This is fascinating stuff - thank you for pointing the way to it @sanjibasenji
Positive Training For Show Dogs
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I have been reading Positive Training for Show Dogs by Vicki Ronchette and wanted to recommend it as a good resource for positive/clicker training solutions for training you dog for the show ring. It describes many techniques that I have used with my own dogs and has great step by step ways to work on various show ring problems.
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It looks like a good book. I added it to my amazon.com wish list.
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Do basenjis in general respond well to the clicker? I tried to use one once & had them both freaked out in 5 minutes - even piggy Denver wouldn't come for the treats!
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Yes, basenjis generally respond well to a clicker. If they are bothered by the loudness of the click there are clickers that you can buy that are adjustable. You can basically dial down the click so it isn't as loud.
How did you introduce the clicker?
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If they are a little freaked, you can put the clicker in your pocket to muffle the sound until they get used to it. Some of them are pretty loud, which I find useful for noisy rooms, but obviously not good for your situation right now.
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I suppose the clicker I have is loud - it's just a simple one from PetCo. I had put the clicker in 1 pocket & treats in the other. I had them do sits, downs, roll overs, etc…& clicked right before I gave them the treat. I didn't let them see it - should have I let them inspect it?
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Did you teach them what the clicker means first before using it with commands? Usually you start by just clicking and treating over and over again until they associate the click with the treat. After that, they usually are pretty excited to hear the click because they know it means treat.
Edit: And no, they don't need to see it, necessarily. It's the sound they associate. Although, mine know where the sound comes from and often stare at the clicker, I think to try and mentally make it click.
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Here is a link to a short 7 day online clicker training class that goes over the basics. There are lots of good books on the subject too.
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Yes, I did, but I may have muddled it all together - I was very abrupt with the introduction. I think sometimes I expect things to be that simple, this in particular because they already know commands & love treats - I thought I could slide that sound right in there…..
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Here is a link to a short 7 day online clicker training class that goes over the basics. There are lots of good books on the subject too.
Thank you - I am checking this out right now!
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Just give it a little more time. After they get used to the clicker sound a little more, I would suggest teaching them a command they don't already know first so that you can get the full effect of how the method works. "Touch" is one of my favorites. Just stick you finger or palm out, and when your dog sticks it nose out to sniff and touch it, click/treat (you could also smear something yummy/smelly on your palm too). I've found that they pick that up pretty quick. Once they offer the "touch" several times, then start saying "Touch" right before you click, and move from there.
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Just give it a little more time. After they get used to the clicker sound a little more, I would suggest teaching them a command they don't already know first so that you can get the full effect of how the method works. "Touch" is one of my favorites. Just stick you finger or palm out, and when your dog sticks it nose out to sniff and touch it, click/treat (you could also smear something yummy/smelly on your palm too). I've found that they pick that up pretty quick. Once they offer the "touch" several times, then start saying "Touch" right before you click, and move from there.
You know, that sounds like a pretty darn good idea! I wonder if I could use this to help stymie Denver's aloofness with some strangers, as well as help him along with being handled…
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You know, that sounds like a pretty darn good idea! I wonder if I could use this to help stymie Denver's aloofness with some strangers, as well as help him along with being handled…
Yep you can use a clicker for that too. I used a clicker to help me touch both of my dogs mouths, to brush their teeth, look at their teeth, touch their feet, hold their head, etc. when needed.
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Yep you can use a clicker for that too. I used a clicker to help me touch both of my dogs mouths, to brush their teeth, look at their teeth, touch their feet, hold their head, etc. when needed.
I'll give it a try - maybe I can find a different clicker, one with a softer pop. It's funny sometimes how the cookie crumbles - I can't show Trinity, yet she's the one who lets me get right in her face, in her mouth, stands still when I want to inspect her…:p
