What Is The Purpose Of A Clicker In Dog Training?
Clicker dog training is a popular reward-based method of training your puppy or adult dog using positive reinforcement. The goal is for your pup to quickly recognize the desired behavior you expect from him and repeat it moving forward. In clicker training, you use a small handheld device called a clicker that makes an audible clicking sound when you press the button. This clicking sound replaces a “marker word” you’d use to tell your pup he’s done something right, like “good” or “yes.” Many people find it a better way to communicate and get your dog’s attention than using marker words because the click is a distinctive sound.
An integral part of clicker training (also called mark and reward training) is the reward in the form of treats. This teaches your dog that the behavior and associated click will result in a yummy reward for him. As you might imagine, it’s a very motivating factor for your dog to repeat the positive behavior.
Clicker training and other variations of positive reinforcement training are hugely popular because it trains your dog to focus on good behaviors rather than focusing on what he’s doing wrong and then being corrected for unwanted behavior (aka aversive training). This positive reinforcement puts all the emphasis for your pup on what to do right. Research has even shown that dogs are less stressed and perform better with positive reinforcement training vs aversive training.
What Is Clicker Training?
Clicker training (also known as marker training) uses a clicker as a marker to “mark” the desired behavior.. The sound of each click is considered a reward for your dog, so you don’t need to use a food treat or a toy each time your dog performs a desired behavior. After associating the clicks with good outcomes, dogs attempt to replicate the behaviors that result in the sound.
When going over a command with a dog the first few times, a clicker can make it much easier to teach a dog to perform the trick or maintain the position you expect. When it hears the click at the exact moment it complies, it makes it easy for the dog to understand exactly what is wanted.. In addition to teaching new commands, a clicker can help improve posture and how well a dog performs existing commands.
What Is Operant Conditioning?
Ivan Pavlov performed a series of experiments with dogs that involved the use of a bell to indicate when they were about to be fed. He noticed that if he made the dogs wait for their food, they’d begin to salivate and drool. Over time, he added the sound of a bell before showing the dogs the treats and waited for them to drool again. He was finally able to ring the bell without any treats present to get the dogs to salivate.
This is referred to as operant conditioning. It trains dogs to expect certain outcomes when a stimulus is present. In clicker training, the clicker itself becomes the bell. You’re communicating that after enough clicks, the dog will receive a treat or other form of reward. For most dogs, the click itself becomes the reward and eliminates the need to constantly give food to a dog during training sessions.
Clicker Training Basics: How to Introduce the Clicker for Dogs
Clicker training is a common form of positive reinforcement for dogs. This simple and effective training method utilizes a small device that trainers press to click when the dog shows desired behavior. The click is much faster and more distinct than saying “good dog” and much more effective than training with treats alone.
A dog training clicker is a metal strip inside a small plastic box that makes a distinct clicking sound when pressed. During training, dogs learn that the sound of the click indicates a positive affirmation, teaching the dog how to continue the good behaviors associated with hearing a click.
To teach a dog the meaning of the click, a treat is given immediately after clicking. Once the dog learns the positive effects of the clicking sound, the clicker itself acts as a conditioned reinforcer. Clickers can be found at most major pet stores and are relatively inexpensive. 2:01