Frequently Asked Questions about Clicker Training Q: What is clicker? A: Clicker training is a gentle and dog-friendly method of training using a small device, like a child's toy, that makes a click sound. Q: Why train with clicker, can't I just use my voice? A: Clicker helps to speed up the learning process as the clicker makes a quick sound, that is clear for the dog as it always sounds the same, and can be delivered very fast and precisely, so that the dog knows exactly which behaviour is wanted. In addition, the clicker sounds different from most everyday noises and is a neutral sound with no negative connotations for the dog. Q: If I train with clicker do I always have to carry the clicker around with me? A: No, if you don't have your clicker with you, you can use your voice. Q: Do I have to keep using the clicker for the rest of the dog's life? A: No, the clicker is used to train new behaviours and to refine behaviours. Once the behaviour is learnt the clicker is faded and a voice command and/or hand signal is used to ask for the behaviour. Q: What will I learn in clicker class? A: We will cover basic training including loose leash walking, sits, downs, stays, focus on the handler, coming when called, settling down on request, leaving or giving items on request as well as answering your questions for management in the home. Classes sizes are limited so that the syllabus can be adjusted according to handler needs. Q: Do your methods work for all breeds of dog? A: Yes, to date mixed breeds of all shapes and sizes as well as huskies, malamutes, jack russell terriers, fox terriers, dachshunds, pugs, boerbulls, chow chows, German shepherd dogs, Labradors, spaniels, chihuahuas, American pit bull terriers, Scottish terriers, beagles, Boston terriers, boxers, border collies, Rhodesian ridgebacks, mastiffs, Yorkshire terriers, whippets, golden retrievers, shar peis, rottweilers, bulldogs, basset hounds, great Danes, St. Bernards, schnauzers, Dalmations, Weimeraners and Chinese crested dogs, among others, have trained at Furbabies. Q: Where are the training classes? A: Classes are held in Auckland Park, Johannesburg, and are very accessible for Auckland Park, Brixton, Hursthill, Melville, Westdene, Richmond, Emmarentia etc. Q: What is the format of the classes? A: The clicker course is a six lesson course, held on Sunday mornings. Depending on demand, Wednesay evening courses are also sometimes offered. Q: Private lessons would be easier for me, what is the advantage of attending a group dog training class? A: When several dogs and their handlers train together this helps to maintain your dog's socialisation and keep them friendly with other people and dogs. In addition, life is full of distractions, your training will not be much use to you if your dog is only able to respond to commands in your back yard, with no distractions, when what you actually need is control at the vet, in the park and on walks around the neighbourhood. Training around distractions (other people and dogs) helps to proof your training and make it more reliable in situations where your dog is excited. Group classes help to achieve the best results with the minimum of effort. Q: I'm really not sure about the clicker, I've heard bad things about it, do I have to use it? A: Clicker training is often disparaged by proponents of old-school training methods who would like you to believe that choke chains, prong and shock collars and showing the dog 'who is boss' are essential for successful dog training. As the latest research shows, this is simply not true, and dogs who are trained using positive, gentle, modern methods are happy learners who learn faster and retain their learning for longer. Gentle training also teaches the dog to love and enjoy spending time with his owner, rather than to fear his owner. However, if you find, after trying the clicker out, that you prefer to train without it, you are welcome to use verbal commands instead. Q: What happens if I need to miss a class? A: We offer a number of options should you need to miss a class. We can help you to catch up the excercises you missed by going over them with you at the next lesson. You can attend that lesson with the following group or you can arrange to take a catch up class. We are the only school we know of who offers catch up lessons at no additional charge if a handler needs to miss a class. We offer this service because we are committed to ensuring everyone gets the most out of classes. However, while we're happy to help out with a catch up lesson or two, we do ask that you don't abuse this privilege. Q: Can I come and view a class before enroling? A: Most definitely yes. At Furbabies we are very proud of the quality of our classes and are always happy to arrange for you to view a class before enroling. Q: How do I book for a class? A: Completion of the enrolment form and payment secures your place, please contact the instructor for details.