Stage 3 Tools Flashcards
(254 cards)
Clicker
Used to precisely mark behavior
Becomes secondary reinforcer when paired with reward
Original clickers have harsh metallic sound
If dog is frightened, use verbal marker like yes or tongue click
Clicker Pros
Produce consistent tone
Enable marking behavior preceisely
Dog will understand click no matter who uses device
Clicker Cons
Timing must be exact
Some dogs might be overly sensitive to sound
Can be cumbersome to hold with everything
Target stick`
Mobile device to teach dog to follow
Target stick Pros
Targeting is simple and easy to train
Useful for shaping complex behaviors
Can be used to lure
Useful for teaching heel to small dogs
Treat pouches
Wearable pouch for dispensing treats
Can use nail pouch or fanny pack
Periodically remove and place on surface
Food treats
Must be irresistible to dogs
If possible should be small, pea sized
Always use high value treats when teaching new behavior or high distraction area
Always ask before offering treats (allergies)
Use treats every time during acqisition and switch to intermittent in fluency
Once behavior is understood, can switch to ‘real life’ reinforcers (toys, pets, praise)
Human food
Usually very high value
Should be low fat (low fact cheese, lean deli meats, grilled/boiled quicken, hot dogs, liver, squeeze cheese, peanut butter
Hard/crunchy treats
Typically baked, multiple sizes
Soft treats
Baked or cooked during extrusion process
Variety of sizes, shapes, flavors
Many have meat as first
Good for ‘jack-potting’ excellent behavior
Freeze dried treats
Moisture removed
Usually all meat
Some considered ‘raw’
Meat jerky
Usually tasty
Can be torn into small pieces
Between 2007-2015 China sourced jerky caused illness
Types of collars
Buckle, martingale, slip, head halters/collars, standard and front attached harnesses
Collar is determined by
Needs of individual dog/owner team
eg small owners with large dog might choose harness, people with disabilities, management versus training
Must choose collar/harness that is effective without
causing stress
How dog responds to tool
determines overall effectiveness and humaneness
Collar fit
Check fit regularly
Dog could escape, bite, or be bitten
Check collar fit of every client - too lose, could catch on things, too tight could strangle
Collar safety
Never leave dog alone in slip, half slip, or prong collars
Collar injuries are one of the most common
Accidental injuries can occur with every collar type
Buckle collar
Fixed length collar with metal or plastic buckle
1 or 2 D rings
May have quick release feature
Nylon, rubber, leather, varying lengths/widths
Collar fit
Should sit low on dogs neck Fit 2 fingers between neck and collar Too thick on small dog or too thin on large will be uncomfortable Doesn't need to be removed Remove when dogs are playing or crated
Collar pros
Can allow length adjustments
Can be most effective
Can be used to attach license/ID
Good choice for everyday wear
Collar cons
Continuous pressure can damage neck and trachea
Some dogs learn to slip out
Must be removed when playing
Must be removed when crated
Martingale
“Slip” or “humane choke”
Designed for breeds with narrow hears and large necks
2 loops - larger and small
When dog pulls, it tightens the larger loop
Can only tighten to certain degree
Like normal collar, width should be no more than 1/4 of the neck
Use on breeds with wide necks or who have learned to slip out
DO NOT leave on unsupervised dog
Martingale pros
East to put on
Comfortable fit for most dogs.
Limited closure prevents choking
High level of safety - hard to slip out of