Clicker training is one of the most effective methods of training if you want fast results using positive methods. It is used to train all kinds of animals including cats, birds, dolphins, and lizards and dogs are no exception! At first it can feel clunky and awkward, but if you stick with it for about two weeks, it begins to feel natural. It is the best way to have clear communication with your dog when you want to communicate what they’ve done right and what you want to see more of in the future.
What is a clicker?
A clicker is a small handheld device that makes a clicking sound when you press on it. They’re fairly cheap and are readily available in most pet stores. You can also get them online. You can get a box clicker which has a louder, harsher click or a soft clicker that is much quieter but can be harder to hear in loud environments. There isn’t a bad kind of clicker. It’s just a matter of preference.
A clicker is also a camera. We call it that because it takes a snapshot of the exact moment you want to see again. Because of this, good clicker timing is crucial. That’s one of the advantages to using one; your voice is not as quick, precise, or consistent as a clicker.
It’s also important to remember that a clicker is a promise. When you click, it tells your dog that they did something right and a treat is coming. Even if you click on accident or when the dog makes a mistake, you have to deliver the treat. This keeps the clicker “charged” and makes it so the dog wants to earn another click.
When should I use a clicker?
A clicker is used when teaching a dog new behaviors. Hearing a click captures the second you want to have repeated and is used to show the dog what it is you’re wanting from them. Once your dog has mastered a behavior, it is no longer necessary to click every single time they do it.
It can also be used to put your dog into “training mode.” If I’m teaching a dog how to walk on a loose leash, I might click when I have them sit beside me even if they’re familiar with that behavior already. This tells the dog that we’re in training and they have the opportunity to earn rewards. It adds a level of excitement and anticipation when your dog knows that it will be getting treats and they’ll start trying new things to get the clicker to go off.
How do I use a clicker for dog training?
Before you can use a clicker to train a dog, you’ll need to “charge” it. That means you’ll associate the sound of a click with a treat. Teaching it is simple. You simply press your clicker and then give your dog a treat. Repeat until you slowly add more time between the click and the treat. Once your dog perks up at the sound of the click, you know they’ve made the association.
Using the clicker requires a certain level of precision and intentionality. Before beginning a training session, picture in your head exactly when you’ll click. Let’s use the example of teaching your dog how to lie down. You would hold the clicker in one hand and a treat in the other. Using the treat, lure the dog into a down. The second its elbows hit the ground, click and reward. This shows the dog what you want repeated.
Be sure to click when your dog offers only the behavior you want. If your dog is barking as it lies down and you click, you’ve told it that you want both of those behaviors. It won’t understand that you only wanted the down.
Clicker training can be awkward at first, but if you continue to use it, it does get easier and can eventually feel more natural than using a verbal marker. I’ve found it to be much more precise. Because the dog can understand exactly what you want, it helps break down the language barrier that separates us from our dogs. It’s an incredibly useful tool that I recommend for you.
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