Clicker training’s origins go back to the 1930’s. Clicker training utilizes positive reinforcement to reward desired behavior. The training of dolphins is an example of the use of clicker training techniques by marine biologists. However, since sound is muffled the deeper a dolphin descends underwater, a clicker was not practical so an air horn was used instead. Since dolphins quickly understood the tasks they were expected to perform these training techniques were considered to be very successful. Clicker training is effectively used today in the training of dogs, cats, birds, horses, and undomesticated animals.

Clicker training has one main difference from traditional dog training. During traditional dog training reprimanding inappropriate behavior is commonly used. Clicker training rewards good actions and ignores all bad behavior. Clicker training is based on the principle that animals who are being trained want to please their trainers. An animal’s bad behavior is usually the result of poor communication by his trainer.

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What is a Clicker?

Clickers, that will do the job, are simple, inexpensive mechanical devices that make an identical sound every time they are pressed. Used properly the clicker produces a motivational incentive for an animal to repeatedly complete tasks.

Using a Clicker during Training

Using conditioned reinforcement an animal learns to control the click, and accompanying reward, by performing as requested. When an animal realizes he can control when the clicker will click his training speeds up. Using conditioned reinforcement this understanding will eventually occur with all animals.

Since dogs are intelligent they quickly understand that they are able to control the click of the clicker. When a dog hears the click sound he soon understands that it means he did a good job and deserves a treat. A dog quickly develops various skills when the techniques and principles of clicker training are utilized.

Training sessions should be limited to less than 15 minutes because your dog can only focus for short periods of time. It is a good idea to repeat these short training sessions multiple times throughout the day. During training sessions a task is shown to your dog and after the task is performed the clicker clicks and your dog receives a treat. The trainer gently moves your dog through the desired task and soon your dog will perform the task without having to hear a click or receive a treat.

Clicker training benefits your dog by helping him to learn, think and adapt. Training is faster with clicker training because your dog is more motivated to learn and it is easier for them to understand the task you want them to perform.

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All Family Members Can Use Clicker Training

When a dog receives mixed signals from family members he becomes confused. This confusion can be prevented with clicker training. Even young children can quickly understand the techniques of clicker training. Any family member can correct your dog’s bad behavior with a signal or command accompanied by the clicker. When all the members of your family understand what to do there is better communication with your dog.

Clicker Training is a Win/Win Situation

The relationship between you and your dog is made stronger through clicker training. You and your dog are more in tune with each other and can anticipate each other’s response. A strong bond is created between you and your dog.

Clicker training is fun. Due to clear communication your dog learns tasks quickly. Since you quickly see results from your training sessions training your dog becomes enjoyable. It’s a win/win scenario for both the trainer and your dog.

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Clicker training is one of the best tools for training your dog. Animal training is all about effective communication. Your dog will learn more quickly if you give precise, consistent and accurate communication.This is where dog clicker training comes into its own.

Clickers are used to communicate with your dog, quickly and precisely, indicating that they did exactly what you wanted and at the exact moment they did it. It signals to the animal that they are about to be rewarded for what they did.

Clickers come in many shapes and sizes. A clicker is an inexpensive toy and very easy to use. The clicker makes a sound like a cricket and look like small plastic matchboxes.

How Does Clicker Training Work

The Canis Clickertraining Academy explains how it works really well in their program. To have the dog associate the clicker with your training; you need to connect the clicking sound with a reward. To give value to the clicker, you simply click and give your dog a piece of valued food like chicken, cheese, liver treats and so on.

There are a couple of ‘primary reinforcements’ and food is the one dogs respond to readily. Other primary reinforcements include physical affection, play time and water. When you have repeatedly clicked and offered your dog a reward, it has learnt to respond to the click and now associates food and the clicker.

This process is called classical conditioning and the clicker now becomes known as a “secondary reinforcement”. In the dog’s mind, the click has actually taken on some of the quality of the primary reinforcement, in this case - the food.

Training can begin with the clicker being used, once your dog is responding immediately to the click sound. This is called operant conditioning.

Using a clicker is essentially the same as saying ‘good dog’ whenever your dog does something you want it to. An example is to click the moment your dog sits and your dog will learn that when he sits he gets the click and a reward.

When your dog repeats this behavior, say the word ’sit’ and click when it does, reinforcing to your dog it gets a treat when it does what you want. The click, good behavior and a reward, becomes your dog’s understanding of your needs.

For some reason people remember to click and do not always remember to verbally praise. Throughout the day, you may say ‘good dog’ several times and the sound of these words often have less value to your dog than the click and a reward.

Clicker training is well worth trying, and you will find a clicker training review will most certainly give it a good rating. When your dog is more advanced and responding well to the clicker, you can reduce the times you give a reward and offer praise instead.

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