The technique used in animal training known as clicker training involves the use of a click to indicate to the animal that it has performed an action accurately.
“Marking” is the term used when acknowledging your dog’s excellent behavior with a positive affirmation.
What Exactly is a Dog Clicker?
A button is located on the top of the clicker, which is a small noise-making device that fits in the palm of your hand and produces a clicking noise when pushed.
There is a difference in the sound and appearance of clickers. Some are large and produce a high-pitched noise, while others are compact and produce a lower-pitched noise that is more suitable for timid dogs who are afraid of loud noises.
How to Train Your Dog With a Clicker
To achieve your desired outcomes, you can combine a clicker with three primary techniques.
1. Catching
“Catching” refers to the moment when you observe your pet displaying the desired behavior.
It is the most appropriate technique for teaching actions that your pet naturally performs, such as sitting, laying down, and potentially rolling on the grass.
A possible rephrased version could be: To teach your dog to lie down, you may simply stand with your dog inside your living room and be patient.
Once some time has passed, your dog will likely choose to lay down and relax independently. As soon as he lies down, use the clicker and throw a treat on the ground a short distance from him.
2. Shaping
Through the process of “shaping,” you can cultivate a fresh behavior by rewarding small steps achieved through clicking.
Training new behaviors (or a series of behaviors) that your pet doesn’t naturally exhibit can be effectively achieved through the use of shaping.
Begin by rewarding the initial small behavior that sets your pet on the path to completing the desired behavior. Once they have mastered this first step, gradually increase the difficulty by asking for the next small step in order for them to earn a click and treat.
To illustrate, consider the scenario of wanting to train your canine to execute a roll over upon instruction. Initially, you would compensate your pooch for lying down and lifting their paw. After mastering this action, you would then reward them for rolling onto their back. Eventually, the objective would be to teach them the complete roll over maneuver.
3. Luring
The act of “luring” refers to the methodology of tempting your pet with a reward in order to guide them into the preferred stance.
To move your pet into the desired position, you need to hold the treat in front of his nose and guide him by moving it.
To entice a dog to lie down, one can hold a treat in front of their nose and move it downward in a straight line towards the ground. This will attract the dog’s nose and lead their body down like a magnet.
Click and treat for the down while his elbows make contact with the floor.
With some training, you may solely rely on the hand gesture to command your dog to lie down. Replicate the same gesture as earlier, but without any snack in your hand.
By repeatedly practicing the hand signal, you can gradually decrease its size and length. After some time, your dog will associate the signal with lying down when you direct it towards the ground.
Observe Victoria Stilwell, an expert in dog training, as she guides us through some fundamental principles of clicker training.
Advantages to Dog Clicker Training
Clicker training is supported by numerous trainers due to various reasons.
- Clicker training is a positive reinforcement training tool , built on rewarding your dog for good behaviors rather than punishing bad ones.
- You can do several repetitions of the same behavior without losing the dog’s interest or affecting his motivation due to the treats.
- This is one of the best training concepts to build a great relationship between the dog and his handler.
- Clickers can be used by any individual or trainer. Many clickers are designed to help those who are mobility-impaired train their dogs.
- Clicker training is an excellent way to train dogs who participate in sports such as agility . Because timing is so critical when training, a clicker is invaluable with shaping a dog’s behavior.
Disadvantages to Dog Clicker Training
Although clicker training is a widely favored approach to training, it is important to bear in mind that there are certain drawbacks associated with it.
- Clicker training is a reward-based concept, so if you are dealing with a dog that has a low food or toy drive, then this training might not work as well (but then again, most training strategies will be tricky with a dog not interested in food or toys. We suggest trying higher-value treats instead!).
- If the clicker training is not done properly (for example, clicking without following up with a treat or clicking at the wrong time), then the training tool can be ruined.
Tips On Clicker Training For Dogs
Apart from the details mentioned previously, there are a couple of extra suggestions on clicker training for dogs that we want to offer you.
- End training sessions on a good note , when your pet has succeeded with what you’re working on. If necessary, ask your dog to do something you know it can do well at the end of a session.
- If your dog runs away when he hears the click , you can make the sound softer by putting it in your pocket or wrapping a towel around the hand that is holding the clicker.
- Time it perfectly. The important thing to remember with clicker dog training is to get the timing of your clicks right. You have to use the clicker to click as soon as your dog gives you the behavior you’re looking for.
- Use lots of small treats. Make sure you have plenty of treats for your dog so you can repeat the exercises again and again. However, the treats should be small so your dog won’t fill up on them. If your dog fills up quickly on treats, he won’t be interested in continuing.
- Try toys too! If your dog isn’t big into treats, don’t forget that you can still use a clicker and have a toy or playtime be a reward instead of a treat. Just find what your dog loves and use that as the reward!
BONUS: Dog Training 101: How to Completely Train Your Dog
Do you feel prepared to commence training your puppy or dog? Making sure your pet receives proper training and socialization is essential. Beginning your pet’s training as early as possible to learn commands such as sit, stay, come, go to their designated area, and using the restroom outside is crucial. Surprisingly, even as a novice, you can provide this training yourself.
If you have a new dog, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed with the idea of training them. However, it’s important to realize that dog training is a significant undertaking. By breaking it down into manageable steps, you can make the process less intimidating.
House Training and Crate Training
House training, also known as housebreaking or potty training, is essential for teaching your dog where to eliminate unless you intend to keep your dog outdoors, an option not recommended for most of us. Therefore, initiating house training should be one of your priorities when training your dog. Including crate training in the training process can be highly useful, as it covers not only house training but also several other aspects of training.
- Crate Training Dogs and Puppies : Here are the basics of training your dog or puppy to accept and even enjoy the crate. Not only will it help with housebreaking, but it will also give your dog a place of his own.
- How to House Train your Dog : When it comes down to it, house training is not that complicated, but this doesn’t mean it’s easy. Consistency and diligence are key during the housebreaking process.
- Submissive/Excitement Urination in Dogs : If your dog is still having accidents in the house, it may be more than a simple housebreaking issue. Your dog might urinate out of excitement or to express submissive behavior.
Leash Training Dogs and Puppies
It is important for all dogs to be trained to walk on a leash. This is not only due to the existence of leash laws in many places, but also to keep them safe in certain situations. It is crucial to know how to introduce a dog or puppy to a leash and how to teach them to walk on it correctly, even by your side while riding a bike. A loose leash walk is an effective method for preventing your dog from pulling or lunging when attached to a leash, making the activity more pleasurable for both you and your furry friend.
How To Socialize Dogs and Puppies
To socialize your puppy or adult dog, you need to expose them to new people, animals, and different environments, which helps prevent behavior issues and makes them more accepted by others. With proper socialization, your dog can avoid developing fears and phobias.
In essence, ensuring that your dog or puppy is socialized will result in a dog that is not only better behaved but also happier.
Clicker Training for Dogs
Using positive reinforcement, clicker training is a widespread and efficient technique for dog training. While it’s possible to train your dog in other ways, many individuals consider clicker training to be beneficial. With this method, you can effectively teach your dog various fundamental and advanced commands and tricks. It’s a quick and uncomplicated process to learn how to clicker train your dog.
Basic Commands and Fun Tricks
It is important for every dog to learn essential dog training commands and tricks such as come, speak, drop it, stay, back up, etc. These fundamental commands enable you to establish a routine for your dog while also aiding in resolving typical behavioral issues and ensuring your dog’s safety.
How to Train Your Dog to Stay
Demonstrating your dog’s impressive skills is very enjoyable! Employing dog tricks serves as an excellent means for enhancing your dog’s training and providing mental exercise.
Proofing Behaviors and Troubleshooting
The final stage of training your dog to acquire a new behavior is referred to as proofing. By mastering the skill of proofing, your dog will exhibit the same level of obedience whether he’s at a friend’s house, the park or in your own living room.
Don’t forget that behavior issues may still arise despite being in the last phase of training. Educate yourself on the most prevalent dog behavior problems and their solutions. Utilize these manuals to assist you during this segment of the training program.
- Proofing Behaviors : Practice behaviors in a variety of situations with different levels of distraction. Without proofing, your dog may behave well in your living room, but seem to forget all his training when he is outside the house.
- Teach Your Dog Self-Control: This method teaches your dog that nothing in life is free, but that he needs to earn things like food and attention through obedience.
- Common Dog Behavior Problems : Understanding potential behavior issues can help you detect and address them before things get out of control.
- Dog Behavior Management Versus Dog Training : While dog behavior management and dog training are two different things, they are not mutually exclusive. Behavior management is an important part of any dog training program.
Advanced Dog Training
After your dog has become proficient in the fundamental skills, you may want to progress to more challenging stunts. These exercises will not only maintain your dog’s physical fitness and mental stimulation but also enhance your connection with your furry friend.
Bear in mind that training is a continual journey, it never truly comes to an end. It is crucial to persist with obedience training throughout your dog’s lifetime. Just as individuals who acquire a language during childhood but refrain from speaking it later on may lose a lot of it as they age, the same is true for your furry friend: if they don’t practice, they may forget. Practicing even the most fundamental tricks and commands will aid in keeping them at the forefront of your dog’s memory. Additionally, it is an excellent opportunity to bond with your dog.
