Clicker training can be a very useful tool when working with Russells. If you Google Clicker Training + Karen Pryor there is a lot of information available on the Internet. Here is a link to get you started www.clickertraining.com .
The clicker is a "bridge" used to "mark" a desired behavior. The most important thing to do before using a clicker is to make sure that you "load" the clicker first. In other words just click and treat, click and treat, click and treat. Your dog will know relate the "click" as something positive. Next wait and watch your dog without being obvious. When he does something that you like (and you want to reinforce that behavior) immediately while he is performing the behavior click and treat. It doesn't take long for Jacks to put it all together. With my Jacks here at my home I almost always have one or two Jack Russells performing simple behaviors that they have learned from past experience will earn them a treat. For example Sitting Pretty, or Rolling Over. Clicker training can be used in all types of training, from Obedience to Flyball. Personally I feel like my clicker and my marker word "YES" are tools I wouldn't want to train without.
Good luck and please keep us updated on your progressive successes!
Karen Pryor also has a school available if you are interested.
May 28, 2010 Rating
click and treat by: Donna
Put a treat up to your face and say look at me. When he looks at you click and treat. The clicker imprints on his brain that it is good to look at you, This will help him pay attention.
