Praising while going to the bathroom

[glencorgi]

Originally Posted by CorgiMum

Yes, I think that we are speaking of different circumstances. I was thinking of training, new behaviors, that reward timing would require more accuracy I believe.

I too will give a larger treat when a well know command is completed, often a large chewy to be enjoyed in peace.

That's what I was taught in obedience class Barbara with some application in conformation handling too. It is in Karen Pryor's book
Don't Shoot the Dog (which is also good for working with unruly teenagers too, btw )

In obedience class we were encouraged to bring a variety of treats ranging from "ordinary" (I used Cheerios) on up to the really to drool and die for things like boiled/roasted chicken, bits of steak, liver - the latter being the "jackpots." We would mix them up and reward depending on the difficulty of the exercise and how well they accomplished. Also kept the dogs a little more interested because they never knew which treat they were going to receive. In class it was just the small pieces, but on the way home, they got to savor and enjoy a larger portion.

Cookie is general language around here, everyone will respond to cookie, even IF they forgot their name.

And 3 seconds - in puppies I can see where that would be accurate, a few adult dogs too.

Do you use any clicker training? I haven't practiced with any of it a long time, but I love to see someone proficient at it work. Timing and coordination I haven't come close to mastering. The herding instructor I've visited uses clicker to train herding, although to me it seems to break rhythm or concentration when the dog hears the clicker and turns for the treat. She has clicker trained a few of her goats now too.

Debbie

[corgimom]

Cody's new trainer in puppy class uses the clicker - she tries to encourage us
to use one, but said if we don't feel comfortable doing that, it is okay.

I am finding it a bit awkward at times, having the leash in one hand along with
a treat and the clicker in the other - maybe I am just uncoordinated. I just need to work at it.

Linda

[CorgiMum]

That is a good book Debbie, and should be in our list on the Training info thread.

I agree mixing up the treats keeps them on their toes and keeps the lessons from getting stale. I have hit upon a mix of poached chicken breast & old cheddar that I use for competitions only. When Dylan gets a whiff of that he knows we are in for a full fun day, with 'his' audience.

I have done clicker training, but guess I am a purist at heart and prefer that the dogs learn by my voice and eye. Besides, I'm not well co-ordinated either. I do pull out the clicker now and then just for fun though.

Goats I could see, but the sheep, I prefer the old fashioned way too. I had an opportunity to visit a sheep farm in Australia once, amazing.No clickers.

[CorgiMum]

Linda, and don't forget the poopie bag in your back pocket. I love my doggie pouches, vests and jacket.

I know a trainer (& have seen a few do this) click with their voice. She has perfected to the point where I thought for weeks that she was using a clicker.

Apparenty, when first starting out, it is important to use the smae clicker, a dog can tell. Also, for more timid pups, there are "softer sounding" clicker.

[CorgiMum]

Oh my, I just realized how far we have come from the original topic that was posted here:

Praising while going to the bathroom

Guess we have covered a lot of ground on praise, encouraging potty, training, herding and treats.

Good thing we have that wonderful Search button, I'd never remember where all of this conversation was in a month. Or a week.

I'm very quilty of doing this and will try and remember to start a new thread next time. I get Off Topic.