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Clicker Training a Dog
THE HISTORY OF CLICKER TRAINING
The foundations for clicker training go back to the nineteenth century work by Russian
physiologist Ivan Pavlov during training of animals for military use. He later extended his work
in civilian life to the training of animal actors and marine mammals. It wasn't until the
mid 1980's work by mammal trainer Karen Pryor that dog trainers discovered the positive use of
clicker training. Because clicker training does not use punishment nor corrective training, but works
on positiveness its popularity rose amongst dog trainers and owners to teach obedience amongst
working and domestic dogs. It is also used to teach agility, tricks and to overcome
problem behaviour and to re-educate older dogs.
WHAT IS A DOG CLICKER
The clicker itself is nothing terribly scientific, though the rationale behind it is. It can
take many forms, but most commonly is a small plastic box, that fits easily into the owner's
or trainer's hand, with a small metal button inside which makes a distinctive noise when
clicked.
HOW DOES DOG CLICKER TRAINING WORK
When clicker training a dog it is important to not use a cue or verbal label until the dog has learned the new behaviour and can perform it consistently. This then prevents half formed behaviour (cited in 100 Ways to Train the Perfect Dog).
By following the recommended training plans the dog will soon recognise receiving
a reward, usually a food treat, with particular actions. This means your dog will be more
attuned to the positive training whilst making its training fun and stimulating without any negative
and damaging corrective punishment. Clicker training rewards the actions you want and ignores
the actions you do not want.
When giving your dog a treat or food reward during clicker training this should be given a few moments after the click so that the dog learns to associate the clicker sound with the acceptable behaviour.
Please do remember that puppies and dogs have acute hearing and the sound of the dog clicker will be loud and painful if you click to their ear. The clicker should be clicked a little distance from them to prevent any pain or distraction and provide you with more comfort in not having to stoop each time.
Clicker training need only be used when introducing a new command or training
routine, then can be gradually phased out. It can be re-introduced at any time if a dog
forgets the command action or gets a bit lazy. It can also be introduced to older dogs
to teach them new or enforce existing commands.
The dog clicker should not be used to get the attention of your dog and should only be used reward or highlight a behaviour that you want the dog to repeat and learn.
The best way to describe clicker training has been written in 100 Ways to Train the Perfect Dog) by Sarah Fisher and Marie Miller when they say:
For example, if you are teaching your dog to sit, use food in your hand to lure the position, click as he sits and then reward. He will quickly learn to sit without the food lure.
Buy Clicker Training Books and a Dog Clicker:
I would recommend reading at least one of the books below before commencing dog
clicker training:
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