Clicker Training for Fearful Dogs

Fearful dogs respond well to clicker training.

Clicker training is a humane training solution for dogs that marks and rewards good behavior and redirects bad behavior. According to dog trainer Pat Miller in her book "The Power of Positive Dog Training," fearful dogs respond well to positive reinforcement training methods such as clicker training rather than punishment-based training because the latter causes an increase in fear and an aversion to training.

History

According to Dr. Linda Aronson from PetPlace.com, clicker training dates back to the 1950s, when dolphin trainers used whistles to mark desirable behaviors in the animals. The clicker replaced the whistle for non-marine animals because it has a distinctive noise that an animal can pick out, even in a noisy environment. This type of reward-based training replaced for some the less humane, punishment-based method of training, whereby an animal is rewarded for good behavior and punished for bad behavior.

Function

The clicker marks the desired behavior by emitting a clicking noise simultaneously with the behavior. A treat or other reward, such as a favorite toy, is given to the dog after the clicking sound. After a few repetitions the dog learns that a click means a treat and realizes that it can produce the click by offering behaviors such as sit, lie down or roll over.

Benefits

Clicker training a shy or fearful dog can actually build confidence. The clicker is used to desensitize the dog to its fear triggers, which could include thunderstorms, other dogs or even people wearing hats. Miller states that an owner should start desensitization when the dog is at a comfortable distance from the scary thing, then clicking and treating for calm behavior. Owner and dog then gradually move closer until the dog pays no attention to the scary thing.

Considerations

According to the Wag 'n Train website, some dogs, particularly fearful ones, could be afraid of the clicker's noise. Try muffling the clicker noise with layers of tape or holding the clicker behind your back to soften the noise. Other options include replacing the click with a blink of light from a keychain flashlight or using a clicker that has different sound options.

Time Frame

Many fearful dogs are unsocialized and have not become familiar with strange things. Miller states that clicker training for an unsocialized, fearful dog should be a slow process. Rushing the dog could set its training back months and make it more afraid. Miller states that with patience and time, the fearful dog will benefit from positive reinforcement clicker training.

References

• Clicker Training: Karen Pryor: Overcoming Fear of the Clicker
• Wag N Train: Getting Started with Clicker Training
• Rescue Me Dog: Clicker Training
• PetPlace: The History of Clicker Training
• The Power of Positive Dog Training; Pat Miller; 2008