[nagdu] clicker training

[Tamara Smith-Kinney]

Rox,

Great explanations.  I was trying to think of how to answer Meghan's
questions late last night and decided to give it time.  Because we were
first-timers together, Mitzi and I were not nearly so organized.  Also, I
had quite a bit more residual vision to use, so I could use it some to
reinforce behaviors that avoided obstacles.  If that makes sense.  And I did
a lot of going about with my youngster on leash, praising and clicking and
treating like the wind for good behavior.  She picked up an awful lot during
that phase to apply to guide work.

Next time, I'm going to be a lot blinder -- maybe even total by then (I
hope!) -- so will have to use my brain a lot more to figure out how to teach
some of the skills.

Still, a fully clicker trained dog is a whole 'nother animal from one who
learns by avoiding punishment.  /smile/ Once the dog understands how
rewarding it is to give me the behavior I want, she starts offering up
behaviors that will get the click or the praise.  /smile/  As the learning
process continued with Mitzi, she would begin offering up more and more
appropriate behaviors because she was learning to make better choices.
That's when things get really fun, and you get to spend a lot of time being
totally awed by your brilliant, clever dog!  Love it.

Tami Smith-Kinney

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of The Pawpower Pack
Sent: Saturday, July 31, 2010 10:28 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] clicker training

I have noticed in my past dogs who were traditionally trained, a  
tendency to become stressed or worried when I give a correction after  
say running me into an object.  I correct, and we rework and the dog  
is most likely trying to figure out how she can avoid another  
correction.
With my clicker trained dogs, they view a reset as another  
opportunity.  It is a chance to try a different behavior to see if  
they can make the clicker click and get a reward.  They are thinking,  
and want to have that reward whether it be food or a toy or whatever.

The difference is amazing.
I eventually stop using the clicker so intensely once I think the  
behaviors are fluent, however I do occasionally give a click and treat  
at random just to keep it interesting.  I also use it more when we're  
in a high stress environment like a blindness convention.

Rox and the Herbal HenchHounds
Bristol (retired), Mill'E SD. and Laveau Guide Dog, CGC.
"It has always been the prerogative of children and half-wits to point  
out that the emperor has no clothes. But the half-wit remains a half- 
wit, and the emperor remains an emperor."-- Neil Gaiman
http://www.pawpowercreations.com/retreat.html
pawpower4me at gmail.com
AIM: Brissysgirl

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