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Clicker training Theory
Teaching Cues
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Clicker Training Articles
How to Choose a Dog Trainer
Working with a professional dog trainer is highly recommended. A good
trainer will help you to better understand your dog and will get your
dog to follow your cues in a positive and humane way. There are many dog
trainers available in most areas and hence it is important to choose the
trainer that fits your needs. In general, avoid compulsive and
punishment based training. The following tips will help you in your
decision:
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Request for recommendations from fellow dog owners and
veterinarians.
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Make sure the trainer uses positive reinforcement methods and if
possible, clicker training.
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Ask the trainer where he/she learned how to be a dog trainer and
ask to see a certification.
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Ask the trainer about the equipment he/she uses in training. in
general, if the trainer uses choke chains or pinch collars – it is
compulsive, punishment based training. If the trainer uses clickers,
target sticks, toys, and treats – it is positive reinforcement
training.
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Avoid trainers that “guarantee” that your dog will be trained in
a certain amount of time. Training animals (and humans) cannot be
guaranteed. An honest trainer will give you an approximation of time
needed after he/she takes an in depth behavior history and see the
dog – but they will not guarantee success.
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Ask the trainer to watch a training session. An honest trainer
will more than welcome you to his/her lessons. Avoid trainers that
won’t let you observe a training session.
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If, while observing a lesson, you notice punishment, yelling,
harsh corrections, or anything else that simply does not sit right
with you – look for another trainer.
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Finally, use your common sense. Continue the training as long as
you and your dog are having fun and learning new things. if the dog
is frightened of the training or simply dislikes it – avoid it.
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