Hi,

I've been training my (now) 16 week old GSP in the basics and he has proven a very quick learner indeed.

Already he has a very strong "sit", "paw", "sit-stay" etc etc. He is a very greedy pup so it has been relatively easy I guess.

The parts that could be improved upon are his recall, and his boisterous behaviour in the house.

When walk/play time is over, he rarely recalls, but neither does he run off, he just doesn't respond to "come". I have to go to him and put his lead on. I've tried treating him for successful recalls but he seems to know when its home time. My worry is that as he gains confidence he may decide to go "exploring" and not come back when I call.

His behaviour at home basically amount to excessive play biting and mouthing, and jumping all over the furniture. With regards to the latter, he does desist from jumping on bed or sofa with a stern "down" but as soon as my back is turned, he is back up!

My question is.... will a clicker help me to improve on what I have mentioned? or would other methods be more beneficial?

I've seen a lot of replies regarding ignoring/isolating the biting pup, so is the general noncensus that this is the best way to deal with him?

Any help would be much appreciated. Also examples of successful clicker training too, especially if they helped solve similar problems to mine! :)

I think you need to concentrate on your basic training at this stage - if you're having to go and get him then he's learning that he doesn't have to come........... you need to make sure he can't second guess you - vary the times he's allowed off to play, and once you've got the recall sorted by using a long line, recall several times without having the lead ready (stick it in your pocket whenever you call him, or he'll learn that the one time you call him with it in your hand is the time the play session ends), then send him away to play again.........

ive used a clicker wid my lab for a while when we first got her it Work really really WELL i think it helps to stop your dog lossing concentraion by making a fuss alought i would use a normal method to so the dog dosnt feel bad when you dont us the clicker

Well I'm going to get myself one of these clicker things asap! ;)

I've also ordered a book on Amazon - Clicker training by Karen Pryor. Has anyone read her material and is it any good?

Read the web site and it makes a lot of sense to me. I like the clicker because it helps me improve my timing.

She is one of the best & the book is good too

On your specific question of the dog going on and off the sofa, I used the Clicker to train him out of it, every time he went on, I said a strong "off", as soon as his feet hit the floor I clicked and treated [so you need to have it handy to your person for a little while], it took a couple of weeks and he realised that if you said "off" when he got on the settee, he got clicked and treated when he came off, then I gradually phased out both click and treat, and now he doesn't go on there ... apart from his mad five minutes occasionally when he gets in from a walk, and runs at 100 miles an hour from the end of the garden into the living room, onto the settee and straight off again, which I'm not worried about! Nicki

Clicker training is excellent, i use it all the time with my two. Regarding the recall, you say he is very food orientated so have you tried offering him a really tasty treat? Something like hotdog sausage, cheese or liver always gets my dogs going. Show your dog the treat whilst calling. It helps if you bend down to their level with arms open and use a really encouraging voice. The minute the dog returns click, give the treat and give lots of fuss. It helps too to call the dog several times during play time, but each time you click, treat and praise but then instantly release so that he doesn't know when you plan to put the lead on.

Hi,

Clickers are fab, they work very, very well and really get the dogs attention and make them want to learn.

I have recently got a Working Cocker puppy (now 4 months old) and she could not get the wait or stay. I tried using a clicker and within about 5 minutes she had got the idea and has been no problem since. She does a fab recall and is doing very well in her stays and can do 1 minute in both sit and down. I am very proud of her :D

manda
x

At 16 weeks your GSP sounds very well trained so far - so give yourself a pat on the back :)

One thing i found worked in any training "blips" with my dog, is simply not to put the dog in the situation where it "disobeys" for want of a better word, until totally confident .

Totally consolidate the training elsewhere, all over the place, using special treats maybe such as liver, get that attitude and "float her boat" - then when ready (and only when ready so don't spoil it and rush into it) set up the problematic situation and in my experience the problem has disappeared. After a while, reward only for the best/fastest etc so the reward is gradually phased out and she will work for praise and love. I do like to surprise them with a bit of cheese etc once in a while for good work though.

The more the dog practises wrong behaviour, the more it will do it. Perverse creatures!

I love the clicker too - very useful! It may well solve your problem!
Good luck

Lindsay

Hi all - UPDATE!

I got my clicker and book by Karen Pryor and have been working hard with junior.

As his "sit" and "paw" were already pretty strong, I went straight for the "down".

WOW, what quick results... he very quickly learned that *click* meant food!

After 2 sessions he has mastered the "down" and what amazes me is the look of realisation on his face when he hears the command.

I don't even have to entice him with a treat, simply say "down" and he kinda looks about for a second and stretches his front paws out, sliding into position! *click*, treat. The reaction time is reducing also. At first it took him a good 10 seconds between command and action, but this is lessening all the time.

I'm now using it to assist recall and not pulling on the leash, so fingers crossed.

Oh yeah, meant to say, my first post contained a typo, he was actually 18 weeks when I posted it, as opposed to 16 in the text so he is fast approaching 20 weeks. :)

Its magic isnt it? Pointers are quick learners which can be a challenge as well as a blessing. Do you plan to train him as a gundog or is he a family pet?:) Tip for you with lead pulling use a really long lead and throw the treat as he has to concentrate harder to get it.

I'm really glad to hear the clicker is working for you - as you gain experience and timing you may want to use it for all sorts of training. I am really pleased with the results i have had and would always recommend clicker training. As Lorelei says, it is magic ;)

Lindsay