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Clicker Dog Training
Clicker dog training is a popular and effective way to train your dog. Clicker dog training is a little different from traditional dog training. Clicker dog training sessions are short, lasting no more than five minutes per session. Dogs learn faster through these numerous short sessions instead with of longer sessions where dogs tend to get bored. Clicker dog training experts agree that using a clicker as a positive behavior signal takes less time to train a dog than with traditional training.
With clicker dog training, the trainer clicks a specially designed clicker when a dog performs a task, exercise, or action correctly. After the click, the dog receives a reward until the dog learns to associate hearing a click with a reward. The reward is typically something the dog enjoys, like small treats, playtime, or petting. To keep rewards productive, trainers should not feed or play with a dog immediately prior to a training session.
Experts believe a clicker is better than traditional training because of its unique sound signaling good behavior. A clicker allows a dog to realize the exact behavior rewarded instead of focusing on the words said. The feelings expressed with words may confuse a dog, but the clicker always sounds the same. A dog may have trouble interpreting words, but will not misinterpret the sound of the clicker.
Consider trying the following simple clicker dog training techniques to see if clicker dog training will work for your dog.
- To train your dog to come to you, call your dog and then click and reward him when he takes a few steps toward you. As you repeat this training exercise, wait until the dog gets halfway toward you before clicking and rewarding. Once your dog has accomplished this, wait until your reaches you to click and reward. Allow your dog to come on his or her own without using a leash or lead.
- Use clicker dog training to deter inappropriate behavior by rewarding appropriate behavior. When your dog earns clicks and rewards on a regular basis, teach the dog a hand signal or word to go along with the behavior. Give the hand signal or say the word before the dog repeats the behavior desired. Then, after the dog performs the action, the trainer should click and give a reward. If the dog performs without the hand signal or word, the trainer should not give a click and reward. You want the dog to perform the behavior when signaled. Once the dog is consistently performing the behavior with the signal, the trainer should discontinue the clicker and reward.
Clicker dog training is a safe and effective method of training, even for young puppies.
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