A Clicker Trainer Is a Quicker Trainer

I am always looking for better training methods in my work with dogs. Not only do I look for the fastest way but also the easiest way for the dog to understand what I want. If you put yourself in the position of the dog you will see that pushing, pulling and even talking, praising and petting can actually make it confusing and more difficult for them to learn. It certainly makes it harder for the dog to differentiate exactly what the cue is to perform a particular action.

The truth is that your dog is often trying so hard to figure out what you want it gets confused if you're not clear and concise with your training. What your dog really needs when you train is consistency and for you to do the same thing twice. That's why clicker training is the most effective training method.

For the uninitiated, the clicker is just a small handheld noisemaker, which has a metal strip that makes a distinct "click" when pressed and released. The trainer clicks at the exact moment the dog has properly performed the behavior we're teaching. Since the clicker is a unique sound to the dog it presents a fabulous learning moment and speeds us to that "ah ha" moment, that "light bulb goes off moment" where the trainer and dog are in such synchronicity and rhythm that you can actually see the dog "get it".

For this all to come together, the dog needs to know that the sound of the click signifies that they did something right, that we like what they did, and that a reward is coming. You should notice after several repetitions of a click and treat that the dog responds to the sound of the clicker by looking at you. Many people inadvertently think this is because we are clicking to get the dog's attention. But if you've properly introduced the clicker what's really happening is the dog is looking at you after the moment of the sound because it's made the association that the click has not only identified the proper action or behavior but more importantly, that the rewards of praise and a treat will follow.

Let's begin our training with teaching our dog to sit on command. The first step is to get the dog to actually sit and let it know that it did what we wanted. With most dogs, it will be easy to lure them to sit by guiding a treat slightly above their head. Also, we aren't going to give a verbal command, just get them to sit. If it doesn't sit, move the treat a little up or down or forward or behind their head. Remember that the click is going to mark the right response from the dog so the instant their butt hits the ground you should click, praise and give them a treat. If you want to teach the dog to stay seated you can click and treat again before the dog gets up.

The second step is to get the dog to perform reliably when we want them to and this is why it's extremely important to incorporate praise into the process. We certainly don't want our dogs to mind us only when there is food. So my first rule in training with food is that we always praise our dog right before we give the treat. The key thing to remember at this stage is click/praise/treat in that order...every time. My second rule is to make the food rewards intermittent and to use them every second or third time. This is often referred to as fading the treats or fading the lure.

For now we are going to give a treat every time. Figure on a rate of about 10-15 treats a minute for beginning training to keep the dog's interest. As the dog learns you can reduce the amount of treats but we never actually stop giving rewards entirely. Just as we like being recognized for a 'job well done,' so does your dog.

The third and final step is to put the behavior on cue or on command. At this point, we can start using a "sit" command because we are sure we can get the dog to perform reliably every time we give the hand signal. If you've done everything right so far you have already taught the dog a hand signal for sit when you raised your hand above the dog's head. The proper time to give a command is right before we get the desired behavior from the dog, so in this case right before we lift our hand is the right time to say "sit". Of course we still click/praise/treat when the dog sits on our command as well.

Working with a clicker is the best method for simply, quickly and effectively training almost any dog. It takes a little more work and coordination initially, but in the long run it's faster and easier for both you and your dog. Even if your dog already knows some commands or has prior training, using a clicker will still serve to speed up and perfect its responses in addition to helping eliminate any past training mistakes or confusion. It's also fun and a great way to bond with your dog that wants nothing more than to interact in a positive way with you. You're in this together and with proper clicker training you'll both reap the rewards for many years to come.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Clicker-Trainer-Is-a-Quicker-Trainer&id=5471313

How To Train Your Dog In Just 15 Minutes A Day

I really think that most new dog owners want a nicely trained dog however they fail to train their dog because they feel that it will be too time intensive. That could not be farther from the truth. In fact I teach people that if you will simply work with your dog for only 15 minutes a day you can have a well trained dog that you can be very proud of. 

First of all since you wanted a dog I assume that you have 15 minutes a day that you can spend with him. If you say no then you should do you and your dog a huge favor and find a new home for your pet so he can have a home that will spend time with him. 

Now that we have determined that you have 15 minutes a day let's talk about what you should do during those 15 minutes. You need to train your dog to do all the basic exercises that every good dog should know and they include: 

· Walk on a leash without dragging you down the street 

· Sit on command when you tell it one time 

· Down on command, this is the exercise that makes you the alpha 

· Sit-stay so you can have people come in your home without the dog darting out the door 

· Down-stay so you can leave a room and it is still there when you return 

· The recall so your dog comes when you call it, every time 

The next question is how do you do this training? The best way is to hire a trainer to help guide you through the steps. PLEASE find a trainer that uses motivational methods but doesn't rely on treats to bribe your dog to do the exercises. Instead find a real trainer that will help you train your dog to do these exercises out of mutual trust and respect. Plainly put a dog that needs a treat to do an exercise is not trained. 

Now back to that daily 15 minute training session. You can do some of this training while you go for a daily walk. In fact do not get in the habit of only doing the training at home in the living room. You should be able to do these exercises anywhere with all types of distractions. 

So after the dog is working great in the house then start doing your training on the driveway and then later move to the street. Then start adding more distractions including people and other dogs. This is referred to as proofing your dog. 

If you will simply give your dog 15 minutes of training a day you will be amazed how quickly and easily you can have the best trained dog on the block.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Train-Your-Dog-In-Just-15-Minutes-A-Day&id=8609754