Dog Clicker Training, or training a dog with the use of a small clicker, was originally created by a dolphin trainer so that the dolphin could hear the sound while under the water. Since then, many other animal trainers adopted this method and clicker training has been used to train dogs, puppies, fish, elephants and other animals. Dog clicker training is used to teach older dogs as well as young puppies.
The clicker is usually a small metal tool that is held between the thumb and the pointer finger and is squeezed to produce a quick clicking sound. It is good because of it's consistent sound in volume and pitch. It delivers the sound to the dog quickly and does not injure the dog's ears. The sound of the clicker is used to associate the good behavior and reward the dog with the click.
When the dog obeys the trainer, the sound of the click rewards the dog and sometimes a small treat is given simultaneously. Without the click, a treat alone can confuse the dog as it sometimes is not given quickly enough. The dog and especially a puppy can move around and wiggle a lot and thus the dog will not know what it is being rewarded for. Pared with the click, the dog associates the good behavior immediately to the click and not just a treat.
At first, the trainer or owner will start clicker training by rewarding the dog with a click and a small treat for behavior that it is already doing. For example, if the dog is on a leash, and needing to walk slowly beside the owner, a quick click and treat will teach the dog that this behavior is good. If the dog starts to run ahead, or starts to chase a squirrel, the dog is not going to receive a click and a treat until the behavior is calm and walking next to the owner again.
Another example would be if the dog is routy and jumps on other people. Once the dog calms down, a quick click and a small treat reinforces this calmness. This is another way to positively reinforce the acceptable behavior.
As time continues in training, body language and voice commands can be used along side of dogs in clicker training. Together, they bring a strong message to the dog. It will help teach the dog quicker than just simple voice commands or treat commands.
Dog clicker training not only teaches the dog positive behavior and good habits, but can also teach a dog to reject bad habits such as chewing or barking. Dog clicker training is not just the responsibility of the owner to raise a puppy correctly but can add to the overall generation of the canine community. The dog will be a happier one.
The clicker is usually a small metal tool that is held between the thumb and the pointer finger and is squeezed to produce a quick clicking sound. It is good because of it's consistent sound in volume and pitch. It delivers the sound to the dog quickly and does not injure the dog's ears. The sound of the clicker is used to associate the good behavior and reward the dog with the click.
When the dog obeys the trainer, the sound of the click rewards the dog and sometimes a small treat is given simultaneously. Without the click, a treat alone can confuse the dog as it sometimes is not given quickly enough. The dog and especially a puppy can move around and wiggle a lot and thus the dog will not know what it is being rewarded for. Pared with the click, the dog associates the good behavior immediately to the click and not just a treat.
At first, the trainer or owner will start clicker training by rewarding the dog with a click and a small treat for behavior that it is already doing. For example, if the dog is on a leash, and needing to walk slowly beside the owner, a quick click and treat will teach the dog that this behavior is good. If the dog starts to run ahead, or starts to chase a squirrel, the dog is not going to receive a click and a treat until the behavior is calm and walking next to the owner again.
Another example would be if the dog is routy and jumps on other people. Once the dog calms down, a quick click and a small treat reinforces this calmness. This is another way to positively reinforce the acceptable behavior.
As time continues in training, body language and voice commands can be used along side of dogs in clicker training. Together, they bring a strong message to the dog. It will help teach the dog quicker than just simple voice commands or treat commands.
Dog clicker training not only teaches the dog positive behavior and good habits, but can also teach a dog to reject bad habits such as chewing or barking. Dog clicker training is not just the responsibility of the owner to raise a puppy correctly but can add to the overall generation of the canine community. The dog will be a happier one.
About the Author:
Learn more about puppy training. Stop by by Judy Steven's site where you can find out all about dog clicker training and what it can do for you.
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