An Overview of Dog Clicker Training

Training a puppy or dog can be extremely rewarding. It can also be frustrating and confusing, for both dog and human. To minimize the negative, and emphasize the positive, more and more experts are recommending clicker training.

Clicker training involves the use of a device that makes an instant, distinct click to signal to the dog that he has accomplished the correct behavior. Before beginning training, the trainer must "load" the clicker. That is, he must teach the dog to associate the noise with reward. So the human will simultaneously click and give the dog a small treat, preferably something that the dog doesn't get at any other time. It shouldn't take long for the dog to understand the positive nature of the click.

When the training begins, the trainer gives the command. Let's use "sit" as an example. The trainer will say "sit." As soon as the dog performs the action, the trainer clicks and gives a small reward. Even if the dog sat accidentally the first time, he soon understands that it is a desired behavior, and he will repeat it when he hears the command. In the initial stages of training, the click is always accompanied by a food reward. As the dog matures, the click becomes an affirmation by itself, and need not always be accompanied by a reward, though it's OK to give a reward if the dog is close by and a reward is available.

Clicker training is a type of positive reinforcement training. Several features of clicker training make it preferable to positive reinforcement training without a clicker:
--it is an unmistakable, distinct sound
--the sound of the clicker can eventually provide reward to a dog at a distance
--it's quicker than verbal praise
--it's more consistent than a human's voice, which may vary for a variety of reasons
--it can be used anywhere

Positive reinforcement training awards desired behavior. Its opposite, aversion training, punishes or corrects undesirable behavior. Clicker training is far superior to aversion training, since clicker training is more precise. For example, if you plan to teach your dog to "sit," do you punish him every time he doesn't sit? That's an extreme example, obviously, but it illustrates that rewarding one positive thing is easier and more clear to the animal than trying to discourage the undesirable. In addition, clicker training allows bonding between trainer and pet. Dogs want to please, and are happy when provided with the guidance they need to do the right thing.

Because it is so precise, clicker training is better and more effective than aversion training. And, since it is immediate and unmistakable, it is preferable to training by voice.

For additional information on effective dog training techniques that utilize positive, humane, and effective methods, please visit http://www.clickerdogtraining.net

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