FOUR PAW SOLUTIONS
By Rebecca Cox BSc(Hons) PG Dip CABC
Clicker Training
Clicker Training is a highly effective, fun and easy way to train your dog. It is a method that is based on years of research into how dogs learn. All members of the family can take part and it requires no existing skills or knowledge. Basically the clicker is a clear and easily understood means of letting your dog know that he is doing what you want. After introducing the clicker, the 'click' tells the dog he has got it right and he has earned a reward.
Be warned though, there are many Clicker Training myths including:
You will always have to use a clicker and treats - wrong, the clicker and treats are a training aid and if used correctly you will soon be able to stop using it.
You can't praise your dog or pet him - wrong, food is the most commonly used reward but you can use anything that your dog really likes as a reward.
One click means 'good' and two means 'bad' - wrong, the click always means 'good'
The clicker is used to get your dog's attention - wrong, the clicker should never be used in this way. The click 'marks' the desired behaviour - it rewards what your dog is doing when you click.
To learn more about clicker training download the following article
Clicker Training Explained, by Rebecca Cox
Four Paw Solutions by Rebecca Cox Copyright 2011