Clicker Training

by Susan O'Hare, Happy Hounds Dog Training

The clicker is a very useful training aid for use in training all kinds of animal including dogs, cats, horses and birds.  It is a universal sound, so no matter which member of the family is using it, it always sounds the same to your pet. Even fish can be trained with a clicker!

The sound of the clicker is a signal which is paired with a reward (usually a food treat). Once this relationship is established, the click means “REWARD IS COMING”.

The sound of the clicker marks the exact behaviour you are asking for (eg sit, drop, look).

The timing of the clicker is crucial. It is that click that indicates to your pet that his action or behaviour at that moment was correct.

Reward your pet after you have sounded the clicker.  Eventually, it is the clicker – the anticipation of “REWARD IS COMING” – that your pet gets hooked on, rather than the reward itself.

Clickers are available for purchase at SDVC.

HAPPY TRAINING!!