New club formed to promote all-positive training

A new club for Rochester dog owners will promote the use of all-positive training and dog behavior management.

Canine Clicker Pawsabilities will raise awareness about cutting edge training techniques, in particular "clicker training," an approach that lets dog owners train dogs without the use of punishment or so-called "aversives" like prong, choke or shock collars. The club will also provide social opportunities for clicker training enthusiasts. In the future it plans to hold competitions in sports such as conformation, obedience and agility.

Annual dues are $15 per person or $25 per household. To join, or for more information, call (716) 256-2548 or (716) 395-1505, or email miacis@rochester.rr.com or dirtdog@frontiernet.net.

Clicker training: a new approach to training dogs

Clicker training, pioneered decades ago by dolphin trainers, is becoming a popular approach for dog trainers and owners. It features the use of inexpensive noise maker (the "clicker" - originally a child's toy also known as a cricket) to mark dog behaviors the owner or trainer desires. By associating the click noise with positive reinforcement, clicker training enthusiasts are able to communicate their expectations quickly and precisely. They are also able to dispense completely with the use of punishments or corrections; nor do clicker trainers have to yell at, hit, frighten or attempt to "dominate" their dogs.

"We're offering an alternative to dog lovers who sense there's something wrong with "traditional" training techniques, or who have found those techniques can fail," said Diana Nichols, president of the new club.

"So much of what is currently taught to area dog owners has been discredited by leading trainers around the world," Nichols continued. "The very best dog trainers have learned new, better ways to train dogs, whether you want a house companion or would like to compete in obedience, agility or other types of competitions. Now our club will help spread the word about these new, dog-friendly training techniques to the people of Western New York."