The best example of a clicker trained dog that I know personally is Lynn Gardner's Aussie rescue named Maggie Mae, in Ontario. Maggie's owner has trained her to recognize over 200 cues, and often does clicker demos with her in schools. Maggie's click is the blink of a flashlight, just a regular pen light pointed at her; and most of her cues are American Sign Language words. The trainer holds the light in one hand along with the target stick if using one; and treats in the other, just as we do with target and clicker. The dog has to be watching the trainer to see the blink, but she watches very carefully, you may be sure! Once when Maggie was sitting in front of Lynn, at attention, Lynn gave her a hand signal, and the dog rolled over on one haunch and scratched herself. I couldn't help but ask, "What was THAT signal?" "Relax," said Lynn.
Special Situations
Ignorance Is Bliss: Real-World Use of Modifiers with a Search & Rescue Dog
By Ken Ramirez on 08/20/2024A search-and-rescue start
What to Expect: Introducing a Puppy to Your Adult Dogs
By Laurie Luck on 03/22/2024Sibling rivalry
Getting a new puppy is exciting—at least for the humans in the family. Sometimes, however, the dog of the house doesn't think the pup is a welcome addition. Many people believe that the process of adding a puppy to the family will be harmonious and that the current dog(s) will also be excited. They are disappointed when that doesn't happen. Expectations are often unrealistic but, in most cases, what the human family members see instead of those expectations is entirely normal.
Holiday Manners 101
By Irith Bloom on 12/13/2023Holidays are fun, right?
The holidays are nearly here. Visitors, music, food… what could be better?
Fear Not: Navigating the Holidays with an Adolescent Dog
By Laura Monaco Torelli on 12/07/2022Celebration?
