Training Your Dog with Dog Clicker Training
Clicker Training is a training method that is not only used for dogs, but other animals as well. In fact, it was first used to train dolphins in captivity to allow the trainer to communicate with the dolphin as it was under water. Since this time, clicker training became the norm for training dolphins, fish, dogs, and other types of pets. Dog clicker training is now a great way to train young puppies, as well as older dogs.
The clicker used to teach the dog is small and usually metal. It produces a quick, loud sound that delivers a message to the dog that the behavior is good and acceptable. It is a gentle method in training a dog or puppy and does not hurt the dog or injure its hearing in any way.
When the dog obeys the trainer, the sound of the click rewards the dog and sometimes a small treat is given simultaneously. Without the click, a treat alone can confuse the dog as it sometimes is not given quickly enough. The dog and especially a puppy can move around and wiggle a lot and thus the dog will not know what it is being rewarded for. Pared with the click, the dog associates the good behavior immediately to the click and not just a treat.
At first, the trainer or owner will start clicker training by rewarding the dog with a click and a small treat for behavior that it is already doing. For example, if the dog is on a leash, and needing to walk slowly beside the owner, a quick click and treat will teach the dog that this behavior is good. If the dog starts to run ahead, or starts to chase a squirrel, the dog is not going to receive a click and a treat until the behavior is calm and walking next to the owner again.
Another example would be if the dog is routy and jumps on other people. Once the dog calms down, a quick click and a small treat reinforces this calmness. This is another way to positively reinforce the acceptable behavior.
Once the dog learns to wait for the positive reinforcement of the clicker, he will learn at a quicker rate than just with voice commands or treats. Dog clicker training, voice commands with body language can all be used together to help the dog learn at a faster rate.
Dog clicker training can teach good habits and deter bad habits. It is the owner’s responsibility to raise a dog in a positive environment making happy dogs and happy owners and neighbors.
Want to find out more about dog clicker training?, then visit Judy Steven’s site on how to choose the best training methods for your puppies needs. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service
Tags: dog training
dog training | judy reno | 24 November 2009 |
