Thread: Clicker Training

I'm not trying to get ahead of myself but I'm now starting to buy things for the new arrival. I've read a bit about clicker training but not sure whether I should invest in this type.

Mostly because I'm wondering if all training is done with a clicker and they associate that with doing the right thing what happens in the field on dogs and birds when they do the right thing but instead of clicking I shoot or pass up the animal. if they're associating a click with correct behaviour will they think in the field that they are behaving incorrectly when they don't hear it? Or am I just over analyzing it?

I'm determined to make this dog a machine, and am willing to put all the work I have to into her to get her that way. I'm aware I'll make mistakes and have to let her be a pup but after all that I want a good hunting dog.

Cheers

BH

nah... scrap that...
a whistle and a lead is all you need to train a gun dog... and have experienced dog handlers to watch and learn from...

I don't use clicker training but I can see it useful for those who don't use their voice well. You know, the people who can only speak to their dog in either a growl or no inflection in tone.
The clicker starts off being used with food, so for those that throw up their hands in horror, useless.
I use anything that works for me and the dog.

Basically you start with click and reward (food), click and reward - so the two are associated together for the dog. Then you begin to use the click to show the dog it is doing something good (what you want) or performed what you asked of it well.
If you are able to say "good dog" (or whatever) and sound like you mean it, then you don't need a clicker, but you can use the same principle.

I use a clicker as well as verbal cue "Good boy !"

The difference between the two is that with the clicker, I ALWAYS reward with a treat.

I tend to use the clicker in the beginning to teach something new and make sure the dog learns what particular behaviour it is being rewarded for. Timing is critical, you need to click when they do what you want them to do, not before or after...

Hmmmm, the clicker debate waxes and wans...in a rhythm all of its own...I do not like the concept as you are needing a gadget...

Another way to look at it... if you don't entertain the thought, it is one less thing you need to worry about

The only place a clicker has in gundog training is...

Hmmm. Still thinking. Haven't thought of one yet

Originally Posted by EeeBees

Hmmmm, the clicker debate waxes and wans...in a rhythm all of its own...I do not like the concept as you are needing a gadget...

Not necessarily. Pavlov used a bell - you can use whatever you want. A "yes!" or even saying "Click!" can be the marker of good behaviour. Or a visual cue, the list goes on....

BH, do some research into Classical Conditioning and Operant Conditioning. I like to use these terms, as people immediately think "fucking useless hippy bullshit" when the words "clicker training" pop up.

Good luck - I'm obviously a strong advocate.

Originally Posted by Dougie

"fucking useless hippy bullshit"

Er, did I hear someone calling my name ?

Originally Posted by ebf

Er, did I hear someone calling my name ?

BWahaha I like you too much to let you out in the public wearing socks and sandals!!! You do look German remember, be careful...

Originally Posted by Pointer

The only place a clicker has in gundog training is...

clicking your mouse when flipping through forum threads...

the glorious clicky sound as you close the Beretta when dog is on hot scent...

Originally Posted by EeeBees

the glorious clicky sound as you close the Beretta when dog is on hot scent...

Or Yildiz!!!

that time honoured click should the neck of the Balvenie bottle skiff against the rim of crystal...