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Although the idea of clicker training may seem intimidating, it is actually the most simple and yet incredibly effective ways to train an animal. It is based on the natural desire of an animal to repeat a behaviour that produces a positive consequence.

In most cases of animal training, this is done with a treat, or a voice command such as “Good Boy!”. You tell your dog to sit, he does, and you give him a treat. That is a simple command, but what about more complex commands such as, “Go fetch my slippers” or “Turn off the light”. These behaviours are a lot harder to reinforce, especially when you are using different types of rewards all the time.

This is where the clicker comes in. The beauty of the clicker is the unmistakeable, sharp clicking sound it makes. This is a sound that ANY animal can recognize. It is a sound that can be easily picked out through the hubbub of daily noise and human voices. Most importantly, it is a sound that is consistent and precise.

When you speak to your pet whether in praise or training, the tone and pitch of your voice varies all the time and you probably don’t even notice it. But animals can. They don’t understand words as well as they do sounds which is why they are more sensitive to tones and frequency. All animals can recognize and understand the click.

Another great reason the clicker is so effective is because of it’s precise timing. When you use your voice you usually praise your pet after it performs the command. With a clicker you click the instant your pet does what you want it to do. This is how you eventually learn how to shape certain behaviours and teach your pet more complex commands. Once you teach your pet to associate the click with a positive reward, your pet will begin to work for the sound of that click even without a reward.

Clicker training does indeed work and it is a very powerful training tool! It has been used successfully on horses, birds, dolphins, cats, guinea pigs and more. It is the most preferred training method for animals in Hollywood and it is becoming more and more popular in households and training centers around the world.

Authors note:

We have a great selection of clickers available online as well as books and resources on clicker training. Check out our Training Tools section at www.forhealthydogs.com

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