I've been clicker training my Xolo puppy for the last couple of months and the sound of the clicker woke up even my "senior" dogs. Barks, yaps and lots of talking were going on while I trained my Xolo outside while the rest stayed inside. HHHmmmm...does the thrill of the "click" ever go away???
Just for fun, I took each of my 5 dogs outside this week-end and did some fun things with them and C/Ting. What a riot, and such enthusiasm! My 5 yo retired show dog PON amazed herself, I think. In about 30 seconds, using her bedtime cookies, she remembered tricks I haven't asked her for in a couple of years. By the end of this short session, she could chain sit, high five, wave, lie down and roll over. I mixed up the order, asked for less and more and the smile on her face just got wider while I watched her brain work in fast forward.
Today, I thought I'd have some fun with my 5 yo, rescue Xolo who's never been introduced to the clicker and knows basic manners. I charged the clicker and then started C/T for a behavior she offers on her own...lifting a front paw. I don't think it will take her long to catch on to high five and waving. I'm not sure who was having more fun...her or me!
When I was still an active breeder, I started C/Ting my pups at about 5 weeks. What little sponges those puppies were. I have a young Xolo that is loving learning. A 12+ yo Leonberger who will still work for clicks, and two 5 yo dogs...one just learning, one remembering.
Is there ever a time when a dog can't learn and love Clicker Training? I can only speak for my own pack and they're having a ball!
