Clicker training?

I've been browsing training methods for Koko (formerly known as Diva, for a
day or so) and come across things like headcollars, clicker training, and
some rabid trainer named Howe. Koko's only 7 weeks old, and she seems pretty
smart - already figured out the dog door, and climbing up and down the 17
steps to the office/bedroom.

Has anyone tried any of the above methods?

"Michael S." wrote:
>
> I've been browsing training methods for Koko (formerly known as Diva, for a
> day or so) and come across things like headcollars, clicker training, and
> some rabid trainer named Howe. Koko's only 7 weeks old, and she seems pretty
> smart - already figured out the dog door, and climbing up and down the 17
> steps to the office/bedroom.
>
> Has anyone tried any of the above methods?

I am a professional Lab trainer and have tried a variety of methods
(not a Howe fan, of course). I think clicker work is great with
puppies the age of yours. I firmly believe that puppies turn out
best if the early months, at least up to the age of five or six
months, involve "learning how to learn" without any level of
performance being *required*. Since clicker training is not coercive
or punitive, it fits with my recommended approach--and helps get
the owner in the mental habit of guiding and teaching, rather than
requiring and punishing.

I personally found clicker training difficult to learn on my own
from books and videos, although I eventually learned to do it
effectively with the help of a patient email penpal. My problems
were setting standards too high, and not having a high enough
repetition rate. If you can work with a local trainer and get
in-person help, you can probably start off more successfully than
I did.

Be aware that different dogs have different aptitudes for one or
another training method. Labs are generally adaptable, though, so
if a given method doesn't work for Koko or is uncomfortable for you,
it's perfectly OK to investigate others.

If there is a good puppy class in your area, I would take it,
whatever their favorite method is. If they emphasize "alpha
techniques," such as pinning your puppy on her back, however,
I would look elsewhere.

Good luck, and have fun with your new bud!

Amy Dahl