If you are new to the world of dog training, you may have heard the terms “clicker” or “clicker training” but are unsure of what exactly it entails. In short, clicker training is a research-based method to train and communicate more effectively with an animal. The clicker may be the fastest and easiest way to tell the animal you’re working with– be it dog, cat, bird, pig, or other pets- that they have done something correctly.
What is a Clicker?
Clickers are small, handheld devices with a button. Most come with a strap to wrap around your wrist so that if you let go, it’s still within reach. When you push down and release, it makes two-click sounds that are clear and loud. Though clicker devices are helpful, you could have the same effect if you choose to make a click sound with your mouth.
The clicker makes it possible for you to let your dog know they’ve done something you like at the precise moment that it happens. This way, even if it takes you a few seconds to grab a treat from your pouch to reward them, they understand that they are being rewarded because of what they did when you clicked. Without the clicker, your dog might not make the connection between the behavior and receiving the treat.
How Clicker Training Works
It’s easy to teach your dog what the clicker means, and from there, you will have better success with marking correct behaviors.
- First, build the association between the clicker’s sound and the knowledge that a treat is coming. Bring your dog to a room with few distractions. Click the device, then immediately give them a treat. For your initial training, start with a high-value treat, like small pieces of cheese or chicken. Repeat this a few times, and do this training for a few days to establish the connection between hearing a click and receiving a treat.
- Once your dog seems to have a good idea of what a click means, begin incorporating it into your daily training. You can use tricks that your dog already knows further to establish a link between the clicker and treats. If your pup knows “sit” or “lay down” already, give them the cue and then click the moment they hit the ground. Don’t be upset if they stop doing the behavior as soon as they hear the click; when you mark it, they understand the behavior to be over. If you want them to hold a position, give them the command and then tell them to “wait” or stay.” Only click once you’re satisfied with their wait, then expect them to get up and get their treat.
- Clicking is a great way to train your dog passively. You don’t need to be in a formal training session. Keep the clicker with you throughout the day, and click when you see the dog voluntarily (or even accidentally) performing behaviors you like. For example, if they choose to lay down while you’re cooking instead of being underfoot, give them a click. When they go to the bathroom outside, click. Each time you use it helps reinforce its significance in their mind.
- If you are proud of your pet for performing a behavior, avoid clicking multiple times. Instead, click only once, but then make a big deal of verbal praise and petting. You want the sound of the clicker to remain consistent, and clicking multiple times could confuse them.
Where to Go for Training
Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training is a professional dog training school located in Bradenton, Florida. We provide puppy training, obedience classes, and playcare for your dogs – call today to learn more about how we can help with your training needs.
