Do any of you do Clicker shaping?

[Sheila in SA]

Although I do conventional training (mainly food and clicker) with my 2 dogs, they get at least one session each day. I have recently started doing quite a bit of "Shaping" with the clicker work with Darick. He is so High drive and has much energy that I have found that I can actually make him use his brain and learn to do "silly" things that actually don't matter if it goes wrong. It also uses up some of his energy and when he has finished and he can go lie down and "think" about what he has just done.

So far he has learned to go up four outside steps sideways, he must only go up one step at a time and then down in the same way before he gets his treat. He can turn a full circle on an upturned small bucket and find the "Heel" position from both sides whilst on the bucket. He can get all four feet into a plastic tray measuring 11 1/2 x 7 1/2, he can do "touches", both high and low and today he has learned to pick up a smaller object and put it into a bigger container. He also has learned to place both front feet on a piece of thin planking on the floor.

This may all sound very "silly" but it is a way of making him think - especially when the weather is not good outside.

[Caryll]

Very clever, but I've never gone in for trick training - just isn't me!

[Sheila in SA]

Its not "tricks" for the sake of doing tricks, it teaches the dog to work things out for himself, with shaping you don't actually show the dog what you want he gets rewards only when he shows any interest in what you eventually want him to do. Also because it doesn't interfere with general training it doesn't matter if mistakes are made. It also teaches rear end awareness. So many people omit teaching their dog that they have a rear end. Teaching this actually tightens up on turns etc. making heelwork so much neater.

[Stuart]

I think it is a great idea,.. it wouldnt worry me if it was classed as tricks or not,..Kee is very high energy, and I have to find things to do with her,..and all dogs should do some sort of `work`

Originally Posted by Sheila in SA

Its not "tricks" for the sake of doing tricks, it teaches the dog to work things out for himself, with shaping you don't actually show the dog what you want he gets rewards only when he shows any interest in what you eventually want him to do. Also because it doesn't interfere with general training it doesn't matter if mistakes are made. It also teaches rear end awareness. So many people omit teaching their dog that they have a rear end. Teaching this actually tightens up on turns etc. making heelwork so much neater.

True. I don't think there's anything wrong with tricks either - dogs love learning and interacting with us. The clicker is great for capturing a behaviour the dog does for you to shape, which would take longer with other methods.

I don't do formal obedience with mine, mainly because it's not me, neither is doggy dancing, but they know the basics which is all I need from them. A useful one is 'back up' or teaching the dog to walk backwards.

I must admit to teaching spin, and play dead too - again no purpose, except I think it's cute!

[raffaella]

I use a clicker too recently,the trainer gave it to me to try out ...I started to teach her some tricks and she loves it..also is great for kids, I tell my son how to teach her stuff instead of play fighting with her and he understands now he can do fun things with her that are much more rewarding and he can "show her off" to his friends..

[lauraburns]

I want to clicker train the new pup!

[Stuart]

I have had a clicker for years, I bought it in order to train,..... and have never used it, it has hung on the same hook since the first day,... maybe I will get around to using it someday

[gsdstewart]

..I have a clicker too but have never used...?