Dog clicker training is
the use of a small clicker to train a dog through positive reinforcement to act
in certain ways. Below are some tips that will help make your clicker training
sessions more productive for both you and your dog.
Always keep training
sessions short. You are better off doing 3 sessions of 10 minutes than a
one-half hour session.
The timing of the
clicker is very important. You want to click during the desired behaviour not
when it is complete.
If you click, you must
treat.
Clicker training is
using small steps to achieve a certain behaviour. You have to start by
clicking for the basic behaviours that lead to the correct one.
Wait until the animal
is correctly performing the behaviour before adding the verbal cue.
Once your dog has a
good grasp of a behaviour, gradually increase what you are asking your pet to
do. For example, once your pet knows a “sit” only click and reward a good sit.
Ignore a sloppy one.
You should always try
to have a clicker and treats handy. If you see a desired behaviour you can
click and reward.
If your pet is not
learning as quickly as you think it should, check the timing of your clicks.
You want to be sure that you clicking at the right time. It could be that you
are clicking too late.
Have a variety of
different treats available. Use very special treats for the harder tasks.
When training any
behaviour it is best to start by working in a quiet environment. You want as
few distractions as possible.
Once your dog has a
fairly good grasp of a desired behaviour change your practice location. You
want be certain that your pet understands “sit” is not only for the kitchen
but, in the backyard and down the street. The more locations that you can
practice in the better.
Clicker training is all
about rewarding good behaviour and ignoring the bad. You do not use
punishments when you are clicker training. You always use positive
re-enforcements.
