| Originating with the training and conditioning of aquatic | | | | concentrating on the task at hand. When activating the |
| life such as dolphins, seals, and whales, clicker training | | | | clicker, try to keep it and your hand out of the dog's |
| emphasizes positive reinforcement as a humane way | | | | sight and act as "natural" as possible to keep the dog's |
| of training animals. Dogs, or even cats and horses, can | | | | attention where it should be. |
| easily be trained using a simple device known as a | | | | - While it may be difficult, in addition to keeping the |
| clicker utilizing an even simpler method scientifically | | | | clicker hidden, it's also important to not touch your dog |
| known as operant conditioning. | | | | during the training sessions. Petting, hugs, and kisses |
| What You'll Need to Get Started Clicker Training | | | | are all wonderful, but save them for after the session |
| 1. The Clicker: The clicker, which is a small box made | | | | so as not to distract your dog from what you're trying |
| from plastic containing a strip of metal, is obviously the | | | | to teach him or her. |
| main item you'll need for this type of training. When | | | | - Always keep the clicker and the treats nearby so |
| pressed and released, the clicker makes a sharp, | | | | you're able to reward positive behavior the second it |
| clicking noise that will get your dog's attention as soon | | | | occurs. If you don't actually see your dog in the act, |
| as they hear the distinct sound. | | | | then don't praise them or use the clicker as it's too late. |
| 2. Small Treats: As you use the clicker as a positive | | | | The clicking noise should be made during the desired |
| conditioning tool to reinforce or shape good behavior, | | | | behavior, and not even a minute or two later. |
| small treats will be needed to reward your dog. Once | | | | - The length of the clicker training sessions is a very |
| they associate their behavior with the clicking sound, as | | | | important detail not to overlook as most dogs do not |
| well as the ensuing treat, it will be easier for them to | | | | have much of an attention span. Stop using the clicker |
| understand what it is you want them to do. | | | | before your dog is no longer interested in the sound |
| 3. Praise, Patience, and Positive Reinforcement: Some | | | | making them more likely to pay attention during the |
| dogs respond quicker than others to clicker training, but | | | | next session. Limit sessions to no more than three to |
| it's important to stay calm, use praise, and never raise | | | | five minutes, since in the beginning, the frequency of |
| your voice or scream at your dog. Besides teaching | | | | the sessions is more important than the actual amount |
| fear rather than reinforcing good behavior, yelling at or | | | | of time spent during each one. |
| punishing a dog is also cruel and abusive. Every clicker | | | | - If you're training your dog to do a certain trick or |
| training session should be calm, low-key, and not cause | | | | command, don't wait until they've finally mastered the |
| the dog any type of stress. | | | | task before clicking. Sound the clicker the instant they |
| Quick Tips for Clicker Training | | | | start to make a move in the right direction, or begin to |
| - Remember to keep the clicker hidden, otherwise, that | | | | do whatever it is you're teaching them so they know |
| majority of dogs will be more interested in inspecting | | | | they're doing what they should be. |
| the source of the clicking sound instead of | | | | |