If you haven't seen a clicker or tried clicker training before, don't fret, now is the perfect time to learn!
Clicker training is also sometimes called "Marker Training" and it uses a marker signal, such as "Yes," a whistle, or an actual box clicker, to identify behaviours that earn reinforcement. I've spoken to a lot of people about clicker training before and it's surprising to see that many think it's a gimmick in the world of training. This really isn't the case. Clicker training is a straightforward application of practical learning and has been used not only to successfully train dogs but also mine-detecting rats and killer whales!
Maintaining clear communication during training is important and the clicker mark communicates with an animal exactly what behaviour has earned reinforcement.
Below is a quick and easy-to-follow guide for the basics of clicker training.
Days One - Two
The first couple of days is when we want to establish exactly what the clicker does. Mark and reward every single time your dog pays attention to you on their own.
Using a clicker or a verbal command, pinpoint any glances your way, and give a treat as reinforcement of that behaviour. When you're using a clicker, try to mark the exact instant your dog starts to turn their head towards you, so that you are rewarding the choice of turning their head.
If you're clicker training at home you can use your dog's food as the reinforcement. However, you should offer better rewards when your dog looks at you from a distance or when you are training outdoors where there are additional distractions.
Days Three - Four
Now is the time to use slightly fewer treats! However, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't be reinforcing attention.
When using the clicker, instead of always providing a treat at the correct moment, offer verbal praise and acknowledgement to your dog when they check in with you. Every time you mark, you still reinforce, but you just won't be marking as much as the first couple of days. Once you and your pooch have gotten used to verbal praise reinforcement, start getting a little bit pickier about what attention deserves a treat. If your pooch looks at you quicker, or for longer, or whatever aspect is 'above average' for them, reward with treats for those moments, and reserve other moments for verbal praise.
Days Five - Seven
We're going to start moving into a randomised schedule for training where you mark with treats only for the best responses. Reinforce by just paying attention and/or praising the rest of the time. Gradually shift your rewards to a one-in-four schedule (one treat to four verbal praises), then one-in-five.
This protocol is great to use during the first week of training, alongside your regular training schedule.
If you don't know much about clickers, you can have a look at the following wallet-friendly options that are available in the United Kingdom:
- Just For Puppy Training Clicker
- Coachi Whizzclick Dog Training Clicker Whistle
- Pet Training Clicker with Wrist Strap (Double Pack)
Clicker training is a worthwhile and versatile technique that improves communication between you and your dog. By using a clear and consistent marker signal, you can effectively reinforce desirable behaviours, making the training process both fun and rewarding. It's not just beneficial for dogs. Whether you're training a dog, a cat, or even more exotic animals, the principles of clicker training remain the same.
You can start with the above simple steps, gradually reduce treats, and soon you'll see remarkable progress in your pet's behaviour. So, we highly recommend that you grab a clicker and start training today – your pooch will thank you for it!
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