Hi All,
I need expert help here! I have been asked to consult with a quadriplegic and his wife who have just adopted a Bouvier from Am. Bouvier Rescue league. F, S, 5 yrs old has been with the couple 1 week. She had been growling at the husband (in a wheelchair) has now escalated to a bite on the hand, with puncture marks. Dog has prior Schutzhund training. Dog is also displaying aggression toward strangers who approach her. I need to work with couple, but especially the husband needs to be able to click and reward the dog. However, he cannot manage a clicker. I am thinking some sort of larger, more gross motor functioning apparatus would work - bell, larger clicker with a bigger target to push, something to put in his mouth (whistle?). I could advise using a word, but we know that is hugely less effective than a clicker. Thoughts?? Ideas??
Colleen Dunlap, CPDT-KA
Houston, TX
cmdmmd [at] hotmail [dot] com
hhmmm
I would think a word or tongueclick would be the easiest for him. But a whistle would work quite brilliantly too, obviously - after all that is how it all started - think marine animal training. But from what you write I can't help wondering whether you have considered the i-clicker? you know - it's the one with the button? You could glue it to a piece of wood or something so he wouldn't have to hold onto it.
Personally I would be more confused as to how to get the treat delivery to work...