Fearful of the Clicker - Now what?

Poor Bela and Beau. I haven't heard of dogs being scared of it until just now. Honestly, a regular clicker isn't going to work for my friend's dog either. I mean, she dropped food out of her mouth (well, more like spit it out) and ran to another room. And then didn't want to come out. I suggested the pen, it's a ton softer. If not, verbal cue is just fine. ;)

This poor little girl got so freaked out during a flyball demo, she literally jumped up into my arms. Surprised me, that's for sure. She was shaking so badly, I walked as far away as possible and she was still shaking.

I guess she's always been like this. There was never any traumatic moment. I feel bad for these pups. Its just sad that the noises bother them.
 
I second the clicky pen. I used that to train mice.

I would also desensitize the dog to the clicker because I think if the dog is freaked out by a little click, there must be a lot more sounds that would frighten it, and it would be good place to start teaching the dog that such noises are really not that scary. It also will help build the dog's confidence.
 
There are many good and right advices, but don't forget, that you can train the most without a clicker, too. :wink2:
Six years ago I had a Sheltie, that had no fear of the sound of a clicker, unless he was meant. Some day a Parson Russel bit the valve out of a squeeking ball, so the ball made "ffft, ffft" - and a Barny compatible clicker was born :lol:
 
Hey, one of the reasons I never used a clicker with Buffy is that she was initially scared of it, too, as a puppy. She definitely didn't associate it with anything positive and often started and then looked around whenever it was used.

I did find a new clicker that is quieter. But usually I use a vocal marker, like a happy "yes." You could also try clicking with your mouth.
 
Pebbles hates clickers and I tried many different kinds. I was determined to make it work and it just made her dislike the training sessions. "Good Girl" works for us and I have not had any problem teaching her anything so far.
 
I remember someone mentioned using the top of a Snapple bottle...the cap has that safety thing and makes a nice soft double click when you push it.
 
Thanks everyone. My co-worker said she's been using it a bit more this weekend and it seems her dog is acclimating to the sound. Less fearful which is a good thing. I told her if she's still freaked out and shows no sign of improvement, stop, because you'll only associate fear with the noise.

Someone suggested a half dead squeaker, since this little girl LOVES LOVES LOVES squeaky toys and that's her reward, we decided against it. LOL. I had thought of it too, but realized, I didn't want to associate any type of squeaky or dead squeaky with clicker, since she likes to squeak toys herself and kills them fast. It's a rat terrier, what do you expect.

I'll have to see how they're progressing.
 
I bought a clicker to try myself...The one I purchased can be adjusted (can all of them?) to 3 tones, 1 is rather muted, but distinct. My 2 big boys learned quickly that clicker/command = treat. Timmy, age 10, isn't fazed by much and is fine w/ the noise. My baby, Bandit, age 3.5 is terrified!! Dash was badly abused and has been w/ us for 6 years now. He's 11+. But he is ok w/ the clicker. Bandit is still a baby and really just learning to be a puppy now. He was badly abused also, and really "lost" the first 2 years of his life...and has been w/ us for 5+ months. He trusts us and will even come now when I call his name. A huge step. I use the most muted setting on the clicker, but he freaks out....I am curious to see if he adjusts....maybe in time?? Not sure. I might call a trainer w/ our rescue to get her thoughts, but am curious if others have had abused dogs come out of their shells w/ the clicker?

Thanks for posting this topic!!!
 
Hey copper5228, you might want to start your own thread about your abused rescue dog. Although I'm not one of them I know many of the forum members have experience rehabilitating rescue dogs, even beyond clicker training. And I know they would have some good suggestions. Your comment and issue might get lost here. :smile2:
 
eneda said:
Pebbles hates clickers and I tried many different kinds. I was determined to make it work and it just made her dislike the training sessions. "Good Girl" works for us and I have not had any problem teaching her anything so far.
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Same here Eneda,I just give her a happy" good girl" and we have had training sucess with this. And , honestly, I find clickers annoying myself.
 
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