A clicker is a little plastic device that when pressed, makes a “click” sound. It is just one form of something called “Reward Marking”. The clicker allows you to mark and capture a desired training behavior the instant that you see it. Your dog learns that the behavior being demonstrated at the instant of the “click” will produce a reward. Saying the word, “Yes” can also be used but is not as powerful. Studies have shown that dogs learn much faster and clearer with clicker training. See my article on How Dogs Learn for helpful examples on using your clicker!
A trainer’s timing is the most important aspect for properly using a clicker. Most people have some trouble with this in the beginning but with a little practice they do well.
Here is an exercise to better your timing with the clicker.
Hold the clicker in one hand and a small ball in the other. Throw the ball into the air and “Click” the instant the ball stops mid-air before it begins its downward descent. In real training it goes like this: “Sit”-click the instant your dog’s rump hits the floor; “Down”-click the instant that your dog reaches the down position, etc.
Since the clicker sound by itself has no meaning to a dog, you must first train it to associate the sound of the click with a reward.
Clicker Conditioning
Goal: Click means treat is to follow.
Time this entire exercise for a 1 minute session. Hold 25 small pieces of food in your hand or on a table. Do not speak to the dog. “Click”, then present 1 piece food immediately after each “click”. Make sure to feed the dog directly from your hand. If you accidentally drop a treat, point it out to the dog, saying “right there”.
Other helpful hints:
Only “click” moving muscle. Click the action while it is happening, not before or after.
If you accidentally click at the wrong moment, give the dog the treat anyway.
