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Dog terrified of clicker - how far do I push it?

Posted : 10/13/2006 8:58:04 AM

Scout was terrified of the clicker from the moment I clicked and threw a treat on the ground. There has never been another noise that scared her, and even when she hears other people using the clicker at class, she doesn't seem to take notice.

We don't know her background but I am sure someone must have once used the clicker with her in a negative way. She ran into the basement, hid in a corner, and continued running away from me for the next 5 minutes as I tried to offer her treats. I did all the things I think one should do with a fearful dog.... I laughed, I made silly happy comments while dropping large treats on the floor... Scout would not take a treat off the ground or come anywhere near me until I had put the clicker away and given her a few minutes to relax.

I know fears should be addressed but I've tried this 3x with the same effect. I feel like I am eroding her trust in me everytime and it's so hard to see her stare at me in fear. Am I doing the wrong thing by abandoning it? I also tried a quieter clicker, putting the clicker in my pocket.... etc.

Deb

Posted : 10/13/2006 9:09:43 AM

Thinking about this in terms of "fears should be addressed" is all about the word should, which is an impractical word that is all about wishing things were not the way they are. If she's afraid of the sound, then how is she to associate the sound with good things?

A few ways to handle this:
1. Use a marking word like "good!" or "Yes!" instead. I do this instead of use a clicker because I don't have three hands and it works just fine.
2. Put the clicker in your pocket or otherwise muffle the sound.
3. Use one of those ball-point pens that click instead.

mudpuppy

Posted : 10/13/2006 9:17:37 AM

since there is no need to use an actual clicker, I'd toss it in the garbage and try something else. All you need is a "marker". You can use a voice- say "yes". An electronic beeper. A little bell. Anything.

Scout in Canada

Posted : 10/13/2006 9:19:41 AM

I have been using "yes!" instead of the click. I am happy sticking with that, I guess I just felt that letting it go is not the 'right thing' to do... according to the perfect dog owner standard [&:].

Xerxes

Posted : 10/13/2006 9:27:36 AM

If your dog doesn't like the clicker, use a bridge word- "Atta girl" or something of the sort. Use something you won't use in normal speech, but nothing too extravagant.