What Is Clicker Training & How Does It Work?

Clicker training is a popular method of dog training that uses a small device that makes a distinct "click" sound to mark desired behaviours. This method, rooted in positive reinforcement, it is effective and easy for both dogs and their owners to understand. Let’s delve into the basics of clicker training, how it works, and some advanced techniques like counter conditioning for reactivity.

The Basics of Clicker Training

At its core, clicker training involves using a clicker to make a sound at the exact moment your dog performs a desired behaviour. This sound acts as a marker, letting your dog know that they did something right and that a reward, food or a toy, is coming. The clicker serves as a consistent, clear signal, which can be more precise than using your voice.

Charging the Clicker

Before you can start clicker training, you need to "charge" the clicker. This process involves creating a positive association between the sound of the clicker and receiving a treat. Here’s how you do it:

  1. Get your clicker and some high-value treats. We typically recommend hand-feeding meals or using cooked chicken ect.
  2. Click the clicker, then immediately give your dog a treat.
  3. Walk or jog away away from your dog, click, then as they approach reward.
  4. Every few clicks, reward with a "jackpot" (lots of treats) as this encourages more engagement - like winning £100 on a slot machine!
  5. Repeat this process 10-20 times in a row. Charge the clicker every day for a week. 

After a few sessions, your dog will start to understand that the sound of the clicker means a treat is coming. This sets the stage for effective training. Ideally, you want to see your dog running to you every time it hears the "click".

Click = Terminal Marker

A terminal marker is a signal that the training session or behaviour sequence is complete. This can be particularly useful in clicker training to let your dog know when they’ve finished the task successfully.

For example, I want to teach my dog to sit. So I will ask for a sit, when they have sat and held it for 1-2 seconds - this is to ensure they understand what they have done - I will then click to reward and release them from the position. 

You can then extend the time they hold the position, by waiting longer before you click to reward. If they attempt to remove themselves from the position before the click, put them back in the position and try again, or lower the threshold you're asking them to hold the position for. 

I will always reward from my hand, not in position, as I want the dog to be motivated to come to me for the reward.

Using a terminal marker helps to clearly communicate the end of a position. 

How Clicker Training Works

  1. Identify the desired behaviour: Decide what behaviour you want to reinforce, such as sitting, staying, or coming when called.
  2. Click and reward: As soon as your dog performs the desired behaviour, click the clicker and immediately give a treat.
  3. Repeat: Practice this several times until your dog consistently performs the behaviour.

Over time, your dog will learn to associate the behaviour with the click and the reward, making them more likely to repeat the behaviour in the future.

Counter Conditioning for Reactivity

Clicker training is also highly effective for counter conditioning, a technique used to change a dog’s negative reaction to a specific stimulus into a positive one. This is particularly useful for dogs that are reactive to other dogs, people, or certain situations.

  1. Identify the trigger: Determine what causes your dog to react negatively.
  2. Introduce the trigger at a distance: Start at a distance where your dog notices the trigger but does not react.
  3. Click and reward for calm behaviour: When your dog sees the trigger and remains calm, click and reward them.
  4. Gradually decrease the distance: Slowly bring the trigger closer over time, always clicking and rewarding calm behaviour.

This process helps your dog associate the trigger with positive experiences, reducing their reactivity.

Clicker training is an effective and humane method to teach your dog a variety of behaviours, from basic commands to complex tricks. By charging the clicker, reinforcing positive behaviour, and employing techniques like counter conditioning, you can address behavioural issues and build a stronger bond with your dog. Whether you’re dealing with a reactive dog or simply want to teach your pup some new tricks, clicker training provides a clear, consistent way to communicate with our dogs.

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