What Is Clicker Training?

November 24, 2008 by Dog Service Network
Filed under Clicker Training, Dog Training

Clicker training is a form of dog training that uses positive reinforcement. “The clicker is a metal strip inside a small plastic box that makes a distinct clicking sound when pressed”. The benefit of using the clicker is that you can click faster than if you were to say “good” or going to get a treat to give your dog after he/she does what’s correct. Also, by using the clicker, you won’t need to use as many treats for training.

Here’s an overview of how clicker training works and also what’s referred to as “loading the clicker”:

Practice in a quiet area with your dog
Do it when your dog is hungry
Bring a handful of treats with you
Press the clicker, then give your dog a treat. Do this 5 – 10 times.
Then when your dog isn’t paying attention to you, try clicking, and if your dog looks at you, give him/her a treat.
When you move on to teaching your dog other commands, rather than giving your dog a treat, click the clicker.

Source: “Clicker Training”, About.com. Retrieved on November 24, 2008 from http://dogs.about.com/od/dogtraining/qt/clickertraining.htm