Re: [PyrNet-L] Pyrs easy to train???? NOT

[Ann Wetherilt <wetheri@emmanuel.edu>]

Has anyone tried the "clicker" with older dogs? We got clickers and the
training book, but haven't set aside the time yet to really read enough to
start using them with our two (5 1/2 and 6 years old). 
Our trainer, too, emphasized only gentle, non-punitive training methods,
and our dogs respond fine. The nicest thing about that is that if we raise
a hand or a stick, they *know* that a game is in store! The response is
exuberance, not fear. She (our trainer) insisted even that we never refer
to our dogs by any term stronger than "twerp!" Of course, as Peg pointed
out, even when I call them "twerps" it comes out as a term of endearment.
Because Ivy was 5 when we got her, and had not been trained for indoor
behavior, we find training with treats to be the answer--she thinks dried
chicken liver is to die for, and it's amazing how quickly she learned
basic commands! Now she'll do at least most of them when we just use the
voice command. It's too bad she's too shy for the obedience ring, as she
does terrific "comes" and "sits"--but on the other hand, given that you
can't use treats there, she's probably quickly decide it wasn't worth the
effort!
Ann W