
When learning new tricks Mom uses a finger clicker or uses the word "yes" very enthusiastically to mark the very point where I performed the trick correctly before rewarding me with a treat. I like training this way because the sound marks the point where I performed the behavior correctly and lets me know a treat is coming, if Mom didn't use the marker and just treated she could end up rewarding the wrong behavior and I would never understand what she really wanted me to do.

In the picture to your left Mom taught me to ring a bell on a table while standing on my hind legs and to only ring the bell with my left paw by using a clicker, but clickers aren't just for learning tricks then can be used to correct bad behavior. I will let you in on a little secret about me... I used to be reactive when I saw other dogs and vehicles when Mom and I would go out for a walk on my leash, Mom said I was being a "butt head" and sometimes she says I can still be a "butt" when the UPS Truck passes. Mom taught me to look at her using the clicker when I saw another dog and once we passed the dog I would get a yummy treat, now I associate other dogs with yummy treats and I am not a "butt head" towards them anymore.

My bad reaction towards vehicles was very different then dealing with other dogs. You see my bad behavior was being reinforced because while I was lunging and barking the vehicle was driving away so I was sure I was doing something right to make that happen. Mom ended up teaching me an "Auto Sit" when Mom stops walking I immediately sit down Mom would click as the car passes she would step around and block my view and give me a treat and this works with all domestic vehicles. My issue with UPS, FedEx, etc... is because I am very sound sensitive and I can hear them coming long before Mom can see them if the "Auto Sit" doesn't work Mom uses some of my Canine Freestyle moves as a distraction as the truck goes by... So if you work for UPS and see a Border Collie Twirling down the sidewalk... That would be me!

Time for my walk now... I will be sure not to be butt head!
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