Train Your Dog to Turn on the Light Switch Part 2 with Clicker

[64ChopperDan]

I used your video to train my dog to turn on the switch with his nose. He picked it up pretty quick using your technique. Should he use his nose or paw to turn it off and do you have a video on how to train this?

[supernaturalbc2009]

@64ChopperDan Check out part 3.

[MimoTheJackal]

wow! this is really gret, thanks for uploading this :OO

[supernaturalbc2008]

The foundation training needs to be started right away with positive socialization to different environments, people and other animals. With clicker training, basic behaviors can be taught as soon as you bring them home for sit, down, come, self-control, mat, crate etc. The specific tasks can be taught at an age that is appropriate for each task. For example retrieving can be taught right away but bracing not until the dog is fully physically formed (18 mos or more).

[Tarrensdogs]

How young can you start training a puppy, to be a service dog?

[ErdoBoyPats52]

Bravo.

This is one smart dog. She learns fast. But as you noted I am sure that the principles carry over to any dog. It is jut amazing to see it happen so fast.

[angelam1824]

This is an older video, but I new to me! I'm excited about trying to teach my dog to do this...I'm sure she'll catch on!

Any hints about how to train two dogs separately? My one dog doesn't need to work on the same things the puppy does...

[supernaturalbc2009]

@angelam1824 I reinforce one dog for staying on her bed while I train the other. It works quite well to teach them that they both have a job. Or you can crate one and train the other and reward the crated one during brief breaks in training the other.

[jeremyshockey88]

where do you get clickers and how do you tink you could make one. like a stapler. would that make the same noise

[supernaturalbc2009]

@jeremyshockey88 Most pet stores carry them for $2 to $6. I prefer the ones that are rounded with a raised button. You can use any sound-a stapler is an inventive idea but abit large to carry in your pocket. Other common ideas are a snapple or baby food jar lid, or a click of a pen (soft). Even the sound of the switch itself could be used (but again, abit big to carry around and would wear out quickly)

[supernaturalbc2009]

You can also use a mouth click or a verbal marker "x" or "Yes!" but they are not as accurate for capturing the extact timing needed for this behavior.

Good luck!

[jeremyshockey88]

@supernaturalbc2009 i was gonna use asgtapler but thanks for the ideas.i can bear with a pen till i can go to a pet store one weekend. and i love that dog she is sooooo precious looking. what kind is she and what kinds doyou think are some easy learners. i am iether getting rottwieler, german shepard, or boxer.

[supernaturalbc2009]

@jeremyshockey88 She's a animal control special and actually not an easy learner-despite what you see. She came with tons of fear. She's likely a GSD/BCXminiature pinscher. She's sweet and small. Now that we have our new dog, she's much more confident away from home.

[yameconoces]

jajaja i like your video

[webkinz102938]

lol my dog is to small and short to do that lol

[divac7777]

it might be better to train the dog to use her paw to flip the switch

[supernaturalbc2008]

The problem with that is that dogs pawing a switch can scratch it and when you are in public, you don't want your dog to destroy property. If they learn to do that at home, they do it in public too.

[divac7777]

yea, i was just thinking it might be better because the dog probably wont always have a chair to climb on. I guess there are disadvantages both ways

[TheMedievalMan]

@supernaturalbc2008 I guess a bit of doggie slobber is better then scratches. My Basset would slobber the heck out of that switch!

[cyclwestks]

Both video's were very helpful! Thanks

[freeshapingjunkey]

hi there!

Me and Eddie are practicing getting at least 80% correct light switch flips this evening and will be uploading it later on! cant wait to show you ;O) tomorrow i get a canon HF10 digital videorecorder and im so exited! now i use the web camera for recordings, and the quality will be a world apart!

[supernaturalbc2008]

Look forward to seeing it!

[avel7the7hated]

I watched this video and got everything set up...but i wasnt really paying attention that the whole vid was turning lights on....i worked with my puppy for about a day but she turns it off XD which is convieniant cuz there are times late at nite i really dun wanna get up....puppy maid to the rescue!!

[2STF]

now how does she turn it off

[supernaturalbc2008]

The answer is just above your question.

[supernaturalbc2008]

Yes, she does turn the light off. You train it the same was as the on. Just teach them to nose it the other way, practice that for abit, then practice both by leaving the switch at whatever setting was done last (all uncued.)

Then when they have that down, cue them and they will simply flip the switch the oppostie from where it currently is. It doesn't take them long to figure that out! That way, one cue for both behaviors!

[chaolan77]

That's amazing.

My dog shuts the door for me. He understands which side of the door he needs to push too.. haha

Where did you get the light switch errm.. thingy that sticks out to make it easier for your dog?

[supernaturalbc2008]

Check out any store that carries beer or wine making stuff for for the 5/16 inch inner diameter tubing. Your local Pharmacy might carry it too)

[chaolan77]

ah i see..

unfortunately the light switches at my place are large and mostly flat and I don't know if my landlady would appreciate me superglueing anything that might not be able to be removed when a new tenant moves in. Any ideas? :)

[supernaturalbc2008]

The flat ones shouldn't need an extension if your dogs is just nosing them on/off. They are actually easier to train than the tiny ones we have as they have more surface area to push.

If you really want antension,there is thte putty type sticky stuff that in non-permanent that you could try. It is sold in soft squares and just pushes on. Perhaps you could use a thin flat piece of board to attach it, then decrease it in size as she improves. It is then removable..

Good luck!

[chaolan77]

Taking another look .. I realized they're neither large or do they have the switch part that sticks out like yours do in the video. *L*

I was wondering... Sue. It's Sue, isn't it?^^ Does Jessie turn the light off as well? With my switches, it's pretty much the same movement to turn them on and off.. It just means my dog needs to press about an inch to the left for off and to the right for on. I'm wondering how that'd work?

[Altandf4]

I must say this is amazing. I am working this with Bailey-now 6 months and she can turn on the switch. Now I have to start moving up the wall.

Thanks for sharing

[supernaturalbc2008]

Depending on how tall she is, one person is having their large lab stand on his back feet to turn on the switch, no chair needed! You'll want to wait until her bone plates close (about 12 to 18 months depending on the breed) before you start asking her to do that repetitively.

I am glad it was useful for you!

[Johnnyq18]

can she pull the light swith down or is it to hard for her

[supernaturalbc2008]

Yes, she can. That is taught separately and added at the end of the chain.

Our challenge to you is how to do that now that you have the basic training template?

[abalonmistic]

yes, very good your videos

[supernaturalbc2008]

Thank you! We enjoy making them and there are more to come!

[HorsiieGirl]

is it the same for light switches not light that? i have ones that are like flat and u just push then?

[supernaturalbc2008]

Yes, it's eaven easier for dogs to push the flat switches! They learn the on-off even easier too!

[abalonmistic]

muy buenos tus videos

[HorsiieGirl]

very good these videos? in english

[supernaturalbc2008]

Thank you for translating! I really want to show everyone how easy it is to train your dog using the clicker. I am glad you enjoyed it!

[servicepap]

Absolutely excellent! If you haven't already, please send the links to all your videos to Karen Pryor.

[supernaturalbc2008]

Good idea! I did submit the shut the door video one to the K9 Film Festival (can't remember what it was called). Waiting to hear the results. Thanks!

[supernaturalbc2008]

We made the finals!