[nagdu] clicker training

[Julie J.]

Lora,

Sorry you had an accident.  I used to do doors just like you described 
until a random discussion on this list clued me into that not being the 
best way! So your not alone in making mistakes. *smile*

I do use clicker training when I'm introducing a new behavior, refining 
an existing one or brushing up on old skills.  Each dog is different and 
how long you use treats is partly up to how long it takes the dog to 
catch on, how complex the behavior is and how you view using treats in 
your training.    Generally speaking I use treats heavily in the 
beginning of training a new skill.  In a training session lasting 5 
minutes I might go through 30 or more treats.  My goal is to be clicking 
and treating every few seconds.  I c/t every time the dog gets a tiny 
bit closer to what I want.  For example in the door situation I might 
first click when the dog takes a step back, then for two steps, then 
when he's behind me, then 3/4 around, then at my right side, then for a 
step forward etc.  Of course that's oversimplified, but I hope you get 
the idea.

I use that level of treats only in the initial learning phase of 
training.  Once the skill comes together I will decrease the amount of 
treats used.  I'd expect that I could teach a clicker savvy dog with 
advanced training something like this in one to two sessions per day 
over a few days.  After that I'd practice with different types of doors 
in different locations with varying levels of distraction.  During this 
phase of training I might only give a treat at the completion of the 
task.  After I am confident that the skill is solid I will randomly give 
treats for a job well done.

My views on using treats during training are more liberal than many 
guide dog users and trainers.  Monty will most certainly work for me 
without treats and he does quite frequently.  He is highly food 
motivated and I enjoy using treats in our training.  It works for us, so 
I see no need to change.

I hope that helps you figure out what is best for you in your 
situation.  Unfortunately there is no absolute right or wrong answer 
here.  You just have to find what works for you and what you are 
comfortable with.

all my best,
Julie


8/30/2011 9:00 AM, Lora wrote:
> Hello
> My dog's foot got caught in a door about three weeks ago. I was
> heeling him like I thought my school wanted. I later found out I was
> doing it slightly wrong. I am now wanting my dog to go to my right
> side for right handled doors. I have been teaching this to him. He
> understands the concept but unless I have treats he will not complete
> the task. I have been clicking and treating for about two to three
> weeks now. How long do people click and treat with their dogs? Any
> suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.