How to train dogs with a clicker

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Dog training is an important process during which the pet acquires the necessary habits. To achieve positive results, you need to choose an effective parenting method. Clicker training is one of them.

Clicker training is one of the most common and effective methods. The owner develops the desired actions in the pet through positive reinforcement. Scientific research has shown that this method is much more effective than other methods.

Method essence

Positive reinforcement involves educating the animal not by punishing the wrong behavior, but by rewarding the right one.

A clicker is a device that emits a sound when a button is pressed. You can buy it at any pet store. It is inexpensive and extremely easy to use. But there is also a very cheap alternative to the clicker - the clicking pen.

The clicker emits a specific sound signal. With its help, the dog realizes that it has done the right action and will soon receive a reward. A click is not a reward, but a signal about it. Be sure to reward your pet by petting or giving something tasty.

How to train a dog

We develop an associative connection

First of all, you must develop in your dog an associative connection between the sound of the clicker and the reward. Beep every time you are about to feed your pet food. After a while, the sound will inform the animal that the food intake is close.

During the day, click on the clicker before showing the food to your dog. After that, treat your pet. When you notice that the dog is waiting for a reward after clicking, you can move on to the second stage.

Don't forget about the reward

Monitor your dog's behavior. The moment she performs the action you want, click and reward her. Do this all the time. When the dog begins to constantly lie down at your feet, clearly hoping for a reward, start teaching him the commands.

Mastering simple commands

Start with the simplest ones, like "Lie down." The pet lies down, you immediately pronounce the command and use the clicker. After a while, you only need a word for the dog to take action.

Then you can move on to visual commands. Want to teach your dog to give a paw? Give her your hand. The animal will understand that you want something from him and will try different options. When the dog decides to give a paw, use the clicker.

Making it harder to train

After teaching your pet simple commands, you can move on to developing more complex behaviors. For example, you can teach your dog to stop barking at others. Don't stop her from barking. Wait for her aggression to subside, and immediately use the clicker. By repeating this procedure regularly, you will develop the desired bond in your dog.

Why clicker is good

Increases dog confidence

Since this is a method of positive reinforcement, not negative reinforcement, the dog will not be afraid to make a mistake. This gives the pet confidence in its actions.

Increases the dog's initiative

One of the advantages of this method is the development of creativity in animals. Knowing that something needs to be done to receive the reward, the dog will be more eager to try to guess the wishes of the owner.

Allows you to achieve results most quickly

Research has shown that clicker learning techniques produce results faster than other methods. Scientists conducted an experiment in which two groups of dogs were taught commands using different methods. Dogs trained with the clicker learned new behaviors 20 minutes faster than those trained with words alone. To achieve the result when using the clicker method, it took 38 fewer primary reinforcements.

Creates a desire to obey in the dog

Since the owner does not resort to violence in training, but uses positive reinforcement, the dog trusts him. Exercise is associated with positive emotions, not fear.

It's fun

The dog is happy because he is receiving a treat. The owner is also glad, because the pet is getting smarter in front of him.