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.

The clicker used to teach the dog is small and usually metal. It produces a quick, loud sound that delivers a message to the dog that the behavior is good and acceptable. It is a gentle method in training a dog or puppy and does not hurt the dog or injure its hearing in any way.

When the dog obeys the trainer, the sound of the click rewards the dog and sometimes a small treat is given simultaneously. Without the click, a treat alone can confuse the dog as it sometimes is not given quickly enough. The dog and especially a puppy can move around and wiggle a lot and thus the dog will not know what it is being rewarded for. Pared with the click, the dog associates the good behavior immediately to the click and not just a treat.

By rewarding the dog immediately with a click and a small treat when the dog is behaving correctly, this reinforces good behavior, but once the dog starts to disobey, the click and the treat are held back until the dog can once again, behave as expected. A good example of this would be if the dog was sitting and was given a click and a treat. If the dog stands up when you walk away, you with hold the treat and the click until he sits once again.

Similarly, if the dog jumps up on the couch or people he would be held back from the clicker sound and the treat. If the dog calms down and waits to see what the trainer is going to do, he would be given a quick click as the calmness is rewarded with the click and treat.

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.

These methods of using dog clickers help teach the dog good behavior and to reject bad behavior. Chewing and barking are among the negative behavior clicker training can deter. Good habits and happy dogs are not just the responsibility of the dog, but the owner has a responsibility to teach their dog just as one would feel the responsibility to teach their children to be positive members of the community. The dog will grow up happier and healthier too.

Want to find out more about dog clicker training?, then visit Judy Steven’s site on how to choose the best training methods for your puppies needs.