[bcarter261]

I began clicker training with Hurley yesterday and I just have a few questions.

Should I be doing training throughout regular activity? Like on a walk if I call her name should I click and treat, or keep the clicking to training sessions specifically?

Also, how often should I be training? I started loading the clicker yesterday, and left it at that until a few hours later, I did clicks for sits. Which she was already good with.

Guess I'm just looking to see how fast I should be moving with this, sort of need a "schedule" of sorts.

 

[petpeeve]

I think this is a tough one to answer. Dogs generally don't fit into neat and tidy little boxes. A lot depends on your present training skills, time availability, goals etc. A lot depends on the dog's age, capacity to learn, capacity for stress, stamina, and energy levels etc.

Guess I'm just looking to see how fast I should be moving with this, sort of need a "schedule" of sorts.

Good point. I would sharpen up my observation skills even further, and then allow the dog's responses, natural inclinations etc. to completely dictate the pace. An actual log book will help to keep track of the past and present state of progress, which may help to develop a more 'tangible' schedule for the future.

 

[Pawzk9]

I tend to start in distraction free (or as nearly as possible) environments. Then when I progress to real life situations, I will expect less and help more.

 

[hanksimon]

1. The dog is always learning, so be prepared that she learns what you want, regardless of having the clicker.
2. However, as Pawzk9 wrote, go into a quiet area with a plan in mind - I know, you asked for a plan
3. Try this: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAF9999F7B1BEA500

I like kikopup a lot. Her videos are good and she is patient.

 

[bcarter261]

Hank, I like kikopup too! What I have had a hard time with her channel is kind of what order I should do things in. I guess that's kind of what I am trying to figure out is not WHAT to do, but WHEN to do it. This is the first dog I've ever trained, so I don't know when to move on etc.

Thanks for the playlist too! That looks like exactly what I need.

 

[hanksimon]

My personal philosophy: if you patiently cram as much as you can into a dog's brain at the rate that she enjoys it, you will create a caninieisteinian monster Some of the best methods are recommended b/c they work quickly. I taught my dog using methods that weren't the quickest, but allowed him to make decisions, increasingly, to think, and to learn how to learn. I didn't do this on purpose, just kind of backed into it. Kikopup can lead you down that path... beware - do you really want an independent thinker, who is a learning machine

1. First, teach the pup that words imply actions: Sit, Down, Come, Name, Shake, Bite Inhibition, and other simple everyday behaviors
2. Also, try to capture cute behaviors - I caught bark, shake, bow... and discovered that dogs can see blue and yellow ...
3. Then, explore more complex behaviors, and shaping ... you'll see your pup's learning style and likes.
4. Check out Sue Ailsby [http://sue-eh.ca/] for her training levels
5. For other ideas, search the Forum for KBLover and Wally; and Google