Clicker Training Question

[CanadianBella]

I want to try Clicker training Sparky, and I was wondering if anyone else does this with their dogs?
I'm curious as to what treats they use to reward them. Someone told me to just use a 'new' dog food kibble, but Sparky doesn't eat kibble all to often, and probably wont even accept it.

Dried Liver, fresh meat, cesar dog treats... which would be the best?

[lekate]

You should use something healthy for sure, any of the freeze dried meats are great. There's also Zukes which makes mini semi-moist treats, which are healthy and low in fat (except for the pb one).

If he likes fruits or veggies those would work too, but small pieces...

[Andit]

I tried using the clicker with my guys. Lily dog crunched the clicker. Quincy cat stole it & hid it under the fridge.

I did the same sort of training, just used a verbal marker (high pitched sharp YES), to teach Quincy to lick his paw on cue.

There are 2 schools of thought - you can lure the critter into position & mark it, or you can wait til he/she does what you want & mark it. Purists will argue that the lure method is wrong (trust me it's not worth the fuss to have a discussion ).

Is there any reason you're interested in clicker training vs any other kind of training? What tricks can Sparky do?

In terms of treats, what is Sparky's most favourite treat in the whole wide world? I've used everything from Cheerios to pea-sized bits of liver to a lick of yogurt to a piece of shredded cheese.

Good luck with the training. If you have any questions, I`d be happy to help.

[CanadianBella]

You should use something healthy for sure, any of the freeze dried meats are great. There's also Zukes which makes mini semi-moist treats, which are healthy and low in fat (except for the pb one).

If he likes fruits or veggies those would work too, but small pieces...

I just saw some on Amazon and was about to buy some..but I was looking for reviews! Thanks a bunch..

Is there any reason you're interested in clicker training vs any other kind of training? What tricks can Sparky do?

In terms of treats, what is Sparky's most favourite treat in the whole wide world? I've used everything from Cheerios to pea-sized bits of liver to a lick of yogurt to a piece of shredded cheese.

Good luck with the training. If you have any questions, I`d be happy to help.

He gets little A.D.D moments and runs off out of no where, and i'm thinking the click will keep him in line (like *click* here's a treat)
He rolls over, sits pretty, and others, but I want to try him with doing tasks, like closing a cupboard doors, putting his toys in a basket ect.
Favorite treats..hmm..
Meats (cooked and raw), cheese, and breton crackers. Cooked carrots are high up there too, but that'd be hard to work with LOL.

Thank you!!

[CanadianBella]

For the zukes.. I can't choose - salmon or chicken?

[Andit]

He rolls over, sits pretty, and others, but I want to try him with doing tasks, like closing a cupboard doors, putting his toys in a basket ect.
Favorite treats..hmm..

Does Sparky know how to tug on command? Does he like to play tug with a rope or a toy? Once I taught Lily dog to tug (& even more importantly to Drop It), it transferred to a whole bunch of useful tasks. She opens kitchen cupboards (I have her open the garbage cupboard for me when I want to throw something out), she helps me take off socks, gloves, mitts, sweaters, jackets. It even translated to her untying my shoelaces & pulling zippers.

But my little girl is brilliant (way smarter than I'll ever be!).

[CanadianBella]

Does Sparky know how to tug on command? Does he like to play tug with a rope or a toy? Once I taught Lily dog to tug (& even more importantly to Drop It), it transferred to a whole bunch of useful tasks. She opens kitchen cupboards (I have her open the garbage cupboard for me when I want to throw something out), she helps me take off socks, gloves, mitts, sweaters, jackets. It even translated to her untying my shoelaces & pulling zippers.

But my little girl is brilliant (way smarter than I'll ever be!).

Yep! But if you don't engage him and make noise, he'll just leave you with the toy. More times then not, he lets go and I punch myself (because i'm pulling).

I can put food on the ground, he'll go eat it, and I can tell him to 'back up' and he'll back up. I got him to do this because i'd put plate on his food, and if I wanted to add more, or see how much he had left, it's hard because he's sooooo fluffy.