Video Homework – Clicker Introduction, Target Training and
Loose Leash Walking with a Toy Reinforcement
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Virginia Broitman, an intro to Clicker Training
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IC367wKGi4M
Search youtube: “virginia broitman clicker training”
Length: 4:36
 This is an excellent video with clear voice-over and useful tips.
 Notice the variety of reinforcements suggested that may be used. Not all dogs like
touch and petting, and some dogs need to learn to play and chase toys. Your dog may
like petting or toy play in one situation or at a particular time each day, but may not
enjoy these activities in all situations.
 A reinforcement by definition strengthens behavior. It is important to constantly
reevaluate if what you are using to reward behavior is actually helping the behavior to
become stronger. Some rewards may be sufficient to maintain an already learned
behavior, but may not be strong enough to build behavior during the acquisition phase.
 Virginia suggests limiting access to the things you want to use as a reward. If your dog
can get petting from you anytime he walks up to and nudges you, why should he
respond to your request to sit first for the opportunity to get petting?
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Grace training Derby (a Dobie) to close the door (using targeting)
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1t2kgyY6D_M
Search youtube: “Grace training Derby” (approximately 3rd video down),
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Length: 3:57
Notice when Grace initially clicks the tape is salient (obvious) to the dog, but the clicker
is held out of sight.
Grace breaks the behaviors down for her dog: first target something, in this case tape
that she can stick on the door, then the tape is put on the door, the location she wants
Derby to target.
Grace uses a training technique known as back-chaining: teaching first to target door
when it is closed, then gradually opening the door further and further, so you are
building the behaviors from the last behavior to the first.
Observe how the clicker makes for an effective precision instrument to communicate
with Derby behavior that is desired.
In this video you will see that Grace isn’t perfect. Some steps are a bit rushed.
However, she has taken a short time out of her day to interact in a positive way with
her dog – notice the attention she gets from her dog. Her dog is taught to perform a
behavior and move away from the treat in order to earn the treat. Derby is learning
deference to Grace. Grace, a 12-year-old is having fun interacting with her dog. And
most importantly look at how happy Derby is through the entire training process.
The Successful Mix, LLC
Karen Rinald Mast, CPDT-KSA
Rev 09/03/2013
Video Homework – Clicker Introduction, Target Training and
Loose Leash Walking with a Toy Reinforcement
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Ken Ramirez demonstrating the many uses and variations of Target Training
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmJkDPnpYGU
Search youtube: “Ken Ramirez targeting with dogs” (2nd video down),
Length: 2:18
 This is an excellent video and should be self-explanatory. Ken is one of the best
trainers I know.
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CIA Casefile: “Murphy Heeling” a video by Laura Baugh
Clicker training a heel, and using a toy to reinforce the clicks
o http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-c3VDkiMxM
Search youtube: “Murphy Heeling”
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I don’t generally combine my clicker w/ toys, particularly in the early stages of
training, as I feel that playing w/ the toy must be long enough to reward the dog
(removing the toy may be a punisher for some dogs), but not so long that the dog
forgets why they got access to their toy. However, this video does demonstrate
effective use of the toy in operant conditioning.
Laura Baugh is a very effective and experienced clicker trainer. Observe her reward
timing, the length of time she expects the dog to perform the behavior, her
recognition of environmental factors that may affect the dog’s performance. She
gives a training break, then how she reinitiates the training session.
Observe Laura’s use of her own body language to keep the dog engaged in the walk
with her, and the position in which she offers the game of tug reward.
Every little thing Laura does helps contribute to the success of this training session.
Video I created with RH SPCA shelter dog, Pharaoh, a Hound mix
Length: 4:16
o http://youtu.be/ci_nypEjJ7M - This is an unlisted link; no youtube search
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Length: 5:55
Introduction to
Introduction to
Introduction to
Introduction to
Find-it game for low treat delivery
Click + Treat
Hand Touch Target using the Click/Treat (C/T) reward system.
following a hand prompt to earn C/T
Video I created with RH SPCA shelter dog, Herman, a Spaniel mix
Length: 4:54
o http://youtu.be/xOeR4wOMqAI - This is an unlisted link; no youtube search
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Following Intro to C/T, the C/T marker and reward-based training system is used to
shape Herman to make a choice to move to a mat and to lay down on the mat.
I frequently hold the clicker behind my back while I’m working using the clicker.
I follow Herman’s behavior in the direction of my goal (laying on mat) with a click,
the click is followed with a treat reward.
The Successful Mix, LLC
Karen Rinald Mast, CPDT-KSA
Rev 09/03/2013