How to Train Your Dog With a Clicker

Training a dog can be tough. I mean, all he wants to do is chase his tail and sleep, right? But using a clicker can be helpful since it teaches a dog how to focus. Here’s some helpful advice on how to get started.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• clicker
• treats
• dog
• another person if possible

1. 
    

   Introduce the clicker. For some this is easier said than done. Take your clicker and your dog to a somewhat calm area (backyard, living room, etc) where distractions are a minimal. You can deal with distractions later when you think your dog can handle it. After giving your dog some attention, maybe playing a little, click. If your dog looks at you or tries to find where the noise came from give him a treat. He’ll figure out fast where the noise came from. Do this until your dog grasps the concept that clicking means food if he pays attention.

2. Now that your dog has a sense of focus try integrating commands into it. Starting out may help if you have another person to assist your dog. Tell the dog to sit. If you’re doing this alone raise your hand or fist over his head (looking up at it will cause your dog’s natural balance to make him sit). If you have someone with you have that person gently push your dog’s butt to the ground. The second your dog sits, click. Timing is key. Click only when the behavior you seek has been performed to keep the dog from getting confused about what you want. When you click, signaling the dog did what you wanted him to do, give him his treat.

3. 
    

   Once your dog understands the Sit command start trying other commands such as Down, Stay, and Come. Remember to click only when the behavior you want has been performed. When your dog shows proficiency in his ability to follow commands try segueing from using your clicker every time to every other time. You can start taking away treats when you take away the clicker or do that separately. Keep in mind that praise should still be given for good performance. Replace treats with praise, petting, or a toss of a ball.

Tips & Warnings

• Having your dog on a leash can be helpful if your dog tends to wiggle around a lot.
• Keep your training sessions short when you start, then make them longer as you dog gets better.

[Lilfix]

on 1/24/2009 Great article on how to train your dog with a clicker...

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