21/12/2021
This is session #2 from the clicker training stage. You can tell Ludo is far more engaged and figured out that touching the clicker more than once releases the reward. Even though Ludo has figured out that touching the clicker means releasing the reward, further training is necessary to dial it in. Imprinting a marker does a couple of things. First you are creating and teaching an audible/visual language that both of you understand. Second, you are hardwiring the dog to understand that training is enjoyable and extremely rewarding (especially if you have a food driven canine like Ludo). Third, you are training your canines brain to critically think and problem solve to release the reward for specific/nonspecific tasks during training and in life. And fourth, you are teaching yourself timing. Timing is pivotal for canine training. Without proper timing and training protocols in place, you can cause mixed communication signals as to what your canine is doing wrong or doing successfully. This timing practice gives you the opportunity to notice not only the macro aspects of training but also the micro's of training like picking up subtle physical cues and behavioral characteristics that take place during the shaping of behavior. Just like any other physical task, it takes repetition and a desire to connect with your little family member. Just like everything we do in life, it takes practice. Enjoy the time you are spending with your canine during training and your relationship will flourish.
