Clicker training. Dogs already know.
(In response to “Dog has become fearful and aggressive” here at The Dish)
I couldn’t agree with Darcie more. We learn from and because of our dogs with “issues”. If medical concerns are ruled out then learn about clicker training ASAP. I only just learned the difference between “clicker training” and “training with a clicker” True clicker training is a whole philosophy that is much more than getting your dog to do what you want as fast as possible. It is about having a cooperative partnership with your dog, it is about communication, it is about your dog learning to learn, think and make choices. While some dogs may have the temperament to survive punishment and dominance-based methods and learn stuff this will be a disastrous approach with a fearful and aggressive dog. (and isn’t the best approach for any dog). Some of the books and people who have helped me with my fearful boy are Scaredy Dog by Ali Brown, Click to Calm by Emma Parsons, Control Unleashed by Leslie McDevitt, and The Thinking Dog: Crossover to Clicker Training by Gail Fisher. Of course there are many more, but these are the ones that have been specifically helpful for using the clicker approach for working with fearful and reactive behavior. There is also a group list for Click to Calm that you can join. You can get answers from other trainers who have a wealth of experience in dealing with these situations. It’s a wonderful support group. Best wishes to you and your dog Jill M
Jill is right and I’ll go a step further. Your dog already knows how to think and make choices, he’s already learned what works for him and he uses that knowledge to his advantage, he does it every day. Your dog already knows how to get you to pet him, or feed him, or throw the ball, or open the door, or move over when he wants up next to you on the couch…he trained you to do all of those things.
Your dog already knows how to do the things you want him to do….sit stay, lie down, wait, sit pretty, fetch, retrieve, come to you, quit barking, and tons of other stuff that are generally referred to as “tricks”. The thing that clicker training gives you is an open communication with the dog so he’ll do these things he already does…when you ask him to. That’s when it becomes a “trick”.
With clicker training, you can teach a dog to do things he normally wouldn’t do, too, like walk on his front feet. I’d caution that only dogs who are in prime condition be trained to do that, it can put unnatural stress on the joints. And things like quit pulling on the leash, walk by your side in heel position, stop a dog who loves to bark from barking with a simple word or gesture, go get your purse and bring it to you. My point is, with clicker training, you really can teach something new, something a dog normally wouldn’t do in their daily, normal life, because, like Jill has said, dogs do learn new things.
When the lines of communication are opened, dogs who show aggression and fear can be taught that they don’t have to respond with aggression or fear. We can teach them a better way, a way that they will come to know works for them and the fear and aggression subside or are eliminated altogether. This training and behavior changing can save their life. You do have to think about this a bit. Know what you want the dog to do instead of the fear or aggressive behavior, that’s the thing that you’re going to show him with your training.
If you are new to dog aggression and fearful dogs or are afraid of your dog, please find a positive trainer who can help you. Making big mistakes with a dog who is already moving quickly to being a red zone dog can make that progression happen more quickly. It’s not what you want.
I’d suggest that you read everything about dog body language and behavior that you can get your hands on. The more you understand about dogs, the better trainer you will be for your own dog. Be discerning about the information that you read, not all authors, behaviorists, and trainers are created equal.
Please do learn how to clicker train before you start working with your dog with a clicker….there is a right time to click…you will be amazed at the communication you open.
Communicating with dogs and having them show you that they understand and respond to you with that understanding is nothing short of…incredible. It will warm your heart and make you laugh out loud when it happens. It doesn’t take an expensive course of study or a lot of expensive anything. A book or a DVD, a clicker, and treats or a toy are all you need to start talking to your dog. – Darcie
(SitStay.com is having a huge 50% off book sale for most books. Clicker training books are included. There’s never been a better time to start Clicker Training!!)
