Many people wonder if (and how) they should use a clicker for their dog's training! We break down the pros and cons.

In this episode we will answer the popular question of should you use a clicker when training your dog. We will also discuss some benefits, drawbacks and alternatives to using a clicker!

Holly has been passionate about dogs from the get go! Holly was part of 4-H dog clubs from a young age, learning to train and show her own dogs.

Holly is certified with the Karen Pryor Academy, a Fear-Free Certified Trainer, an Instructor for Dog Biz Dog Walking Academy and Walks N' Wags First Aid Certified and runs Positive Paws Training in the Vancouver area.

Hollys next goal is to complete a certification in separation anxiety. 

Holly’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/positivepawstraining/

Holly’s Website: https://positivepaws.ca/

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FIRST OFF, WHAT IS A CLICKER AND WHAT IS ITS PURPOSE? (Starts around 1:50)


A clicker is a tear drop shaped object with a button that makes a noise

A tool in positive reinforcement training that bridges the gap from when your dog does what you want them to do and when you give them a treat

You make a distinct sound with a clicker when your dog does what you want them to do, so your dog pairs the click sound with knowing they did the right thing

WITH THAT BEING SAID, DO YOU TYPICALLY RECOMMEND USING A CLICKER? (Starts around 2:57)


Don’t always recommend it for some pup parents, because it can end up being too overwhelming

There is no pressure to use it, just find the best way to positively reinforce your dog

IF I DON’T HAVE A CLICKER NEAR ME, OR I DON’T WANT TO USE ONE, WHAT CAN I DO INSTEAD? AND CAN IT BE AS EFFECTIVE? (Starts around 4:00)

Use a marker word, like “yes” and you do the same thing but say this word instead of using a clicker

HOW DO YOU HELP YOUR DOG UNDERSTAND WHAT THE POINT OF A CLICKER IS? (Starts around 5:02)

Practice using the clicker without your dog so you can make sure you aren’t clicking too early or too late

Start with a behavior your dog knows really well, or in a calm environment, and practice having them do the behavior, click, then give them a treat and repeat

WHEN YOU ARE ASKING YOUR DOG TO DO BEHAVIOR CHAINS, HOW DO YOU USE THE CLICK? (Starts around 7:00)

First, make sure they know how to do separate commands before trying to put multiple together

Then start with one, and then add a second, then third, fourth, etc.

For an entire chain, with 10 commands, just click at the end of the entire chain of commands and then reward

When we train our dogs, it’s so important to reward them right away to reinforce their behavior. Using a clicker, or a marker word, will bridge the gap between the time you are able to reward your dog with a treat. 

<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial;color:#1155cc;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;text-decoration-skip-ink:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">https://www.instagram.com/positivepawstraining/

<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial;color:#1155cc;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;text-decoration-skip-ink:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">https://positivepaws.ca/

<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:#1155cc;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;text-decoration-skip-ink:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Starts around 7:00

<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:#1155cc;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;text-decoration-skip-ink:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">clicker

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<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial;color:#1155cc;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;text-decoration-skip-ink:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Starts around 2:57

<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:#1155cc;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;text-decoration-skip-ink:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Starts around 4:00

<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:#1155cc;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;text-decoration-skip-ink:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Starts around 5:02

Should You Use a Clicker for Dog Training? An Interview with Holly Ovington | Pupford