Dog Training

Clicker Training

I was introduced to clicker training when I became involved with service dogs and was amazed at how quickly the dogs learned by this method. A clicker is a rectangular plastic box approximately 1" x ½". Inside is a metal portion that you press with your thumb and this makes the clicking sound.

The concept is when you ask a dog for a behavior such as Sit, they sit, you click then reward with a treat. Sound easy? It is, and the results are incredible.

I was skeptical in the beginning because I did not understand why not just say "good dog" or simply pet him. Why would a clicker make such a difference?

I soon discovered when the dog heard the clicker he or she learned the behavior so much quicker and began offering a variety of unasked for behaviors. I silently ignored the unwanted behaviors and when the dog displayed what I wanted, he or she received a click and a treat. Another benefit is when your dog is exhibiting many actions in play or in training, you can capture any one of them with the clicker. The dog will look at you and think “What was that for?’ He will then try to recreate what he just did to receive another click. When he repeats it, simply click and treat. You can soon add this fun behavior to his repertoire of unlimited activities. What a happy dog!

I experimented and tried the "good dog" and petting, and the dog did give me what I wanted, but with the clicker the response was immediate and after testing several other dogs in a variety of situations, I was hooked.

I even tried on a young pup that had no training at all. When the puppy came to me and faced me, I placed my hand palm up in front of his mouth, and then moved my hand toward his eyes. When he looked up, his head tilted back causing him to sit. The second he sat, I clicked, waited another couple of seconds, and then treated him. He learned to sit immediately and was eager to continue training.

Anything you want to teach your dog from housebreaking to heeling is so much quicker with the clicker. To learn more about clicker training, click on Services for contact and pricing