Training dogs has many methods and one of these methods is called Dog Clicker Training. It is used to train dogs, but was first introduced to train dolphins. It allowed the use of a clicker or a clicking sound to communicate to the dolphins as they swam under the water. The clicker method was found to be useful for other animals as well, including puppies, fish, elephants and other animals.
A clicker is a simple metal gadget that creates a click sound that does not waver in volume or pitch. It is a quick single sound that animals are not afraid of and can respond to quickly. This type of training is one of the most humane ways to train a dog. It does not hurt the body of the dog or injure the dogs ears. Dog clicker training is used to associate the sound of the clicker with the desired behavior the trainer or owner seeks.
The idea of using a tool such as a clicker is to reward the dog or puppy with the quick sound of a click and a small treat when the dog obeys it’s trainer. Many times in training a dog receiving a treat alone is not as successful. The reason for this is that once the dog has achieved it’s goal, it quickly moves on to another activity and while the owner rewards the pet with a small treat the dog has already moved on to another activity. This proves to be confusing to the dog and training the dog takes longer and can frustrate both the dog and the owner. If the clicker is used to train the dog, the behavior is associated with the click immediately, and the dog associates the good behavior with the click, and not the delayed response of a treat.
At first, the trainer or owner will start clicker training by rewarding the dog with a click and a small treat for behavior that it is already doing. For example, if the dog is on a leash, and needing to walk slowly beside the owner, a quick click and treat will teach the dog that this behavior is good. If the dog starts to run ahead, or starts to chase a squirrel, the dog is not going to receive a click and a treat until the behavior is calm and walking next to the owner again.
Also, this is good to modify the dogs behavior if the dog has an issue with barking at people when they come to visit . This behavior is unacceptable and will not be rewarded but once the dog stops this negative behavior it is rewarded with the sound of the click once again.
As time continues in training, body language and voice commands can be used along side of dogs in clicker training. Together, they bring a strong message to the dog. It will help teach the dog quicker than just simple voice commands or treat commands.
Dog clicker training can teach good habits and deter bad habits. It is the owner’s responsibility to raise a dog in a positive environment making happy dogs and happy owners and neighbors.
