Clicker Dog Training Explained

The clicker dog training method has been around for at least 70 years, but it was not until the 1980's that it got introduced in the US. It was 2 marine biologists named Gary Wilkes and Karen Pryor who introduced this and re-popularized it.

The basic concept behind the clicker training method is very simple. It is about using reward or treats as a conditional re-enforcer for the animal involved, in this case dogs. It is not a punishment based training method. In other words if the dog does not perform the task properly it does not get a treat.

This training method is used on other animals as well such as horses, cats and even whales and dolphins.

The idea is not to use violence in any form against the dog. If you are trying to train the dog to do certain tasks and if it does not perform well, reprimanding it will only generate negative results. This is especially true in the long run. Any sort of violence will only make the animal more aggressive as time goes by. The result will be a dog that can become difficult to control.

The training itself involves a device known as a "clicker" which is designed to make a clicking sound. The idea is to make a clicking sound whenever the dog does the task correctly. When the dog hears this it will identify the sound with a correct action. With repetition dogs will "get it" that they are doing the right thing.

To start this type of training there are 2 things needed, the treat and the clicker. The dog needs to be accustomed to the fact that when it hears the click, it will be getting a treat. Some dog breeds, especially the highly intelligent ones, will have a tendency to go through a whole routine before it does the correct task. This is why training more intelligent dogs is more challenging. As soon as they hear the click they know they will get a treat. What makes this program so successful is that dogs will not have any resentment, even if the training gets more difficult. For dogs, no matter what type it is, it is ultimately about the treat. "Get treat will do" seems to be the "motto" of all dogs!

The following are some practical tips to follow when doing the clicker dog training method:

• Every time the clicker is used give a treat. If you do not give a treat, it will defeat the purpose of training and the dog can become discouraged

• Always click the clicker only once and always follow it with a treat

• Never use the clicker around the dog, if you are not using for training purposes. Testing the clicker should always be done out of earshot of the dog.

• The best time to train a dog with a clicker is before meal time. After all, a hungry dog will be more focused and receptive of treats.

• Talk as little as possible during clicker training. Remember the idea is for the dog to identify the right task with the clicking sound, not chit chat.

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