Clicker dog obedience training is considered one of the most effective ways to shape any new behavior in dogs and modify existing behavior problems. Clicker dog training uses established dog psychology and modern behavioral science practices to clearly communicate desired responses to our dog. Dog whispering allows us to implement our greater understanding of how our dogs think and learn. Clicker training is the formal practice of those disciplines to teach or change behavior.
The clicker is a device designed to makes a clear and distinctive sound when pressed. This sound is used to mark behavior as a mechanism of reinforcement. We know that dogs are more likely to repeat behavior if rewarded and understood.
Dogs learn by being provide immediate feedback and consequences of their behavior. If we immediately and consistently control the consequences then our dog obedience training will be more successful. This takes the form of positive reinforcement when we offer a reward such as a food treat or a favorite toy or it could be negative reinforcement when we don't offer praise or a reward.
What this means is that dogs quickly connect two unrelated stimuli so that an association is built between the two. For example when you go to the door your dog gets excited because they are anxious to go for a walk. Going to the door could mean a lot of things to you, but to your dog it means only one thing. They have connected the two unrelated actions in their mind.
When we combine the sound of the clicker with a desired response or behavior and offered praise and a treat as reinforcement we create a very powerful bond.
The basic steps for successful dog obedience clicker training are:
1. Teach the desired behavior by voice command, hand gesture or a lure.
2. Mark the behavior immediately using the clicker.
3. Reward the behavior with a food treat and praise.
4. Increase and repeat the behavior by introducing duration or distance.
5. Gradually reduce the clicker and treats.
Dog obedience clicker training is a proven, gentle method of teaching behavior that also builds a strong bond between you and your dog. This method also focuses on what is right, rather than what is wrong. Since dogs want to please, give them their best chance at being successful and you will be rewarded with a happy, healthy dog.
