I've got to locate a clicker.