Looking for a positive, effective alternative to traditional dog training? You might find the answer you’re looking for in clicker training. We’ve helped many dogs and owners achieve great results with this method at The Academy of Pet Careers. This article will guide you through the seven simple steps you need to take to start clicker training. It’s a rewarding and fun experience for you and your dog.
Watch this video or read the guide below to learn about the basics of clicker training.
Understanding Clicker Training
Clicker training is also called marker-training. It uses a clicker as a way to mark desired behavior. The clicker, a small electronic device, makes a distinctive clicking sound when it is pressed. This clicker sound signals to your dog when they have done something well and that a reward will be coming. Clicker training has a long history dating back to the 1940s, when it was used for marine mammal trainers. It is widely used in dog training today.
We at The Academy of Pet Careers emphasize the benefits of clicking training. It’s clear, consistent and allows for precise timing. I was surprised at how quickly my dogs learned new behaviors and cues when I started using clickers with them.
Step 2: Understand how clicker training works
Clicker training is a simple and scientific method that works. It is based on classical and operant principles. When you click on a behavior to mark it and then reward that behavior, you are using classic conditioning. The click becomes associated with the treat, making it an effective tool for learning.
We’ve seen in our training sessions how these principles help owners become better trainers. The owners can now see the relationship between their timing, and their dog’s response. This leads to quicker progress.
Step 3: Clicker Training for Dogs
The first step is to choose the right clicker. You can choose from different types, ranging from basic models up to those with volume controls. Select a clicker that is comfortable to use for you and your dog, but not too loud. If your dog is sensitive to sound, you may need a clicker that’s quieter.
PRO SUGGEST When I began clicker-training, I noticed that my dog, Ruby responded better to a soft clicker. I found that holding the clicker and treats in my other hand helped me to maintain consistency and clarity in training sessions.
Step 4: Charge your Mark
Charge the mark before you can use the clicker effectively. This involves teaching your dog to associate the click sound with a reward. This is a step-by-step guide to charging the clicker.
- Grab a few treats and your Clicker.
- Click the clicker to immediately reward your dog.
- Repeat this process 10 to 15 times within a short time.
- Over a few days, conduct several short sessions.
- When your dog responds to the click, you can tell if it is working. The clicker will be charged if your dog looks excited or expectant when they hear the click.
Step 5: Clicker-Train Your Dog to Sit
It’s now time to begin training your dog. It’s a good idea to start by teaching your dog how to sit. How to do it?
- Prepare the session. Find a quiet area, free of distractions and collect high-value treats.
- To lure your dog, hold a treat near your dog’s nostril.
- Move a treat Slowly raise your hand, and your dog will follow with its nose. They will then lower their bottom naturally to the ground.
- Click-and-Treat: When your dog’s bottom touches the ground, you click and give him a treat.
- Repeat : Repeat this multiple times until your dog is seated consistently with the lure.
You can then add the verbal “sit” before your dog performs the behavior. You can eventually phase out the lure and have your dog respond only to the verbal command.
Step 6: Implement Advanced Clicker Training Techniques
After you have mastered the basic techniques , you can progress to more complex . Clicker training can be used to teach skills such as “stay”, “come” and “down”. The process is the same: click on the behavior you want and then reward it with a treat. Each skill has nuances, but there is not enough space in this article to discuss them.
Clicker training can also be used to modify behaviors. You can, for example, use it to correct unwanted behaviors such as jumping, barking or reactivity. Click to reward your dog for calm, desired behaviors. The Engage Disengage Game is one of our favourite behavior protocols that uses clicker training. This game can be used to calm down any dog who is prone to reactivity.
Step 7: Troubleshoot and Perfect Your Clicker Training with These Tips
Keep these tips in mind to ensure your success:
- Fun and short sessions: Keep your training sessions short (5-10 minutes) in order to keep your dog interested.
- Consistency Use the clicker or rewards consistently to reinforce your learning.
- High value rewards Use treats that your dog enjoys to keep him motivated.
- Patience: Be patient and positive, especially when teaching your dog a new behaviour.
- Gradual difficulty : Increase the difficulty of the skills slowly as your dog learns the basics.
The difference I saw when I started using these tips on my dogs was amazing. We saw quicker results and the dogs were more involved, which made training a fun experience for all.
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The Key Takeaways
Clicker training can be a very effective way to train your dog with positive reinforcement. You can achieve great results by understanding the principles and using a proper clicker. Stay consistent, patient and positive through the entire process.
We’ve witnessed first-hand at The Academy of Pet Careers the transformational impact of clicker and other training methods on dogs, as well as their owners. Start your training today to enjoy the benefits of a happy, well-trained dog.
