Clicker Training Community Blog

Do jackpots convey any additional information? That's what one list member of the OC-Assist-Dogs mailing list wanted to know. A jackpot is an extra special reward meant to tell the dog, "That was outstanding!!" It's usually an extra big treat or several smaller treats delivered one after another.

A one-year-old golden retriever had a solid retrieve a few months ago, but lately he has been letting the dummy slip from his mouth and hasn't been returning directly to his trainer. His trainer believes he is stressed by the training but is unsure how to fix this problem.

ClickFlicks streaming videos and video previews are now faster and easier to browse. Based on the same technology as YouTube's video player, ClickFlicks loads in just a few seconds, shows you a screenshot of the video before you play it and has more streamlined controls.

From the Click-L mailing list... One of the greatest challenges faced by handlers of reactive dogs is that the handler's own tension is transferred down the leash to the dog. The dog, feeling that tension becomes even more reactive, which creates greater tension in the handler—a terrible cycle! The Click-L list discussed how instructors of reactive dog classes could teach the handlers to relax themselves.

From the ClickRyder mailing list... Horse training is traditionally built around the threat of escalating pressure. Although it would be nice to throw away all of our pressure-adding tools, it's not practical since some of those tools are used to give cues when riding. Alexandra Kurland explored how traditionally-aversive tools, like ropes, can be used in a more positive way. The first step, she said, is to retrain our own muscles with new behavior patterns, so we don't fall back into the old rope-handling habits.