How to Clicker Train Picking Up Items

By Deana Case

Clicker Train Picking Up Items Clicker Train Picking Up Items

Rate: (2 Ratings)

Some dogs do not like to pick up things with their mouths. This makes it difficult to train a retrieve or to teach them to put their toys in a basket. You can clicker train your dog to pick up items using the shaping method. Once your dog will pick up items on cue, you can enjoy new games with him.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

  • Clicker savvy dog
  • Clicker
  • Treats
  • Dog toys

Step1
Start off with a washable toy. Make the toy more interesting to your dog my rubbing peanut butter, butter, or cheese on it. You do not have to coat the toy in it, just smear a little on for taste.
Step2
When your dog looks at the toy, click and offer him a treat. He should come to you to get the treat. Do not stand farther from the toy than six feet.
Step3
Continue to reward all attention to the toy with clicks and treats especially licking or mouthing the toy.
Step4
When your dog will mouth or chew the toy, begin to play with him with the toy.
Step5
Click and treat all behaviors that are steps toward the outcome of picking up an item. Do not worry about your dog bringing the item to you, or dropping it on cue. These are separate behaviors to be trained later.

Tips & Warnings

  • Keep training sessions short 3-5 minutes is plenty
  • Do not say the verbal cue until your dog is doing the behavior.
  • Do many short training sessions per day
  • Begin fading the use of the clicker as your dog responds to verbal cues reliably
  • Train old behaviors like new behaviors in new places, around new people, or in the presence of other animals. Act as if your dog has not learned the behavior, and start at the beginning, until he has generalized the cue.
  • Smile at your dog while training. Speak in cheerful tones. Clicker training is fun!
  • Do not chat with your dog while training him, it confuses him as to what word he should be listening to.
  • Do not repeat cues, if your dog is not responding to a verbal cue change something you are doing or make adjustments to the training environment.

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article:  How to Clicker Train Picking Up Items

eHow Member: Deana Case

Deana Case

Authority Authority | 5795 Points

Category: Pets

Articles: See my other articles

Related Ads