Hello. I'm new to this site and already have a million questions but I'll start with info first.

I live with a two and a half year old Norwegian buhund named Elsa (goes by the name of "smelly" too, and not because she stinks, but because her incessant sniffing makes me laugh). I also live with my parents. We've had Elsa since she was a pup, and have gone through obedience training and a few other courses. We're not completely happy with how our relationship with the dog has developed and are looking for changes.

She's normal; just a dog. The problems are ours. Basically, I'm the only one interested in the dog, which makes training her somewhat harder. After asking, arguing, pleading, and rationalizing it seems my parents will not take an active hand in the dog (or not much, anyways). My interest in training the dog has come and gone again and again because of the lack of support, in my opinion. But now I cannot handle the idea of the dog having a boring or restricted life because someone won't take an interest in her. Without work, that will be her life forever and I think that sounds horrible. I know she's capable of so much and if I can be a better trainer, our lives will be that much better.

So I've resumed serious training with Elsa, hoping I can be successful knowing she'll be getting some mixed messages, but I need to try anyways.

Soooo, the stage I'm at is trying to switch Elsa over from a more conventional positive training method to clicker training. We have some experience with it so it's not absolutely new. Although there's a wealth of information regarding clicker training, I am confused in many areas concerning the cross-over. Any general ideas will be appreciated.

I'll be much more specific in the future, but there's the background I suppose. I apologize if my essay was boring.

Chris