training methods, clicker without the clicker...

[tinksmama]

Ok, I've read so much about the clicker, but i can just see myself losing it and not having it when i need it, so I started yesterday with a special sound,and treat. it seems to be working,now when she hears my"sssss" she looks expectantly at me,waiting for a treat- I think I've seen others who've done this,right? I picked a sound that's easy to remember, but not one we do all the time,it's a drawn out snake sound,along with "good girl"-
I fed her breakfast this a.m. as training -she ate more than she ever did, She's on a serious NILIF program anyway,and Shirley Chong's site said to feed for commands a few times a week this way.

[Doberluv]

Sounds good. If you say, "good girl" at other times, though.....when you maybe don't give a treat, I wouldn't use that as your marker word. Just use the "ssssss." And that's because when you use a marker word or clicker, you MUST treat every time, no matter what or it loses it's function and meaning. I tell my dogs, "good dog" or whatever lots and don't give a treat...just for little things. But when training where I need to be marking a behavior, I use just my marker word or clicker in association with the treat. I also give treats without using a marker word or clicker. The dog does something properly but I'm not using the clicker at that time....or it's an already understood behavior, I may give a treat and praise at those times.

[tinksmama]

Ok good advice....

[Citrus007]

I'm using a clucking sound, however she doesnt seem to understand it means treat even though I followed the instructions.

[Doberluv]

Is it loud and distinctive enough do you think? How exactly did you go about priming her?

[tinksmama]

The sssss, works well, b/c it's different enough from normal sounds that she perks her ears when I do it...