Dog Clicker Training-How Does It Work? Is It Effective?

Clicker training dogs is an effective, yet simple means of training a canine that is based on a positive reward system. The clicker is merely a plastic box with a metal tongue, but it can go a long way in commanding a dog. This small object can help you to teach your dog obedience. When it’s compressed, it produces a double “click” sound. The clicker can be used to reward a specific behavior, and works on the dog’s willingness to want to please.   

The beauty of dog clicker training is that it’s specific to your dog’s behavior during the time in which you want to reward him.  Praising your dog is one thing, but it’s unfortunately not nearly as effective as you would want it to be.  Thus, you’ll need a better training technique.  The click can be sounded while your dog is behaving; he will then be rewarded.   

Clicker training uses a dog’s own natural curiosity about learning.  If your dog does not do what you want him to do while clicking, then you don’t reward him.  If he does, then you do reward him.  Your pet will eventually begin to associate the clicking noise with a reward, and will want to earn that reward. The result of clicker training a dog is that he’ll try harder to gain recognition from you. 

Why should you use clickers instead of food luring? 

Using food as a reward is part of the clicker training.  However, offering food rewards alone has a downside.  Here are a few. 

·         A dog’s overeating can turn into obesity. 

·         Some dogs will grow bored after awhile if the treats aren’t used properly. 

·         The food treat may confuse your dog in understanding what he did to earn it. 

·         Using food treats alone can lead a dog refusing to perform tasks until the treat is shown to him or her. 

Getting started with clicker training dogs

·         Like with any other training, start in an environment that your dog is relaxed and comfortable in. 

·         Associate the click with a reward by following a click-treat-click-treat pattern. 

·         While doing this, keep the clicker out of your dog’s sight. 

·         The dog will eventually start to associate the clicker with a special reward. 

·         Keep this up, do everything right, and the clicker will be the reward in itself.   

In obedience training, you give your dog an idea of what is expected, rewarding him when he does it properly. This is especially so in clicker training a dog to learn commands.  First, you lure him into a sit position by holding a special treat under his nose.  Once his bottom hits the floor, you can click and give it to him.  As you repeat this, only give his treat over intermittently and introduce a command.   

Allow him time to figure out what it is you want him to do and be patient.  Never, ever get aggravated with your dog and always be consistent with your training.  Be firm, but friendly, and always treat your pet with respect. 

The following product has received more great feedback than any other Dog Training program out in the market based on all the testimonials we have found as well as the feedback emails we are getting daily. Every feedback we have received has commented on the both the quality and effectiveness of the numerous dog training techniques taught in this program by best selling professional dog trainer Daniel Stevens.

Secrets to Dog Training gets our 'Top Pick' of all dog training programs we have reviewed. 

So we highly recommend you check it out; Secrets to Dog Training

By Danny Taylor