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  • About me
    • Media
    • Gallery
    • Training philosophy
  • GOT DOGS?
  • GOT KIDS?
    • Youth classes
    • Your Pet's Got Talent!
  • GOT HORSES?
    • Join our herd!
    • Online courses & coaching
    • Clinic Dates
    • About lessons & clinics
    • Reviews
    • FAQ's for Clinic Hosts
  • Contact
  • Store

Ready to find out the answers?

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How should we motivate our pet to want to do things for us, so that we are BOTH having fun?
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The best answers are: feed them yummy treats, play with them, pat and praise them. In other words, give them something THEY want. 

Want to watch the second video from the Your Pet's Got Talent series, where I talk about this and the previous question a bit more? Here it is! 

Unfortunately some people do train animals using harsh or unkind methods. Often they are doing their best but just don't know any better. It is kinder, safer and more effective to train with rewards and love. It's just more fun - for everyone!

What is a clicker for?

Did you get it right? A clicker (or "marker signal") marks the EXACT moment the animal did the thing we want.

Think of it like a camera, the moment you click you are taking a photo of the behaviour you're going to get more of in future. So make sure you click the things you want!
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(You don't HAVE to use a marker, you can just give the animal their reward immediately after they do the thing you want. You have to get it to them within a few seconds of when they do it though, so it's often easier to use a marker sound to buy you some time).
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Why does the animal like the click sound?

The animal will work for the clicker (or a marker like "yes" or the click of your tongue) if you have always followed the click with food or play. The click signals to the animal "yes! That was great! There's something awesome coming your way right now!". It's a promise to them, so make sure you keep your promise by always rewarding them.


When we have decided what trick we want to teach, how do we start training?

 We definitely want to break it down into tiny pieces, and reward each one. Then we build it up, one step at a time, just like lego.

Why is it a good idea to teach your pet to target?

It's fun, it helps them understnd the training game, it's a great way to get them to move to where you want them, we can teach other tricks with it, you can use it as a recall....
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Yep, it's all of those things, and more! It's a great way to get started, and it works with EVERY species. You can use a stick, or your hand for the animal to target their nose to.

Find out more about target training here: https://www.clickertraining.com/how-to-teach-your-pet-to-target  ​​
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THANKS FOR  DOING THE QUIZ!  
Get your name on the wait-list for Positively Pets, the Junior Animal Trainer Program!  This is the private online club for animal-loving kids and teens to learn more about training and caring for pets.  Just click the picture below!
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