What is clicker training? Clicker training is a form of operant conditioning. It is a positive reinforcement training method. No force or punishment is used. Clicker training provides fun both for the dog as well as the trainer. Many have asked "but we can' take the clicker into the show ring". Clickers is a training tool and therefore once the command has been mastered we can then do away without the clicker and the treat. Many clicker trained dogs have done well in obedience and agility show.

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Clicker training basics.

Introducing the clicker to the dog.

For a start we have have to let the dog associate the click with the treat.

• Prepare some treats. Make the treat small in size so that it can be easily chewed.
• Find a quiet place with no distractions.
• Now hold a treat in your hand and the clicker in the other hand.
• Hold the treat right in front of your dogs nose. Click! and give the treat to the dog.
• Repeat the above a few times.

Teaching the sit

Hold a treat in your hand. Cover up with your palm (making a fist with your hand). Hold the treat hand in front of your dogs nose. Slowly move the treat hand towards the top of your dogs head. The dogs nose will follow the movement of your treat hand and as it moves its nose up and behind it will go to a sit position. The moment its rump will touch the floor. CLICK! at this point and treat.

Frequently asked question.

Can we clicker train a dog that has already learn obedience training using other methods?

Yes, we can. This is what we call the "cross over" dog. It will take slightly longer to train this dogs as they will first need to unlearn what they have learn before.

But we cannont bring the clicker into the show ring.

That is true. But remember clickers are used as a training tool. Once the command is mastered by the dog no clickers or treats will be needed.

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