How to Clicker Train Dogs

Everyone knows that "a dog is a man's best friend." To enjoy your best friend, however, it is important to teach him good behavior. A clicker is a handy invention that can simplify training. This small, hand-held teaching tool makes a distinctive sound when it is pressed. It can positively reinforce the behavior you want, letting you abandon the negative reinforcements of shouting and hitting.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Clicker
• Treats
• Patience

1. Make a training plan. Decide which behavior you want your dog to learn and break it down into manageable steps. Write down your plan.
2. Pair the click to a treat. Find a treat your dog loves. Then click the clicker and give him a treat. Do this several times until the dog associates the clicker with the treat.
3. Click at the first sign of obedience. For example, if you want to teach your dog to sit, click and treat as soon as his back end approaches the floor. Repeat several times.
4. Watch for your dog to come closer to the training behavior. In our example, his butt actually lands on the floor. Then click and treat again. Do this step several times before watching again for his behavior to come even closer. Repeat until he performs the desired behavior.
5. Add a cue. When he sits, say "Sit," click and treat. Repeat.
6. Gradually cut back on the clicks. Eventually your dog will respond to the cue you've created even without a treat.

Tips & Warnings

• Click only when your dog is doing what you want.
• Have fun. Clicking can be a training game you play with your dog. Enjoy.
• Only click once. Avoid multiple clicks.
• Never, ever, ever hit your dog. Clicker training uses POSITIVE reinforcement, and punishment will only confuse your dog.