Austin Dog Boarding

Clickers mark a positive response and is used to develop an association between two things.  An example is your dog hears the jiggle of their leash and knows it’s time for walk.  Your dog has been “conditioned” to expect a walk each time they hear the sound of you picking up their leash.  Using a clicker is the same concept and is commonly known as "classical conditioning." When marking a desired behavior  using a clicker is like taking a picture.  When you CLICK! you’re telling the dog… RIGHT THERE!  THAT’S WHAT I WANT!  

One of the advantages of using a clicker instead of a word(s) is that unlike the human voice, it is quick, consistent and sounds the same each and every time it’s used. Dogs espond more quickly to learning  when a clicker is used because it sends a clear and concise message during the early stages of learning of new skills.  Clickers are only a tool and not necessarily meant to be use forever.  Just like with treats  over time you fade out using the clicker.

How you begin is by what is referred to as “loading the clicker.”

Steps to LOAD the CLICK

Sit in a quiet place with your dog and wait for them to give you eye contact.
When they do, click and TREAT!  
Repeat until the dog is comfortable with the sound and is responding by looking at you, waiting in nticipation .

Is your dog frightened by the Clicker sound?

Some dogs are and if your dog is one of them, place your clicker hand behind your back and muffle it by closing your hand around the clicker.  Get your dog use to the sound and then slowly open you hand to click.  Eventually you will be able to hold the clicker in a position that is more comfortable to you.

Dog still not sure?  
Each time your dog looks towards you, have them click.  
Once you start seeing a positive response from your dog have the person move closer in 2-3 foot increments until your dog is comfortable with the sound next to them. If your dog is truly frightened after giving it a few tries, don’t use the clicker and instead use your “reward word.”  YES! YEP! GOOD! Any word you want to use that has a short/sharp sound.  The most IMPORTANT thing is to use it 100% of the time as the marker.