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Training techniques

Pug_basket

Steven, Shelby, and I have been attending puppy training classes. Our homework was to teach Shelby a new trick using one of the techniques we learned in class: luring, capturing, or steering. Luring is the technique we use the most. Basically, we get Shelby to do something by having her follow a treat.

Capturing involves more vigilence on our part. We have to wait for Shelby to do something trick-like, and then reward her for it. I've been trying to capture her morning stretch, but she doesn't always do it, so this is taking a while.

The third and most interesting technique was steering. This is used with clicker training. As Shelby gets close to what I want her to do, I click and give her a treat. This leaves Shelby trying all sorts of things to figure out what behavior gets her the treat. I used this technique to teach her to fetch a basket.

October 25, 2004 | Permalink

Comments

Oh that's really neat! I can't wait to get Riley into training. He's only 10 weeks old and last week already learned how to SIT on command and is learning so many other things so quick. I have to learn about clicker training cuz I don't get it. What if you are at a dog park or something and someone else clicks for their dog, wouldn't it confuse your dog? (kinda a rhetorical question) :) I'm sure I'll learn more about it soon.

Posted by: Lauren | Oct 25, 2004 7:36:24 PM

Clicker training took me a little while to get used to, but Shelby did take to it very well. I'm not sure it works at the dog park. I used it mostly at home, and in controlled situations so that she always knows why she's getting the click.

Posted by: Winnie | Oct 26, 2004 10:46:48 PM

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