Clicker Training Resources

[Kavik]

I am going to be instructing a class and I am looking for a site that has a simple easy to understand explanation of clicker training/reward markers that I can hand out to the class. Just on what they are/what they do, nothing too specific.

Any ideas?

Edited May 27, 2010 by Kavik

[Tassie]

Don't have time to check - but there could be something useful Here

[Kavik]

OK thinking this one might work - I am looking for something very simple as some of these people will not have done much training and I don't want to confuse them with operant conditioning terms.

http://www.clickersolutions.com/articles/2...gtheclicker.htm

[Tassie]

Yep - I'd use most of that - but maybe leave out a few things - like the fading the clicker and the variable schedule - that can come later. personally, I'd also leave out the click ends the behaviour - cos there's arguments about that anyway - and just concentrate on getting the message across that the click (or the marker word, which is what I teach as well cos I'm a klutz in juggling things and my class are on leads) marks the behaviour (or the good effort), and signals good things for dogs are coming - treat, game, whatever the reward is.

I do like the camera analogy - that helps to get the timing thing across.

The ways NOT to are really good.

And I'd probably add in (without necessarily using the terms) the idea of criteria and approximating and small steps - gradually upping the criteria. I will do this with dogs that are resisting down (often terrier types - smaller, stiffer legged dogs)) - if I'm using the fold-back down - which is often easier for these dogs, I'll mark and reward an elbow bend a couple of times, then just keep the lure in place - dog can smell, lick, but not have - until the rest of the body goes down - then mark and big party reward. Works pretty much every time, saves a lot of frustration, and gets the idea of splitting and approximation across really well.

[Bully]

Shirley Chong website is excellent. Be sure to download the 2 free books "Just Plain Clicker Sense" and "The Clicker Cookbook"

[alpha bet]

Kavik,

Really you might find it easier just to write a short little introduction yourself.

You know the people you are dealing with and can highlight just the basic principles and objectives.

Many of the articles end up getting to involved and complicated for someone starting out.

Also you don't have to worry about any copyrite issues

Edited May 29, 2010 by alpha bet