The Use Of Clicker Dog Training To Achieve The Desired Behavior

(Find the recommended clicker dog training books and supplies at the end of this page)

Clicker dog training is a highly effective method of positive training

Clicker dog training, is it for you? If you are looking for a gentle and fast way to train your dog, then your answer would undoubtedly be "YES"! The scientific term for clicker dog training is operant conditioning. " And what is operant conditioniing you ask?" Well, it is when any animal, including the human kind interacts and learns from its environment.

So, if your animal does something good, and is rewarded positively he will want to repeat the behavior. The trick is to reinforce this behavior as it is happening so that he can make a connection between the good behavior and positive reinforcement.

Since it is sometimes difficult to get the actual reinforcment to the animal instantaneously, trainers began using a conditioned reinforcer. A conditioned reinforcer is anything that the animal would not ordinarily work to get, where as a primary reinforcer is something that the animal automatically finds reinforcing, such as food or water. when the two reinforcers are used together they become of equal importance to the animal.

The clicker is used as a conditioned reinforcer. It works faster than words and has its own unique sound. When the clicker is paired with a primary reinforcer, such as a treat, it becomes a powerful tool for training your animal.

Clicker training tips

• Make a two toned click, by pressing and letting go of the clicker. Then give a treat to your dog. Use small irresistable treats.
• Start with simple commands such as sit, come, or lay down. Click as soon as your dog begins to perform the desired behavior.
• Click and give a treat when small accomplishments are achieved, such as when your dog starts to move toward you when called.
• Keeping the sessions short makes it easier for your dog to learn the clicker method.

Go Back To Basic Dog Training

Recommended Books And Supplies For Clicker Training