Dog Communication

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

courtesy Daniel Koren on YouTube

This profound movie will probably get you thinking, as it has me. Share your thoughts and tell us what you think your dog thinks along this topic. Is your dog frustrated in his effort to communicate with you? Enjoy!

Dog Lover? Watch This....

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Dogs that Amaze Us: Skidboot

by Carrie Boyko, CEB




I know you enjoyed this video about Skidboot's life. He's been around for a while and is slowing down, but still able to keep on keepin' on. This reminds me a bit of Xena and I'd like to offer a toy giveaway in honor of Xena and Skidboot--two senior dogs that didn't let anything stop them from what they enjoyed.


Xena's all time favorite toy was a sock. Sounds strange, but she always had a sock tucked away in every hiding place around the house. So we've designed a sock toy to honor Xena. It's washable and perfect for your big or small dog. Three winners will be chosen randomly from our comments box. You'll have till next Thursday afternoon to get your comments in on the blog, our Facebook page, and @ tweets to our Twitter handle. Tell us what your senior dog loves to play with. See you tomorrow for the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop...

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Super Cool Dog Owners!

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Only dog lovers can understand this one. Comment if your dog loves you unconditionally!

ASK THE DOG TRAINER: Clicker Training Pros and Cons

by Terry Lynn Cuyler, APDT, CPDT-KA 

Dear Terry:

I have a situation where I could use a little assistance or your recommendation. In training dogs, what situations would you advise using a clicker, and which ones would you prefer another method? I am trying to figure out which is best for what types of training. I do know that some dogs are afraid of it, but aside from that, I'd just like an opinion on the best areas of training for using a clicker. 

Thanks, 

A student of dog training

-----------------------------------------------

Dear student:

The clicker is a fabulous tool for positive reward training.  But, I don't use it in all situations.  There are some trainers who just use clickers occasionally, and some who use it as the basis for all their training.  The effectiveness of the clicker is based on the concept that it is a marker/bridge to let the dog know that THAT particular behavior is the one which will earn it a reward.   As a marker it has the advantage of being unique and something that stands out in the dog's mind.  It also has the advantage of sounding the same no matter who is using it or what emotions the handler is feeling.  So when there are multiple trainers/handlers in a household, the clicker helps give a consistent message.  It also has no emotion attached to it - it is pure and concise.  So if you've had a rotten drive home on I-4, the clicker doesn't impart that anxiousness to your pup.  

The disadvantage is that the handler's timing has to be precise and some folks find it difficult to juggle clicker, treats, leash, dog and their own learning all at the same time.  And as you mentioned, some dogs are fearful of the noise.  Though that can be conquered by using one of the quieter clickers.  The other disadvantage is that most people don't always have a clicker in their pocket and  miss opportunities to tell  a dog she's right.  This can be solved by training an alternative word like "click" or 'YES', to use when your clicker is in the  car instead of your pocket.  Wish someone would invent a jewelry grade clicker I could wear around my neck or wrist........

I  personally find the clicker most useful when I'm trying to shape a behavior.  This means that I have to get small approximations of the behavior and build it up to the finished product.  I don't use it as often for simpler behaviors where I can lure the dog into the finished behavior without having to go through steps.  


For example I might use a simple lure/hand signal to get the dog into a 'down' position.  You can click that, of course, but you don't have to.  Dog follows the treat into a prone position and gets the treat in that position.  She "gets it" that being is that position is what earned her the food.  


If I'm trying to get the dog to go to her bed and lie in it, I will use the clicker to mark small approximations of the end behavior I'm building.  I will begin clicking any interaction with the bed, might toss one or two treats into the bed and click when she's in there, then toss the actual reward treat outside the bed to restart the 'game'.  A clicker savvy dog figures out quickly that it's the bed that gets the treat.  


Then you up the criteria and only click for say, putting a paw on the bed, then for two paws, then getting in, and so on.  It sounds long to write up, but it is really a very quick process and it is amazing to watch the dog learn.  They love the 'game' because they are using their brain and having fun while they learn.

So the quick response is that if the end behavior can be lured or molded such as with a spin or a sit, I feel the clicker is superfluous.  I also have to take into account the ability of the trainer to time the click and coordinate all the parts. But if the end behavior requires chaining several behaviors together, or capturing a behavior like a stretch to turn into a "bow" then the clicker is the perfect tool.  Give it a try! 

A good source for more info is www.clickertraining.com and kikopup's channel on YouTube. Finally, watch for our post coming up this Saturday, December 18, when we will offer an extremely entertaining Kikopup video right here. You're sure to enjoy this wonderful dancing troupe. Don't miss it!

Terry, the Paws Prof

© courtesy TLC

Our ASK THE DOG TRAINER Column can be reached at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com

For more information on Terry Lynn Cuyler and her training, you may find her at Paws Prof. 

A personal appointment with a trainer will likely provide more specific information on your dog's issues and your questions.

The PawsProf's advice does not replace an actual consultation with a qualified trainer.

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Animal Pairings: They Teach us the Meaning of True Companionship

by Carrie Boyko


Every now and than you just need a good laugh. Watch these amazing animal pairings as they show us how species can interact in peace and harmony:


Did you laugh? I hope you're feeling more relaxed now. That was the whole idea. Give your dog a hug and remember how much two completely different beings can enjoy the company of one another.

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Remember the Hound and the Orangutan? Move Over....Here Comes Bella and the Elephant:

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2010 Westminster Winner: Sadie

Just for fun, let's watch the annual Westminster Dog Show finals. This is one of those events I have to set aside my personal feelings about show dogs and just sit back and enjoy the majesty of their beauty. These are our dogs' relatives, no matter how distant. It's much bigger than a few dogs--sort of like a parade of nations in their native costumes. I hope you enjoy.... 

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