It’s ok! We’re here to help. We speak a little dog and can help translate for both of you. It’s probably just a miscommunication! And we are here to help get you both speaking the same language! Woof!
Connect with the PAWpundance training team and other members of the dog community to discuss better ways to communicate with your furry house guest.
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When we began with Buckee, he was so scared - he barked the entire time we were in their home. He did finally calm down to a low moaning sound from under the couch by the time we left.
After my first week with Buckee, which was slow and "ruff", we became buddies. One big moment was when Buckee was able to take treats from me.
I have a few videos about how to load the clicker: here is another one. I am clicking and delivering a treat. I began with Buckee when I was still pretty green so I can always see critiques in my old videos (even stuff from last month... always processing!!)
There is a story in the Snowball video about working with Hoomans and clickers as an example on how to teach clicker training. However positive reinforcement and specifically clicker training in humans might be the way of the future. Remember that the clicker is just a way to communicate the timing. This moment, this thing you just did - this was correct.
Karen Pryor, who is one of the researcher working with animals that pioneered clicker training, is now working with surgeons to help them learn their craft. This study is to see if young doctors can progress faster with quick, direct, positive feedback... um wow - doesn't that type of feedback in the learning process sound amazing for like... anything.
Imagine getting a clear concise "Yes!!" every time you performed a correct action. If I loaded a clicker by correlating the click with something... that conveys good vibes - think - "Let's make a deal".
Then let's say you want to learn to waterski. Instead of shouting from the boat, all I do is give you a few key points and just have a "click" (something similar that you can hear). Every time you have a "win" and perform an action correctly, I can give you a click. Imagine learning to waterski very quickly and having a good feeling about it, every step feels like a win. Like you are trying, trying and then click - checking off the list and on to the next step. It feels like progress and momentum.
I always tell my clients that we plan a linear progression but because each step builds energy and momentum - it will move exponentially. So it feels soooo slow in the beginning. Then there is a turning point and we just keep knocking skills off the list. And that is how amazing clicker training is when it works.
So when I see trainers bragging about being able to train without treats/clickers. Um ok. But CAN you train with a clicker? My thought is maybe this person is sloppy with the clicker and gave up. I see how sloppy I was with the clicker when I began and I'm constantly working to tighten up my timing so that I can communicate with my pups. Because - I think this training technique will be a skill that we use in the future with each other and with our youth.
Keep your eye on Karen Pryor. She's AMAZING and if she's doing it now... she's carving the path for the future. So learn it now - And this will be a life skill in the future.
https://www.npr.org/2018/06/04/616127481/when-everything-clicks-the-power-of-judgment-free-learning
Welcome to PAWpundance Dog Training Academy on Locals.com!
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We want to see your furbabies!
We’re here to assist with any questions you may have about training, behavior, and more. At PAWpundance, we believe in blending knowledge with a bit of fun—expect plenty of paws, puns, and maybe even a dance or two! Together, let’s enjoy some laughs and build stronger relationships with our pups.
Our Philosophy:
We’ve invited another species to live in our homes, and our dogs are much more than accessories; they’re our guests. They don’t speak our language, and like in the movie E.T., we don’t want to be the intimidating figures trying to coerce a scared, confused being. Instead, we want to be like ...
Eye Contact, Eye Contact, Eye Contact!
Reward every glance. Start by reinforcing brief glances, then encourage your pup to hold your gaze a bit longer. Gradually phase out your part of the eye contact—your pup will learn to watch you and adapt to your movements naturally. This approach helps them learn to walk with you without relying on leash cues.
Remember, the leash is purely for safety—not for communication.
Take a look at this video with Meghan and Buckee. Buckee is watching Meghan closely, and she rewards him by making eye contact, smiling, and offering treats. Meghan also looks forward occasionally, teaching Buckee to walk with her in sync.
Notice that Buckee is a reactive pup, so the leash is essential for safety, especially if he responds to something unexpectedly. However, it’s only used for physical control when necessary. When Buckee refocuses, Meghan reestablishes instructional control, and they continue their walk together. She does a fantastic job of engaging with him! In ...
Loose-Leash Walking Tip:
Where you reward makes a big difference! Try using the hand on the same side as your dog when giving treats or praise.
When you reach across your body to reward with the opposite hand, it draws your dog’s nose in front of you, encouraging them to move ahead and potentially start pulling.
In the video of Meghan and Domino, Meghan holds the leash with her left hand while Domino walks on her right. She rewards him by petting and giving treats with her right hand. This keeps Domino walking by her side on a loose leash, rather than in front, pulling her along.
Next time you’re out walking with your pup, try rewarding with the hand on the same side as your dog.
https://twitter.com/wholedogjournal/status/1295508215740932098?s=21
How to teach you pup to be a good dining companion! What a great skill!
https://twitter.com/wholedogjournal/status/1292609106637987840?s=21
This is about counter-surfers, but I love the description of trying to shame dogs. This author, Pat Miller helped me understand this concept in her book the Power of Positive Dog Training.
If you’re still on Twitter, the Whole Dog Journal is a great group to follow. Lots of fantastic info!
