How to befriend a dog with a clicker?

Clicker training is based on a scientific approach, which was developed by the Soviet scientist Ivan Petrovich Pavlov. In this case, we are dealing with the mechanism of a conditioned reflex. As a result, the dog, realizing that he is being praised for a certain action, will try to repeat this action as often as possible.

Let’s figure out what kind of “beast” this is – a clicker and why you need a clicker for dogs.

What is a dog clicker?

Before starting training, learn how to use the clicker. It is freely sold in pet stores. A dog training clicker is a device with a button or tongue that makes a click when interacted with.

The principle of operation is simple: you need to click the clicker every time the dog does something good. The sound must be made at the same time when you reward the pet with another action (give a treat, stroke, say kind words, etc.). Thus, the dog will develop a reflex to the sound of the clicker: he will understand that the owner approves of his behavior.

How to train a dog to clicker?

• To introduce the dog to the clicker, you need to start at home:

• Stock up on treats for your pet and stay with him in a quiet room. The dog should not be distracted by anything.

• Hold the device in one hand and the treat in the other.

• Make a click. As soon as the dog hears the sound and reacts to it, immediately treat it to a treat.

• Repeat the action several times with a short time interval between procedures.

Vary the speed of serving treats. Let the pet learn that you will not always give food immediately after the click. At first, give the treat 1 second after the sound, and after a while – after 5 seconds.

If the dog sniffs or even tries to take a treat from you, squeeze it in a fist and wait until the pet loses interest in it. Then use the clicker and, after receiving a reaction, give the food.

It may be that the quadruped is frightened by the clicking sound: it twitches, runs away, looks agitated. Then it is better to replace the clicker and choose a device with a softer and quieter sound. And you can replace the clicker with other clicking objects, for example, an automatic pen.

How to train a dog using a clicker?

Before starting training, accustom your pet to the sound of the device. He must understand that the click is always heard when he performs the necessary actions. Try to praise the wet-nosed one more often, accompanying the click of the clicker with affectionate words, strokes and treats.

Conduct training in a quiet and deserted place. It is desirable that there are no extraneous irritants for the quadruped. Gradually, you can go to more noisy places where there are a lot of people, dogs and cars.

Your task is to catch the moments when the dog does the things you approve of. For example, a pet lay down on its couch – immediately fix this action with the sound of a clicker. Or the dog asks to go outside to go to the toilet – also encourage with a click and verbal praise.

The main principle is to make a sound every time the pet does everything right, but you did not say any commands. In this way, the dog will understand that he is doing the right thing and will do these actions more often.

What should be remembered?

Training will be successful and effective if you follow some rules:

• Do not start training your dog with a clicker until you have accustomed your pet to the sound of the device. The dog simply won’t understand what it means.

• Train your dog when he is hungry. If the pet has just eaten enough, he may not respond to commands and the offered treat.

• Do it for a short time (10-15 minutes is enough).

• The clicker is only used to tell the dog that he is doing the right thing. Do not click the clicker if you just want to call the dog or distract it, for example, from a stick on the ground.

• The sound of the clicker must be reinforced by additional encouragement. At the first stages, you will have to praise and treat the dog with treats a lot and often, so that the clicking sound evokes only positive emotions in the four-legged dog.

• If your pet has made some significant action or has mastered a new command, give him a “jackpot”. This is an improved reward, most often a larger piece of treat or something very tasty. So the wet-nosed one will understand that he has something to strive for.

The absence of a clicker sound is a lack of praise and, accordingly, a lack of positive action in the dog. Be sure to praise your pet for even the smallest achievement and for doing something right. For example, if the dog does not pull the leash on the street, click on the clicker. Or does not bark within the house, allows you to cut your claws or clean your ears – also press.

When the dog develops a reflex and performs some action without encouragement, the clicker is no longer needed.

It’s normal for your dog to immediately rush towards you after the click to get a treat. But when the result is fixed, it is not necessary to give a treat every time. But you shouldn’t completely exclude sweets, just give them a little less often.

Training should bring only joy to you and your pet. Therefore, if you or your dog are in a bad mood or feeling well, it is better to postpone classes.

If you’re having trouble getting your dog to use the clicker, you might be doing something wrong. Do not give up trying, but sign up for training courses with a professional cynologist.