The Importance of Clicker Training

Clicker training is a method of training that uses a clicker to mark the exact moment a dog performs a desired behaviour.

The clicker acts as a marker that lets the dog know it has done something right. It helps the dog learn to solve problems to get the click. The key is to create a situation where the dog has to figure out what behaviour earns the click and the reward. 

One training exercise which can be done is where you hold a piece of chicken in your hand, and once the dog makes eye contact with you, instead of trying to get to the food, reward them with the chicken, ensuring this is paired with the clicker sound.

Short and frequent training sessions are important in clicker training. Simply 5 minutes of practice several times a day is much more effective than one long session. This is because it helps to keep the dog engaged and build muscle memory. Repeated exercises, with a gradual increase in difficulty, help to establish a strong foundation where the dog understands the concept of the training. 

Clicker training breaks down complex behaviours into smaller, manageable steps.

This “layering” approach helps the dog learn progressively, building upon each stage. It is important to manage distractions so your dog is solely focused on the training exercise to maximise effectiveness. 

Another training exercise which can be done is teaching your dog to walk backwards. This is useful as the act of walking backwards means the dog is moving away from the trainer, so the clicker is essential to mark the desired behaviour before the reward can be given. 

Clicker training can be used to transition from food rewards to a toy reward, such as a ball. When starting this transition, choose a toy the dog finds motivating as they will be more inclined to complete the desired behaviour. Clicker training requires patience as the dog learns a new way to earn rewards.

You may need to lower your expectations when changing an exercise or asking a dog to do more. It is important to reinforce small successes and reward these to build the dog’s confidence and help it understand what behaviour is desired. These small successes contribute to the overall learning process.  

To learn more about clicker training, click the link here to be taken to our Clicker Training series on YouTube.