problem with clicker training

[cowboy147]

hey yall,
I just got back from college and wanted to refresh buddy's tricks, and hopefully get him back to listening to us. I figured that clicker training would be the way to go. The way I read was to start off by clicking then giving a treat, and do this several times till he learns that the click means treat. Well I started doing this tonight and it started off not too bad, about 10 clicks in he started to freak out when I clicked. He didn't really do anything bad just got scared and would try to go hide in the basement. Any idea how to get around this. Now whenever I click he runs off.

 

[corgipower]

I have one dog that gets worried about the sound of the clicker. For him, I use a verbal marker - "yesssss", but ideally I would go buy a different style of clicker that had a less worrisome sound.

 

[Dekka]

Yes there are quiet clickers... but you can also use a ball point pen and click that. If you have a box clicker sometimes you can put tape on it to muffle the sound.

 

[dr2little]

I run into quite a few dogs that really get a bit freaked out by the clicker..even muffled in my pocket.

I'd just use a verbal marker like corgi suggested. I consistent sounding 'yes' or 'check' is what I usually use. Both words have sharps in them so as long as you're consistent with whichever one you choose, it'll work every bit as well as any marker tool (clicker/whistle).

 

[Kayla]

One other option is to try using a whistle, like Dekka and Doc mentioned you can try muffling the clicker in your pocket, but some dogs do find it startling.

The only nice thing about using a whistle or clicker over a verbal marker is it's much more distinct than a verbal marker like "Yes".

Let us know how it goes,

Kayla

 

[Dekka]

or you can try any other sharp clear noise. AND it depends on what you are training. I can't say yes fast enough to mark Dekka's behaviour. The word takes to long and there seems to be some confusion on her part as to what part of the 'yes' went with what part of what she was doing (if that makes any sense lol)

If you can snap your fingers and that doesn't bother him that can work.. Or I have had some trainers tell me to try saying a letter. "B" for example as its faster and sharper than Good or yes.

Once again it depends on the kind of tricks you are going for and how much precision you need and how fast your dog offers things.