(VICT) Re: New member and I clicker
- From: "Ann Edie" <annedie@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <vi-clicker-trainers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 4 Apr 2007 22:47:06 -0400
Hi, AnnaLisa, Dar, and Everyone,
One thing to remember which may make things easier for you in using Clicker
methods is that, once the dog understands clearly the meaning of the click
made by the mechanical clicker, that you can then switch from using the
mechanical clicker to making a click sound with your tongue. At first, the
louder, sharper, distinct sound of the mechanical clicker is helpful in
teaching the dog that this new sound is different and significant, that it
means that he has done something great, and that he has earned a reward.
But once he has learned to listen for the click, you can switch to using a
tongue click.
Most clicker trainers who work with dogs stick with the mechanical clickers.
But I think this is because they may work with the dog at a distance away
from themselves, and they need a loud click sound. But since we work with
our guide animals close to our sides, the dog will have no difficulty
hearing a click made by our tongues. The tongue click has several
advantages: it frees the hands for other uses; it is never out of reach,
lost, broken, or forgotten; and we don't have to fumble around to get it in
position to press. The only disadvantage of the tongue click that I have
found is that it can be hard to click with your tongue if you have a
mouthful of food!
If I am working in a very noisy area, such as in a large room full of other
trainers and dogs, then I will use the mechanical clicker. Otherwise I use
a tongue click both with my guide and with my riding horses. I would think
the tongue click would work well in a church or theater situation, as the
volume of the tongue click can be easily controled, so that practically no
one hears the click except the dog.
Welcome, AnnaLisa, and all the other new members of the list. I hope you
find lots of encouragement, support, and inspiration here, and that you get
your questions answered.
I am Ann, and my guide is Panda, a 6-year-old, black and white, pinto,
female, miniature horse. Panda is entirely clicker trained and clicker
handled. We have been a team for three and a half years.
Best to all,
Ann
----- Original Message -----
From: "AnnaLisa Anderson" <annalisa@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <vi-clicker-trainers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, April 04, 2007 7:46 PM
Subject: (VICT) New member and I clicker
> Hi All,
>
> I joined the list about a week ago and I'm enjoying it so far. I have
> found
> it very helpful and informative. I am just getting started with clicker
> training myself, so it's great to have this resource and a place to bounce
> ideas around. <smile>
>
> My name is AnnaLisa and I am working with my second Leader Dog. Her name
> is
> Sundance, and she is a particularly gorgeous golden retriever, who is 4
> years old. Sunny has taken to clicker training very well so far, so it
> encourages me to keep going. But of course I have lots of questions, so
> I'll probably be posting on here quite often. <smile>
>
> Dar, I just wanted to say that I think I have the I clicker, and it really
> isn't that loud. And it's very easy to work with., It fits very well in
> your hand and you can just press it on anything to easily get a click out
> of
> it. I have mine on one of those wrist reel key chain things that keeps
> the
> clicker very handy. I haven't quite figured out which hand is going to
> work
> best yet... Sometimes I find it easier to use the right hand, unless I'm
> carrying something. But I'm finding it almost impossible to get the
> timing
> right with the left hand, with having to manage the harness and leash--and
> the clicker--all at the same time. It just seems a bit much.
>
> I am also thinking of buying that clickstick somebody mentioned, as I
> think
> that would make it easier to teach Sunny exactly what I mean when I ask
> her
> to find an empty chair or an elevator button. She's got the targeting the
> hand down cold though, so that's a good start.
>
> Thanks to Melinda and Smokey for recommending this list.
>
> AnnaLisa and Sundance
>
>
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>
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