How to Use a Clicker to Train a Dog + Benefits of Clicker Training | Pupford

In this article, we're going to dive into how to use a clicker to train a dog.

We will also discuss some benefits, drawbacks, and alternatives to using a clicker! And we were super lucky to have Holly Ovington join us to teach us all about clicker training for dogs!

Let's get right into it. 👇

MEET HOLLY KPA-CTP, CSAT

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.

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

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

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OVERVIEW OF USING A CLICKER TO TRAIN A DOG

Before we dive into all things clicker training, it's important to remember that every dog is different. And, every situation is different.

What works for you and your dog, might not work for another dog!

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With that being said, using a clicker to train a dog can help you be more effective as a teacher. It can help you more succinctly 'mark' correct behaviors to let your dog know what they did was desirable!

Here's a basic overview of how to use a clicker to train a dog:

1. Start with a behavior your dog already knows well, like sit
2. Tell your dog to sit
3. The instant your dog's butt hits the ground, click (with the clicker)
4. Give a treat (or other reward) to your dog

That's a very simple overview of how to use a clicker to train a dog. Again, the clicker is all about helping your dog more fully understand exactly what they did to earn a reward/treat.

Related Reading: Desensitizing Dogs to Sounds

Let's get into more common questions and topics around clicker training.

WHAT IS A DOG CLICKER AND WHAT IS ITS PURPOSE?

(This section starts around 1:50 of the video)

In simple terms, a dog clicker is a teardrop-shaped object with a button that makes a noise. This tool, used primarily in positive reinforcement-based dog training, bridges the between when your dog does what you want them to do and when you give them a treat.

The dog clicker is used to 'mark' the correct behavior. So for example, when you are teaching sit you would 'click' the instant your dog's butt touches the ground.

You're essentially signaling to your dog that their butt going on the ground is what you were asking for, and hence why they're getting a reward.

So, to reiterate, the click is not the reward. You still give a treat or other reinforcer for the correct behavior, the clicker just lets your dog know the moment they did something right!

DO YOU NEED A CLICKER TO TRAIN A DOG? IS IT NECESSARY?

(This section starts around 2:57 of the video)

To answer it simply, no, you do not need a clicker to train a dog. It is not 100% necessary.

It is useful and helpful though! For some pup parents, using a clicker becomes a little too overwhelming. It's one more thing to hold, think about, and worry about 'if you're getting it right'.

Don't feel pressure to use a clicker when training a puppy, but know that it can help you train a dog faster! Try it out for a training session or two and see how you like it.

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WHAT'S AN ALTERNATIVE TO USING A DOG CLICKER?

(This section starts around 4:00 of the video)

As mentioned above, you do not have to use a clicker when training. There are plenty of alternatives! The key is to be consistent with your marker word or noise and to pair it right with when your dog does the correct behavior!

Here are some clicker alternatives:

• Use a marker word, like “yes”
• Use a clicking noise with your tongue
• Use a digital clicker on your phone, like in the Pupford App
• Use another distinct noise with your mouth

Again, focus on being consistent with your noise. The noise or 'marker word' should be the same each and every time!

LOADING THE CLICKER - TEACHING YOUR DOG WHAT THE CLICKER MEANS

(This section starts around 5:02 of the video)

One phrase you'll hear with clicker training is 'loading' the clicker. Essentially loading is the process of giving the click meaning!

We mentioned generally how to use the clicker in the first section, but let's look at how to 'load' the clicker for your dog.

1. Grab 10 treats
2. Click
3. Give your dog a treat
4. Repeat 10 total times

By doing this in 2-3 different sessions, you start to pair the click noise with the arrival of a treat. At that point, your dog can understand that each click will be followed by a treat!

It's also a good idea to first practice using the clicker without your dog so you can make sure you aren’t clicking too early or too late.

HOW TO USE A CLICKER FOR BEHAVIOR CHAINS

(This section starts around 7:00 of the video)

Chaining behaviors is the process of linking multiple known behaviors into one 'chained behavior'. For example, chaining a come with a sit. The first behavior is 'come' and the second chained behavior is the 'sit'.

Here are some points to think about when chaining behaviors:

• First, make sure they know how to do separate behaviors before trying to put multiple together
• Then start with one, and then add a second, then a third, a fourth, etc.
• For an entire chain, with 10 behaviors, just click at the end of the entire chain of behaviors and then reward

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IS CLICKER TRAINING GOOD/EFFECTIVE?

The question of whether clicker training is 'good' or 'effective' is a bit complicated. While clicker training can be extremely effective and useful, it all depends on how well you do it!

The same goes for any type of training. Many types of training techniques can be effective, but it depends on how well you do it and how consistent you are with your methods.

With all that being said, know that many professional dog trainers (and other animal trainers) use clickers to help dogs learn more quickly and effectively.

BENEFITS OF CLICKER TRAINING

The main benefit of clicker training is that you can more accurately communicate to your dog that they've done something good. The clearer our communication is with our dogs, the more quickly they'll learn desirable behaviors.

When your dog knows exactly what they did that invoked a reward, they'll be much more likely to do said behavior in the future!

RECAP OF HOW TO USE A CLICKER TO TRAIN A DOG OR PUPPY

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.

As a recap, here's how to train a puppy using a clicker:

1. Start with a behavior your dog already knows well, like sit
2. Tell your dog to sit
3. The instant your dog's butt hits the ground, click (with the clicker)
4. Give a treat (or other reward) to your dog

That simple concept can be used to teach all types of behaviors and tricks. The value of the clicker is being able to more clearly communicate to your dog that they did something desirable!

If you're ready to try this out, shop our dog training clickers here!

And if you're in the process of training a puppy or older dog, I highly recommend signing up for 30 Day Perfect Pup! It's a 100% free online video course covering behaviors like recall, leash walking, biting, potty training, and more. Sign up for free here!

Do you use a clicker to train your dog? Tell me about your experience in the comments.

🐶 Don't miss out! Sign up for the 100% free online video course, 30 Day Perfect Pup. Sign up here! 🐶