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great site

pc

Posted : 8/17/2006 2:19:09 PM

Hi there, i have just found this site, can't believe how much information is on it. Anyone out there have some thoughts on clicker training a dim (but lovable) cocker spaniel.Ben is great until you show him a lead then something else takes over his brain!Clicker training looks good but he is not really food motivated.

pumaward

Posted : 8/17/2006 2:34:31 PM

Welcome!

Does he like to play fetch, tug, chase or any other game? Instead of food, you can use play as a reward [

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pc

Posted : 8/17/2006 2:57:10 PM

thanks for info.I have just started clicker training, it goes well at home, he loves cheese so i use that, but outside I am using a combination of cheese and praise with the clicker. I think it is a case of him being too excited outdoors, he gets fed up with toys after a while, being a spaniel he just likes to sniff everything in sight!I'll keep trying though.

jones

Posted : 8/17/2006 3:49:41 PM

Show me a cocker spaniel who isn't food motivated and I'll show you a black unicorn!

Just fooling, that's my cocker and he is food motivated. But he is FAR less food motivated outdoors, because as you said there is just too much going on to see, smell, and hear out there. What exactly are you trying to train outdoors? If you are just trying to move the commands you've already taught out there, how reliable are they indoors? If you are trying to train loose leash walking or heeling, it may be better to cut the treats out and use the built-in reward of forward progress. How old is Ben, and what exactly are you working on with him? And where's the photo already? [

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pc

Posted : 8/19/2006 10:58:52 AM

Ben is 6yrs old, a bit daft but great natured.He has very good basic commands indoors and is not too bad outdoors as long as he is not sniffing!The main problem is walking him, he pulls like a train, gotten really bad over the last year. I am now stopping dead when he pulls and using the clicker and praise when the lead goes slack and he comes to my side. There has been a great improvement over the last few days (except when he seen a fox and nearly pulled my arm off, but I forgave that one!).The neighbours think I am mad as it takes so long to get to the park and back but its worth it.
As for the pictures, scanner is not working and I don't think i would know how to post pictures even if it was, it seem complicated.

Benedict

Posted : 8/19/2006 6:31:18 PM

Welcome! I agree, you can use rewards other than food for clicker training. Anything your dog enjoys, even a belly rub, can be used. I'm clicker training my puppy and love the results. Have you tried using a Gentle Leader to help with the pulling issue?

It seems Ben is a popular dog name in the UK. I have a Ben too, but he's a Labrador.

Kate