The first thing I teach all my students is how to get and keep their dog’s attention. After all, how can we expect our dogs to come to us, to stay, or learn their cues, if they are paying us no mind.
If you are thinking of trying clicker training, this is a great place to start.
All suggestions in this article are given using a clicker, a little plastic box that makes a click noise when pushed. However, you could substitute a very enthusiastic word like “yes!” for the click. Using a clicker, we mark the dog’s behavior that we want to repeat. One click always equals one treat. It may help to think about using it at times when you would snap a picture.
Charging the clicker
If you have never used a clicker before you first have to teach your dog what they are all about. You start by just clicking and treating several times. Never be stingy with you C/T’s (click then reward with a treat), and always use extra yummy food rewards. Small pea size pieces of soft, high value treats work great.
To help your dog understand what clicking is all about usually only takes a few minutes. All you do is C/T several times in rapid succession. Be sure that when your dog is first learning that you follow with a treat rapidly after the click. Over time, and as your dog learns what clicking is all about, a click will buy you time and you will have a bit longer to produce the treat. Keep in mind that when you are charging the clicker, your dog does not have to do anything, just eat! Resist the urge to say anything at all.
Watch me
If you have envied well-trained dogs who never take their eyes off of their handler, please read on. Reactive dogs or dogs with behavior problems also benefit greatly from attention exercises.
A top rule of dog training is to always set yourself up for success. You can teach watch me on a leash, or even better take your dog to a small quiet room. Stand upright and be ready to C/T the split second your dog looks at you in the eye. Do several short 5 minute sessions of this every day.
Once your dog understands that looking at you reaps rewards, you can then put it on cue. Say your dog’s name one time. If your dog does not look to you, add a kiss noise or funny sound that gets her attention. Do not repeat your dog’s name, or you will teach her to ignore you.
Be generous with treats. Most people make the mistake of not rewarding fast or often enough. Keep those C/T’s coming and catch your dog being good.
Voluntary Attention
Be sure to reward when your dog looks at you. Capture your dog dog looking at you with a C/T, and say their name and C/T simultaneously. This will teach your pup to offer voluntary attention.
Adding distractions
Gradually add distractions but be careful not to over face your dog with too much stimulation too soon. Dogs do not generalize well, and remember if they learned something in the kitchen you need to practice it everywhere. Try attention games first in different rooms of your home and outside near your home, before you take it on the road.
Throwing behaviors
If you find your dog starts to beg and carry on, don’t despair. Your dog is “throwing” behaviors at you. They are trying to figure out what it is that will make you pay off. You have just become your dog’s personal slot machine. That is great! You want your dog to learn to think for itself. Clicker trained dogs are fun to work with and learn how to learn. They are very willing to please. If your dog gets too pushy, just ignore them and end the session.
Jackpot
One click can also equal one jackpot. A jackpot is several high value treats given rapidly in a row with lots of verbal praise for a job well done. We always end our dogs’ training on a good note and a jackpot is a great way to end a training session. You can also add a game of tug or ball if your dog enjoys it.
Trainers tip
If you are using a lot of food treats during the day for training, be sure to feed less at meal times.
Nancy’s blog is sponsored by Doggy Loot.
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