How to Get Started With Clicker Training

Clicker training is an animal training method based on making desirable behavior and rewarding it. The clicker is a little device that makes a click sound when activated. It is the first step in training dogs, horses and even cats. Clicker training sets the stage for giving verbal and hand commands. When combined with positive reinforcement, the clicker training method is an effective, safe and humane way to teach any animal any behavior.

Things You'll Need

  • Clicker
  • Dog treats
  • Pouch or pocket to keep treats
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Instructions

  1. Introducing the Dog to a Clicker

    • 1

      Begin the first session with the dog in a quiet area with little or no distractions. Place a large number of treats in a small pouch to be worn at the waist or in a pocket in order to get to them quickly.

    • 2

      Click the clicker and give the dog a treat. Turn away from the dog once it has taken the treat. Allow the dog to return to what it was doing. After a short time, click again and give another treat. Repeat at least 20 times.

    • 3

      Activate the clicker when the dog is doing different things such as sitting, standing or walking. Train the dog to associate a treat when it hears the clicker.

    • 4

      Practice with the clicker for a day or two. Monitor to evaluate whether the dog is beginning to associate the clicker with a treat. Do not move on to any training until the dog understands the clicker/treat connection.

    Using the Clicker to Teach an Easy Command: Down

    • 5

      Place a food treat on the floor in front of the dog. Activate the clicker when the dog goes down to investigate to re-enforce the positive behavior needed to train the down command.

    • 6

      Add a verbal cue to help train the dog to go all the way down. Say the word "down" and add a hand signal pointing down to the floor. This prevents clicking so many times that the dog begins to ignore the clicks. Activate clicker only when asking dog to go down.

    • 7

      Say verbal cues and begin eliminating the clicker as the dog begins to learn the down command. Vary the treats being given to the dog during training as this will keep the dog's interest. Say the command and reward with a treat only every third or fourth time.

    • 8

      Utilize the clicker if the dog begins to lapse in its training.