Dog Training Tips

Clicker Training

"What's a clicker anyway?" A clicker is a little device that makes a sharp clicking sound when you depress the metal portion. A clicker itself has no magical qualities in fact it can only do one thing and that is make a clicking sound. So why is a clicker useful in animal training? It is used as a marker for correct behavior. It becomes the starting point for a mutual language that you will develop between you and your pet. The "technical name" for the method of training that utilizes a clicker is called operant conditioning.

You may have seen this training method in action at Sea World but instead of clickers they use a whistle. I have even heard of some trainers using a flashlight for deaf animals. So it is not the clicker itself that posses the power but the training method "operant conditioning". Or better yet the language you and animal will learn to communicate with each other. Right now you may be a little confused so please read on and I will try make clear what clicker training is all about.

Clicker training is kind of like playing a game of "hotter colder" with your dog. It works on the rule that animals will do rewarded behaviors more often and behaviors that are not rewarded will be done less often. Eventually unrewarded behaviors will become extinct. Lets start with something simple. When I start off with a new trainee they have no idea so I start off with eye contact. When the dog looks at me I click and toss him at treat ( click then treat=c/t ). Typically it won't take too long before the dogs eyes are glued to mine, I have his attention.

Next I start with a silly trick. Usually the dog is sitting at this point because it is easier for him to watch me in that position but if not it doesn't matter. Instead of clicking when he looks at me I just wait. The dog at this point is thinking "can't he tell I'm looking at him?". What I'm waiting for is any new behavior to reward. Usually with my dogs it is looking to the side but maybe your dog will shift his weight. Whatever it is click and treat (c/t).

As your dog finishes the treat he is going to try and get another from you. What do you think he will do. Probably he will resort to behaviors that have worked in the past. My guess is he is going to give you a good stare but hold out don't c/t that behavior. Wait for the new one. It is important to be quiet at this point and try not to prompt him. He is going to be thinking "I'm staring...I'm staring...what gives? Oh yeah why don't I try looking to the side?" When he does c/t.

He will eat that treat and come back and look to the side again, c/t. You are both learning a new language and have taken your first step. Every step after this will come quicker and easier. The clicker was the means for you to pinpoint the specific behavior. The clicker is a "marker". As time goes on your dog will be listening for the click to tell him what behavior you are looking for. Or better yet what behavior gets the treat.

In the animals eyes you become a big treat machine that he is constantly trying to figure out. What behavior does he need to do to get a treat out of you? Sit, jump, bark, rollover or any multitude of behaviors. You will guide him along by rewarding behaviors that are on the right track. And eliminating behaviors by simply not rewarding them. The great thing about this training method is that it develops a truly enthusiastic, willing and thinking dog.