I am a big fan of the clicker! Many dog owners have heard of it but often enough it somehow remains just "A tool that can be used in dog training".
The clicker is much more than that! In this article, I want to talk about the many different ways it can be used in dog training.
First things first – what is a clicker?
Basically, a clicker is a small device that makes a clear click sound when you press a button or a designated area on it. That's it!
Clickers come in various sizes, with or without volume control, wrist and finger straps and even integrated into gloves. There's a clicker for every dog training need.
However, a clicker isn't a magic tool. Like so many things in life, it requires training - we need to "charge" it. This means associating the click sound with a positive meaning/outcome for your dog. In your dog`s mind we need to create the meaning "Click means a reward for me!" Without building this connection, the click sound is just yet another noise in their daily routine.
Good news: Establishing this positive association usually takes only a few days, if not less. After that, the clicker becomes an amazing tool for dog training.
BUT WHY this effort?
The answer is simple: Training, whether for commands, tricks or desired behaviours, essentially means letting your dog know that a particular action is "right" and you would like it to be repeated.
This "rightness" is conveyed through prompt rewards like treats, play, praise, affection and so on that follow the wanted behaviour. This way we create a connection in the dog´s head (conditioning). The reward feels good for the dog and it becomes more likely that your dog will repeat the behaviour in order to get that lovely reward again.
However, this connection between the shown behaviour and the reward only occurs if the reward is granted promptly. That means within 0,5 to 2 seconds - science is still arguing about the exact time span.
As a rule of thumb: the quicker you grant the reward, the better!
But we humans are often too slow... because we have the treats in our pockets, they are stuck together, we have the leash and a coffee-to-go in our hands etc.
Here, the clicker comes in handy: it builds some kind of a bridge - so we humans gain time. A properly trained clicker allows you to confirm the "right" behaviour with a click and then delay delivering the reward, because the dog has already learned that the click is certainly announces something good and that the promise will be kept. Great for us slow people!
The clicker allows a simple, clear and positive communication with your dog. And this, by the way, improves and strenghtens the bond between you and your dog as well as training results are usually achieved much faster.
What can I do with a clicker?
We work with the fact that our dog has learned that a click is always followed by a reward.
With a clicker, we can train basic commands, such as sit, down, heel, stay, come etc. but also all kinds of fun tricks such as high five, roll, run through legs, turn, hand touch, jump through objects and much more.
Also, previously taught commands can be refined and optimized with a clicker.
In addition, you can also train so-called "chains of action" by combining multiple commands. This works particularly well with the clicker because of the precise timing that comes with it. Example: Ask your dog to fetch the newspaper, the leash, toilet paper– all very practical!
Another very valuable use: The clicker is incredibly helpful for dogs sensitive to noise or anxiety around objects, dogs or other animals. Here, the positively charged clicker is used to change our dog's negative feeling towards these things. The "bad" stimulus can be converted into a "good" one and the clicker is an effective training aid.
In my mind, one of the most enjoyable ways to use a clicker in dog training is through "free shaping" and "shaping".
In "free shaping" your dog needs to be creative (or learns to be). The mental engagement is very high as there is no help offered. You think of a goal - your dog needs to achieve it. During the training, you are required to be silent - making it an ideal training method for when you're tired, in a bad mood or stressed, but your dog needs quality stimulation. Another positive aspect of this method is that it is not very time consuming which is well appreciated during busy times: Depending on the training level, a few minutes of this mental exercise can be enough and very satisfying for your dog.
"Shaping" takes a similar approach, but here the dog is offered more or less help, e.g. pointing with the finger, looking at an object involved in the goal or sitting close to it. The path to reaching the goal is broken down into smaller steps, so the dog can be successful in each step. Some dogs can skip steps while other dogs need smaller ones. It depends on how fast the dog understands what is being done and if your dog has worked creatively before.
Last but not least, a clicker is also a great way to "catch" behaviour that you like seeing more often and that your dog shows occasionally in everyday life. Sometimes our dogs are already doing the right thing and the clicker is a way to clearly communicate to our dog that we like it– why wouldn´t we?
Who can do clicker training?
Everyone! Clicker training is suitable for all dogs, regardless of age, size, breed or health. It is also beneficial for fearful and less confident dogs, helping them adapt to new situations and find solutions. Aggressive dogs can learn to implement new strategies with the help of a clicker and even dogs with a "mind of their own" can be guided by a click to show desired behaviour more often - here, we align their will with ours.
For dog owners the same applies! Really anyone can learn to use a clicker. You don't need to be particularly fit or young - an open mind and a sense of fun are all you need!
Now, get ready and dive into the clicker world!
🐾 Doreen 🐾
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