Teaching Your Shih Poo with Clicker Training

Shih Poos are adorable crossbreeds between Shih Tzus and Toy or Miniature Poodles. However, despite their cuteness, Shih Poos can be quite stubborn and difficult to train. Clicker training has become a popular and effective method for training such dogs. If you are a Shih Poo owner looking for a way to train your furry friend, you might be wondering, what is clicker training and how does it work? Read on to discover the answer, as well as some helpful tips and tricks for getting started with this positive reinforcement technique.

What Is Clicker Training?

What Is Clicker Training?
If you’re a Shih Poo owner, you’ve probably heard about clicker training. But, what is it exactly? Clicker training is a positive reinforcement training technique that uses a clicker, a small plastic device that makes a clicking sound when pressed, to mark desired behaviors in your dog. It’s a popular and effective training method that can help your Shih Poo learn new commands and behaviors quickly and easily. In this section, we’ll dive deeper into the principles of clicker training and its benefits, and we’ll give you tips on how to get started with this training technique. If you’re interested in teaching your Shih Poo some new commands and behaviors or if you’re looking to improve their obedience, keep reading! You may also find valuable information in our guides for /shi-poo-obedience-training/ and /start-obedience-training-shih-poo/.

The Principles of Clicker Training

Clicker training is based on a few simple principles that make it an effective method for training Shih Poos. The primary principle is that dogs learn best through positive reinforcement, rather than punishment or negative reinforcement. This means that dogs are more likely to repeat behaviors that have been rewarded, and less likely to repeat behaviors that have not been rewarded. Clicker training takes this principle to the next level by using a distinct sound (i.e. the clicking noise made by the clicker) to signal to the dog that they have done something right.

Another important principle of clicker training is timing. The clicker should be used to mark the exact moment that the desired behavior is being displayed. This way, the dog can more easily associate the click with the behavior that led to the reward. This timing is crucial, as a delay of even a few seconds can confuse the dog and make it more difficult for them to understand what they did right.

Finally, clicker training is built on the idea of shaping, or breaking down complex behaviors into smaller, more manageable steps. This means that rather than trying to teach a dog to perform a complicated behavior all at once, the trainer should focus on rewarding the dog for smaller steps towards that behavior. By gradually shaping the behavior in this way, the dog will eventually be able to perform the more complex behavior effortlessly.

By using these principles in your clicker training, you can effectively teach your Shih Poo a wide range of commands and behaviors. In the next section, we will explore the benefits of clicker training specifically for Shih Poos.

The Benefits of Clicker Training for Shih Poos

Clicker training is a popular and effective method of dog training that can provide a multitude of benefits for Shih Poos. One of the greatest benefits of clicker training is that it employs positive reinforcement, which makes it a gentle and non-violent training technique that avoids the use of physical punishment and yelling. This can help to build a strong, happy bond between the owner and dog that is based on trust, respect, and mutual understanding.

Clicker training is also a highly efficient technique that allows dogs to learn new commands and behaviors quickly and easily. Clicker training teaches Shih Poos to think and make decisions on their own, which can help to make them more confident and independent pets. The clicker sound is a unique signal that the dog can associate with their correct behavior, which allows them to learn commands and behaviors much faster.

Another important benefit of clicker training is that it can help to prevent and eliminate aggressive tendencies in Shih Poos. By using positive reinforcement, clicker training can help to promote good behavior and calmness, which can help reduce aggressiveness and anxiety in dogs. By training them to focus on positive behaviors, clicker training can also teach Shih Poos to pay less attention to potential triggers and distractions that could lead to aggressive behavior.

Clicker training can be an essential tool for Shih Poo owners who want to have a happy, obedient, and well-trained pet. By using positive reinforcement techniques, clicker training can help to build a strong bond of trust and respect with your dog. Additionally, this technique allows for fast and effective learning, preventing and eliminating aggressive tendencies, and can help to provide Shih Poos with the necessary skills to socialize, follow commands, and live a happy and fulfilled life.

Benefits of Clicker Training for Shih Poos:
1. Employs Positive Reinforcement
2. Efficient Learning Technique
3. Helps to Build Confidence and Independence
4. Prevention and Elimination of Aggressive Tendencies

If you want to learn more about specific commands that you can train your Shih Poo with clicker training, you can read our detailed article on Shih Poo Commands. Additionally, if you want to learn more about the importance of reinforcement in obedience training, you can check out our article on The Importance of Reinforcement in Obedience Training.

How to Get Started with Clicker Training

How To Get Started With Clicker Training
Starting clicker training with your Shih Poo may seem like a daunting task, but fear not! By following a few simple steps, you can easily get started with clicker training. Here we’ll go over the five essential steps to get your Shih Poo on the path to successful training. While these steps may seem basic, they are the foundation upon which all advanced clicker training techniques are built. Before you know it, your Shih Poo will be performing tricks and commands like a pro! So let’s get started with the first step: choosing the right clicker.

Step 1: Choose the Right Clicker

In order to begin clicker training your Shih Poo, the first step is to choose the right clicker. A clicker is a small handheld device that makes a loud and distinct clicking sound when pressed. This sound is used to signal to your dog that they have done something correctly and earned a reward.

When choosing the right clicker, there are a few factors to consider. First and foremost, you want to choose a clicker that is easy for you to use and hold. There are many different types of clickers available, including box clickers, button clickers, and whistle clickers, so it’s important to choose one that feels comfortable in your hand.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a clicker is the volume of the clicking sound. Some clickers make a very soft sound, while others make a very loud sound. It’s important to choose a clicker that makes a sound that is audible to your dog, but not so loud that it frightens them.

Lastly, you may want to consider the durability and quality of the clicker. You want a clicker that will hold up over time and not break easily. Look for clickers made of sturdy materials that can withstand being dropped or stepped on.

Choosing the right clicker is an important first step in clicker training your Shih Poo. By considering factors such as ease of use, volume, and durability, you can select a clicker that will work well for you and your dog. Once you have chosen your clicker, it’s time to move on to the next steps of clicker training, such as positive reinforcement and choosing the right treats. If you need help with obedience training go to halt-aggression-obedience-training.

Step 2: Use Positive Reinforcement

Using positive reinforcement is one of the most important aspects of clicker training for Shih Poos. It helps to motivate them to learn and encourages good behavior. The table below shows some examples of positive reinforcement and how to use them:

Positive ReinforcementHow to Use
TreatsWhen your Shih Poo performs a desirable behavior, click the clicker and immediately offer a treat. Make sure to use small pieces of treats that your Shih Poo loves, such as small pieces of cooked chicken or cheese.
PraiseUse an enthusiastic and happy tone of voice to praise your Shih Poo when it performs a desirable behavior. Say things like “Good job!” or “Excellent work!”
PlaytimeWhen your Shih Poo performs a desirable behavior, reward it with a short play session. Playtime can include fetch, tug-of-war, or any other game that your Shih Poo enjoys.
AttentionGive your Shih Poo attention and affection when it performs a desirable behavior. This can include petting, hugs, or any other kind of physical affection your Shih Poo enjoys.

Using positive reinforcement is a key aspect of clicker training for Shih Poos. It is important to remember to reward good behavior immediately after it occurs so that your Shih Poo knows what it is being rewarded for. Using a combination of treats, praise, playtime, and attention will help to keep your Shih Poo motivated and engaged during training sessions.

It is also important to note that using positive reinforcement does not mean ignoring bad behavior. Instead, it means redirecting your Shih Poo’s attention to a desirable behavior and rewarding it for that behavior. By doing so, you are teaching your Shih Poo what behaviors are desirable and what behaviors are not.

If you want to learn more about obedience training, check out our article on how to speed up obedience training, how to teach your Shih Poo to come when called, tips for leash training your Shih Poo, and tips for successful crate training.

Step 3: Choose the Right Treats

When it comes to choosing the right treats for clicker training your Shih Poo, it’s important to keep in mind what types of treats they find most rewarding. High-value treats that your dog doesn’t receive frequently, such as small pieces of cooked chicken or cheese, can work wonders during training sessions.

Here are some tips for choosing the right treats:

  • Find something that is small enough for your Shih Poo to consume quickly but not too small that they won’t feel satisfied with the treat
  • Consider using a mixture of soft and crunchy treats to keep things interesting and to accommodate for your dog’s preferences
  • If your Shih Poo has any dietary restrictions or allergies, make sure to choose treats that won’t cause any adverse reactions
  • Be mindful of the number of treats you’re giving during each session to avoid overfeeding – small pieces and frequent rewards can go a long way

It’s also important to remember that treats shouldn’t be the only form of motivation for your dog during clicker training. Praising and showing affection can be just as rewarding and will strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend.

If you’re looking for more tips on training your Shih Poo, check out our article on Shih Poo leash training tips for additional guidance.

Step 4: Start with Basic Commands

When you start clicker training with your Shih Poo, it’s important to start with basic commands. This lays the foundation for more advanced training, and also helps your dog understand what you expect from them. Here are some basic commands you can start with:

  • Sit: This is one of the easiest commands to teach. Hold a treat above your dog’s head, and as they look up, move the treat back towards their tail. As the dog follows the treat with its nose, their bottom should naturally lower to the ground. As soon as their bottom touches the ground, click the clicker and give them a treat.
  • Stay: Once your dog has mastered “sit,” you can start working on “stay.” Ask your dog to sit, then take a step back. If they stay in the same position, click the clicker and give them a treat. Gradually increase the distance you step back, and the length of time they need to stay still.
  • Come: This is an important command for your dog’s safety. Start by calling your dog’s name and saying “come” in a friendly tone of voice. As they start to come towards you, click the clicker and reward them with a treat. Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog.
  • Down: Ask your dog to sit, then hold a treat in front of their nose and slowly lower it to the ground. As their body follows the treat, their front legs will flatten out and their hind legs will remain standing. Click the clicker and give them a treat as soon as they have assumed the “down” position.
  • Leave it: This command can be very useful when you’re out walking with your dog. Hold a treat in your closed hand and present it to your dog. They will naturally try to sniff and paw at your hand to get the treat. As soon as they take their attention away from your hand, even for a moment, click the clicker and give them a treat from your other hand. Repeat this exercise to reinforce the “leave it” command.

Remember, when working on basic commands, it’s important to keep training sessions short and sweet. Aim for 5-10 minutes of training per session, and always end on a positive note. With patience and persistence, your Shih Poo will learn these basic commands and be ready to move on to more advanced training techniques.

Step 5: Be Consistent and Patient

When it comes to clicker training for Shih Poos, consistency and patience are crucial for success. To ensure that your Shih Poo is learning the desired behaviors effectively, you must be consistent with the training routine.

One way to maintain consistency is by creating a schedule. Decide on the best times of the day to train your Shih Poo and stick to it. This could be before or after mealtime, or during a time when your Shih Poo is generally more alert and active.

Another aspect of consistency is using a uniform language during the training sessions. For example, if you use “sit” as a command to get your Shih Poo to sit, stick to this word throughout the training process. If you use different variations of the command such as “sit down” or “take a seat,” you may confuse your dog and hinder the training progress.

Apart from consistency, patience is essential when clicker training your Shih Poo. Shih Poos are intelligent dogs but they may take some time to learn a new behavior. It’s crucial to recognize that each dog has its own learning pace and to be patient throughout the process.

One way to practice patience is to avoid rushing the training process. Some trainers may be tempted to move too quickly through the different commands, but this can result in confusion and frustration for the Shih Poo. Instead, take your time with each command and ensure that your dog is fully understanding and responding correctly before moving on to the next one.

To help you stay consistent and patient during the clicker training process, the following table summarizes the best practices:

PracticeDescription
Create a scheduleChoose the best time for training and stick to it.
Use a uniform languageUse the same command words throughout the training process.
Recognize each dog’s learning paceDon’t rush the process and be patient with your Shih Poo.

By being consistent with your training routine, using a uniform language, and practicing patience throughout the process, you can ensure that your Shih Poo is learning the desired behaviors effectively. With time, you can expect to see progress and success in your clicker training efforts.

Advanced Clicker Training Techniques for Shih Poos

Advanced Clicker Training Techniques For Shih Poos
As you become more skilled in clicker training your Shih Poo, you may want to try incorporating some of the more advanced techniques to enhance their obedience and intelligence. These techniques involve more complex behaviors and may require more patience and practice to master, but they can result in a better-trained and happier pup. In this section, we will explore some of the most effective advanced clicker training techniques for Shih Poos, including shaping, capturing, target training, chaining, adding distractions, and clicker training for specific behaviors.

Shaping

Shaping is an advanced technique in clicker training that involves breaking down complex behaviors into smaller, more manageable steps. The ultimate goal is to shape the behavior from start to finish by rewarding each incremental progress along the way.

How does shaping work?

Shaping works by reinforcing successive approximations of the desired behavior. This means rewarding your dog for behaviors that are similar or slightly closer to the final behavior you want. For example, if you want your Shih Poo to jump through a hoop, you might start by rewarding him for walking towards the hoop, then for touching the hoop with his nose, then for putting one paw in the hoop, and so on until he jumps through it.

Why use shaping?

Shaping can be particularly useful when you want to teach a behavior that is too complex to be taught by luring or capturing. It also allows your Shih Poo to learn at his own pace and can result in a more confident and eager learner.

How to use shaping in clicker training?

To use shaping in clicker training, follow these steps:

StepDescription
1Break down the desired behavior into small steps or approximations.
2Start by rewarding your Shih Poo for performing the first approximation.
3Once your Shih Poo has mastered the first approximation, wait for him to naturally offer the next approximation.
4Repeat step 3 until your Shih Poo is performing the behavior you desire.
5Remember to use a high-value treat and praise when rewarding your Shih Poo.

By following these steps and being patient, you can use shaping to teach your Shih Poo a variety of complex behaviors. Just remember to start with simple approximations and work your way up gradually.

Capturing

Capturing is a clicker training technique that involves capturing a specific behavior that the Shih Poo does naturally, and then adding a cue to it. This technique is useful for when you want to teach your pet a behavior that you haven’t been able to shape or lure, or for a behavior that occurs randomly.

To use the capturing technique, follow these steps:

Step 1Observe your Shih Poo to identify a specific behavior that you want to capture, such as sitting or shaking paws.
Step 2Once your Shih Poo naturally displays the behavior, immediately click the clicker and then give them a treat. This is important because the clicker sound marks the specific behavior you want to capture and the treat reinforces it, making your pet more likely to repeat the behavior on cue.
Step 3Repeat this process several times over the course of a few days. Eventually, your Shih Poo will associate the click with the behavior and will start to offer the behavior when they hear the click.
Step 4Once your Shih Poo starts to offer the behavior on cue, add a verbal cue such as “sit.” Say the cue just before your Shih Poo does the behavior, then click and treat. Repeat this process several times until your pet associates the cue with the behavior.
Step 5Practice the behavior with the cue in different environments and with distractions. Your Shih Poo will become more reliable in performing the behavior with practice and reinforcement.

Capturing is a great clicker training technique because it allows you to take advantage of your Shih Poo’s natural behaviors and instincts. However, it’s important to remember to always have your clicker and treats on hand so you can capture the behavior at any time. With patience and consistency, your Shih Poo can learn a variety of behaviors using the capturing technique.

Target Training

Target training is a great way to improve your Shih Poo’s accuracy and precision with certain movements or commands. The basic idea of target training is to teach your dog to touch a specific object with a specific body part, usually their nose, on command.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Target

The first step in target training is to choose the right object to use as the target. The object should be small, easy for your Shih Poo to reach, and easy to distinguish from surrounding objects. Common targets used in target training include:

Target ObjectProsCons
A small ballEasy to roll around, easy to identify in a busy settingCan be lost or destroyed easily
A post-it noteEasy to stick on various surfaces, cheap and easy to replaceCan be easily overlooked
A small plastic lidCan be attached to various objects or surfaces, easy to spotMay not be as easy to manipulate or handle as other targets

Step 2: Teaching the Touch Command

Once you have chosen the target, the next step is to teach your Shih Poo to touch it on command. Hold the target out in front of your dog, and say the word “touch” or “target” as you present the target.

As soon as your dog touches their nose to the target, click your clicker and give them a treat. Repeat this several times until your Shih Poo easily touches the target on command.

Step 3: Moving the Target

The final step in target training is to move the target around and teach your dog to follow it. Start by holding the target a few feet away from your dog and make sure you have their attention.

As you move the target, give the “touch” command and click and treat when your dog touches the target. Gradually increase the distance between your dog and the target and the duration of time they need to touch the target before receiving the reward.

Using target training can improve your Shih Poo’s accuracy and obedience, especially when it comes to performing specific movements or commands. Remember, consistency and patience are key when implementing new training techniques. With practice and positive reinforcement, your furry friend will be touching targets like a champ in no time!

Chaining

Chaining is an advanced clicker training technique where you link together a series of learned behaviors to create a longer and more complex routine. This technique is useful for creating impressive tricks or improving obedience in competition settings.

To implement chaining, you need to break down the desired behavior into smaller, achievable steps. Table below shows an example of chaining for “roll over” behavior:

| Step | Behavior |
| — | — |
| 1 | “Down” command |
| 2 | “Roll over” command |
| 3 | “Sit up” command |

First, your Shih Poo must learn the “down” command successfully. Once they’ve mastered that behavior, you can move on to the “roll over” command. Once they’ve successfully rolled over, you can have them sit up to complete the chain and reward them for successfully completing the entire routine.

By breaking the behavior down into smaller components and successfully training each step before linking them together, you increase the likelihood of success in the final desired behavior. It’s important to keep in mind that chaining can take time and patience, as you are teaching multiple behaviors rather than just one.

Using chaining with your Shih Poo can create a more versatile and intelligent pet, providing a sense of achievement for both you and your furry friend.

Adding Distractions

As your Shih Poo gets better at responding to basic commands with the clicker, you can gradually introduce distractions to make their training more challenging. This is an important step in preparing your Shih Poo for real-world scenarios that may present several distractions.

Here are some tips on how to add distractions to your Shih Poo’s clicker training:

  • Start with one distraction at a time: It is important to introduce just one distraction at a time. For instance, if you want to practice “sit” with your Shih Poo outside, start from a quiet area with minimal distractions like a backyard, and slowly work up to public parks or areas with louder noises.
  • Use high-value treats: Distractions can be tough to resist, so it’s essential to use high-value treats to keep your Shih Poo focused. These could include small pieces of chicken or other favorite protein sources.
  • Increase the level of distractions gradually: Don’t rush to introduce too many distractions at once. Gradually increase the level of distractions to ensure that your Shih Poo is not overwhelmed.
  • Stay patient and consistent: It may take longer to get a response from your Shih Poo when distractions are around. Stay calm, be patient, and remember to use the clicker at the precise moment your Shih Poo responds correctly.

Introducing distractions won’t just improve your Shih Poo’s ability to handle real-life situations; it will also strengthen your bond with your furry friend as you both overcome barriers together.

Clicker Training for Specific Behaviors

Clicker training is a versatile training method that can be used to teach a wide range of behaviors to your Shih Poo. By using the clicker, you can provide your dog with immediate feedback and motivate them with positive reinforcement. In this section, we’ll explore some specific behaviors that you can train using the clicker.

BehaviorDescription
Leash TrainingTrain your Shih Poo to walk on a loose leash and stay by your side while out on walks.
Potty TrainingTeach your dog to go to the bathroom outside on command using the clicker and positive reinforcement.
Trick TrainingTeaching your Shih Poo fun tricks like jumping through a hoop or pawing on command can keep them mentally stimulated and improve your bond.
Agility TrainingClicker training can be used to teach your dog agility obstacles like jumps, weaves, and tunnels. This can be a great form of exercise and mental stimulation for your Shih Poo.
Bark ControlIf your Shih Poo is prone to barking excessively, you can use the clicker to teach them when to be quiet and reward them for being calm.

Remember, the key to clicker training for any behavior is to start with small steps and build up gradually. Break down the behavior into manageable parts so that your Shih Poo can master each step before moving on to the next one. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can use clicker training to teach your dog almost anything!

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Clicker Training

No one is perfect, and even the most experienced dog trainers make mistakes. Clicker training can be an effective way to train your Shih Poo, but it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can undermine your efforts. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most prevalent mistakes that people make in clicker training and how to avoid them. By the end of this section, you’ll be better equipped to train your Shih Poo effectively with the clicker. So if you’re ready to improve your clicker training technique and avoid these mistakes, let’s dive in!

Mistake 1: Clicking at the Wrong Time

One of the most common mistakes that pet owners make when using clicker training is clicking at the wrong time. This can be confusing for the dog and may slow down the training process.

To avoid this mistake, it is important to understand when to click. You should always click at the exact moment when the dog performs the desired behavior. This means that you need to be quick and attentive during the training sessions.

To illustrate this mistake and how to avoid it, let’s consider an example. Suppose you are trying to teach your Shih Poo to sit on command. You give the command and your dog sits down, but you look away or hesitate for a moment before clicking the clicker. This will confuse your dog and make it more difficult for them to understand what you want them to do.

The following table highlights the mistake of clicking at the wrong time and provides tips for avoiding it:

Mistake:Clicking at the wrong time.
Description:Clicking when the desired behavior is not being performed, or clicking too late or too early.
Impact on Training:Confuses the dog and slows down the training process.
How to Avoid:Be quick and attentive during training sessions. Click the moment the desired behavior is performed, and avoid hesitation or distraction.

By avoiding the mistake of clicking at the wrong time, you can accelerate the clicker training process and improve your Shih Poo’s behavior. Remember to be consistent and patient, and always reward good behavior to achieve the best results.

Mistake 2: Rewarding Bad Behavior

One of the most common mistakes that dog owners make when using clicker training is rewarding bad behavior. This can be particularly problematic for Shih Poos, as they have a tendency to become stubborn and demanding if they are not trained properly.

To avoid this mistake, it’s important to understand what constitutes “bad” behavior in the first place. Remember that clicker training is all about positive reinforcement, which means that you should be rewarding behaviors that you want to see more of in your dog.

When your Shih Poo displays undesirable behavior, such as growling, barking or jumping on people, it’s important to neither click nor offer any rewards. If you consistently reward these behaviors, you will be reinforcing them, and they will become more ingrained in your dog’s repertoire of behaviors.

Instead, use the clicker and treats to reward good behavior and ignore the bad behavior. For example, if your Shih Poo has a tendency to bark excessively, wait for a moment of silence and then click and treat. This will help reinforce the desirable behavior (being quiet) instead of the undesirable one (barking).

It’s also important to redirect bad behavior rather than punishing it. For example, if your Shih Poo is jumping up on people, don’t push them away or scold them. Instead, turn away and ignore them until they calm down, and then click and treat when they display calm, polite behavior.

By avoiding the mistake of rewarding bad behavior, you can help your Shih Poo become a well-behaved and obedient companion. The following table summarizes the key takeaways for avoiding this mistake:

MistakeHow to Avoid It
Rewarding Bad Behavior– Understand what constitutes “bad” behavior
– Don’t click or treat when your dog displays undesirable behavior
– Redirect bad behavior instead of punishing it
– Reward good behavior instead

Mistake 3: Not Being Patient Enough

One of the most common mistakes people make when training their Shih Poo with a clicker is not being patient enough. It’s important to remember that training takes time and practice, and every dog learns at their own pace. Without patience, you may become frustrated or give up on the training altogether.

The Effects of Impatience

When you’re not patient enough with your Shih Poo, it can have negative effects on the training process. First, your dog may become confused or overwhelmed if you’re rushing through commands or not allowing enough time for them to understand what you’re asking of them. This can lead to frustration on both ends, and the training may not be successful.

Secondly, if you’re not patient enough, you may resort to punishment or negative reinforcement, which can be harmful to your Shih Poo and damage your relationship with them. Clicker training is all about positive reinforcement and building a strong bond with your dog. Punishing them for not understanding something can have the opposite effect and create fear or anxiety.

The Importance of Patience

Patience is key when it comes to clicker training your Shih Poo. This means giving them time to process the commands, practicing consistently, and being understanding of their unique learning style. Each dog has their own personality and may need more or less time to learn certain commands or behaviors.

It’s also important to remember that your Shih Poo may have off days or be easily distracted. Being patient with them during these times and taking breaks when needed can help them to stay engaged and focused during training sessions.

Tips for Being Patient

If you’re struggling with patience during clicker training, here are some tips to help you stay calm and focused:

TipDescription
Take breaksIf you or your dog become frustrated, take a break and come back to the training session later.
Practice regularlyConsistent practice can help your Shih Poo to understand the commands and form good habits.
Slow downTake your time during training sessions and give your dog enough time to understand what you’re asking of them.
Be positiveEncourage your dog with positive reinforcement and celebrate their successes, even if they’re small.

Remember, clicker training is a fun and positive way to build a strong bond with your Shih Poo. With patience and consistency, you can train your dog to do a variety of commands and behaviors, and have fun doing it!

Mistake 4: Not Rewarding Enough

One of the biggest mistakes that many dog owners make when it comes to clicker training their Shih Poos is not rewarding them enough. Dogs need to be rewarded for their good behavior consistently in order to keep them motivated and interested in the training process.

Here are some common reasons why owners may not reward their Shih Poos enough:

  • They may become complacent with the training process and inadvertently forget to reward their dog for their hard work.
  • They may be using treats that their dog does not find particularly motivating, so the dog loses interest in the training.
  • They may not have set clear goals for what behaviors they want their dog to learn, so they may not recognize when their dog has done something that should be rewarded.
  • They may not be using the clicker consistently enough, which means that their dog is not clear on what behaviors they are supposed to repeat.

So, how can you make sure that you are rewarding your Shih Poo enough during clicker training?

First, make sure that you have a consistent training plan in place and that you have set clear goals for what behaviors you want your dog to learn. This way, you can recognize when your dog does something that deserves a reward.

Next, make sure that you are using a high-value treat that your dog finds especially motivating. This could be small pieces of cooked chicken, cheese, or even freeze-dried liver treats.

Additionally, be sure to use the clicker consistently and click at the exact moment that your dog exhibits the desired behavior. This will help your Shih Poo understand that they are being rewarded specifically for that behavior.

Finally, remember that consistency is key. If you want your dog to continue responding to clicker training, you need to make sure that you are always rewarding them for their good behavior. This will help keep them motivated and interested in the training process, making it more likely that they will continue to learn and grow.

Conclusion

In conclusion, clicker training is an effective and rewarding method of training for Shih Poos. By utilizing positive reinforcement and consistent repetition, owners can train their Shih Poos to behave in a manner that ensures they are well-behaved and obedient. It is important for owners to remember that patience and consistency are key to successful clicker training.

Using the right clicker, treats, and commands along with advanced techniques such as shaping and capturing, owners can take their Shih Poos’ training to a higher level. However, it is crucial to avoid common mistakes such as clicking at the wrong time, rewarding bad behavior, not being patient enough, and not rewarding enough.

By following the steps outlined in this article, Shih Poo owners can become experts at clicker training and enjoy the benefits of having a well-trained and well-behaved companion. The bond between owner and pet can be strengthened through clicker training as it helps to create a positive experience for both the pet and the owner. So start clicker training your Shih Poo today and enjoy the benefits of a well-trained and obedient pup!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can clicker training be used for all types of dogs?

Yes, clicker training can be effective for all breeds of dogs, including Shih Poos. It is a positive and humane training technique that works well for most dogs.

2. What makes clicker training different from other training methods?

Clicker training relies on positive reinforcement, rewarding good behavior with a clicking sound and treats. It does not involve any physical punishment or aversive tools, making it a humane training technique.

3. How quickly can I expect to see results with clicker training?

Results can vary depending on the dog and their individual temperament and learning style. However, many dogs can learn basic commands within a few weeks of consistent clicker training sessions.

4. Do I need to use a specific type of treat for clicker training?

No, you do not need to use a specific type of treat for clicker training. However, it is recommended to choose small, soft, and easily digestible treats that your dog finds especially tasty.

5. Can clicker training also help with behavior issues?

Yes, clicker training can be effective in addressing behavior issues such as separation anxiety, pulling on the leash, or excessive barking. However, it is important to seek professional guidance if the behavior issue is severe.

6. How many clicker training sessions should I have with my dog each day?

It is recommended to have 2-3 training sessions per day, each lasting no more than 10-15 minutes. This will help keep your dog engaged and prevent them from becoming bored or overwhelmed.

7. Can clicker training be used for more advanced commands, such as agility training?

Yes, clicker training can be used for more advanced commands such as agility training, as well as for teaching tricks and complex behaviors. It is a versatile training technique that can be tailored to the specific needs of your dog.

8. Do I need to use the clicker every time I give my dog a command?

No, once your dog has learned a command through clicker training, you can gradually phase out the clicker and rely on verbal cues and treats instead.

9. What should I do if my dog does not respond to clicker training?

If your dog does not seem to be responding to clicker training, it may be helpful to seek professional guidance from a dog trainer or behaviorist. They can evaluate your dog’s individual needs and suggest alternative training techniques.

10. Can clicker training be used in conjunction with other training methods?

Yes, clicker training can be used alongside other training methods such as leash training or crate training. It is a versatile technique that can complement other training techniques to help your dog become a well-behaved and obedient companion.

References

Britta Thygesen

Britta Thygesen

A passionate dog owner and a full-time certified dog trainer. Aspires to make DogCareHacks a go-to place for all the doggo info. Shares personal experience and professional knowledge.

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