Clicker Dog Training

Clicker dog training is a convenient way to train your dog without having to have food treats with you at all times. It is also good for your dog to avoid too many treats, weight gain, and poor nutrition. The clicker is a small, inexpensive device that is available at pet supply stores.

This type of dog training is based upon the idea of conditioning, discovered by Russian scientist Ivan Pavlov, who won the 1904 Nobel Prize in Physiology.

First, Dr. Pavlov measured dogs' saliva when food was presented to them. As might be expected, the dogs salivated when they saw and smelled food. Then he rang a bell when food was presented. Next he measured the dogs' saliva when the bell was rung without food. The dogs salivated when the bell was rung without food, because the dogs had learned to associate the bell with food.

Think of a song you heard at a party or when you were having fun with a friend. When you hear that song you might feel as you did the first time you heard it. Clicker dog training works the same way.

To begin clicker training, feed your dog his or her favorite treat while clicking your clicker. While the dog is receiving treats he or she should hear many clicks, and learn to associate clicks with goodies.

Next, give the dog a clear command while demonstrating to the dog what you want. Say you want the dog to learn to sit up. Say the command and gently hold the dog up on his or her hind legs.

Then reward your dog by making clicking sounds while he or she is sitting up. Stop clicking when the dog stops sitting up. Give the command again, watch for your dog to sit up, and give the click reward.

If you do not use the clicker for some time, and the dog seems to become disinterested in hearing clicks, simply repeat the procedure with the clicks and treats. Have a great time with your best friend.