The clicker is just a little plastic box with a metal blade that makes a very unique sound when the metal blade is pressed. And that is exactly what makes it so special to training: its sound is very short and sharp. It is rarely heard, unlike the trainer’s voice; so, it can take on a special meaning. It is not unpleasing to the dog’s ear. Therefore, a clicker can have a significant impact on your dog, making it an excellent tool.
There is one cardinal rule for using a clicker. From the first moment of using it in the dog’s presence, you must always follow the click with pay – preferably something the dog likes best! But, just following this one rule alone will not make the clicker pay off for you. You must first teach the dog what the click means, that the “click” really means “pay”. And, I believe more people fail at clicker training because they fail at teaching the meaning of the “click” than for any other reason.
The clicking noise is meaningless to the dog until the dog learns (is conditioned) that a “click” means “reward is forthcoming now -I get paid”. Teaching this sounds simple. It is not. The dog could learn to ignore the click and watch for your body signs (which become an inadvertent secondary reinforcer). The dog could learn that the click means: “I better pay attention”. The dog could learn that the click is a command to do some other behaviour or activity. We want the dog to learn only one thing during the all important first step: “Oh, now I get paid”.
Here is how to be a success
Training location and tools. Take your dog to a place where the two of you are comfortable and that is free of distractions. Have the reward in your pocket. It would be preferable if you can keep the dog from knowing such a favourite item is there.
Use food. Rewards are typically food or a favourite toy. I believe that for this first step: food is better. That’s because a toy must be taken away from the dog before the next repetition. This introduces a “negative” to the process. Even though the dog learns the toy will come again, there will always be that negative moment caused by “giving up” a favourite item. Food is taken, (either from your hand or tossed by you into the dog’s bowl). The food is eaten; and the dog is ready to get on with other things. So, I like to use food.
Here is what you have to do
Remember: in this step you are teaching the dog that the sound of the click means: “Now, I get paid”. Later, you can change the currency for different training situations – toys,or permission to take the next obstacle.
- Click the clicker
- Present the reward – the pay
- Repeat the process. Just randomly click and follow it up with pay. If you must use a toy, try to avoid any conflict with the dog. Minimize the negative as much as possible. Do not tug. Hold your hand still on the toy until he releases it. Do not talk
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