Widgets and Gadgets.

I believe it has been well-established that I am a rather skeptical person; like liver spots, a condition advancing with age. Like so many other annoying traits I possess, my right eyebrow reflexively raises rather cynically when someone extols the virtues of a revolutionary new technology or technique for something as basic as training a dog.

For example, artwork can, and is, created by computers and software every day. It has its place but does it rightfully compare to the skillful choice of media and medium? The trained eye for mixing color, shape, perspective; techniques of brush and strokes all masterfully applied by creative minds by equally creative hands - can computer-developed works of art compare? Where art (and dogs) are concerned, I think not!

We all know folks out there that can’t help themselves when it comes to purchasing the latest gadget or widget. Heck, owning the latest cell phone has become a symbol of greater status - like royalty among peers. Increased sightings of the “gud-doffal” Tesla truck on the road proves that no matter how relatively ugly or limited in functionality an item is, if it’s “new”, somebody is going to jump on board like it was the last lifeboat off the Titanic.

Leaving “gizmo’s” for anmother day, let’s define the difference between a “widget” or “gadget”. I didn’t know for sure but, that should be confirmed before we move ahead. Quick research implies that a widget can be a gadget but, perhaps not the other-way-round? Let’s just say, for the purpose of this writing, a “widget” is a simple, non-electronic item or device; a “gadget” is a more complex device that can be electronic or a bit more complex mechanically. Yes, that sounds about right!

WIDGETS:

Let’s begin with a “widget” that has come up often in questioning conversation - “clickers”. I will set-up my take on their use this way; clicker training was developed by a behaviorist/trainer at Marine World (or some such place) to train MARINE MAMMALS. It is my understanding that the clicking noise was recognized as one of several sounds sea mammals often emitt and, therefore, the attempt was to replicate a sound familiar to these creatures.

Now, I cannot speak for whales, but (most) well-treated dogs enjoy being touched and, in fact, I tend to believe that contact is a greater motivation for (most) dogs than audible (to humans) sound. Perhaps, the only motivation that can exceed contact as a motivation might be food (treats). For whales, a nice pat, along with a tossed herring, and a voiced response such as, “Good!”, might not do the trick (pardon the pun).

However, where dogs are concerned, with the possible exception of the herring, I believe these actions are exactly what most dogs willingly respond to. Keep in mind that most any sound can be used to “mark” the correct response by the subject being trained. And, if I feel the need to make a clicking noise, I could do that with my tongue - right?

Useful? Not in my experience. If you insist on using a clicking noise-maker, get a couple dozen because you are likely to lose a bunch (to be found by someone’s grandson) and, unlike said grandson, these widgets will wearout.

It seems that some folks enjoy these little noise-makers. Like many approaches, clickers may work but prancing about like a castanet dancer with a clicker just isn’t my style.

There are several other items that I would include in the “widget” category. Auh, here’s one! How about something called a “Wonder Lead” (or “Slip Leashes”)? These simple rope devises use the same basic principle as the old slip (choke) chain collar used for decades. I guess, in the manner of some thought, a sliding rope design is somehow less concerning than chain. Well, we can all relax, for like the slip-chain collar, these rope devices are designed to relax their loop easily when the dog has learned to stop pulling against them. All in definate contrast to the hangman’s noose of yore, eh? So, when used correctly, none of those devices are harmful to the dog and are quite effective - I say again, when used properly.

Useful? - Can be.

While on the subject of leashes or collars, let’s consider elastic leashes. Here, I’m uncertain as to the user’s intent; are they for the dog’s perceived comfort or the handler’s? In either case, if the dog has been taught to properly heel, an elastic leash is annoying - at the very least! I have seen them accidently release and “snap” the dog in the head or the handler’s hand. If a less elastic version is used, it has the feeling of a “steering” mechanism that is loose - clever dogs will learn to put that to their greater advantage. A sturdy leash certainly will not hurt the dog - especially one properly trained. Therefore, if the dog is well mannered the only reason I can even imagine the need for such things is if the handler is recovering from shoulder surgery caused by handling a poorly trained dog.

Useful? - Not in my experience.

There are camps of folks that insist upon the use of techniques and widgets to get (pointing) dogs to understand the requirement to hold a standing position often referred to as, “whoa”. Ropes, posts, poles, tables, barrels, square chunks of plywood - even a baseball bat - can be used to delineate to the dog their extent (limit) of travel. (To be clear, the bat was not used on the dog’s noggin to get its attention, it was placed on the ground in front of the dog to show the dog a line that could not be crossed. Hey, it was handy!)

Ropes, posts, barrels, square chunks of plywood or - whatever this is - can be used to delineate to the dog their extent (limit) of travel.

Useful? - Most any of these whoa widgets and their techniques will likely work fine. Just try not to be one of those “snobs” that insist that one combination is the ONLY way the process can be completed. Find one (or two) and get very proficient with their use. For your dog’s sake, don’t be the dog owner that insists on buying and using ALL of the widgets they find on the “inter-webs”.

GADGETS :

I’ve covered some electronic gadgets in earlier blogs. Included in the category of electronic collar devices are those that apply sound, vibration, and/or electronic stymulus. Much like bark collar contraptions, most training collars can work wonders on some dogs - especially the dogs that have learned that, once off the leash, they are out of the handler’s control. I trained dogs for decades without requiring an electronic or “E” collar but, eventually, age and a certain setter revised my thinking. These basic units can be used to hunt quietly in forest and field with the use of vibrate or the beeping noise emitted by the unit. Hunting quietly can be a huge advantage when chasing late-season roosters!

Useful? - Can be.

The most powerful set of electronic “genies” available are GPS (Global Positioning System) collared units can detect a gnat in Nebraska and are fantastic tools for those that don’t enjoy watching their dog actually work. Sure, the dog covers swaths of ground the size of a small European country and, supposedly, will locate more birds.

Yet, as I have mentioned in an earlier blog, greater distance takes time to get to the dog; who knows what you will find when you arrive? Most of my dogs have hunted within the hearing range of a belled collar. Auh, but the regions where some game birds are found makes GPS gadgets a welcome relief when dogs can disappear within yards in thick cover.

So, Useful? - Can be. Necessary? - Meh, depends.

There are thousands of widgets and gadgets available to train dogs. A person can own all of them and not train a dog properly. Conversely, a person could own very few and develop a very well-trained companion. Let’s face it, not knowing how a canine thinks will not be mitigated by the use of widgets and gadgets. That’s like using slip-on shoes to get better at tying laces.

Taking the time to learn general dog behavior and your dog specifically while using the simplest of tools will most likely produce your best dog ever.

So, spend the time, learn to use basic training items proficiently, step by step, and…

- Enjoy Your Dog!