Many dog owners swear by the clicker mark-and-reward method while training their dogs. A clicker is a small handheld device that makes a “click” sound when you push a button. The clicker marks the moment your dog performs the trick or behavior you are working on, and is followed immediately with a reward–usually a treat. When using the clicker training method, you should never click without an accompanying treat, as this will confuse and de-motivate your pup.
Clicker Training Explained
Like Pavlov’s bell, the clicker will become a conditioned reinforcer for good behavior. Clickers are great to use because it’s unlikely you’ll accidentally make a similar sound outside of training that would confuse your dog. However, if you don’t want to use a clicker, there are other options. While we don’t recommend using words because it will be difficult for your pup to differentiate that word from the other forms of verbal praise, there are many other options. Snaps, whistles, or tongue-clucks work just as well as a clicker. The most important thing is that you choose a sound and stick with it–as with any other aspect of training, consistency is key.
There are many benefits to incorporating a clicker into your training process. It allows you to quickly signal to your dog the exact moment they have successfully performed the behavior you’re working on. Some dogs, when being trained to sit, will only touch their bottoms to the floor for a second before popping right back up. With treats alone, it can be difficult to know whether you are reinforcing the sitting behavior, or if your dog believes they’re being rewarded for standing back up again. With a clicker, you can click the moment their bottom hits the floor so that they understand what exactly you are rewarding.
The clicker training method also comes in handy when you’re unable to reward a behavior with a treat immediately. For example, if you are working on having Rover walk beside you while on a leash, it is difficult to reward them with a treat while keeping them in the correct position–you likely need to stop walking or change your position in order to give it to them. Because of this, your dog may get confused and think they are being rewarded for facing you, or for slowing down. With a clicker, you can pinpoint the exact moment when they walk at your side with a slack leash and “click” to let them know. After you’ve marked that moment, you can then slow and alter your position to give your pup their treat. Clickers also work well when strengthening your pup’s recall. Let Rover off their leash (begin in a small, safe area such as an empty dog park) and allow them to roam. Call their name, and as soon as they start coming back to you, click the device and give them a treat. This immediate reinforcement of their decision to return to you is much more effective when training for recall than using treats alone as a reinforcer and having to wait until your pup has made their way back to you to reward them.
Clicker training clarifies communication between yourself and Rover during training, and makes it more of a game. You’ll notice they quickly catch on, and are eager to earn a click whenever they can!
For more training information or to find out more about our dog training programs, visit the Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training website today.
