Learn and Teach Clicker Dog Training

Clicker Dog Training is training using almost all positive reinforcement. You can teach your dog to learn using no physical or vocal corrections. It is done without a leash or collar, without jerks or tugs, without placing the dog in the desired position, and without scolding for failure.

For the dog owner's purpose, behavior can be shaped without force and that dogs will happily and consistently perform the behavior as long as they get even sporadic reinforcement for doing so. Clicker training works with both puppies and adult dogs to shape desired behaviors and discourage bad behaviors.

Why does this work, you ask? Clicker dog training uses the scientific methods of classical & operant conditioning. These are the same methods used at the animal parks, like Sea World and the animals have a blast doing their amazing tricks. This is the type of training used for most animals trained for movie & TV work, too.

How does this work? The clicker itself is simply a little toy-like device that makes a clicking sound that is used in the initial stages of training any behavior. It provides clear and precise communication between the owner and their dog which allows both to concentrate on the task at hand. Click at the exact moment the dog is performing a desired behavior, and since you always follow that click with a tasty treat, the dog will learn to love the sound. As part of the training, you teach the dog hand and verbal signals for each behavior. As the dog learns these, you will phase out the clicker. The clicker completed its purpose, which was to communicate to your dog the desired behavior.

With positive reinforcement training your dog becomes eager to learn. Very tasty food treats are the primary reinforcers at first because they are easy to use but other reinforcements may be used as well--from squeaky toys to playing games. A properly trained dog will not be dependent upon food in order to respond.

Clicker training can be used to teach your dog obedient behaviors as well as more advanced competition. You will love it and so will your dog because it is a lot of fun!