Clicker training is a form of training dogs (and other animals) using a small box with a metal piece that makes a sharp “clicking” sound when pressed and released. This method has gained popularity in recent years because of its gentle way of training. The correct term for this type of training is Operant Conditioning.
What is Operant Conditioning?
Operant Conditioning is a way of learning that implements the use of positive reinforcement for positive actions, and negative reinforcement for negative actions. Animals (including human beings) tend to repeat actions with a positive consequence, and cease actions with a negative consequence.
So how is a clicker used to train a dog?
Clicker training is used to teach your dog a behavior by sounding the mechanical “clicker” to mark a command, with the combination of the verbal command. You only use the clicker during the training phase, and gradually bridge the clicking sound with the command word or phrase. Treats are an important part of this method as well.
Here is how you would train your dog to sit using the clicker method:
- At first, you won’t use any words, just the clicker and treats.
- Stand your dog in front you. Have the clicker ready in one hand and the treat in the other.
- Bring the treat close to your dog’s nose to grab his attention. Slowly arc the treat over his back toward his tail until he begins to sit.
As soon as his butt hits the ground, click the clicker and give him the treat. - Keep doing this until your dog starts to make a connection between the sound of the clicker and the command to sit. Don’t say the word “sit” until the connection is firmly established.
- Once he starts to understand, you can add the verbal cue at the same time you click. Eventually you won’t have to use the clicker, and he’ll listen to the verbal command alone.
Clicker training is effective because it is a faster and more direct way to communicate a command to your dog. It’s an immediate response to the action; when the dog sits, a click is immediately sounded.
Anyone who has ever owned a dog knows that they can have very short attention spans. When an action is quickly associated with something consistent, like a clicking sound, it will stick in a dog’s head much more easily.
This method is gaining in popularity. More and more trainers advocate its use, as it is a very gentle method of training. As with any good training regimen, you will never resort to cruelty or harshness to train your dog with the clicker method.
