clicker training when to stop?

S

sgtfrog

Forums Regular
I'm thinking about possibly starting Milli with a clicker sound for training new tricks/ unwanted behaviors ( like "leave it" command and what not)... Speaking about Milli. She's been doing great. Her leg is healing nicely and the vet is changing her cast to a Soft cast next week. She's a bit over 14 inches and weighs 15 pounds at 19.5 weeks old ...

Anyways...This threads not about clicking techniques or how to do it. I can find more than enough information online and on Youtube about this.

I'm just wondering, how long do people actually use a clicker for? I mean dogs pick up on tricks/ behavior fairly quick ( especially ) So how much longer after she's learn the "trick/behavior" do you keep using the clicker ? Or is the clicker just used to teach new things?

I'd hate if I'm stuck having to bring a clicker everywhere i go when i want her to "listen" to me if she was conditioned with a clicker... In the end I just want her to listen to me regardless the situation. I know that means ALOT of work. I'm not looking for shortcuts...

So for those who use clickers, When do you eventually stop using one and just use verbal commands?
 
Once the behaviour is fully understood and proofed in different areas the clicker can be removed. How long this takes depends on the dog but all it means is don't ask for any tricks you are in the middle of shaping and proofing when you don't have a clicker, though if you're dead against carrying one you could just use a word instead to mark the behaviour.
 
As already said, once she is doing the behaviour instantly on command then you can stop clicking. I usually do some of the basic behaviours (like sit, down) with Merlin using the clicker at the start of a training session, it also helps to reinforce the command.

I don't take a clicker on walks, and sometimes I ask for a behaviour when I don't have the clicker (say beg or rollover) and then I just reward, they are smart enough to grasp that.

Clickers are really there for marking the behaviour in the early stages when the dog is learning as a tool to enable a dog to know what is right.

You could also learn to click with your tongue:wink2:
 
Am not huge fan of clickers. I use clicker as laser point to isolate precise behavior, i.e. paw lift, or ear move etc. Which means that my dog is operant and is OFFERING those behaviors. I often use Yes as marker so it is not a big deal for us.
You are very right and there is more than enough info on clicker out there on the net/ books/ DVD etc. Once you read up I think you will figure out your strategies easily enough.
 
I use the clicker when teaching a new behavior and fade it out once my dogs have shown proficiency with the behavior. I usually end up replacing the click with a verbal 'yes' as a reenforcing marker because it never hurts to tell the dog "yes, you did the right thing".
 
i agree with above advice.
I LOVE the clicker :D
You want to NOT ask for behaviour or label it as a command until the dog grasps it in most situations.
That way you don't set dog up for failure, either.
Once it has a label you don't need clicker anymore, or use them like Labgirl said to get focus at the beginning of a session, etc
 
cool thanks for the advice

I've started "clicker" training Milli this week. WOW she picks up much faster when i click the behavior she needs to do. Works great. I've already taught her to go to her room ( her pen where her crate is). She used to be scared to go in there because we would close the door. But now she goes in and out when we're training. Also taught her to "settle" and she goes to her cushion. She knows what these things are now. Obviously shes doing all this for a treat and wouldn't fair too well with distractions YET =).

As for Clicker, I couldn't buy one in my area. Its really hard to find here in korea. I will order one online at somepoint. In the mean time I've been using a Click Pen which seems to be working just fine! Its not as loud as a clicker but does a distinct clicking noise. I know she responds to it because I've taught her to "leave it" when i throw food on the floor and when i throw the food down and say "leave it" she'll just sit there stare at the food and then look at me or stare at my hand ( the one with the clicker) as soon as i click and say "okay" she grabs the food =)..


Great training method!
 
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