Category: Getting Started ¤
  Author: Lana Mitchell ¤
   Title: 10 Steps to Desensitizing the Clicker ¤

Kim,

I have seen this on occasion - stress due to noise sensitivity to the click
sound. Here's what I have found works best.

First, get the dog's most loved treat in the whole world (liver boiled in
garlic water, chicken hearts marinated then sautéed in a light wine sauce
<G>).

Second, feed several pieces to the dog while in one end of the house (no
clicker) until the dog decides without a doubt this IS the best treat.

Third, have someone at the other end of the house click the clicker and you
feed each time you hear the clicker. KEEP QUIET.

Fifth, if this is going well, have the person move closer, two steps at a
time, until the distance is halved -- after each move there should be at
least three click & feeds.

Sixth, quit for an hour, put the treats & clicker away, put the dog away.

Seventh, repeat First through Fifth steps and stay at the half-way distance
for a few clicks.

Eighth, have the clicker move closer two steps at a time, holding each
distance long enough to click & feed at least three times.

Ninth, watch closely for stress in your dog and have the person back up
several steps at the first sign of looking around, licking lips, etc.

Tenth, do this until the dog is hoping someone will make that blasted noise
so he can get his favorite treat.

Ten steps to desensitizing the click sound.

Lana Mitchell
Tualatin, OR
CLICK for Success