Re: [PyrNet-L] clicker training (was Question:)

["Janice Swenson" <janices@jump.net>]

On 17 Jun 99, at 15:54, Carol Brescher Boyle wrote:
> There are some other people on the list who can explain it
> better than I can. Janis, are you out there?
> 

Who, me?  Yep, I'm here.  I had a computer crash and have been 
offline for about 2 weeks.  Now back.  

Clicker is a part of operant conditioning.  There's one definition at 
http://www.clickertrain.com/whatis.html 

It's training based on shaping through positive reinforcement with 
the clicker as the marker signal.  Call it a training bargain between 
you and your dog.  You give me what I want and I'll give you what 
you want.  The click sound is the primary way of talking to the dog 
in the training process.  It works because you consistently give 
what the click promises.  The primary reinforcer is something the 
dog naturally wants.  It can be food, play, game, etc.  It is not 
something that the dog has to be taught to like.  The conditioned 
reinforcer or also called secondary reinforcer is something the dog 
is taught to like by pairing it with the primary reinforcer.  It can be 
anything: clicker, voice, whistle.  The clicker simply marks a 
correct action.  It provides a clear message that what you did was 
right.  Call it a gold star for doing good.  

What I have found and probably others who use it is the dogs learn 
quicker, even pyrs, and we've found they retain more of what they 
learned over periods of time.  We practically just pick back up on 
training if there's a lapse where we don't train.  They also think 
more about what they do.  Mine will correct themselves without me 
saying anything at times.  Also found produces a dog that is happy 
and willing to work, confident in what they're doing, and confident in 
it's ability to confront and overcome surprises.  

You don't have a dog, as in when use physical corrections, the dog 
is really not working for you, but to avoid the corrections.  

Reference book "Clicker Training for Obedience" by Morgan 
Spector takes you through companion dog stuff to training novice 
to utility level obedience.  

To find someone who trains clicker try 
http://www.wazoo.com/~marge/Clicker_Trainers/
Clicker_Trainers.html 

Janice, janices@jump.net
Admiral & Linsey (newfs), Bianca & Sonny (pyrs)  
http://www.jump.net/~janices/
Leander, TX