Dog Clicker Training, or training a dog with the use of a small clicker, was originally created by a dolphin trainer so that the dolphin could hear the sound while under the water. Since then, many other animal trainers adopted this method and clicker training has been used to train dogs, puppies, fish, elephants and other animals. Dog clicker training is used to teach older dogs as well as young puppies.
The clicker is usually a small metal tool that is held between the thumb and the pointer finger and is squeezed to produce a quick clicking sound. It is good because of it’s consistent sound in volume and pitch. It delivers the sound to the dog quickly and does not injure the dog’s ears. The sound of the clicker is used to associate the good behavior and reward the dog with the click.
When the dog obeys the trainer, the sound of the click rewards the dog and sometimes a small treat is given simultaneously. Without the click, a treat alone can confuse the dog as it sometimes is not given quickly enough. The dog and especially a puppy can move around and wiggle a lot and thus the dog will not know what it is being rewarded for. Pared with the click, the dog associates the good behavior immediately to the click and not just a treat.
The owner, or trainer will want to start with allowing the dog to get used to hearing the click and immediately receiving a small treat. Soon, the owner will want to allow the dog to do a small task, one that the dog already is doing or has already learned. An example of this is if the dog is on a walk, and the dog urinates outside as opposed to inside. Immediately after the dog uses the outside for its waste, the clicker is used and the dog receives a treat. This reinforces this behavior in a positive way.
Another example would be if the dog is routy and jumps on other people. Once the dog calms down, a quick click and a small treat reinforces this calmness. This is another way to positively reinforce the acceptable behavior.
Added to the click, body language and the sound of a command is also used to train dogs in clicker training. All of these methods paired together can bring about a strong sense of command and the puppy can learn at a faster rate.
Dog clicker training can teach good habits and deter bad habits. It is the owner’s responsibility to raise a dog in a positive environment making happy dogs and happy owners and neighbors.
Learn more about puppy training. Stop by by Judy Steven’s site where you can find out all about dog clicker training and what it can do for you.