Clicker Training

Clicker training, based on behaviourism, relies on rewarding actions to encourage repetition. Rewards are typically food, but can also include toys or attention. The key to effective clicker training is precise timing—rewarding the animal at the exact moment it performs the desired behaviour.

To start, you first pair the sound of the clicker with a treat. When the dog hears the click, it knows a reward is coming and quickly learns that the behaviour it was doing when clicked is what’s desired. With good timing, the dog will repeat the behaviour to earn more clicks and treats.

Training often begins by rewarding small steps towards the desired behaviour, gradually requiring more from the dog with each click. For example, if teaching "sit", click for bending the back legs, then for sitting further down. This process is called "shaping".

To speed things up, you can use a lure, and if the dog suddenly performs the desired behaviour, give a bigger reward (a "jackpot"). As the dog learns, you can vary the frequency of clicks, gradually rewarding less frequently.

It's crucial to always follow a click with a treat—otherwise, the clicker loses its effectiveness. Over time, you’ll click less often as the dog masters the behaviour.

Clicker training is a powerful tool for precise communication and timing. If you're interested in learning more, check our calendar for training events or ask your trainer for more information.