| Clicker dog training is a method of positive | | | | a single, precise sound. This allows you to clearly |
| reinforcement conditioning that uses a small "clicker" | | | | communicate to your dog exactly which behavior is |
| or other noisemaker to precisely mark a desired | | | | being reinforced, so you can teach your dog even |
| behavior. This type of operant conditioning was first | | | | complex tasks without the use of punishment or |
| used to train pigeons for military operations during | | | | force. |
| World War II, and has since been used to | | | | Learning Retention |
| successfully train more than 140 species of animals | | | | Research into positive reinforcement techniques has |
| including lions, whales, dolphins, cats, dogs, and even | | | | shown that animals trained with a clicker retain the |
| humans. So, what makes clicker training so effective? | | | | tasks they have been taught years after the training, |
| Here are three advantages of using clicker dog | | | | even with no additional practice. This retention in |
| training. | | | | learning is seen not only with clicker dog training, but |
| Marker Accuracy | | | | also with most other types of positive reinforcement |
| One of the most challenging aspects of training your | | | | training. Animals trained using a clicker tool and |
| dog is being able to catch the exact moment the | | | | positive reinforcement develop a "joy" response to |
| dog has performed a desired action. Traditional verbal | | | | the sound of the clicker, are more self-confident and |
| praise and rewards can be hard to deliver at the | | | | perform their tasks enthusiastically even after the |
| precise moment your dog completes a desired | | | | clicker has been phased out. |
| behavior. When you use a specific, unvarying sound | | | | Other types of behavior markers can be used |
| like the one used in clicker dog training, you have the | | | | besides a clicker tool if necessary. The key to |
| ability to accurately mark the correct behavior. | | | | successful training is to make sure the marker used is |
| Studies have shown that this type of dog training | | | | brief and consistent. Other types of markers used in |
| greatly decreases learning time and increases | | | | positive reinforcement training include flashes of light |
| behavior retention better than other methods of | | | | or whistles. There are even vibrating collars available |
| training. | | | | to assist in the training of deaf dogs. The type of |
| Training Consistency | | | | marker you choose is entirely up to you, just make |
| The constant presence of your voice during a training | | | | sure you use the same marker each time. There are |
| session, combined with slight variations in your tone | | | | a wide variety of clicker dog training tools available |
| or speech, makes the use of verbal markers much | | | | today, and since they all work pretty much the same |
| less precise and consistent than a clicker tool. Clicker | | | | way all you have to do is choose one that appeals to |
| dog training eliminates these variations in sound and | | | | you and your dog. |
| provides your pet consistent positive feedback using | | | | |