Why Clicker Training?

It seems to be all the rage. Wonderful results, fast and friendly, it claims to fix most problems. Facts are it can be a wonderful tool. It's just not necessary in most training situations, and can be confusing as well as complicated for the person who simply wants their companion dog to "Listen and Behave Properly".

The clicker is a device you hold between your thumb and index finger and when squeezed makes a click..er sound. Clicker training has been around in one form or another for as long as there has been dog training and maybe even before. When we enthusiastically say, "Yes," or "Good dog," then give our dog a treat, it is the same marking process as clicker training. We are marking a special behavior. Markers tell the dog that the behavior it just did is going to get him/her a reward later. The only difference from saying “yes” and a click is you can snap your fingers faster then you can say “yes.”

People use the clicker in a variety of ways unintentional to its actual purpose. Mostly it is used as a come command. Click and the dog comes to you to get a treat. Hey, if that works - great, but that is not clicker training. The clicker is being used as a signal, not a marker. It would be the same as if you simply used the word come, or whistled a specific way, or clapped your hands.

If you want to learn how to clicker train properly, Angeldogs™ will be happy to help. However, simple reward based training using treats and love with no choke chains or prong collars is our preferred method. Angeldogs teaches you how to turn your dog into your Angeldog™. Call for your private appointment in your home today. Group classes are also available at the Suncoast Humane Society in Englewood, 484-3647 or HUG-DOGS.