Training Your Dog with Dog Clicker Training
Dog Clicker Training, or training a dog with the use of a small clicker, was originally created by a dolphin trainer so that the dolphin could hear the sound while under the water. Since then, many other animal trainers adopted this method and clicker training has been used to train dogs, puppies, fish, elephants and other animals. Dog clicker training is used to teach older dogs as well as young puppies.
The clicker used to teach the dog is small and usually metal. It produces a quick, loud sound that delivers a message to the dog that the behavior is good and acceptable. It is a gentle method in training a dog or puppy and does not hurt the dog or injure its hearing in any way.
When the dog obeys the trainer, the sound of the click rewards the dog and sometimes a small treat is given simultaneously. Without the click, a treat alone can confuse the dog as it sometimes is not given quickly enough. The dog and especially a puppy can move around and wiggle a lot and thus the dog will not know what it is being rewarded for. Pared with the click, the dog associates the good behavior immediately to the click and not just a treat.
At first, the trainer or owner will start clicker training by rewarding the dog with a click and a small treat for behavior that it is already doing. For example, if the dog is on a leash, and needing to walk slowly beside the owner, a quick click and treat will teach the dog that this behavior is good. If the dog starts to run ahead, or starts to chase a squirrel, the dog is not going to receive a click and a treat until the behavior is calm and walking next to the owner again.
Another example would be if the dog is routy and jumps on other people. Once the dog calms down, a quick click and a small treat reinforces this calmness. This is another way to positively reinforce the acceptable behavior.
Once the dog learns to wait for the positive reinforcement of the clicker, he will learn at a quicker rate than just with voice commands or treats. Dog clicker training, voice commands with body language can all be used together to help the dog learn at a faster rate.
Dog clicker training can teach good habits and deter bad habits. It is the owner’s responsibility to raise a dog in a positive environment making happy dogs and happy owners and neighbors.
Related posts:
- Dog Clicker Training for Your Puppy or Dog
- Dog Clicker Training for Your Puppy or Dog
- Training Your Dog with Dog Clicker Training
- Dog Clicker Training Reinforces Positive Behavior
- Dog Training: Precluding Bad Behaviors and Supporting Good Ones
Filed under: Dogs
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