August 22, 2011

Tuesdays With Tag - Clickers and Snaps...

I've been working on obedience with Tag lately. I came across a little gadget called a clicker. It's an inexpensive and interesting training tool that, when combined with a treat, promotes the most wonderful behavior from my Corgi. (He's even heeling next to me off-lead when this technique is employed.) It reminds me of a toy that we played with when I was a kid - sort of a little noise-maker that can easily be held between your thumb and fingers.
We've always used whistles for training our retrievers and I may yet decide to go back to whistle training for Tag, but the clicker is quieter in situations where there are other people nearby.

It's also a great device to use when taking pictures to get the dog's attention, and doesn't sound as silly as some of the sounds I've made in the past. (I've got a killer pheasant call that I'm really proud of, but Handsome says it sounds like I've got a bone stuck in my throat. For years he's been trying to teach our dogs to call "911" when I do it!)
Now that Tag's four and a half months old, I'm able to get on my knees (Corgi-level, you know) and take a few nice portraits of him.
Uh...well...most of the photos were sweet and cute. He's always got to toss me at least one "disapproving Corgi look"! He's got that one down pat. I swear he practices this one when I'm not looking!
Of course, I'll admit that Handsome stood behind me making some noises to get Tag's attention. He really knows how to bring out the best poses. Handsome said that Tag is following the Rules of Good Canine Posture by keeping his tongue out the front...which is a good thing, considering he's got so much of it!

In tribute to Fezzik, Taggart asked me if we could sign off the way his predecessor used to. I think it's fitting, so I said yes. We'll be back next week with more Corgi attitude.
'til then...
More wagging and less barking!

Photobucket




12 comments:

  1. Very sweet photos of Tag. How nice to have Tag Training and some methods that actually work. My BooBoo kitty is untrainable...especially at 17 1/2 years of age. I love Tag's "look" he gives. It sort of says, "What, are you kidding me?!"
    I hope Handsome helps you up from your knees position after photo shoots. I would be stuck there. :o) Happy week dear...

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  2. Oh isn't he just too cute for words!
    I know the little "clicker" you are talking about, I had one as a child that came with the original "Jeopardy" board game. Oh we loved that game!
    I do still miss little Fez and actually was thinking of him this morning and I like seeing his "sign-off" again.
    I am keeping you all in my prayers that the storm will pass you by and you all will make it through safely...
    God bless and keep you and yours Donna!
    Tina xo

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  3. Donna, Tag is such a handsome little guy! His tongue is cute! One of our dog's tongue seems so long he can't keep it in his mouth:) Have a nice week! Twyla

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  4. Do you anticipate Tag acting up so you can click him to stop and give him a treat? Don't let him read this! I wouldn't want to give him any ideas.

    Great pics, lots of personality in that pup!
    xx, Carol

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  5. I remember those clickers...used to get them at Halloween! Did you find it at a pet store?

    Tag, you're just as sweet as can be. And very, very photogenic :-)

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  6. I swear those ears are getting bigger. He becomes cuter by the day.

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  7. Oh that disapproving look is a hoot! You can almost read his mind...."Now what in the heck is she doing on the ground like that, does she actually think I like my photo to be taken?" What a sweet boy you have there!
    Deb

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  8. LOL Donna, he has got that disapproving look down pat, for sure. :)

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  9. Did you know that you can train bunnies with a clicker too! Cool huh?
    I swear Donna...he get's cuter and cuter each week! I can't wait to meet him!!!
    xx, shell

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  10. He is just such a cutie!!!! I love that little "disapproving" look of his. But he is quite the photogenic one. Looking forward to next Tuesday!

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  11. Tag is a handsome little guy, Donna! His "disapproving" look cracked me up- our cairn had a very similar looking one. LOL I've seen those clickers on some tv show before- it does get the dog's attention. Good luck with all the training. :-) Sue

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Blessings, Donna