Train Using a Clicker

A clicker is really a small, handheld, toy-like object using a metal strip inside; when you press the metal strip, it can make a clear, crisp, very distinctive click, much like the sound of a camera. Clicker training can be a clever, popular approach to train dogs. It’s a fun, fast, and positive method of encouraging good behavior and teaching obedience and tricks.

Some people (like me) utilize the clicker when introducing a fresh concept, especially with distractible dogs, and then phase off its use after the dog knows the secret to success or movement. Others make use of the clicker for training their dog full-time, affixing it with their body like jewelry. Other people can’t master the coordination or maybe can’t stand using it.

To utilize this gadget, you will need to discover the best way to make use of the clicker, and you have to work with your pet (very briefly) to help her understand what a click means. In this section, I discuss how clicker training works, present you with examples with the training process, and suggest a different if clicker training seriously isn’t good for you.

Associating the click with a treat

When using a clicker, always pair the snapping sound which has a tasty treat. The first time you introduce the clicker, just go one for starters – click-treat, click-treat, click-treat – and before a moment passes, your canine will connect the sound with getting rewarded. After that, you’re ready train which has a clicker.

What’s the special moment here – so why do dogs learn faster with the clicker? The click sound is distinct from any other sound inside the dog’s world. As soon as a puppy discovers that this click is as well as a goody, guess what – the dog should hear the sound as frequently as is possible, and you will make use of the clicker to focus on good behavior. For instance, say I want to work with my click sound to get a puppy to sit down: Each time your dog chooses to sit down, I click and reward. What do you think happens? That’s right: The dog starts to sit down often.

Here are a few rules of paw for using treats in clicker training:

No clicks go unrewarded! If you click, you should reward having a small treat. One click, one reward. Even if you get it wrong click, reward your dog.

All treats must be small and an easy task to swallow so your dog can wolf them down rather than fill up.

Don’t treat your puppy when she’s devoid of lessons, or obtaining a reward won’t seem as exciting.

Using a clicker effectively

Here are a handful of tips about how to use clicker training most effectively: Use the clicker to strengthen each step of your dog’s trick progression. Think regarding stage-by-stage training -break the lesson into steps, and then click when your puppy masters every one; when you build up to the total trick, your new puppy should do a lot more for any click.

For example, say you need to teach your puppy to create a left circle. You first plan to sit down with your dog and click when your canine takes a stride left; that’s stage one. Then you delay your click for two steps, then three – then this full circle. Training by doing this definitely takes longer than pulling your dog in a circle, but after your canine figures out the sequence, she does a circle with a great deal more zest and enthusiasm than if you decide to tug her around and around.

Capture the precise moment your dog has been doing something right with a click. If you need to give clicker training a try, timing is everything. A poorly timed click confuses your dog and may lead to naughty behavior. When you’ve clicked, the treat should be given immediately afterward, before requesting another behavior.

Attach a spoken command on the behavior after your puppy has worked out what’s making the clicker work. Use your command after your pet is already promoting the behavior. Initially, click and reward each time your puppy sits in front of you. (You may show her a goody or reward to prompt her cooperation, but initially do not use the command.) When your puppy is sitting rapidly, attach the command on the behavior – say ‘Sit’ as she’s planting her bottom in the grass. After you’ve paired the 2, several days later you’re ready prompt the positioning by saying the command beforehand -just before you decide to offer the reward. Command ‘Sit’ first, then click and reward the excellent behavior. Soon you can say ‘Sit’ from clicker training exercises, and your pet will probably be i’m all over this.

As your dog masters each new command, begin phasing over use with the clicker and rewards, but always praise your puppy to get a nice job. Use the clicker when introducing new concepts and behaviors to high-light their importance.

Checking out why it is not for everyone

If clicker training is so effective, why would anyone choose differently? Honestly, I’m not a clicker-exclusive trainer. I use plenty of methods to teach dogs, and my approaches are all upbeat and fun. People have different skills, and dogs do, too.

For people who can coordinate the timing with the clicker please remember to make use of it, it is a godsend. Dogs learn considerably quicker -nearly twice as quickly – when it’s used properly. That said, in a few homes a clicker can belong to a bad hands or fail to go with the daily plan. For families with children or people who get discouraged easily or have trouble finding their car keys, just working the device is an unnecessary frustration. Over clicking or clicking at a bad time confuses dogs, and a clicker inside hands of the young child can provide your dog career-stress overload. Don’t feel bad if your clicker does not work properly in your case!

Although I can ensure the clicker’s effectiveness, it isn’t the only method to teach your puppy. If the how-to of clicker training leaves you switched off to trick training, you shouldn’t be; remember, there are lots of methods to teach dogs. A better option for you personally may be to insert a sharp word cue like ‘Yes!’ or ‘Good!’ each and every time your dog successfully completes a maneuver, and then leave it at that. The take-home message here’s that a sharp, declarative sound utilized to target breakthroughs in cooperation helps your pet determine what you desire her to perform.