[nagdu] Command Warm-ups

[Tami Jarvis via nagdu]

You can get a clicker at any pet store for pretty cheap. Unless you want 
to be picky. I like the iClick from clickertraining.com and order them 
online. But the basic clicker you can get at a pet store works just 
fine. The clicker isn't absolutely essential, but it is a very handy 
tool. Clicking the exact instant you get the behavior you want is more 
precise than praise, but praise works.

To teach the touch cue, start by holding a treat in your hand where the 
dog can see it. When the dog touches the treat in your hand, click (or 
praise) and release the treat. Repeat a time or two. Then hold out your 
hand, covering the treat. When the dog touches your hand, click and 
uncover the treat so the dog can have it. Then start adding the command 
for the behavior.

Some people like to have the dog touch their closed fist. I use the 
closed fist for something else, so I hold out my first two fingers for 
the touch, holding the treat in my folded down fingers. Pretty quickly, 
you won't need to have the treat in hand to get the touch. I do 
reinforce that one frequently, since it is so handy for redirecting from 
distractions.

I use the same hand configuration -- last three fingers folded down over 
a treat (at first) -- for other hand signals, like sit, down and stay, 
since the dog's attention is already on the hand. So it's right handy. 
/smile/

Tami

On 05/26/2014 06:04 PM, Kristen via nagdu wrote:
> I think I understand the touch cue, but how would you go about teaching
> it and carrying out the desired behavior? Also, do you need an actual
> clicker device to do clicker training? If so, where do you buy them?
> --
> Kristen
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Alyssa via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org
> Date sent: Mon, 26 May 2014 18:04:53 -0500
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Command Warm-ups
>
> Kristen,
> As for his lunging after cars, it is a good idea to divert his attention
> when cars are coming. This is as simple as making him sit or teaching
> the touch cue which others have mentioned. I understand the frustration
> though. My previous guide had major issues with scavenging and sniffing.
> She wouldn't give it up no matter what we worked on. I hope the same
> isn't true for you. Best of luck.
> Alyssa
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On May 26, 2014, at 12:19 PM, Kristen via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
> Hi everyone--
>
> How often do you do obedience with your guide, practicing and reviewing
> commands? Also, how long do you spend on it, and what particular
> commands do you go over?
>
> When I was in training with Corvette last summer, they had us reviewing
> commands every morning. I've done it sporadically over the school year,
> as I thought he was doing well and had his commands down. Now, I began
> taking him outside every morning for the last few days to warm up. I
> feel there are some commands he could be more familiar with (maybe he's
> forgotten them or just being lazy), and this has seemed to let him know
> that I am in control and not to tug in whatever direction he chooses.
> (For example, if I am walking outside and he sees cars, he will
> immediately tug that way, wanting to get in one as fast as he can to
> leave. Another thing with Corvette is trying to get him out from under
> things, such as desks, restaurant tables, and out of the car. He's
> become a little stubborn, wanting to stay put when I'm ready to leave.)
>
> If he has forgotten or slacked on a command, any recommendations on how
> to reteach or develop new ones?
>
> Thanks for any suggestions/input! The school I attended, KSDS, has lots
> of documentation; however, none of which is in Braille or an accessible
> format. I would like to have this, as he is my first guide, and we're
> still getting used to everything. I'm going to a retreat there this July
> to hopefully help us fine tune a few skills.
> --
> Kristen
>
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