Dog Clicker Training
Dog clicker training is a form of positive reinforcement training which rewards dogs for performing desired behaviors, rather than trying to rely on punishment or other harsh methods.
Clicker training was developed by animal behaviorist Karen Pryor and first used to train dolphins in the 1960s. This form of training can be used for all types of animals and is especially effective with dogs.
What is Dog Clicker Training?
What sets dog clicker training apart from other forms of positive reinforcement training is that the dog is told exactly what behavior he is being rewarded for. This is communicated by making a clicking sound when the dog performs the desired behavior and is followed up with a treat or other type of reward.
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For example, if you are trying to teach a dog to sit, the moment he performs the desired action a clicking sound is made. This is then followed up immediately with a treat. Your dog associates the clicking sound with sitting and then looks for the treat to follow.
The click sound can either be made by you or by purchasing a clicker, a small box, that can be purchased at a pet store. The advantage to making a click rather than just saying the word “sit” is that the click makes a very distinct sound that is the same each time.
When we say the word “sit” our tone of voice, inflection or emphasis may vary, which may confuse the dog. The other thing about the click is the timing. It is very important to make click just as the dog is doing the desired action. The “click” is like taking a picture of what you want the dog to do.
Dog clicker training can be used with puppies or older dogs, and can be used for a wide range of training such as house training, leash training and learning obedience training. Clicker training is also used in agility training and could be used to help teach your dog tricks as well. It is a very flexible training method and one which builds upon desired behavior rather than punishing a dog after he has done something wrong.
How Dog Clicker Training Works
Here is an example of how the clicker training process works using the obedience command of “sit” as an example. To teach your dog to learn to sit, the first step is to observe your dog. When he begins to sit, make your click sound at the precise moment that his rear end hits the ground. Then follow that up with a treat. After several repetitions, your dog will begin to associate sitting with the click sound, and he will learn that when he sits he is rewarded with a treat.
Once your dog associates the desired behavior with the click, you can introduce the vocal command of “sit.” In clicker training language, the command is also called the cue. At this point in the dog clicker training you would say the command “sit”, wait for your dog to sit, make the click, and then reward the dog. Eventually your dog will learn to listen or watch for the cue be able to perform the desired action, like sit, without the click.
To get the best results from dog clicker training you should keep your training sessions short and make sure you reward your dog with something he really enjoys. Most dogs love to learn and please you, so if you make the clicker training sessions fun and rewarding, your dog should respond well to the training. Many satisfied pet owners have reported great results with this training method, so you should seriously consider giving it a try.