Clicker Training

If you're looking for an easy way to get your dog trained in and around the house we have a great solution for you.

Clicker Training is a great training method using positive reinforcement.  This method of training rewards good behaviour and does not punish bad behaviour. 

Basically a ‘clicker’ is a small box shaped device which when pressed makes a clicking sound.  Every time your dog does something good, or learns something new you press the clicker once and immediately after give a reward. 

As the dog starts getting used to clicker training they know that when they hear a click a treat will follow. 

 Benefits of Clicker Training

A ‘clicker’ always makes exactly the same, consistent sound, and it can be clicked at the exact moment when the dog is doing what it has been trained to do. 

As mentioned before the dogs will find it very easy to associate the good behaviour with the click because once they hear the click they know a treat will follow.  Through clicker training they will learn quickly what is expected of them.

There are other ways of training using a positive reinforcement method.  For example, when the dog is doing as told it would be just as easy to say ‘good dog’.  The problem with this is that our tone of voice can and will change according to certain factors such as our moods.  When using clicker training the sound of the clicker will always sound exactly the same, no matter what mood you are in.  This is much better when trying to train your dog as there will no way of them getting confused. 

Four Important Points to Remember When Clicker Training

1. When you use the click you must always produce a treat straight after. The clicker's purpose is to create a certain faith with the dog.
2. The clicker must be only used around the dog and for the dog. Under no circumstances should you let children or anyone else play with the clicker. This will be very disruptive and can damage progress you have made.
3. When using the Clicker only click once at a time. Even when your dog excels your expectations do not go crazy with the click and go 'click click click'. It can also disrupt the routine as your dog will expect a treat for each click. Remember, once is enough.
4. Clicker Training should be kept short and sweet. Do not over do it and keep it going for hours. Five minutes is more than enough. Not only should sessions be short but they should also be fun for the two of you. So, keep it short and keep it fun!

Buy a clicker from Training and Behaviour Aids