Clicker Training

[Lucy's mama]

I have just started clicker training Banjo and he is very rough and impatient with getting his treat after I have clicked. Is it o.k to click the behaviour I want then delay the treat and ask for 'gentle' (he knows gentle) or will that just confuse him as to what the treat is for - ie for being gentle not for whatever was clicked.

Any other suggestions??

[Staranais]

I don't see any issue with that, as long as the dog is already happy with the command "gentle". If he is not 100% with "gentle", I would teach that first before introducing it into clicker sessions.

My girl often chases the treat around when I clicker train (I wiggle the food & make her chase it a little before giving it to her to make it even more exciting), but she's still only allowed to take it with a soft mouth, even when she is really excited. Setting those boundaries don't kill her desire for the food at all.

[luvsdogs]

You don't have to give the treat by hand, you can throw it on the floor.

http://www.clickertraining.tv/product.html?item=FREE-38

You can also hand feed dog his meal & if he snatches say 'ouch' & he doesn't get fed. Put the food away for a few seconds then bring it back, eventually you don't accept his teeth on your skin.

Then go back to clicker training. Or you could use clicker training for soft mouth but your timing would have to be spot on.

[Lucy's mama]

Thanks. I will start throwing the treat on the floor.

He gets hand fed his kibble by the kids every other day and must be gentle so he modt definately knows it.

[bedazzledx2]

Thats great that he knows the word 'gentle' All you need do is to click and as you present the food say 'gentle' as he is taking it. Another tip is that I see lots of people hold the treat a little high so the dog reaches for it which can encourage a snatch. One of the principles of clicker is to click the action and feed in position. When you feed, shove the food into his mouth so he's not reaching.

Thanks. I will start throwing the treat on the floor.

He gets hand fed his kibble by the kids every other day and must be gentle so he modt definately knows it.

[Lucy's mama]

Thanks bedazzled2. I am teaching a sit on his back legs so yes, I have been holding the treat high. I'm not treating in that position though so thanks for pointing that out. I obviously need to re-read my training book!

[alpha bet]

One thing I do with dogs in class that are rough or snatching - guide the dog to the position you want and click when achieved. Then hold the food with your hand closed over it and present it near to the mouth. Ignore all reactions of the dog trying to get the food out of your hand until he stops and just looks at your hand, then open your hand and present the food.

Dog may try to use his teeth on your hand but a closed fist is not easily hurt. He may also use a paw or his mouth to push at your hand. Just ignore.

If the dog still tries to snatch the food as soon as you open your hand then reclose your hand quickly and wait until he is licking your hand in the attempt to find the food. When he is licking his mouth and mind are softening as tho trying to work out how to get the food, then ease your hand open and his tongue will find the food. In no time he will realise he needs to be soft in his response or the food just isnt available. I don't use any voice at this stage as I want him to work it out for himself.

Once dog has solved this you can use the food without any problem he will understand that the food is yours until you decide to give it to him.

[Lucy's mama]

Thanks Alpha bet. The first part is exactly how we taught 'gentle'. We will start using the second part too now because he does occasionally nose touch your hand, waits for the fist to open and then snatches.

[shmoo]

The clicker is a bridge which marks the correct behaviour and also means, to the dog, that a treat is (for now in this early stage of training) coming.

You don't need speed when giving the treat. This will become more apparent when you fade out the lure.

Alpha bet gives good advice for stopping snatching.