|Barked: Wed Jan 9, '08 9:08pm PST |
|How do you stop unwanted behavior, like barking incessantly at guests, without "correcting"?
- either remove the dog from the room for a TO in the crate, ask the dog to do something that he can't do while barking - ie sit, down, touch, or a shake can of pennies dropped on the floor to interrupt the behavior does well. Rule of thumb for unwanted behaviors: Interupt and redirect. Interupt unwanted and redirect to wanted. Make sure that reward heavy for not barking.
When using shaping methods, how do you give actions a command? Like, when Blue randomly does something I want to make a trick, do I click automatically, say the command I want to attach to it, then treat him? Or would I have to use luring and targeting methods for things like wiping his paws, spinning in circles, etc.?
- You don't want to place a cue on a behavior until the dog is readily offering said behavior. Then you will place the cue AS the dog is doing it and right BEFORE the click. Free shaping is done without lures - ie clicking when the dog lays it's head down. You can do shaping with food lures, but you must remember to get off the lure in 5 - 10 reps. Doing things the latter way you would lure, click, then treat.
You can think of using a clicker as a replacement for a verbal marker such as "yes". Anywhere you would say "yes" you would click. Pairing the clicker with food is easy, also known as charging the clicker. You'd start with a handful of treats and just click and treat (C/T for short). As long as the dog is not doing anything annoying C/T. Then start with something easy, such as sit. You can do it one of two ways: you can lure by having the treat between your index and middle finger, slowly bring the treat up and back between the dog's ear. C/T as soon and the dog's butt hits the floor. Repeat. Then you could free shape it. Get a hand full of hig value treats. Let the pup know you have them and then start walking away, when he catchs up to you, stop. Most dogs will stare at you then offer a sit. C/T if he does. Repeat. I tell my students that when the dog is reliably doing the behavior (8/10 tries perfect) you can name it. Name goes as the dog is doing the behavior right before the click.
That should give you an idea on how to use the clicker. Check out http://www.clickersolutions.com http://www.clickertraining.com and http://www.dogwise.com
These should be sites to know and love. Clicker heaven!! If i had a video camera I would show you a live demo. I use it for competitive obedience, agility, and rally-o. If you have any other questions please let me know.
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