Monday, October 24, 2011

Dog Training: Clicker

By Dirk Gruenberg


Timing is a critical part of dog training. One should give rewards at that exact moment when the dog does something that pleases you. However, dogs are very active and the timing for the reward may not be precise.

For example, let's say you wanted to praise your dog for doing a trick. But you were a little late and he jumps on you and you praise him anyways. That would be confusing to your dog. And this is where clicker training can make a difference.

What does clicker training mean? It is specific form of dog training that utilizes a mechanical device called clicker that makes a small sound, very much like that of a retractable pen.

The way it works is as follows: Every time your dog does something well, you make a sound with the clicker device, and then you give your dog a reward. This means your dog will learn that after every time he hears the sound, he will get a reward.

Why is clicker training better than giving praise? Performing dog training can be quite tiresome since you have to do this for a number of hours.

That means, positive feedbacks from you may vary - such as tone, pronunciation, emphasis and loudness may change during the same training session.

With the help of a clicker, those variations are omitted by a single "click" sound. Subsequently, you can still opt to use the clicker first, and then praise your dog.

In addition, using a clicker produces immediate results. It gives your dog an understanding that a reward will be given because of the action he did when he heard the click. Using the clicker helps a dog remember that exact moment of behavior. It always means good news to them.

Picture it like this: Every time after your dog does well, there is a clicking sound. It is like taking a snapshot of the behavior he just displayed - a behavior you desire. And your dog will keep that snapshot of the exact moment in mind when he did well. And this, in turn, will make him want to repeat it.




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