Targeting

Okay I think I did some trageting in the past using the clicker. If I click I have every animal in the house come running and surround me. I started with Set without the clicker in an attempt to keep from having to hide in the bathroom to get any training done. I used mozzerella cheese as the reinforcer and Set picked up that he needed to touch my finger with his nose to get cheese. In fact he caught on more quickly than my GSD mix did. Orrick joined us however while he was responding and getting his treats he didn't have a light bulb moment. I probably should have just moved to the bathroom, but I ended up with another cat, and two dogs hoovering around us. I let the other kitty join in and occasionally would toss treats to the dogs, but I really miss the clicker. I am going to try to run to the store and get batteries for my clicker plus so I can use other sounds that won't bring the crowd.

This morning I tried to work with Danu on targeting. She ususually loves cheese but wouldn't eat her treat. I switched to the cat dancer my all time favorite cat toy, but I had a hard time keeping her attention on me and not the toy in between reps. I think the clicker would have helped here since it would have been a clear signal for "Yes, now you can play!" If she doesn't start responding to the food I may get some baby food and charge the clicker before I go back to using the toy. I had no problem with Orrick and the toy, but I had a clicker and he knew what the click meant.

I'm trying to pack so I can get moved in the next month, but I have a plan. I'm going to yse R+ on myself. I will clean and pack for an hour and then have a 5 minute training session, then pack for an hour and train. So with any luck I will be able to keep this updated.