How to Begin Clicker Training

Sit, stay, and fetch are all standard commands taught to dogs. Clicker training is a means of reinforcing behaviour with positive affirmation. The ability to immediately reinforce positive behaviour with the clicker's sound provides the animal with the comprehension of what exact behaviour is being rewarded. This makes the dog much more likely to quickly react to a command in the future or begin to dismiss bad behaviours from his repertoire. Clicker training is also used to a lesser extent on cats and horses. The following steps can be applied to these pets as well.

Things You'll Need

  • Handful of dog treats
  • Clicker
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Instructions

    • 1

      Time the training for the middle of the day, in between your pet's breakfast and dinner, so that he is extremely hungry.

    • 2

      Place your dog in a quiet room or area. Avoid areas where unnecessary distractions may exist.

    • 3

      Hold the treats in one hand and the clicker in the other

    • 4

      Press the clicker and then give your dog a treat right afterward, so he or she begins to associate the click with a treat or positive reinforcement.

    • 5

      Test whether the dog has begun to associate the click with a treat by allowing the animal to become distracted for several minutes and then begin clicking the clicker. See if the dog immediately comes to you for a treat. If not, repeat steps 3, 4 and 5 again to reinforce that click equals treat in the dog's mind.

    • 6

      Teach basic commands to the dog, once they associate the clicker with the treat. As soon as they perform the action you desire, press the clicker and give a treat.