Clicker training refers to a method of dog training that relies on the use of a click sound to mark specific behaviors in dogs that will result in a reward, usually a food treat. The advantage of using this kind of training technique is that is sends a consistent message to the dog when it has done something right. There are no confusing tone changes as with verbal commands or inconsistent visual cues. The dog is immediately rewarded for the correct behavior with an audible cue and then followed up with a food reward.
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Clicker Training Basics
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Clicker training begins by getting the dog’s attention. Many trainers entering into a training session will click the clicker and immediately reward the dog. This begins the conditioning of the dog to the clicker. This process may take a few sessions or can be learned in one. The test is to allow the dog to become distracted and then click the clicker. If the dog begins looking to the trainer for a reward, the association has been made.
After the association is made, the clicker is then used to mark behaviors as they occur. At the instant the dog performs the desired behavior; the trainer clicks and rewards the dog. Timing is everything with this type of training as clicking too early or late will mark the wrong behavior.
Molding Behavior
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Molding behaviors is the method that most professional trainers prefer. Instead of waiting for the full behavior to be performed, the trainer will click and reward “steps” toward the desired behavior. This keeps the dog interested and moving in the right direction. Most professional trainers believe that one click/treat every 2-3 seconds is considered the norm among professionals. As the dog progresses, the criteria required to earn a click is more rigid, though it is important to keep the dog interested.
The most common behavior that click trainers begin with is the nose touch, meaning that the dog learns to touch a specific object with his nose. This behavior can eventually be evolved into something quite useful such as turning on a light switch.
Misconceptions
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Common misconceptions abound with the use of clicker training. One of the most notable is that the dog will never be able to perform the behavior without the clicker. This is simply not true. The clicker is used in conjunction with traditional training techniques as a way to immediately mark a behavior. Since the behavior is also associated with a verbal cue, the clicker is abandoned after the behavior is learned.
Misconception number two is that dogs will get fat by receiving so many treats. This is not the case when food rewards are used properly. It is advisable to use food treats from the dog’s normal kibble as rewards. The second tip is to make sure that the food rewards are extremely small, about the size of an M&M. Food rewards are just that, rewards for good behavior, not meals. The food merely keeps the dog focused and interested in the training.
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