Clicker training is a wonderful positive reinforcement method that can help you communicate with your dog. It can be used in conjunction with a variety of training techniques, from helping with the basics such as sit and stay, to shaping more advanced behaviors. Here’s what you need to know about how to clicker train your dog.
What is clicker training?
Clicker training is named after the tool, the clicker, used to indicate when your dog has done something correctly. Since the sound is unique, it helps resolve any confusion when training and rewarding your dog. It’s also distinct from your voice where you may use the same words such as “good dog” when just petting or cuddling.
Remember, the clicker is not the command, but the reward. You will still need to teach your dog commands such as sit and stay. The clicker helps your dog through positive reinforcement. When they hear the click they know a reward is on the way. It can also help motivate your dog when learning something new by alerting them when they’ve performed the right step.
Tools to have on hand to clicker train
You’ll want to have a few items on hand before you start to clicker train. Pick out a clicker that makes a loud, distinct noise. Bottle caps that have a pop top can also be used, but may not be as loud. You also should have some high-value treats on hand. Pick out a treat, such as freeze-dried liver, pieces of a soft training treat, or a chopped-up hot dog. These are all quick and easy to chew, and highly motivating.
Some optional but helpful items include a long 10 or 20-foot leash, tennis balls, and a treat-holding bag. You want a leash that isn’t retractable so that your dog isn’t accidentally tangled in the smaller cord. A treat bag is also helpful to keep your hands free while still being able to reward your dog. And for non-food-motivated dogs, a tennis ball or tug-toy can be used as an alternative reward.
Priming the clicker
It’s easy to get your dog used to the clicker through a technique called priming. This helps your dog learn that the click means a treat is on the way. Start by having your dog near you and some treats and the clicker at the ready. Then, click the clicker and immediately give your dog a treat — even if they weren’t paying attention. Repeat this step several more times until your dog begins to pay attention to you before each click.
From there, you can continue priming. Every time your dog pays attention to you or the clicker, such as making eye contact or sniffing at it, click and reward. Next, you can start adding in a simple command, such as sit. When your dog sits, click and reward. Most dogs pick up the priming step very quickly — and get very excited once they realize a click means a treat is coming!
Shaping behaviors
Training behaviors with clicker training can be as simple or complex as you want. Clicking when your dog does the correct task is called capturing, or marking, the behavior. The clicker can be an easy tool to use when working on the basics such as sit or stay by marking the action as it happens and then rewarding your dog.
It can also be used in more complex behaviors, such as training your dog to stay on a mat. You shape the behavior by gradually ramping up what action is given a reward. Mat training may start with rewarding every time your dog sniffs or looks at the mat. Then, you may start clicking and rewarding every time your dog puts their foot on the mat. Finally, you may reward when your dog sits or lays down on the mat.
Clicker training is a great tool to use in almost every training setting. If you’re interested in learning more, check out some frequently asked questions about clicker training, or contact a local trainer or behaviorist in your area.
