Clicker training?

[rachzilla]

Hey all, wondering what everyone thinks about clicker training.
My tiny terror sits and will lie down fairly reliably (sometimes we have a few attempts at down if hes over excited as he only has his front down) but we have kind of got wait (or stay if im half asleep as I always forget which ive been using) but having no luck whatsoever on recall, drop or walking to heel... wondering if its worth trying clicker training for these, see if he catches on any quicker? Will it affect him if I do start clicker training only for certain things, or would I have to do it all again? Far too terrified to let him off the lead to play with other dogs as he just ignores me. Even ignores when we call his name, even though we went through the paces getting him to recognise his name, not sure if he just never got it or is being stubborn?

[Snifter]

You need to train a recall.

You can use the clicker for some things and not others. I tried clicker training and was too kack handed to handle clicker, lead, treats all at the same time so I used a marker word instead of the clicker. I didn't find it all that marvellous, personally, as compared to normal reward based training, but some folks swear by it. Maybe I was just bad at it.

I'd thoroughly recommend an actual training class as classes are invaluable for getting them used to paying attention to you in the presence of other dogs. You are very wise not to let him off the lead if you are not confident he will return.

[Wally 'n' Leto]

I agree with Bella... also... we were taught that:

Wait is for 'stay there until I give the next command and follow it no matter where I am' (so you can call from another room or something)
Stay is for 'sit or lie here and fall asleep or go into a coma for all I care, I'll come back and get you when I'm ready'.

Very handy to have the dog know both.

[Tinker's mom]

We did obedience training and that helped tremendously! Pugs can be very stubborn. Tinker every now and again will be in our yard and I call her and she looks at me and keeps right on doing what she wants. I have to go to her and then I put her in the house, give her 15min or so then bring her back out.I have found patience and perservance and consistency to be critical. Good luck.

[rachzilla]

I did tell people for christmas I would like some puppy training classes, I tried to teach him to come back, cannot win with him, he can stay for a few seconds, but he does follow me around like a limpet until he decides there is a tasty stick or bit of fluff and then god help if I want his attention, so you can imagine its impossible to get him to try and learn! Hopefully Santa brings classes, or when we go back to see my family in the New year my mum may be able to crack him, she jokes her house is puppy boot camp!