Clicker training - nose touch 2

Some of you may be wondering how our clicker training is going, as I haven't written anything about it since I reported that we'd started clicker training.


After Cookie and Cinnamon became good at touching my hand (so called 'nose touch'), I tried it using a target stick instead of a hand. But, after a while, we noticed that the ball-shaped target was too small for Cookie. Especially at night, it seemed difficult for him to see it. So, I covered it with a yellow ball.



Also, I found a new way of using clicker training. Cookie is not an enthusiastic walker, as some of you already know. He often turns around to head home after only a short walk in the neighbourhood. But, now he can walk a longer distance with help of a clicker.

Cookie loves clicker training, because he knows he can get treat when clicked. So, I started using it during walks. When he looks unwilling to walk, I say 'Touch'. Then, he happily walks forward to touch my hand. Once he realises that I have a clicker in my hand and treats in my treat pouch, he walks willingly with his attention on me, not on food, because he knows he can't get treat until he looks at my face. As such, clicker training has changed my life easier, at least with regard to walking Cookie!

Clicker training has been working for Cinnamon, too. Her heeling has improved significantly with the nose touch technique.