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A Brief Guide To Clicker Training For Dogs
A Brief Guide to Clicker Training for Dogs
Clicker training is an effective and humane method of shaping and reinforcing new behaviour in your dog, as well as getting rid of any existing behavioural problems. Clicker training allows us to communicate and interact with our dogs, and relies on co-operation and consistency, as well as positive reinforcement and repetition.
It's fun too…
Firstly, what is a clicker? It is simply a device with a metal strip that makes a distinctive sound when pressed. Its purpose is to mark the behaviour you're shaping; providing precise feedback to your dog and taking advantage of the fact that dogs learn by the immediate effects of their actions.
How do you use a clicker to shape a new behaviour in your dog?
Step #1: Get the desired behaviour to happen; whether you have to lure your dog, use a target stick or let the behaviour occur naturally. Once that behaviour occurs, mark it instantly with a "click"
Step #2: Reinforce and reward the behaviour. Use tasty treats, rewards and remember to praise your dog when it performs the desired behaviour. Practice the behaviour everywhere and add new challenges gradually such as distance, duration and distractions.
Step #3: Cue the behaviour. Use a verbal or visual signal in order to "cue" the desired behaviour. For example – "sit". Now gradually fade the clicker, treats and praise over time.
So what are the advantages of clicker training? It builds a strong bond between you and your dog built on co-operation and is a gentle and non-violent training method. It is a perfect training method for puppies and focuses on what is right, rather than what is wrong. It's also a very simple method that produces results fast.
