What is the Clicker Dog Training Method and Why Would I Want to Use it?

Clicker dog training is incredibly efficient. However, people are divided on this method of training. They either say that clicker training is a fad or a fantastic method to use when training a dog.

When training a dog, practice is a critical part of the learning process; but learning to do only what you like is easy. If you come up against an aspect of training that you don’t like or it seems too difficult; spend the additional time needed to learn how to do it. Put some effort into learning to do the hard ‘stuff’ and you will really understand what the learning process is all about. To be a good teacher (trainer) you must also be prepared to constantly learn.

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Clicker dog training is used to teach all species of animals, especially exotic zoo animals e.g. polar bears, dolphins etc. Because dogs are more intelligent and can learn without a Clicker, some wonder “why bother with a Clicker?” The ‘why’ can be answered with “Clicker dog training ensures a fast, enjoyable response from the dog and more satisfying results for the trainer.” Clicker dog training is especially good for teaching animal performances e.g. in movie or TV work. So, if the Clicker is used for these more difficult and accurate responses that must be achieved on cue, why not use the Clicker?

Dog Trainers Must be Confident

Dog training requires confidence. A Clicker is quicker and potentially more accurate than verbal praise. All training attempts to coordinate information and motivation to provide the dog with the information necessary to understand the task. The link from the behaviour (sit/down) to some motivation (food/praise) ensures a reliable performance. The Clicker is the link.

You can gain confidence by reading this great book
that covers Clicker Dog Training

Praise works well to provide motivation, but it’s more difficult to provide information to the dog about ‘how’ to do the behaviour. It is the timing of the signal that tells the animal WHICH behaviour to remember. You can use sight (hand signal) or sound (voice command) as your information signal. A ‘one of a kind’ signal should be unique and consistent to allow the dog to focus on the behaviour. The Clicker provides this.

The Clicker accurately identifies correct behaviour. The Clicker is faster than verbal praise, and is more precise. The Clicker can also work well from a distance and bridges the gap from the correct response and the time it takes to deliver a treat. A Clicker also defines the end of the behaviour for the dog.

Dog Trainers Must Shape the Behaviour They Want

The trainer uses positive reinforcement to ‘shape’ the behaviour they want from the dog. If trainers are in the habit of chanting commands (sitsitsit) while attempting to push, pull or tug the dog into the desired position, it will be difficult for them to change their behaviour. But they must change if they want to experience the quick, precise response that Clicker dog training can achieve.

The Clicker is primarily a construction tool that should be used as needed to build behaviours. Clicker dog training allows you to train your dog with maximum efficiency, in a fair and caring way. It allows you to build a positive relationship with your dog, based upon mutual respect, trust and understanding.

So, take the plunge! Learn how to use the Clicker and get ready for your dog and yourself to enjoy both the experience and the exciting results you will achieve with the Clicker dog training method.