Training Tools and How to Use Them Effectively: The Clicker
Training Tools and How to Use Them Effectively: The Clicker
The world of dog training has many different avenues when it comes to how to train a dog. It can be difficult to navigate what training tools are effective had how to properly use them. There are many options and many ways to miss use them. If used incorrectly some of tools can have a negative impact on your training and your relationship with your dog. If used correctly they can be incredibly effective and your dog will enjoy the process. With enough consistency and the correct method, some can even potentially be phased out of use. In the edition we look into clicker training and how to effectively use it to train your dog!
What Is A Clicker And Why Is It A Training Tool?
The clicker is a small device that fits in the hand and when used creates a loud click. Clickers come in a variety of shapes and builds. The most effective ones provide a consistent sound regardless of the pressure used to create the sound. The clicker is a form of classical conditioning, in which the dog is conditioned to understand that the click means they have done good and a reward is coming. This tool can be very effective when teaching a new behavior or series of behaviors.
How To Effectively Use The Clicker As A Training Tool!
Like many training tools, the dog needs to be conditioned to understand what the clicker means. To condition your dog to understand the clicker you need to pair the clicker with a treat, this is known as loading the clicker. To load the click is a simple and fun experience for your dog, all you do is click the clicker and immediately provide a yummy treat, you must repeat this process over and over again till they understand that a click means a treat is coming. The process can vary on how long it takes for the dog to understand but once done the clicker become an invaluable tool when training. When using the clicker, you must click at the exact time the behavior is preformed or you risk marking the wrong action. Timing is very important when using the clicker, I suggest practicing your timing before putting it to use in your training!
How To Not Use the Clicker As A Training Tool!
Should the clicker be incorrectly used it can become a point of frustration for you and the dog. By marking too late or too soon you can be reinforcing the wrong behavior. Like I mentioned above timing is very important and can be a point of frustration. This mistake can be fixed but should be corrected quickly. Another timing issue is not rewarding properly. If you do not reward properly the dog loses interest in the clicker and it has to be conditioned again. Another way I have seen the clicker be misused is an interesting one, I have seen it many times used to annoy family and friends or used outside of training. This devalues the tool and desensitizes the dog to the sound, ultimately making it useless.