Crossing Over: A Trainer "Unleashes" with Clicker Training

Dear Karen,

I just wanted to write you a short note to say "Thank you."

I have "trained" dogs for about 18 years, obviously the compulsion way. I have what I refer to as the reverse Midas touch. Everything I do seems to fall apart. I have a couple wonderful working bloodline German Shepherds who were quite frankly a little more than I was capable of "controlling" because of course that's what compulsion is largely about.

I had heard vaguely of clicker training but thought it was a fad or strictly for toy poodles doing cute little useless tricks. After being frustrated at the dull, disappointing way my really high-drive dog, who normally relished playing, dragged through his unbelievably basic obedience training, I read a short article on clicker training and bought a video of yours.

I got a clicker and decided to try something my dogs had never done and I would have had no idea how or why to teach them to do this. I got a short dowel rod and clicked when he showed interest and then gradually when he touched it with his nose.

I remember on the second day with my clicker sitting on the kitchen floor crying. Years of jerk and release and in two days both my dogs and I were having more fun than I had ever had before.

I just can't believe this. I wonder if this is like being blind and then all of a sudden being able to see.

Thank you.