Difference between revisions of "Clicker Train Your Dog"
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| − | Clicker training is a popular way to train your dog and reward his good behavior. It can be fun for you and your dog and often produces quick and effective results.<ref>http://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/behavior-training/training-your-dog/clicker-training-your-dog</ref> Clicker training is based on the scientific concept that an animal will continue to do a behavior that is rewarded.<ref>http://www.akc.org/learn/akc-training/what-is-clicker-training-a-great-way-to-shape-your-dogs-behavior/</ref> Once your dog understands what the clicker is all about, you will be able to teach him all kinds of tricks with plenty of rewards along the way. | + | Clicker training is a popular way to train your dog and reward his good behavior. It can be fun for you and your dog and often produces quick and effective results.<ref name="rf1">http://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/behavior-training/training-your-dog/clicker-training-your-dog</ref> Clicker training is based on the scientific concept that an animal will continue to do a behavior that is rewarded.<ref name="rf2">http://www.akc.org/learn/akc-training/what-is-clicker-training-a-great-way-to-shape-your-dogs-behavior/</ref> Once your dog understands what the clicker is all about, you will be able to teach him all kinds of tricks with plenty of rewards along the way. |
[[Category:Clicker Training Dogs]] | [[Category:Clicker Training Dogs]] | ||
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
=== Preparing to Clicker Train Your Dog === | === Preparing to Clicker Train Your Dog === | ||
| − | #Learn how to use a clicker. A clicker, which is available at your local pet store, is a small, handheld plastic device with a button or small metal tongue that you press down on to make a clicking noise. The key to using a clicker is to use it at the ''' exact ''' moment that your dog performs the expected behavior. The sound of a click should always be followed by some type of reward (eg, food, toys, verbal praise).<ref | + | #Learn how to use a clicker. A clicker, which is available at your local pet store, is a small, handheld plastic device with a button or small metal tongue that you press down on to make a clicking noise. The key to using a clicker is to use it at the ''' exact ''' moment that your dog performs the expected behavior. The sound of a click should always be followed by some type of reward (eg, food, toys, verbal praise).<ref name="rf2" /> |
#* Keep in mind that the clicker is the signal that a reward is coming, rather than being the reward itself. | #* Keep in mind that the clicker is the signal that a reward is coming, rather than being the reward itself. | ||
#* With the clicker, your dog will learn two main things–the exact moment that he is doing the right thing, and that a treat always comes after the click. | #* With the clicker, your dog will learn two main things–the exact moment that he is doing the right thing, and that a treat always comes after the click. | ||
| − | #* The clicker can be a much more precise method than verbal cues ("good" or "thanks") to communicate with your dog during a training session. This can help speed up the pace of training.<ref | + | #* The clicker can be a much more precise method than verbal cues ("good" or "thanks") to communicate with your dog during a training session. This can help speed up the pace of training.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#* You could think of the clicker like the winning buzzer on a game show–the noise signals the exact moment that the correct behavior or action is being performed. | #* You could think of the clicker like the winning buzzer on a game show–the noise signals the exact moment that the correct behavior or action is being performed. | ||
| − | #Introduce your dog to the [[Charge a Clicker|clicker]]. Before you can use the clicker for training purposes, you will need to teach your dog what the clicker means to him. This is known as “charging” the clicker.<ref | + | #Introduce your dog to the [[Charge a Clicker|clicker]]. Before you can use the clicker for training purposes, you will need to teach your dog what the clicker means to him. This is known as “charging” the clicker.<ref name="rf2" /> While you are in the room with your dog (any quiet room will do), hold a treat in one hand and the clicker in the other. Press down on the clicker once. When your dog turns to you at the sound of the click, immediately give him the treat. |
#* You will need at least a handful of treats, since you will be practicing this over and over. | #* You will need at least a handful of treats, since you will be practicing this over and over. | ||
#* Repeat this several times. Vary the amount of time that you hold the treat in your hand before using the clicker so that your dog does not begin to expect when the treat will come. | #* Repeat this several times. Vary the amount of time that you hold the treat in your hand before using the clicker so that your dog does not begin to expect when the treat will come. | ||
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#* If he continues to run away from the clicking noise, you will probably need to rely more on verbal cues to train him. | #* If he continues to run away from the clicking noise, you will probably need to rely more on verbal cues to train him. | ||
=== Training Your Dog With a Clicker === | === Training Your Dog With a Clicker === | ||
| − | #Choose a quiet location. Once your dog has learned what to expect with the sound of the clicker, you can use it to train him to do different commands (e.g., sit, down, stay). It would be best to train him in quiet location without other people or distractions around.<ref | + | #Choose a quiet location. Once your dog has learned what to expect with the sound of the clicker, you can use it to train him to do different commands (e.g., sit, down, stay). It would be best to train him in quiet location without other people or distractions around.<ref name="rf1" /> If you have a fenced in backyard, you could also clicker train him outside. |
#* As your dog becomes more comfortable with clicker training, you can use the clicker in areas that are louder or have more distractions (e.g., room with a TV on, dog park). | #* As your dog becomes more comfortable with clicker training, you can use the clicker in areas that are louder or have more distractions (e.g., room with a TV on, dog park). | ||
#Click when your dog is in the act of good behavior. One method of clicker training your dog is called “catching”– you will click as soon as you catch your dog doing a good behavior that he’s already pretty good at doing on his own. For example, if he is in the room with you and decides to lie down to get more comfortable, click as soon as he lies down and immediately throw him a treat. When he gets up to eat the treat, wait until he lies down again and repeat the process. | #Click when your dog is in the act of good behavior. One method of clicker training your dog is called “catching”– you will click as soon as you catch your dog doing a good behavior that he’s already pretty good at doing on his own. For example, if he is in the room with you and decides to lie down to get more comfortable, click as soon as he lies down and immediately throw him a treat. When he gets up to eat the treat, wait until he lies down again and repeat the process. | ||
