How to clicker train your dog.

Clicker training for dogs.

What is clicker training for dogs, when did it start and how do I use it effectively to train my dog?

What’s a clicker?

A clicker is a plastic and metal device that, when you click the button, emits a ‘click-click sound.

It was first used back in the 1950s by a professor of psychology at Harvard, B.F. Skinner. He was the first to be seen using a clicker in Look magazine in 1952 with Agnes, the dalmatian (albeit his click was that of a camera taking a picture).

The clicker didn’t gain popularity with dog owners until the late 1980’s when Karen Pryor and Gary Wilkes (both animal trainers) began to give dog training seminars.

They were, however, extensively used in zoos where they were used to train animals to accept husbandry and veterinary attention without resorting to tranquilising the animal.

So how is a clicker used and when?

Imagine that you’ve asked your dog to sit.

As soon as their bottom hits the floor they’ve got it right, so you would click to let the dog know they were correct and to expect a reward.

The click acts as a promise (of a reward) and as a marker (of the correct behaviour) and communicates the end of the behaviour (they’re free to move, etc.).

How does the dog know he’s going to get a reward?

By loading (or charging — different trainers call if different things) the clicker.

Take 5 minutes to introduce the clicker to your dog by just making one click and follow by giving them a treat, click and treat, click and treat.

It should only take a few minutes for your dog to realise that the click noise means a treat is coming. Once he starts to look expectantly at you when you click, you know he’s ready!

My dog doesn’t like the noise

It’s possible that your dog might find the click too loud or harsh and not respond positively to it. If that’s the case then you still have some options.

There are clickers that can be dampened to make a quieter click.

You can also use an alternative noise/sound. When you choose an alternative bear in mind the purpose of the clicker. It’s used because it’s really, really precise. The click is clear and short. Alternatives that people sometimes use are words such as ‘yes’ or ‘good’ but these may seem short to us but are drawn out in comparison to the click. A better alternative is a click of the tongue.

If you have a deaf dog then the clicker can be replaced by a light flash or a hand signal, such as a thumbs up.

What if I accidentally click?

You should always reward if you click, even if it’s an accident. That way you’re going to maintain the trust that you’ve built upon in your dog that when they hear the click, they get a reward.

How many times do I click?

Only once. Remember what you’re trying to communicate to your dog. You’re trying to tell them the exact moment that they got it right.

What behaviours can I train with the clicker?

Any of them. A clicker is a tool that tells your dog he’s right.

Although it comes into its own when teaching complicated chains of behaviours, it can just as easily be used when teaching simple ones such as sit, stay or down.

Even recall?

Yep, even recall. The moment that your dog gets it right isn’t when they’re halfway back to you. It’s when they have come all the way back, so click and reward.

I’ve seen people pointing and clicking at their dogs to gain their attention.

Those people are using it incorrectly. Tell them you know a really good article about clicker training and send them this link! 😃👍

It’s not a remote control or a way to gain attention. There’s no need to point it at your dog.

When can I stop using it?

Once your dog knows the behaviour you were teaching you can stop. The clicker provides clarity to your dog during the teaching phase. If they’re performing the behaviour asked of them repeatedly then try it without the clicker.

Give your dog the cue/command, if they perform immediately then look expectantly at you for a reward, then they know the behaviour.

Can I use it to train my kids/partner/cats?

Let’s not forget that the guy who first used it was a professor of human psychology so the answer has to be yes 👀😉 (although you might want to use a word instead of a click…)

Recap

Clicker training can feel cumbersome to start with, especially if you’re a new dog owner. Coordinating treats, a lead, a clicker and a wiggly puppy can seem impossible at first. A little practice, especially if you think you’re going to want to teach more complex tricks or behaviours in the future, is definitely worthwhile.