Dog Obedience Training
Using Clickers
Clickers? Many (too many!) years ago when I had my first dog, getting your dog to do what you wanted it to do, was based on it obeying its master. This was done by punishment, force and often intimidation; something I have always been, and still am firmly against. Thankfully now, with the focus on communication, the methods are far less painful and far more rewarding.
One of the most modern methods is the introduction of the Clicker.
This is a simple, but very affective piece of equipment that every dog owner should have. It is not a fad or a gimmick, but a scientifically proven training aid that, if used correctly with your dog will teach him to understand exactly what is expected of him. When used with treats or rewards (lures) they not only save you valuable time, they also teach your dog to think about what it’s doing while being taught. Once your dog has learned how to respond to it, you can use it for almost all basic training commands such as
sit
or
down
and also the more advanced tricks As well as being easy, effective, enjoyable and fun to use, they are very portable so a dog owner can be of any size, as they won’t have to rely on strength to manipulate the dog when training. They are really cheap to buy, but don't mistake this for being a toy. They are very, reliable and have an excellent and proven track record. Throughout this training, I'll often refer to the process of using the Clicker as CCT. Command Click Treat Remember the CCT method throughout this guide; it's invaluable.
So what exactly is it?....It’s just a small plastic box which contains a piece of flexible steel. When the end of it is pressed, it makes a click-click sound. It’s this sound that is used to teach your dog a meaning….usually a reward! After a few repetitions, your dog will learn that the click-click sound means he’s done something right, something that you are pleased with. He hears it and knows he is going to receive a goodie; usually food, a tit-bit, play, cuddles…..anything for his good work. Once he understands he is doing right, he now has the responsibility for making the click-click sound again, by doing something good again. The reason they are so effective is because your dog will make the connection between the noise it makes and receiving a goodie. Every time he hears a click-click he will know his treat is on its way because he’s done something right. It's also very different from using your voice. Your tone is always a little different; tired at the end of the day, or angry; a clicker isn’t. As you are constantly talking to your dog, your voice also lacks a sudden urgency; an attention getter a clicker has. It has a constant, unique noise your dog has never heard before, but will come to recognise. Whether you use it close up or at a distance, it gives clear instruction. The tone is always the same; rewarding good behaviour. Click-click, good dog, here’s your reward…..remember CCT, Command, Click and Treat.
Over time, as you start to remove the food, you will find that your dog will work for the sound of the click; and not the food itself. Once your dog understands how this process works, you can use toys, balls or cuddles…or anything he likes instead of food treats.
Using clickers for the first time
is easier with food as this gets the dogs attention the most. Once the process has been established, it’s a good idea to then remove the treat and put it elsewhere; a chair or table. Your dog will then expect a treat (which he will have) but as you get it, he will wait for it. Your dog’s attention is then focused on the click, not the treat.So that’s a Clicker…..now on to the fun stuff… Actually training your dog!!
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