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Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Clicker Training Introduction
Clicker training with dogs is fairly well known, but all animals can be trained with the Clicker method, cats, birds, horses and most others.
Dogs soon learn that when they perform a particular action it gets them a reward immediately after hearing the click, this is a very positive way of training, which dogs react well to. They soon start performing the action in the hope of getting another treat. The training sessions are totally pleasurable for the dog so they learn very quickly, once they have realised that they get a reward.
The difference between clicker training and other reward based training methods is that with the clicker training method the dog immediately understands which action has resulted in his receiving the reward. As he hears the click, as the correct action is performed, he immediately receives the reward.
The clicker is a more positive way of training than the spoken word simply because the dog will very rarely hear the click at any other time, except when training, but he hears spoken words all the time, most of which he does not understand.
You need to exercise a little patience when you first start, but most dogs will start to understand after hearing the click 5 or 6 times. You will know when your dog understands, as he will look up at you when you click.
Start by going somewhere quiet so your dog is not distracted by other noises. Arm your-self with some really tasty treats, that are not usually given to him, like very small pieces of roast beef or chicken, cheese, liver or hot dogs. Use your clicker and give him a treat, do this say, three times so that he associates the click with a treat. Should your dog be of a very nervous disposition, and is frightened of the click then muffle it by putting it in your pocket to begin with. You can start by playing games. Have his toys with you. Throw one and as he picks it up click and reward.
Once you know that your dog understands you can start using words to go with the action. After a short while you can introduce the words fetch and give as he performs these tasks, click and reward.
You have to wait for the action you want.
Mark that behaviour by clicking.
Reward the behaviour.
Repeat.
He then quickly learns what is required of him.
You can also teach him to react to hand signals, in the same way. Once you get to this stage you only reward him when he has responded to your commands, you no longer reward him when he performs the action without the command.
To teach sit or down you have to use the toy as a lure to encourage your dog into the correct position, as soon as he sits or goes down click and reward. Do not use any verbal instructions until you are confident that your dog will perform what you want him to. Only then do you use a command, and when you believe that he will perform to command then you can stop using the toy, or treat, as a lure.
Teaching him to stay is an important lesson to learn. Start by putting him in a sit or down, which ever is your dogs favourite position. Tell him to stay but dont move, if he holds it for a few seconds click and reward. Do this a couple of times before you try taking just one step away, if he holds it click and reward. If he moves just return to him and put him back into position. Keep practicing until you can walk unlimited distances away, but dont try to go too far too quickly.
Teach your dog the difference between stay and wait. Stay is when you are going away from him and will return to him. Wait is for a variety of occasions;
1) You dont want him to jump out of the car until you say.
2) he may be ahead of you and you want him to wait till you catch up with him.
3) he may be about to cross the road without you, and you want to check it first.
There are countless needs for the command to wait.
If your dog is not good on recall then start using the clicker to get him to respond to his name, he will soon learn that he gets a reward when he responds. No dog will come to call if you cant get his attention when you call his name. So when he looks up at you click and reward. The next step would be to call him when he is a distance away, somewhere quiet where there are no distractions, click when he looks up, call him click again and reward. You will soon be able to have good recall when you are out.
The use of the clicker is generally only used while the dog is learning the cue, as in the word or hand signal, once it is understood then you no longer need to click, but the occasional reward is always worthwhile.
Clicker trainers prefer not to reprimand their dogs as they prefer to build a strong relationship with their dogs and they dont believe they can do this if they are punishing wrong behaviour. They also think that they get more enthusiasm from their dog if it is receiving no punishment. It is believed that any bad habits will slowly stop, as they get no reward. If the bad habit persists then the habit needs to be studied to understand why it exists, remove the cause and the bad habit should go away.
Valerie Dancer
¶ 10:16 PM 0 comments
Dogs soon learn that when they perform a particular action it gets them a reward immediately after hearing the click, this is a very positive way of training, which dogs react well to. They soon start performing the action in the hope of getting another treat. The training sessions are totally pleasurable for the dog so they learn very quickly, once they have realised that they get a reward.
The difference between clicker training and other reward based training methods is that with the clicker training method the dog immediately understands which action has resulted in his receiving the reward. As he hears the click, as the correct action is performed, he immediately receives the reward.
The clicker is a more positive way of training than the spoken word simply because the dog will very rarely hear the click at any other time, except when training, but he hears spoken words all the time, most of which he does not understand.
You need to exercise a little patience when you first start, but most dogs will start to understand after hearing the click 5 or 6 times. You will know when your dog understands, as he will look up at you when you click.
Start by going somewhere quiet so your dog is not distracted by other noises. Arm your-self with some really tasty treats, that are not usually given to him, like very small pieces of roast beef or chicken, cheese, liver or hot dogs. Use your clicker and give him a treat, do this say, three times so that he associates the click with a treat. Should your dog be of a very nervous disposition, and is frightened of the click then muffle it by putting it in your pocket to begin with. You can start by playing games. Have his toys with you. Throw one and as he picks it up click and reward.
Once you know that your dog understands you can start using words to go with the action. After a short while you can introduce the words fetch and give as he performs these tasks, click and reward.
You have to wait for the action you want.
Mark that behaviour by clicking.
Reward the behaviour.
Repeat.
He then quickly learns what is required of him.
You can also teach him to react to hand signals, in the same way. Once you get to this stage you only reward him when he has responded to your commands, you no longer reward him when he performs the action without the command.
To teach sit or down you have to use the toy as a lure to encourage your dog into the correct position, as soon as he sits or goes down click and reward. Do not use any verbal instructions until you are confident that your dog will perform what you want him to. Only then do you use a command, and when you believe that he will perform to command then you can stop using the toy, or treat, as a lure.
Teaching him to stay is an important lesson to learn. Start by putting him in a sit or down, which ever is your dogs favourite position. Tell him to stay but dont move, if he holds it for a few seconds click and reward. Do this a couple of times before you try taking just one step away, if he holds it click and reward. If he moves just return to him and put him back into position. Keep practicing until you can walk unlimited distances away, but dont try to go too far too quickly.
Teach your dog the difference between stay and wait. Stay is when you are going away from him and will return to him. Wait is for a variety of occasions;
1) You dont want him to jump out of the car until you say.
2) he may be ahead of you and you want him to wait till you catch up with him.
3) he may be about to cross the road without you, and you want to check it first.
There are countless needs for the command to wait.
If your dog is not good on recall then start using the clicker to get him to respond to his name, he will soon learn that he gets a reward when he responds. No dog will come to call if you cant get his attention when you call his name. So when he looks up at you click and reward. The next step would be to call him when he is a distance away, somewhere quiet where there are no distractions, click when he looks up, call him click again and reward. You will soon be able to have good recall when you are out.
The use of the clicker is generally only used while the dog is learning the cue, as in the word or hand signal, once it is understood then you no longer need to click, but the occasional reward is always worthwhile.
Clicker trainers prefer not to reprimand their dogs as they prefer to build a strong relationship with their dogs and they dont believe they can do this if they are punishing wrong behaviour. They also think that they get more enthusiasm from their dog if it is receiving no punishment. It is believed that any bad habits will slowly stop, as they get no reward. If the bad habit persists then the habit needs to be studied to understand why it exists, remove the cause and the bad habit should go away.
Valerie Dancer
¶ 10:16 PM 0 comments
Watch Satellite TV On Computer Why Restrict To the TV?
It is possible and practical to watch satellite TV on computer with a fine quality PC and internet connection nowadays. There are literally thousands of satellite TV channels available to anyone through the computer and all one needs is the right piece of software to achieve that. Since this is so, everyone really does not need to restrict watching of satellite TV only to the TV set.
What PC satellite TV software can do is amazing as technology once again break new barriers. With the proper TV software package, it allows your computer to receive thousands of worldwide channels so that you can watch satellite TV on computer instead of the TV. In other words, you no longer are restricted and confined to the channels that your local satellite TV service provider gives to you in your TV package. Every satellite TV program you watch on your computer is delivered directly through your internet connection. As such, the number of channels available perpetually grows all the time.
But you may be interested to know what kind of satellite TV programs one can watch on their PCs should they choose to watch satellite TV on computer using PC satellite TV software. Since the exposure is worldwide, a person can be watching movies, news, LIVE games, sports events, music videos, TV series, educational and other entertainment programs from satellite TV stations in different countries like Australia, US, UK, Canada, Hong Kong, France, etc. Kids would be busy watching interesting discovery channels and kids cartoons especially during the holidays.
There are however things you need to prepare concerning your PC requirements in order for you to watch satellite TV on computer. For a start, you should ensure that your internet connection runs at 56k minimum. Anything lower than this means that you would not get maximum enjoyment out of your satellite TV viewing. TV picture and sound quality would be compromised. So go for broadband connection if you can afford to as you can then watch satellite TV on computer and really have a pleasurable experience.
Besides being able to watch numerous programs, the one major benefit to any satellite TV viewer is the cost savings. Compared to traditional satellite TV packages, the only cost involved to watch satellite TV on computer is the cost of the software. It is a one-time affair and you need not fork out any monthly fees to continue using it, unlike using conventional satellite TV providers. Once you pay and download the software, you can watch satellite TV on computer for free as long as you wish. Also, even if you want to watch some special channels like LIVE soccer or F1 sports, you need not pay any additional fee. So really, cost savings is one big factor that is driving more people to use PC satellite TV to watch satellite TV on PC.
Here is a quick tip for you if you intend to watch satellite TV on computer. Perhaps you are thinking of making an investment in this PC satellite TV software, but before that, please check if you have an existing contract with your service provider. Make sure that the termination does not carry any penalty so that you can have a peace of mind. Read more about this PC satellite TV software, its functions, etc at my TV blog before you make the choice to watch satellite TV on computer.
Davion Wong is a successful webmaster, author and fan of TV shows. Discover how you can instantly watch satellite TV on PC, tuning into hundreds of LIVE world channels of news, movies, music and kids program at http://Watch-Satellite-TV-On-PC.blogspot.com.
¶ 2:51 PM 0 comments
What PC satellite TV software can do is amazing as technology once again break new barriers. With the proper TV software package, it allows your computer to receive thousands of worldwide channels so that you can watch satellite TV on computer instead of the TV. In other words, you no longer are restricted and confined to the channels that your local satellite TV service provider gives to you in your TV package. Every satellite TV program you watch on your computer is delivered directly through your internet connection. As such, the number of channels available perpetually grows all the time.
But you may be interested to know what kind of satellite TV programs one can watch on their PCs should they choose to watch satellite TV on computer using PC satellite TV software. Since the exposure is worldwide, a person can be watching movies, news, LIVE games, sports events, music videos, TV series, educational and other entertainment programs from satellite TV stations in different countries like Australia, US, UK, Canada, Hong Kong, France, etc. Kids would be busy watching interesting discovery channels and kids cartoons especially during the holidays.
There are however things you need to prepare concerning your PC requirements in order for you to watch satellite TV on computer. For a start, you should ensure that your internet connection runs at 56k minimum. Anything lower than this means that you would not get maximum enjoyment out of your satellite TV viewing. TV picture and sound quality would be compromised. So go for broadband connection if you can afford to as you can then watch satellite TV on computer and really have a pleasurable experience.
Besides being able to watch numerous programs, the one major benefit to any satellite TV viewer is the cost savings. Compared to traditional satellite TV packages, the only cost involved to watch satellite TV on computer is the cost of the software. It is a one-time affair and you need not fork out any monthly fees to continue using it, unlike using conventional satellite TV providers. Once you pay and download the software, you can watch satellite TV on computer for free as long as you wish. Also, even if you want to watch some special channels like LIVE soccer or F1 sports, you need not pay any additional fee. So really, cost savings is one big factor that is driving more people to use PC satellite TV to watch satellite TV on PC.
Here is a quick tip for you if you intend to watch satellite TV on computer. Perhaps you are thinking of making an investment in this PC satellite TV software, but before that, please check if you have an existing contract with your service provider. Make sure that the termination does not carry any penalty so that you can have a peace of mind. Read more about this PC satellite TV software, its functions, etc at my TV blog before you make the choice to watch satellite TV on computer.
Davion Wong is a successful webmaster, author and fan of TV shows. Discover how you can instantly watch satellite TV on PC, tuning into hundreds of LIVE world channels of news, movies, music and kids program at http://Watch-Satellite-TV-On-PC.blogspot.com.
¶ 2:51 PM 0 comments
Simple No Risk Strategy To Squeeze More Money Out Of Your Customers!
If you had a no-risk way that is guaranteed to fatten your wallet, would you use it? Of course you would. I have a simple solution to do that, and Im shocked that most internet marketers are not implementing this simple strategy. If you implement it, youll be ahead of most of the average internet marketers. Anyway, this is what you do:
Simply put an additional offer order form right before your customer completes their purchase.
This additional offer can be two things, a cross-sell and an up-sell. You can use a cross-sell by combining a related product to the original order. Or you can use the up-sell by giving your customers an upgraded or premium version of your product.
Here is an example of a cross-sell:
Yes! I want to gain Maximum Muscle In Minimal Time with the Maximum Muscle Protein Powder for $30 right now! Also include my 12-bar box of Maximum Muscle Protein Bars, the perfect food bar for the serious bodybuilder at the rock-bottom price of $19.97!
(In this case, protein bars are related to original product, the protein powder.)
Here is an example of an up-sell:
YES! I want to super size the soda and fries for only 50 cents more!
(In this case, the bigger portion of the meal is the upgraded version of the original product.)
The reason you want to do this is because your customer already has his credit card in hand and are receptive to buy your original product. The cross-sell and up-sell technique works because it plays into your customers impulse buying habits.
Like I said before, there is absolutely no risk in having these offers. Your customers can either order your package deal or they dont. But lets say only 50% of your customers do order your additional offers; calculate how that can fatten you wallet. There is nothing to lose, and more money to gain! You will only win in this situation!
Just be creative when cross-selling your products. You can figure it out, just use your common sense! Here are a few examples to get you started:
Golf equipment after theyve purchased hundreds of dollars of equipment, would your prospects want to know how to improve their swing? Offer them an instructional DVD or a subscription to a golf magazine.
Insurance after your prospect bought an auto insurance policy, offer them a vacation package at $100 off.
Information products after your prospect bought your $597 product, offer them a limited time offer of purchasing the bonus CD set that usually sells for $397 at a one time only price of $97.
Just integrate these offers in your website ordering page with a checkbox. The beauty of offering these upsell/cross-sell goodies is that it takes a minute to implement, but doesnt cost you any extra money to advertise and promote.
To sum up, the cross-sell/up-sell works well because people are in the buying mode, and it takes less effort push them deeper in your extra money-saving offers. If you want some extra money with very little effort, start using this strategy today!
Alan Quan is a certified Internet Coaching Empire coach and specializes in helping people build their own successful internet marketing business. Visit his website at http://e-bizcoachalan.com/success.htm and find out how he can help you to quickly accomplish your goals and boost your internet profits.
¶ 2:22 PM 0 comments
Simply put an additional offer order form right before your customer completes their purchase.
This additional offer can be two things, a cross-sell and an up-sell. You can use a cross-sell by combining a related product to the original order. Or you can use the up-sell by giving your customers an upgraded or premium version of your product.
Here is an example of a cross-sell:
Yes! I want to gain Maximum Muscle In Minimal Time with the Maximum Muscle Protein Powder for $30 right now! Also include my 12-bar box of Maximum Muscle Protein Bars, the perfect food bar for the serious bodybuilder at the rock-bottom price of $19.97!
(In this case, protein bars are related to original product, the protein powder.)
Here is an example of an up-sell:
YES! I want to super size the soda and fries for only 50 cents more!
(In this case, the bigger portion of the meal is the upgraded version of the original product.)
The reason you want to do this is because your customer already has his credit card in hand and are receptive to buy your original product. The cross-sell and up-sell technique works because it plays into your customers impulse buying habits.
Like I said before, there is absolutely no risk in having these offers. Your customers can either order your package deal or they dont. But lets say only 50% of your customers do order your additional offers; calculate how that can fatten you wallet. There is nothing to lose, and more money to gain! You will only win in this situation!
Just be creative when cross-selling your products. You can figure it out, just use your common sense! Here are a few examples to get you started:
Golf equipment after theyve purchased hundreds of dollars of equipment, would your prospects want to know how to improve their swing? Offer them an instructional DVD or a subscription to a golf magazine.
Insurance after your prospect bought an auto insurance policy, offer them a vacation package at $100 off.
Information products after your prospect bought your $597 product, offer them a limited time offer of purchasing the bonus CD set that usually sells for $397 at a one time only price of $97.
Just integrate these offers in your website ordering page with a checkbox. The beauty of offering these upsell/cross-sell goodies is that it takes a minute to implement, but doesnt cost you any extra money to advertise and promote.
To sum up, the cross-sell/up-sell works well because people are in the buying mode, and it takes less effort push them deeper in your extra money-saving offers. If you want some extra money with very little effort, start using this strategy today!
Alan Quan is a certified Internet Coaching Empire coach and specializes in helping people build their own successful internet marketing business. Visit his website at http://e-bizcoachalan.com/success.htm and find out how he can help you to quickly accomplish your goals and boost your internet profits.
¶ 2:22 PM 0 comments
Traveling with Your Pet; Some Useful Tips
Remember to bring along your pet's rabies and health certificates if you are taking your pet on vacation with you. It is also a good idea to have the name of someone who would be willing to come and get the animal in case of an accident. If you are staying at hotels, you would do well to research which ones accept pets (many do) and which ones do not.
Some airlines will let your pet ride in the cabin with you for a $50 one-way fee, but it must be small enough to fit in a crate that will then fit under the seat in front of you, and your pet will count as one piece of your carry-on luggage.
And just like children, pets DO get carsick! If you are planning a long trip with your pet and he isn't used to traveling in the car much, you might want to take him out for a bunch of rides - gradually lengthening the trip each time. Also putting the animal toward the front of the vehicle will sometimes help with a dog that does get carsick (less motion than at the back).
How many times have you driven down the street to see a car go by you that has a dog hanging out the window? Or sitting in the driver's lap? Not only is this a probable accident waiting to happen, but the dog's head and eyes are in danger of being injured by debris. It is always a good idea to restrain your dog when he is traveling in the car with you - either with a harness or in a crate. If you use a harness, you might consider covering the seat with a seat cover or an old blanket that you can take out and wash.
And last but not least, under no circumstances EVER leave your pet in the hot sun in the car (even with the windows down). It is akin to putting them into a 120 oven!! Have fun with your pet and enjoy your summer.
Written by Linda Bonney, owner of many dogs for the past 30+ years. My kids and I have loved pets (especially dogs) forever. Just make sure you have good dog leashes and a snappy pet t shirt to wear while traveling with your favorite pet. Visit me at http://www.bestanimallovers.com.
¶ 8:50 AM 0 comments
Some airlines will let your pet ride in the cabin with you for a $50 one-way fee, but it must be small enough to fit in a crate that will then fit under the seat in front of you, and your pet will count as one piece of your carry-on luggage.
And just like children, pets DO get carsick! If you are planning a long trip with your pet and he isn't used to traveling in the car much, you might want to take him out for a bunch of rides - gradually lengthening the trip each time. Also putting the animal toward the front of the vehicle will sometimes help with a dog that does get carsick (less motion than at the back).
How many times have you driven down the street to see a car go by you that has a dog hanging out the window? Or sitting in the driver's lap? Not only is this a probable accident waiting to happen, but the dog's head and eyes are in danger of being injured by debris. It is always a good idea to restrain your dog when he is traveling in the car with you - either with a harness or in a crate. If you use a harness, you might consider covering the seat with a seat cover or an old blanket that you can take out and wash.
And last but not least, under no circumstances EVER leave your pet in the hot sun in the car (even with the windows down). It is akin to putting them into a 120 oven!! Have fun with your pet and enjoy your summer.
Written by Linda Bonney, owner of many dogs for the past 30+ years. My kids and I have loved pets (especially dogs) forever. Just make sure you have good dog leashes and a snappy pet t shirt to wear while traveling with your favorite pet. Visit me at http://www.bestanimallovers.com.
¶ 8:50 AM 0 comments
Choosing The Best Dry Dog Food
Sometimes, the best dry dog food is the one that your dog will eat the most. It is easier to buy something that your canine will eat as opposed to having them eat dog food that may be better for them, but one that they may not necessarily like. However, there are a few things you need to consider when you walk down the pet food aisles at your local retailer.
Consider the price of the dry dog food. Often, dry dog food that are cheap or are not branded are made with ingredients like fillers and seasonings that are not necessarily good for dogs. These ingredient may be tasty, but they can be harmful to your dog. These dry dog food often have too much preservatives, which can cause your dog to develop health problems that may eventually cause them to suffer later on in life.
To increase the vitality and life expectancy of your dog, go with good quality dry dog food. You don't really need to purchase the most expensive dry dog food there is, but it is best if you stick with dry dog food that is manufactured by a reputable dog food company and is priced reasonably.
The main ingredient in the best dry dog food is rice, corn or soybean. High quality dry dog food will also have other ingredients such as beef and chicken. Stores also sell dry dog food formulated specifically to a dog's age. Manufacturers classify the different types of dry dog food as being for puppies, adult dogs and senior dogs. Purchasing the dry dog food that's most suitable for your dog's age is always important.
If you want to know what are the best dry dog foods, ask your veterinarian. Veterinarians would often recommend the branded dry dog foods. These brands are more expensive, but if you have an older dog, it may be to your advantage to pay a little more for the best dry dog food.
You will know if you've picked the best dry dog food by the way your dog looks and feels. When you take your dog for yearly shots, his coat should be healthy, his eyes should be clear and he should be full of energy. If your pet doesn't look well and seems lethargic, there could be something wrong with his diet. It is always wise to keep notes about what your dog is eating on a daily basis. This way, a veterinarian can diagnose your dog more quickly and recommend the best dry dog food for your pet.
George Chao, owner of Digital Excellent Free Online Magazine - http://www.digitalexcellent.com/
¶ 7:07 AM 0 comments
Consider the price of the dry dog food. Often, dry dog food that are cheap or are not branded are made with ingredients like fillers and seasonings that are not necessarily good for dogs. These ingredient may be tasty, but they can be harmful to your dog. These dry dog food often have too much preservatives, which can cause your dog to develop health problems that may eventually cause them to suffer later on in life.
To increase the vitality and life expectancy of your dog, go with good quality dry dog food. You don't really need to purchase the most expensive dry dog food there is, but it is best if you stick with dry dog food that is manufactured by a reputable dog food company and is priced reasonably.
The main ingredient in the best dry dog food is rice, corn or soybean. High quality dry dog food will also have other ingredients such as beef and chicken. Stores also sell dry dog food formulated specifically to a dog's age. Manufacturers classify the different types of dry dog food as being for puppies, adult dogs and senior dogs. Purchasing the dry dog food that's most suitable for your dog's age is always important.
If you want to know what are the best dry dog foods, ask your veterinarian. Veterinarians would often recommend the branded dry dog foods. These brands are more expensive, but if you have an older dog, it may be to your advantage to pay a little more for the best dry dog food.
You will know if you've picked the best dry dog food by the way your dog looks and feels. When you take your dog for yearly shots, his coat should be healthy, his eyes should be clear and he should be full of energy. If your pet doesn't look well and seems lethargic, there could be something wrong with his diet. It is always wise to keep notes about what your dog is eating on a daily basis. This way, a veterinarian can diagnose your dog more quickly and recommend the best dry dog food for your pet.
George Chao, owner of Digital Excellent Free Online Magazine - http://www.digitalexcellent.com/
¶ 7:07 AM 0 comments
