Clicker Dog Training

What is the dog clicker? Available in many pet stores or through online dog training Web sites, a clicker is a small box (about the size of a watch) with a metal tab which when pressed makes a distinct clicking sound. When the box is "clicked" the dog receives a reward and so the dog after a short time learns that the click means a reward.

Why does dog clicker training work: By combining the clicker with a snack you have in your hands a powerful tool for communicating to your dog what you want from him.It works because the dog learns which actions are rewarded and therefore desired by you. Eventually the snack will be taken away and your dog will learn to perform just for the click. And finally he will learn to respond to your voice or hand signaled commands only. Because your dog must perform an action in order to elicit a click and reward he becomes active in the training process. By trying and failing he learns what he must do to please.

The clicker as an event marker