Dog Clicker Training Reinforces Positive Behavior
Thursday, 26. November 2009
Training dogs has many methods and one of these methods is called Dog Clicker Training. It is used to train dogs, but was first introduced to train dolphins. It allowed the use of a clicker or a clicking sound to communicate to the dolphins as they swam under the water. The clicker method was found to be useful for other animals as well, including puppies, fish, elephants and other animals.
A clicker is a simple metal gadget that creates a click sound that does not waver in volume or pitch. It is a quick single sound that animals are not afraid of and can respond to quickly. This type of training is one of the most humane ways to train a dog. It does not hurt the body of the dog or injure the dogs ears. Dog clicker training is used to associate the sound of the clicker with the desired behavior the trainer or owner seeks.
With the sound of the click the dog instantly knows what behavior was commendable and will associate the click with the good behavior. When a treat is given without the click a puppy or dog can get confused as the treat is given when the dog has already changed behaviors. If the click is given immediately and then a small treat, this will help the dog know immediately what exactly he was doing to deserve the click, and then the treat.
The owner, or trainer will want to start with allowing the dog to get used to hearing the click and immediately receiving a small treat. Soon, the owner will want to allow the dog to do a small task, one that the dog already is doing or has already learned. An example of this is if the dog is on a walk, and the dog urinates outside as opposed to inside. Immediately after the dog uses the outside for its waste, the clicker is used and the dog receives a treat. This reinforces this behavior in a positive way.
Also, this is good to modify the dogs behavior if the dog has an issue with barking at people when they come to visit . This behavior is unacceptable and will not be rewarded but once the dog stops this negative behavior it is rewarded with the sound of the click once again.
Once the dog learns to wait for the positive reinforcement of the clicker, he will learn at a quicker rate than just with voice commands or treats. Dog clicker training, voice commands with body language can all be used together to help the dog learn at a faster rate.
Dog clicker training can teach good habits and deter bad habits. It is the owner’s responsibility to raise a dog in a positive environment making happy dogs and happy owners and neighbors.
Learn more about puppy training. Stop by by Judy Steven’s site where you can find out all about dog clicker training and what it can do for you.