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Clicker Training 

A clicker training video by Ruth may be found on our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UPjBWzMDRE

A clicker is a small device which makes a distinctive sound and which can be used to indicate to your dog that he, or she, has done a good behaviour. It is like taking a photograph of a correct behaviour.  It is a sound that your dog will only hear during training so he/she becomes highly attuned to it.   Clickers are just another way of using positive reinforcement techniques.

 

Yellow clicker  - conventional clicker to use in your hand
Black clicker – soft clicker for wearing around your wrist
Blue clicker – soft clicker for using in your hand
Red clicker – clicker and whistle combined for wearing around your neck

  • Clicker%20picClicker%20pic

To begin with your dog is taught that the sound of the click means he/she will get a tasty reward. You can do this by asking your dog to sit and immediately pressing the clicker and offering your dog a food reward.  This gives your dog instant feedback.  The dog soon associates the click with something good and responds quickly again in anticipation of receiving a similar reward.  


The technique can be particularly useful if someone only has the use of one arm and therefore has difficulty delivering a food reward quickly, or if you want to reward a behaviour at a distance such as your dog racing towards you when you call and offer the “Come” signal.


How to use the clicker effectively:
•    Click once only as soon as possible after a desirable behaviour.
•    If you click you must treat – otherwise your dog will not trust that the clicker results in a reward.
•    If you are not going to reward with food because you are offering intermittent reinforcement, do not click!
•    Don’t use the clicker as a stimulus to get your dog’s attention!  Remember it marks a good behaviour after it occurs.
•    Some dogs are scared of the clicker sound so you may need to buy a soft clicker or simply click with your tongue.

 

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