Dog Community

They clicked some tricks!

Posted : 4/8/2007 2:47:08 PM

I just finished teaching a "Fun and Games" class and I am so proud of my students. [sm=proud.gif] Some of them had never even seen a clicker, and didn't know what it was. They worked really hard and did all their homework. Now, they have dogs that crawl, high five, spin, dance, say their prayers, and do all kinds of fun behaviors. They know some fun games that they can try with friends, and they all seem to feel better about their ability to teach other behaviors, like agility contacts, or obedience. I really believe that owners that play with their dogs stay with their dogs!

Cita

Posted : 4/8/2007 2:50:58 PM

That sounds like a lot of fun! Once my life settles down a bit, I'm going to try my hardest to drag BF and Dog to a clicker class somewhere. I know the basic principles but could certainly use some help implementing them effectively (silly things like which hand to hold the clicker in, how the heck would I teach XYZ?), Rascal's kind of catching on but is afraid of doing something "wrong," and BF is new to the whole dog thing all together. What a trio!

Thalie

Posted : 4/8/2007 3:14:43 PM

Your classes sound wonderful for both dogs and people. Had they taken other classes before ? What did you expect them to already know ? I am thinking of taking the girls (one at a time) to some class this summer (we've never had any) and would love to find something that is fun and light-spirited.

spiritdogs

Posted : 4/8/2007 5:37:43 PM

ORIGINAL: Thalie

Your classes sound wonderful for both dogs and people. Had they taken other classes before ? What did you expect them to already know ? I am thinking of taking the girls (one at a time) to some class this summer (we've never had any) and would love to find something that is fun and light-spirited.

One is a long time competitor in obedience, one was involved in lure/reward classes for a long time, two did a traditional yank & crank class, and one had minimal experience with the clicker.
I don't blame you for wanting to make training fun - it should be. [

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ron2

Posted : 4/9/2007 6:24:23 AM

I don't blame you for wanting to make training fun - it should be.

Always.

Kim_MacMillan

Posted : 4/11/2007 11:14:07 AM

Way to go! Someday I dream to be able to have classes and help others teach their dogs using such great methodology. I've been told on numerous occassions that I should just open myself up to teaching clicker training, but unfortunately I'm just not in a position to do that at this time. I also want to take part first in a training school course, even though I have more background knowledge than most of those training schools provide (the science, as opposed to just how it relates to dogs).

You must be having a blast, and be so proud of those people!

spiritdogs

Posted : 4/11/2007 4:02:54 PM

ORIGINAL: Kim_MacMillan

Way to go! Someday I dream to be able to have classes and help others teach their dogs using such great methodology. I've been told on numerous occassions that I should just open myself up to teaching clicker training, but unfortunately I'm just not in a position to do that at this time. I also want to take part first in a training school course, even though I have more background knowledge than most of those training schools provide (the science, as opposed to just how it relates to dogs).

You must be having a blast, and be so proud of those people!

I am. You really should try it, Kim. You have a great way with words, and you sound like a patient person. I recognize the skill level just from your posts, and loved your video of your dog putting away his toys. I think you'd make a great trainer.

Kim_MacMillan

Posted : 4/11/2007 8:11:52 PM

I am. You really should try it, Kim. You have a great way with words, and you sound like a patient person. I recognize the skill level just from your posts, and loved your video of your dog putting away his toys. I think you'd make a great trainer.

Hahahaha. Patience? Tell that to Shimmer-butt who I'm trying to get to learn to target, who thinks that nose-touching the yogurt container lid means "slide on my belly and touch it with my nose while laying down" (if you haven't guessed, down was the last thing she learned!) [

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No, but really, she's doing great, just a matter of getting her up and going and showing her that nose-to-lid is what behaviour I want, not laying-down-nose-to-lid...haha. She's just a funny butt all over, I love her, and I love how every dog I work with teaches me something a little bit different from the last. [

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I'd love to work WITH others to clicker train dogs. Someday, oh someday.