the clicker

[disoleman]

I have read several articles about using a clicker to train a dog. When they do what you want them to do the dog gets a "click and treat." Is this used instead of praising the dog? I am confused as to the use of the clicker.

 

[JulieM]

The click marks the correct behavior. For instance, if you're trying to teach the dog to look at you when you say his name - you say the dog's name, and the *instant* he looks at you, click. This tells the dog "what you are doing right this moment is what I want." It's OK if he stops looking at you after you click - the click also ends the behavior. It is used instead of verbal praise because it is much more precise and consistent.

There are several good sites on clicker training, here a just a few (hopefully some you haven't visited before):

www.clickertraining.com
www.clickandtreat.com
www.clickersolutions.com
www.shirleychong.com
www.click-l.com

 

[Boomer'sPapa]

Thanx...

Thanks for the links. I've been wondering about clicker training myself, and plan on doing this with Boomer.

Cheers,

 

[disoleman]

Thanks...

Thanks for the links Julie. I definately going to give the clicker a try.