Clicker Background
Introduction
A new method to train your dog with success
Clicker Training is a scientifically based method for the communication with your dog. With prositive reinforcement your dog is learning every behaviour you wish without force. Dogs of all breeds, every age and at every level of education can be trained with the clicker.
How to start?
You are conditioning your dog to the Clicker
Classical conditioning according to Pavlov: The Clicker means something positive.
You need: some time, a Clicker and small tasty titbits and of course your dog (you can try it also with your cat, your budgerigar or your horse).
You are offering a titbit to your dog and click at the same time. Later, you should be aware of clicking first and then delivering the titbit. Repeat about 5 times during three short lessons per day. After only a few days the dog has learned:
click = titbits = something positive
The first exercise
The Watch-me game
You can use this starting exercise for every purpose, and you can always go back to it later after enough training.
- Wait (don't say anything - n o command! - no leash popping)
- The dog looks at you
- Click
- Treat
Short training lessons for about five minutes two to three times per day.
Your dog is learning: always when I look at her/him = click and treat
and he will show the desired behavior more often.
Fifteen Rules for Getting Started with the Clicker
by Karen Pryor
Clicker training is a new, science-based way to communicate with your pet. It's easier to learn than standard command-based training. You can clicker-train any kind of dog, of any age. Puppies love it. Old dogs learn new tricks. You can clicker-train cats, birds, and other pets as well.
Don't worry, at first, about getting rid of behavior you don't like. Instead, start with some good things you want the dog to learn to do. Keep notes (the refrigerator door is a good place). Jot down what the dog was doing when you started. Once a day or so, jot down what you have achieved with each behavior. You will be surprised at the progress! Reward yourself for the dog's improvements.
