In this article you will learn what clicker training for dogs is all about, how to best use it and how to achieve the desired results.

Clicker training - The beginning

Clicker training is an effective method of motivating dogs through positive reinforcement and encouraging desired behavior. All you need are species-appropriate, healthy treats and a clicker or "clicker frog." The sound of the clicker is neutral and free of emotion, which is easier for the dog to understand than spoken commands. Also, the click is faster and more precise than your voice. The short "click-clack" signals to your dog that he is getting a reward for his behavior.

Before clicker training can be successful, your dog must learn that the click announces a reward. This is called "classical conditioning," where the click sound is the "secondary reinforcement" and the treat is the "primary reinforcement." Together, they are designed to motivate the dog to perform desired behaviors.

Before you begin clicker training, you need to make sure that you have mastered the proper timing for the click. Therefore, before teaching your dog to use the clicker, practice making the click yourself.

The correct execution

A recommended exercise to achieve the necessary precision in clicking requires only a partner and a tennis or flummi ball. Face your training partner and have the clicker ready in your hand. Have your partner drop the ball on the floor. Click at the exact moment the ball hits the ground. It is best to practice this exercise until you have perfected. Alternatively, you can throw the ball up and then click when it reaches the highest point of its flight.

Conditioning

When it comes to clicker training for dogs, conditioning the dog to the association of click and reward is the first exercise. In the beginning, the click has no meaning to the dog, so it is important that beginners equip themselves with a special clicker and a treat bag and practice in a distraction-free place. During the first exercise, the click should be done as if casually and without expectations on the part of the owner. Each click is immediately followed by a treat: click - treat - click - treat. This procedure should be repeated about 10 to 20 times per exercise.

To check if the conditioning was successful, the click should be tested when the dog is busy doing something else. If the dog responds to the click sound and turns attentively toward the owner, the click is conditioned and the first clicker training exercise is successful. It is important to note that the clicker should be used exclusively as a confirmation signal and should remain associated with treats (or other rewards). The clicker should not be used in any other way to call the dog or get his attention. Clicker training has virtually no drawbacks, as the clicker reinforces the reward, but does not replace it.

Do not despair

The clicker can be used in practical dog training exercises, such as puppy training, as well as in sports agility exercises. If clicker training doesn't work right away and your dog doesn't understand what you want him to do, you shouldn't despair or react irritably. First, think about where there may be flaws in your clicker training.

Not every attempt succeeds immediately and there should be no lack of patience. If the training units with the quadruped are used continuously and correctly, then the desired success also shows up faster than thought. Practice makes perfect!