Dog Clicker Training Tips

Something as simple as a click can be rewarding for a dog. Clicker training is a positive reinforcement training method that uses a tool known, such as a clicker, to help teach a dog basic commands and tricks. A clicker is a plastic box with a metal button that makes a clicking noise when pushed. Clicker training can be used to train any breed or size of dog, and has even been used to successfully train other animals such as dolphins.

  1. Let Your Dog Get Used to the Clicker

    • Some dogs can be startled or frightened by noise, so you should give your dog a chance to get used to the sound. This is a crucial step in clicker training because it also allows you to teach your dog to associate the click with a reward. Show your dog some treats to get its attention. Press the clicker to make the noise and simultaneously give your dog a treat. It has done nothing to earn that reward other than listen to click. Do this several times, slowly phasing out the treats until the dog has learned that a click is the same a reward. If your dog sees the clicker as a positive thing, you can use it to help train.

    Get Your Timing Right

    • The clicker method of training relies on exact timing. You should click at the same instant your dog does what you ask. At first you should click before your dog even completes a command. This will show it that it has the right idea. Soon you should click only when your dog fully performs the trick or obeys the command. Time your click with your dog's action because this sound teaches the dog that it is doing the right thing. If you click too late, your dog will start to associate a different action with your command. The ability to time your reward more accurately is one of the advantages of clicker training. You can click much faster than you can give your dog a treat.

    Start With Clicks and Treats

    • Clickers allow you to give your dog three separate rewards for every correct action. The first reward is the click, followed instantly by a treat and verbal praise. This helps to reinforce the idea in your dog's mind that the click is synonymous with reward. It also makes the dog eager to repeat the action, because obeying your command correctly becomes a positive experience for your dog. Eventually you can stop using treats and rely on just the clicker and praise as rewards.

    Don't Overuse the Clicker

    • As with other positive reinforcement methods of training, the goal of clicker training is to teach your dog to follow your commands reliably even if you don't have a reward on hand. You should use the clicker only when you are rewarding your dog for obeying a command. Clicking too often can desensitize your dog to the sound, and it will forget that the click is a reward. This will make the clicker less effective as a training tool. You should also phase out the clicker as your dog gets better at obeying each command. The clicker should only be used to teach a new command or trick.

    Make it a Game

    • Clicker training is a positive reinforcement method of training. This means that the training should be a positive experience for your dog. Avoid training when you are feeling frustrated or grumpy. Negative attitudes will harm your ability to teach and your dog's willingness to learn. If you aren't happy, you may be more tempted to punish your dog for incorrect responses. This can eventually prevent your dog from repeating the mistake, but it can also cause other behavior problems such as fear or aggression. Let yourself and your dog enjoy your training sessions together.