Have you ever watched a dog training video and thought, how do I get my dog to do that? Clicker training for dogs is an effective technique used by dog trainers and pet owners to encourage and reinforce good behaviour through positive reinforcement. Carry on reading to learn more about clicker training.
What is dog clicker training?
Clicker training is a technique where you communicate to your dog through a sound (the click) that they’ve done what you want them to do and that a treat is on the way. Your dog will make an association between the command you give them, hearing the click sound, and enjoying the reward you give them.
You can use the clicker training technique to teach your dog new tricks, commands, and good behaviours through this process of positive reinforcement. Your dog will soon learn to repeat the behaviours that give them what they want.
How does a dog clicker work?
Clicker training for dogs is the use of a mechanical device (the clicker) which you press to make the audio signal (the sound). Pressing the button makes a distinct clicking sound which your dog associates with a reward.
Why does clicker training for dogs work?
Your dog hears your voice often and is used to the different words you say. On the other hand, the click sound made by a clicker is a sound not commonly heard by dogs in other circumstances. The distinct noise makes it easy to catch your pet’s attention and provides clarity when you’re communicating with your furry best friend.
Tips for starting clicker training:
- Ensure a calm environment: Make sure you do your clicker training when your pooch is calm, and you’re in distraction-free environment.
- Link the click sound to rewards: You’ll need to teach your dog to associate the click sound with something positive – the reward! This teaches your dog to expect a positive experience (eating the treat and receiving praise) after they hear the click. Press ‘click’, and then give your dog a treat within 3 seconds. Repeat this process 5–10 times.
- Keep the clicker out of site: Avoid using the clicker like a remote control. Rather, keep the clicker to the side where your dog can’t see it, but can still hear it. (The image we’ve used of the adorable Freddie and our Smarty Pooch Clicker is for illustration purposes only.)
- Only use the clicker for its intended purpose: To avoid confusing your dog, don’t use the clicker for anything other training. Remember that you want them to associate the noise with a command, and a treat. Using it for the purpose of catching your dog’s attention will cause confusion, and it’s important your entire family understands this.
- Always reward after a click: Even if you accidentally press the clicker, it’s important to always offer a treat and reward.
- Start with good behaviour: When your dog understands that click means reward, you can move on to using clicker training either on your own or through a dog training programme to reinforce good behaviour and teach new tricks.
- Reduce treats over time: The clicker needs to be your main source of communication with your dog, so with time you’ll want to wean your dog off always expecting a treat. Once your dog gets the hang of the behaviour or command you’re teaching, you can begin giving treats once in a while. But remember to continue offering your furry companion lots of praise and affection.
Shop our fun Smarty Pooch™ Clicker Trainers for dogs!
