How to transition to clicker training

Clicker training is a positive motivational way of teaching your dog to exhibit wanted behaviors. Instead of making a correction when the dog goes outside the boundaries of the behavior, you are marking the behavior that you desire using the clicker. In order to transition from other methods of training to clicker training, both the handler and the dog need to focus on a few simple tasks. Completing these tasks will allow you to think as a clicker trainer to teach your dog just about anything.

Things You'll Need

  • Clicker
  • Soft Dog Treats
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Instructions

  1. Focusing Attention

    • 1

      Say your dog's name in a soft, pleasant tone. Without repeating the dog's name, wait and watch for him to look at you.

    • 2

      Click as soon as the dog makes eye contact with you.

    • 3

      Reward immediately with one small soft treat delivered directly from your hand to the dog's mouth.

    • 4

      Repeat up to 10 times until your dog seems to understand that making eye contact with you upon hearing his name is what is getting the click and the treat.

    • 5

      Quietly pet your dog for a few minutes once the training session is complete.

    Retraining a Known Skill

    • 6

      Choose a command that your dog readily responds to such as "Come" or "Sit". Give the command one time, and wait for the desired behavior.

    • 7

      Click as soon as the dog exhibits the exact behavior considering the command given.

    • 8

      Reward while the dog is still in the desired position.

    • 9

      Move about so the dog breaks out of the wanted position.

    • 10

      Repeat the exercise of giving the command, clicking and rewarding until you see that the dog understands what is getting the click and treat.