Clicker training involves the use of a clicker, a device that makes a quick popping or clicking sound, to shape an animal's behavior. Clicker training is effective for dogs and owners, because its precision makes it easily taught and quickly understood. Advantages include ease of learning, speed, precision, being safe for all dogs and promotion of a positive dog-trainer relationship.
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History of Clicker Training
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Marion Breland Bailey developed operant conditioning training, a technique that rewards or reinforces desired behaviors, for working with marine animals. Beginning in 1992, Karen Wilkes introduced the concepts to dog trainers by way of seminars and books.
The Essential Elements
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Clicker training involves a clicker to shape behavior and to train. The trainer waits for the behavior, clicks and rewards (petting, play, treat or other). It is positive training, because desired behaviors are rewarded and other behaviors are ignored. Clicker philosophy is that undesired behavior is a failure to train, not disobedience. Dogs are not physically made to perform, nor are they punished.
Advantage: Understanding and Speed
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Trainers and dogs quickly understand how clickers work. The trainer knows to click quickly when the dog performs a behavior; the dog learns that the desired behavior is what got a click and a reward. Because it is a consistent response, there is no confusion.
Advantage: Speed
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Clickers allow a fast click response so the behavior is "marked." The clicker sound is distinctive and is used only to mark right behavior, unlike voice responses. Thus, the dog connects the click to the immediately preceding behavior, which makes training much faster. Karen Pryor states dogs and owners learn 50 percent faster with clickers than with voice responses.
Advantage: Works on All Dogs
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For most dogs, learning how to get rewards without concern for punishment is enjoyable. With shy, timid or fearful dogs, clicker training is calm and clear and allows the dog to learn without stress. Aggressive dogs may respond to confusion, force or punishment with combative responses. Clicker training is an effective and safe method for training difficult or aggressive dogs, because it will not elicit aggressive or resistant reactions.
Advantage: Dog and Trainer Relationship
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A relationship based on positive responses grows more positive. Concentrating on desired instead of undesired behaviors removes fear of punishment and allows the dog to respond with enthusiasm. Dogs that cower and are fearful when being trained may evoke anger, guilt or other negative emotions in the owner. Fear of punishment does not increase the bond of the dog to the trainer. Clicker training creates a response that is relaxed and helps form a positive bond.
Advantage: Proven Effectiveness
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Demonstrations, research and video documentations prove that clicker training works with chickens, dolphins, cats, dogs and even people. Although many other training methods also work, training in a positive way, quickly, humanely, without punishment and with long-lasting effects gives clicker training clear advantages over other methods.
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