Clicker training is very effective and for those who are not particularly strong on timing of rewards it is a really useful tool. However, rewarding the right behaviour is the key point and the owner has to be very aware of what behaviour they are actually rewarding.
We have a young collie in class who was a rescue at 6 months old and was launching herself and barking and snapping at other dogs. The owner brought her into class and just sat quietly observing as other dogs worked around them. The dog was rewarded using the clicker for sitting quietly and ignoring the other dogs. Dog could eventually walk ast other dogs, sit in close proximity with no adverse reaction. So far so good!
A few weeks later and we have an issue! The owner has become comfortable and started rewarding the wrong behaviour and has not noticed the behaviour she is rewarding. Dog is now lunging and barking at other dogs when they move after something, then turning to owner sitting and looking at them and being rewarded! Dog has worked out this game and the owner hasn't noticed so is effectively encouraging the behaviour.
New game commenced - back to rewarding for sitting quietly and ignoring, no reward for lunging or barking - this behaviour is ignored. Desired behaviour is given a cue so we can use it when needed. Owner now aware of where they have gone wrong. Let's see what next week brings.
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