Dog Training | Free Dog Training Tips – Clicker Training

When it comes to dog training, it seems that everybody thinks that they know the best way to do it. When you get a puppy, you will likely receive tips and tricks from everybody you know that owns a dog. It is much like when you have your first child, everyone thinks that they know exactly what you are going through. Remember, though, that you are the dogs owner and master, nobody else, and you need to make the decisions that will benefit both you and your dog.

Clicker training has been recently resurrected as a way to train dogs. In simple terms, it is a box that makes a clicking noise when you press in with your thumb that lets the dog know that he has done a good job and that you are proud with him. Getting the dog to understand what the clicking sound means is what the training process is really all about.

To start clicker training, you much purchase a clicker. Many pet stores have books now about clicker training, and you may want to get one of them as well. Start by training your dog with one trick, like the “sit” command. Tell the dog to “sit” and try to make him sit on his rear. The second that he does as you’ve commanded, give him a small treat and click the clicker box while you do so. Every time you give the dog a treat, click the clicker box. This will make the dog equate the clicking sound with good behavior. Before long you will not need to give a treat as reinforcement, and will only need to use the clicker box.

You tend to see dogs who have been clicker trained on the competitive circuit lately. If you have ever turned on a channel and seen dogs running through various obstacles, you have likely seen a trainer near them with a clicker box. These can be a great way to train your dog, as long as you follow through with the “command, treat, click” procedure. It is a great way to train, not only because it lets the dog know exactly how happy you are, but because it makes you, the owner, responsible for doling out the praise as well as the punishments. And, as dogs tend to respond better to praise than they do to punishments, you will want to make sure to use the clicker box as often as they deserve to hear it.

Patrick Solomon is a dog lover and specializes in beginning and advanced dog training methods. Learn how to effectively train your dog by taking his free dog training course at
http://www.FreeDogTrainingCourse.com

Dog Training | Dog Training – Using A Clicker

There are many dog training methods available today. One very popular method is the “clicker training” method.

The clicker training method uses a clicker, a small plastic box with a metal button inside which makes a clicking sound when the metal button is pressed. This has become one of the preferred methods amongst trainers, mostly because it parallels the Positive Dog Training method.

This method can be used to reinforce natural occurring behaviors on a dog, such as sitting, standing, barking, etc. It can also be used to teach new tricks to your dog, such as play dead, roll over, high five, etc.

The main principle behind this technique is that the noise given off by the clicker means correct. As soon as the dog performs the command correctly, you use the clicker followed by positive reinforcement and lots of praise. This makes it clear to the dog that the behavior is correct.

Timing and consistency are two critical factors of this method. Make sure that the clicking signal is given just at the precise moment the command is completed correctly. If this is performed at the same time every time, the dog will make the association between the command, and the fact that he did it correctly.

In addition to timing and consistency, the amount of positive reinforcement is another important factor. For example, when first training your dog in a new behavior, make sure to praise often and for a long period of time. As time goes on and the dog learns the command, you want to decrease the amount and length of the praise. You do not need so much praise once the dog has learned the new command.

Once the dog starts making the association between the clicker and the “correct behavior” signal, it will learn new commands faster and easier.

Dogs are extremely smart creatures, and they prefer a method of training that reinforces the positive aspects instead of the negative. Old school used negative techniques, such as hitting, yelling or spanking to correct a dogs behavior. Studies have shown that these types of negative techniques do not work, and can cause secondary unwanted behaviors.

As with any type of training, consistency and patience is essential. At first it will take a long time to get the dog trained properly, but as time goes on and the dog starts understanding the method, training will become easier.

Clicker training is relatively easy, and can be a lot of fun for you and your dog. Go get yourself a clicker and start experimenting. It is also recommended to do some research at your local library or online for techniques, tutorials or books on clicker training. Read as much information as possible, and start trying some of the techniques on your dog. I promise you will both have a great time.

If you live in South Florida and are interested in Positive Dog Training, you can visit our website at http://www.pawsitivelypetsonline.com/. Have a happy and positive experience.

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