How would you like to reduce the amount of time it takes to train your dog and be the idol of your peers in puppy training classes? Let me introduce you to the dog clicker: a effective and surprisingly simple device that can make a huge difference in the speed with which your puppy learns. Making use of clickers has been shown to drop training time by about 33 percent.
Clickers are small, handheld tools typically made of plastic. When pressed, they make click, thus the name. There are plenty of dog training specific clickers that are inexpensive and easy to find. You can also use items from around your house, like juice caps or retractable pens, which make consistent sounds when pressed.
The reason why clickers work is that they give a consistent signal to your puppy that they did a good job. When your dog does the behavior you just asked of him, you can let him know immediately with a click and really tie his performance with your praise. Verbal praise may be delayed for a few seconds, and your dog might not get the message that what they did was correct.
The other problem with using your voice is that your intonation can vary from day to day, as could the specific words you use. Clickers provide consistency and reliability.
To begin with, you want to let your dog see that the clicker represents positive feedback. The way you do this is by associating it with what he already sees as positive, namely verbal praise, petting, and treats. Provide some attention and a treat to your dog and make a click. Wait a few moments, then repeat. Pretty soon he will associate the clicker with your approval.
At this point, use the clicker with treats or praise during training to tell your dog that he has done exactly what you are looking for.
There is some worry by people that using treats with the clicker can lead to obesity. This concern is understandable, and weight problems can be avoided by using very small amounts of a nutritious dog treat at a time. The size of a fingernail is about right.
You only have to use the clicker during the training process until your puppy has learned the behavior you are trying to teach. Once a particular command is mastered, using the clicker for it is not necessary.
So, to really get the most out of your puppy training classes, start using a clicker, and watch your dog learn faster than you thought would be possible.
Clickers are small, handheld tools typically made of plastic. When pressed, they make click, thus the name. There are plenty of dog training specific clickers that are inexpensive and easy to find. You can also use items from around your house, like juice caps or retractable pens, which make consistent sounds when pressed.
The reason why clickers work is that they give a consistent signal to your puppy that they did a good job. When your dog does the behavior you just asked of him, you can let him know immediately with a click and really tie his performance with your praise. Verbal praise may be delayed for a few seconds, and your dog might not get the message that what they did was correct.
The other problem with using your voice is that your intonation can vary from day to day, as could the specific words you use. Clickers provide consistency and reliability.
To begin with, you want to let your dog see that the clicker represents positive feedback. The way you do this is by associating it with what he already sees as positive, namely verbal praise, petting, and treats. Provide some attention and a treat to your dog and make a click. Wait a few moments, then repeat. Pretty soon he will associate the clicker with your approval.
At this point, use the clicker with treats or praise during training to tell your dog that he has done exactly what you are looking for.
There is some worry by people that using treats with the clicker can lead to obesity. This concern is understandable, and weight problems can be avoided by using very small amounts of a nutritious dog treat at a time. The size of a fingernail is about right.
You only have to use the clicker during the training process until your puppy has learned the behavior you are trying to teach. Once a particular command is mastered, using the clicker for it is not necessary.
So, to really get the most out of your puppy training classes, start using a clicker, and watch your dog learn faster than you thought would be possible.
About the Author:
Learn more about the best puppy training tips out there. Before you give up on having a well-trained and obedient dog, visit Michael's blog for articles on housebreaking a puppy and other helpful information.
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