We have four different trainers that work for
Double G Kennels. One of the benefits of purchasing a pup from us is an
introduction to training that starts with the clicker. Remember to ask for a
free clicker with the purchase of your new pup.
Operant conditioning is a scientific term that describes the
way animals learn from the consequences of certain behaviors. Positive
reinforcement is a type of operant conditioning often used in dog training.
Clicker training, a common form of positive reinforcement,
is a simple and effective training method.
The clicker is a metal strip inside
a small plastic box that makes a distinct clicking sound when pressed. The
click is much faster and more distinct than saying “good dog” and much more
effective than using treats alone. 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.
According to Alyssa Walker of Walker Dog Training, clicker
training is not meant to completely replace the use of treats. The sound of the
click instantly tells the dog that what he has done will earn him a reward. To
emphasize this, clicks should frequently be followed by treats.
A Click Equals a Treat
When you click your clicker to mark a behavior, you must
give your dog a treat. You need to teach your dog that the sound of the click
is an extremely reliable predictor that he is about to get a treat. If you don’t
always give a treat after you click, the clicker begins to lose some of its
effectiveness. You don’t always have to use a clicker when you train your dog,
but if you click, you must give a treat.
Give the Treat as Quickly as Possible After You Click
If you click your clicker and then take more than a second
or two to give your dog a treat, your dog may not understand that there is any
connection between the sound of the click and getting a treat.
Timing is Everything
It’s important that you click the clicker at the exact
moment your dog performs a behavior. If you aren’t precise with your clicker,
you might end up reinforcing the wrong behavior. For instance, if you ask your
dog to sit, and he does it, you should click the minute his rear end hits the
floor. If you wait even a few seconds too long, your dog might start getting
up, and the behavior you mark is him raising his bottom a few inches from the
floor. You are not reinforcing the behavior you want. Be sure that you are
clicking to mark the exact behavior you want.
Keep Your Clicker Handy to Capture Behaviors
Capturing behaviors is a great way to teach your dog new
behaviors with very little effort on your part. Keep your clicker and a handful
of treats handy, and whenever you catch your dog doing something you like,
simply click and treat. You will be amazed at how quickly your dog can learn
new behaviors this way.
Use Your Clicker to Shape Behaviors
You can also train your dog step-by-step by shaping
behaviors with the clicker. This technique allows you to break down more
complicated actions into smaller steps so they become easier for your dog to
learn.
Go Back a Step
It can be frustrating when your dog seems to know a command,
and then begins to make repeated mistakes. Your dog is not misbehaving. You
probably moved ahead a little too quickly, and now your dog is confused about
what you want him to do. Instead of scolding him, go back a step or two in the
training process, and then begin to move ahead more slowly. For example, if you
are teaching your dog to stay, he may do fine when you have him hold the stay
for 5 seconds, but when you try to get him to stay for 20 seconds, he just
can’t do it. Try going back to having him hold the stay for 5 seconds, and then
click and treat. Practice a few times, and then add a few more seconds to the
stay. If your dog is making mistakes, chances are you moved ahead too quickly
for him.
Keep it Clicker Training Positive
Remember that clicker training is supposed to be fun for you
and your dog. If you find yourself getting frustrated, end the training
sessions. You can go back later and start fresh. Keep training sessions short
(no more than 10 minutes), and try to end each one on a positive note
For more details on our products and services, please feel
free to visit us at Toy Breed Puppies,
Lowa Puppies & Designer puppies
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