Most of my new clients have never heard of a clicker, or maybe they have heard of it, but didn't know how to use it properly. So I thought this would be a great topic for this blog.
A clicker is a hand held device which makes a clear "click" sound when you push on it. It's used to mark the exact moment your dog does a behavior you have been looking for, correctly. The reason I use the clicker is because it is a very distinct sound that dogs, young and old learn quickly. It is a very consistent sound, that never changes. Unlike when you simply use the work "yes" or "good" alone. Because, after all, we are only human. Sometimes it's hard to remember the correct word you use, and say it right at the exact moment your dog performs correctly. This can lead to confusion for your dog.
When I train dogs, I use a clicker, and the word "yes" simultaneously. That way, if they were to do something I had been looking for, and I don't happen to have my clicker handy, I could still mark the behavior with a resounding "YES" and give them a reward! My dogs know when I say a very excited "YES" that they have done something exactly right, and that a great reward is forth coming. Usually in the form of a Jack Pot reward. I will discuss jack pot rewards in a future post. My dogs also know when the difference of when we are in training mode, and when I am having a conversation with someone. I never give a resounding "YES" or "GOOD" in normal conversation with a person.
Saw the cutest video today called Dog wants a kitty. It really made me laugh and I wanted to share it with you. Guaranteed to make you smile, and maybe even laugh out loud!
A clicker is a hand held device which makes a clear "click" sound when you push on it. It's used to mark the exact moment your dog does a behavior you have been looking for, correctly. The reason I use the clicker is because it is a very distinct sound that dogs, young and old learn quickly. It is a very consistent sound, that never changes. Unlike when you simply use the work "yes" or "good" alone. Because, after all, we are only human. Sometimes it's hard to remember the correct word you use, and say it right at the exact moment your dog performs correctly. This can lead to confusion for your dog.
When I train dogs, I use a clicker, and the word "yes" simultaneously. That way, if they were to do something I had been looking for, and I don't happen to have my clicker handy, I could still mark the behavior with a resounding "YES" and give them a reward! My dogs know when I say a very excited "YES" that they have done something exactly right, and that a great reward is forth coming. Usually in the form of a Jack Pot reward. I will discuss jack pot rewards in a future post. My dogs also know when the difference of when we are in training mode, and when I am having a conversation with someone. I never give a resounding "YES" or "GOOD" in normal conversation with a person.
Saw the cutest video today called Dog wants a kitty. It really made me laugh and I wanted to share it with you. Guaranteed to make you smile, and maybe even laugh out loud!
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