What is clicker training for dogs?

Our question this week was:

Dr. Debra – what is clicker training? I hear dog people say that term occasionally but I don’t know what it means.

**

Bill H. – Columbia Missouri

Answer

Hi – thanks for your email. Clicker training is a way train dogs that involves a device or something that makes a clicking sound. This is part of a positive or reward-based training. The idea is to train your dog to perform certain desired behaviors rather than to punish unwanted behavior. One way is to use a “secondary re-enforcer,” like praise or a neutral cue that signals that the primary re-enforcer is due.

In animal training, whistles and clicks have been used as secondary re-enforcers, though you can also use your voice. Clicks made by small plastic clickers (“frogs”) are probably the best and most consistent way of marking the successful accomplishment of a behavior. For more information on Clicker Training, please read Clicker Training Your Dog. This article has a step by steps instructions on how to train.

Best of luck!

Dr. Debra

To read most recent questions Click here!

Click here to see the full list of Ask Dr. Debra Questions and Answers!