A small device that makes a clicking sound when pressed is touted by many as the most humane way to correct bad behavior while rewarding good behavior. “Operant conditioning” is the term used to describe when an animal intentionally performs a certain behavior to receive a reward such as a treat or lavish praise.
Here are ten tips to successfully clicker train your dog.
1. Keep the clicker hidden and do your best not to let your dog see what’s making the noise they’re so interested in. You want the sound to trigger a response from your dog rather than their fascination with the clicker itself.
2. Keep the clicker near you at all times so you can reward desired behavior the moment it happens with a small treat. This way the dog associates the clicking noise with the treat.
3. Timing is critical as the clicking noise should be made as soon as the dog is performing the desired act. Click during the behavior, not after it’s over.
4. Keep your training sessions short but frequent. Limit them to about five minutes and start out with something simple that the dog already knows, such as sit or stay.
5. Bad behavior can be reversed by clicking for good behavior. When your dog does what he’s supposed to, whether it’s following a command or relieving himself in the proper area, click and reward with a treat.
6. Keep raising the bar. As soon as your dog makes a move in the right direction, sound the clicker. Don’t wait for her to perfectly complete the behavior, if she’s learning to sit, click as soon as she starts to crouch. If she’s learning to come when called, click if she takes a few steps in your direction.
7. When your dog associates their good deeds with the click and reward, they’ll spontaneously exhibit the behavior trying to get you to click. Begin substituting a cue, either a specific word or hand gesture and click if the dog responds to the cue. Gradually ignore the desired behavior if the cue wasn’t given first.
8. Never raise your voice or yell at your dog when clicker training, this will only teach them to fear you, making them associate the sound of your voice with negativity. If your dog isn’t catching on right away, instead of disciplining him or her, remain calm and give them a chance to figure it out. The session will be less stressful for both you and your pooch.
9. Try not to touch your dog, as difficult as that may be, while clicker training as it tends to distract them from the exercise. Save the petting and hugging for after training.
10. Last but certainly not least, is patience. Even if he’s not catching on, be sure to stay calm and don’t let the training sessions run too long. Sessions should stop while your dog is still interested in “the game” and will be more likely to pay closer attention next time.