Clicker Training Community Blog

We have our own ideas about how to quiet dogs in a shelter, but here's a great new one ... play a recording of a dog laughing!

Well, cell phones do everything else these days, why not use them to call and track your dog? The new PetCell allows you to literally call and speak to your dog, but more importantly it includes several features that could very useful for management and safety with no aversives:

More studies showing the "aha" moment that comes with operant conditioning, this time when clicker training horses: Years ago we studied punishment in horse training. In that context, when subjects "figured out" how to avoid the punishment, they usually showed the lowered head, lip licking, chewing, and sighing. They then responded correctly and avoided punishment, so they had learned. But they usually showed signs of anxiety and mild depression. The end of a training trial seemed like relief, "Thank goodness that's over," and they became reluctant to do the trials.

The Gilsdorfs note that some folks believe teaching tricks to cats is unnatural or should be limited to circus animals.

But Sue finds that training increases her rapport with the pets and offers them needed stimulation.

Does this explain why so many dolphin trainers have such pleasant dispositions?Paris - Taking a dip with dolphins can be a tremendous therapy for people with depression, according to a study published on Saturday in the weekly British Medical Journal (BMJ).