Clicker training – reaching your dogs mind one click at a time.
Clicker training is a method of training using a “click” sound to tell your dog when he does something right followed by a “treat” to reinforce the behaviour.
“Clickers” are obtainable from most pet or vet shops.
Dogs love to learn and they usually interpret every situation as a possible game. Clicker training creates a positive partnership with your dog. Anything you need your dog to know you can teach by clicker training.
Once you dog has the basics down you need to continue to keep him stimulated by changing where and what you teach him.
Initially you can start with a “click” and a “treat”. Later on the click can be replaced with a word and the treat with a pat. A word and a pat you always have with you.
Once you have a clicker trained behaviour, unless you change the rules, the dog will have the behaviour for life! What a bonus!!! Can’t ask for more!
So how does clicker training work?
Clicker training works by associating a “click” sound with the correct behaviour (eg “sit”), reinforcing the correct behaviour with a “treat” (Positive Reinforcement).
Remember the “click” marks the behaviour so timing is of the essence.
Clicker training is a system of Positive Reinforcement which builds a healthy bond between you and your dog.
To get the most of the “click” – “treat” always follow a “click” with a “treat” – ALWAYS. Every “click” that is not followed by a treat weakens the clicker’s reliability as a predictor of food reward! So even if you make a mistake you still need to “treat”.
How to get started:
Before you get started you need to form some association between the “click” and your dog. Work in an environment free of distractions. Call your dog’s name, and the second he looks towards you, give one “click” and reward him with a “treat”.
Practice this until your dog understands that when he hears his name he should give you his full attention. Once the initial association is made you can move on to basic commands. Have multiple training sessions spread over time, rather than one or two long sessions (especially if it is a puppy).
Once your dog has mastered the basics you need to challenge him by changing the location and the commands.
So remember:
· All training depends on communication, consistency and repetition.
· The “click” means the dog has done what you wanted.
· The “click” means the end of the exercise.
· Use the clicker to teach new behaviours.
· Always follow a “click” with a “treat” – ALWAYS even if you made a mistake by clicking too soon.
· Keep your dog stimulated by changing the environment and requested behaviours.
· Make it a fun, stress free, bonding activity with your dog – don’t rush or scold at any time. Enjoy!
· Clicker training is based on Positive Reinforcement – absolutely no coercion, force, correction and punishment.
· In clicker training you never, ever touch your dog – yes this is “hands free training”.
· Teach in small steps.
· We talk and talk to our dogs – the clicker successfully cuts through the waffle.
Recommended books:
Clicker training your puppy
(Karen Pryor)
Clicking with your dog
(Peggy Tillman)
Click for joy
(Melissa C. Alexander)
Clicker training is a method of training using a “click” sound to tell your dog when he does something right followed by a “treat” to reinforce the behaviour.
“Clickers” are obtainable from most pet or vet shops.
Dogs love to learn and they usually interpret every situation as a possible game. Clicker training creates a positive partnership with your dog. Anything you need your dog to know you can teach by clicker training.
Once you dog has the basics down you need to continue to keep him stimulated by changing where and what you teach him.
Initially you can start with a “click” and a “treat”. Later on the click can be replaced with a word and the treat with a pat. A word and a pat you always have with you.
Once you have a clicker trained behaviour, unless you change the rules, the dog will have the behaviour for life! What a bonus!!! Can’t ask for more!
So how does clicker training work?
Clicker training works by associating a “click” sound with the correct behaviour (eg “sit”), reinforcing the correct behaviour with a “treat” (Positive Reinforcement).
Remember the “click” marks the behaviour so timing is of the essence.
Clicker training is a system of Positive Reinforcement which builds a healthy bond between you and your dog.
To get the most of the “click” – “treat” always follow a “click” with a “treat” – ALWAYS. Every “click” that is not followed by a treat weakens the clicker’s reliability as a predictor of food reward! So even if you make a mistake you still need to “treat”.
How to get started:
Before you get started you need to form some association between the “click” and your dog. Work in an environment free of distractions. Call your dog’s name, and the second he looks towards you, give one “click” and reward him with a “treat”.
Practice this until your dog understands that when he hears his name he should give you his full attention. Once the initial association is made you can move on to basic commands. Have multiple training sessions spread over time, rather than one or two long sessions (especially if it is a puppy).
Once your dog has mastered the basics you need to challenge him by changing the location and the commands.
So remember:
· All training depends on communication, consistency and repetition.
· The “click” means the dog has done what you wanted.
· The “click” means the end of the exercise.
· Use the clicker to teach new behaviours.
· Always follow a “click” with a “treat” – ALWAYS even if you made a mistake by clicking too soon.
· Keep your dog stimulated by changing the environment and requested behaviours.
· Make it a fun, stress free, bonding activity with your dog – don’t rush or scold at any time. Enjoy!
· Clicker training is based on Positive Reinforcement – absolutely no coercion, force, correction and punishment.
· In clicker training you never, ever touch your dog – yes this is “hands free training”.
· Teach in small steps.
· We talk and talk to our dogs – the clicker successfully cuts through the waffle.
Recommended books:
Clicker training your puppy
(Karen Pryor)
Clicking with your dog
(Peggy Tillman)
Click for joy
(Melissa C. Alexander)