Monday, April 2, 2012

Training with Clicker Training: An effective method of training your dog

By Maureen Young


Looking for a fast and reliable way to train your dog? Try clicker training.

Clicker training has become an effective means of dog training and uses a clicker, a small box that makes a clicking sound. The clicker is paired with a food reward when good behaviour is demonstrated.

This method of dog training has been proven to be successful because the clicking sound is not normally heard by your dog unless it demonstrates a desired behaviour. When the desired behaviour is demonstrated, ensure the dog hears the sound and then reward it with a treat. When done repeatedly your dog will be able to associate the clicking sound with good behaviour and a treat.

Clicker training has been based with the principle behind operant conditioning. Operant conditioning is learning from the results of our actions. We usually repeat the actions that have been positively reinforced and refrain from those that resulted in no, or a negative, reaction. Clicker training rewards your dog for good behaviour. This type of dog training is effective for both puppies and adult dogs and can be learned quite quickly. It is also most effective if it is used for short training sessions.

To get started with this type of dog training, one should be ready with your clicker and reward. The clicker and reward should be used simultaneously. Click and give the reward. Do this until your dog expects a reward after the click - this is called 'pairing the clicker'. The next step is to wait until your dog demonstrates a desired behaviour and, at the exact time the behaviour is performed, make the clicking sound and give the dog a treat. The timing of the click is important so make sure that it is done correctly. For example you would like to train your dog to sit. When his rump touches the floor do the click and give the reward. Clicker training can be used for teaching a dog to sit, fetch and heel. With clicker training your dog will be following your orders in no time.




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