Dog Clicker Training is not difficult

If you've had any exposure to dog training at all, you've probably heard about a method called dog clicker training. This technique has been successful in training not only dogs, but horses, marine animals, and even livestock. Clicker training is an invaluable tool in the positive reinforcement dog training approach.

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You may be wondering what a “clicker” might be. The name pretty much gives it away. It is a small device that makes a clicking sound when pressed. This is the sound that will eventually tell your dog that he's doing the right thing.

Clicker Training Method

The first step when using the dog training clicker method is to condition your dog to the sound. It is important that he associate the sound with a reward. Start by clicking while you give your dog a special treat. Do this several times, until he understands that a “click” means that a reward is coming. Don’t worry about getting him to do anything at this point. Just click and treat.

Once your dog is used to the clicker, you can start teaching him commands. Remember that the clicker is not the command. It’s the reward. The foundation of this approach is positive reinforcement - not negative reinforcement or punishment. Words like “no,” or “bad” should be absent during clicker training. The goal is to motivate your dog to obey by rewarding him for good behavior, not punishing him for bad.

In the early stages of training, you may find it helpful to use a treat as a lure. If you’re teaching your dog to lie down, hold the treat close to his nose and move it toward the floor. He’ll follow. At first, you will want to click as soon as he starts moving in the desired direction. Even if he hasn’t gone all the way down, he will associate the reward with the motion. Timing is essential to clicker training.

You have to give the dog a click and a treat instantly when he does the right thing. Don’t wait to reward him until he has already moved out of the desired position. Dogs only associate things for seconds - until they understand by repetition. Initially, if you reward even a couple of seconds after the desired response he won’t understand why he’s getting the treat.

Begin by clicking as soon as the dog begins to move in a way you want him to. Slowly progress to the point where you click and treat only when he is fully sitting or lying down. When your dog is ready, back off even further and reward him with a click and a treat after performing the trick a few times.

You’ll also want to keep in mind that it is best to work on only one action at a time. Don’t mix up the commands during a single short practice session. For example, devote five minutes to working on sit, and sit only. Afterward, if you wish to continue practicing a different trick, take a small break and move to a new location before beginning your next session.

Advantages of Dog Clicker Training Approach

The clicker method of training has several advantages. First, it allows you to instantly reward your dog for good behavior. A click is instantaneous - faster than speech - and you’ll be able to time your rewards more accurately. In speaking, you run the risk of missing the moment in which your dog is doing exactly the right thing.

Another advantage is that the clicker eliminates emotion and tone of voice. Different inflections in your voice can send conflicting signals to a dog, which can sometimes lead to confusion. The use of a dog training clicker eliminates this problem. It always sounds exactly the same, and the dog knows that it means a reward is coming. A clicker can also be easily transferred from person to person, allowing for all family members to effectively work with the dog.

Disadvantages of using the Dog Training Clicker

Like any method, clicker training does have some disadvantages. The first one is that some dogs can become so conditioned to the clicker that they won’t respond to verbal commands if you don’t have your clicker with you. Part of dog clicker training is actually weaning him off it! Remember - the clicker is just a training tool and isn’t meant to be something that is always necessary to get your dog to listen. You’ll need to be careful to gradually move your dog away from the use of the clicker, to ensure that he will respond to you when you don’t have it.

Another disadvantage is that a clicker can become confusing in group training. There is no way for a dog to distinguish one clicker from another. This is a method that is more effective when used in a private setting. Some trainers have also found the clicker itself to be inconvenient. It can be difficult to juggle the device, treats, and sometimes even a leash at the same time. Recall that the key to clicker training is perfect timing - this means you pretty much need your hands free to do it properly.

Clicker training is an excellent approach

Dog clicker training has been proven to be effective when done properly. If you invest some effort and patience, the clicker method can result in a very positive training experience. You can get a training clicker in any pet supply store but of course, you can use anything that makes a distinguishing sound on command.

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