Clicker Training

Clicker Training is a term used to describe a way of training animals that has become increasingly popular in the last decade because of its gentle method. It uses a conditioned reinforcer, usually the sound of a plastic clicker, to mark a behaviour that will be rewarded. Clicker Training uses the science of Operant Conditioning, which notes that behaviours that are rewarded are made stronger and will occur more frequently. For example if, whenever a dog sits, he gets a treat, the operant "sitting" gets some conditioning and becomes more probable. The reward given is dependant on the individual dog. It is usually a food or toy reward.

The clicker has the advantage over words or phrases (e.g. good dog) because it is a very brief, consistent and distinctive sound, whereas a word or phrase will always have small variations in inotation and volume. The clicker allows the trainer to mark with great precision the behaviour for which the dog is being reinforced. Paired with something the dog finds very reinforcing, the clicker becomes a powerful tool for shaping behaviour. Shaping behaviour is a technique that involves rewarding the dog's best efforts and then gradually raising the standards until the behaviour is as required.

Clicker Training has been used very effectivley with lots of different animals. With dogs I have used it for general obedience training and many behavioural issues. Examples of behavioural issues include: noise phobias, food/ toy guarding, dog to dog aggression, dog to human aggression, jumping up, barking and house training. Clicker Training can also help dogs to feel more comfortable with veterinary examinations and procedures. It is a kind, effective and long lasting method of training.

Also see www.clickertraining.com