Come Click! brings dog training and behavior problem-solving to your home. Whether you want to get off to the right start with a new dog or puppy, or have a behavior problem to solve with your current dog, we will be glad to offer our help. We especially enjoy helping with unique training challenges.
Training Resources
On-line Links
Karen Pryor Clicker Training
A wealth of clicker training information
Videos
Socializing Puppies: Birth to 12 weeks
Puppy Culture: The Powerful First 12 Weeks That Can Shape Your Puppy’s Future
https://shoppuppyculture.com/collections/buy-dvds/products/dvd?variant=15897346703454
Books
Training Puppies: 8 weeks and up
Social, Civil, and Savvy: Training and Socializing Puppies to Become the Best Possible Dogs
Short, easy reading focused on the most important early training.
Puppy Start Right: Foundation Training for the Companion Dog
https://shop.clickertraining.com/collections/puppy-training-books
Detailed, scientific background about puppy development and specific techniques for training many behaviors using clicker training.
Perfect Puppy in 7 Days: How to Start Your Puppy Off Right
https://drsophiayin.com/product/perfect-puppy-in-7-days-how-to-start-your-puppy-off-right/
Don’t believe the 7 days, but find a lot of helpful tips explained through color photos. Includes positive reinforcement, but not clicker training.
Training Dogs: 16 weeks and older
Clicking With Your Dog
Better Together: The Collected Wisdom of Modern Dog Trainers
Equipment
General sources
Chewy
American Kennel Club
Petco
https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore
Baby or pet gates –
Select metal or plastic until you know your dog will not chew on wood.
Select sturdy enough and high enough for your dog and install with care because if the dog gets through it once, it has learned it can and will continue to challenge barriers.
Pens –
Select metal or plastic because many dogs chew on wood.
Select sturdy enough and high enough for your dog because if the dog gets out once, it has learned it can and will continue to challenge barriers.
Keep anything the dog can climb on near the center of the pen so the pup cannot use it to climb over the edge of the pen.
Crates –
A well-sized crate should allow the dog to stand up completely, turn around easily, and lie down flat on its side. Select a crate to fit the size that your pup is now because one that is too large allows the pup room to sleep at one end and pee at the other. Keep the crate free of bedding until you are certain that the dog will not pee in the crate or chew on the bedding.
Tethers –
I use a plastic coated steel cable with a hook on each end. These tethers can be ordered in a variety of lengths from www.pettethers.com
Collars –
Choose a flat or rolled collar that cannot slip off over you dog’s ears because if the dog can slip out, the collar will not keep the dog safe.
Avoid collars that tighten completely around the neck or have any type of prongs or shocks that may be aversive. The collar must always be benign from the dog’s point of view or it will create anxiety that will interfere with learning.
My personal preference is a rolled leather buckle collar.
Leashes –
Choose a leash that:
-
- is strong enough to restrain your dog.
- has a sturdy, easy to use snap.
- is comfortable in your hands.
- remains at a consistent length.
- your dog does not chew
My personal preference for a growing puppy is a four-foot nylon leash.
My personal preference for an adult, well-mannered dog is a six-foot leather leash. https://www.jjdog.com/dog-leashes/leather-dog-leashes
Harnesses –
So many types of harnesses and so many body types of dogs! Here is a helpful article: https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/20_4/features/Best-Dog-Harnesses-2017_21622-1.html?ET=wholedogjournal:e303849:2253606a:&st=email&s=p_Grabbag052718
Choose a harness that allows you to attach the leash at the front to the dog’s chest, under its neck because this gives you a mechanical advantage and prevents the dog from pulling hard on the leash.
Note: For the harness to function properly it must be carefully and snugly fit according to the directions.
Head halters –
Halti brand
https://www.companyofanimals.us/brands/halti
Gentle Leader
https://www.petsafe.net/gentleleader
These are helpful in some cases, but I recommend them rarely now that there are so many options in harnesses, because it often takes less time for a dog to adjust to wearing a harness.
Note: For the halter to function properly it must be carefully and snugly fit according to the directions.
Seat belts –
I recommend that dogs are secured when riding in a car for everyone’s safety. I use crates in the car to restrain my dogs, but if you cannot do so, please get a seat belt for your dog.
Muzzles –
Select a sturdy basket type, such as this:
https://www.companyofanimals.us/brands/baskerville-muzzles
Local Trainers
Greater St. Louis Training Club, Inc.
See referral list of clicker trainers on home page.
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partners
https://karenpryoracademy.com/find-a-trainer/?source=kpctnavbar#!directory/map
Search by location.