Ever say "good boy!" a second too late...right after your pup already stood back up from the sit? We've all been there. That's exactly the problem a training clicker solves.
Why a click works so well
A clicker is a little handheld tool that makes one quick, sharp sound. The magic is that it sounds exactly the same every single time. Your voice changes when you're excited, tired or frustrated...the click never does.
Trainers call it a "marker." You pair the click with a treat until your dog learns that click means a reward is coming. After that, the click tells your dog the exact moment they did the right thing. Fast, clear and no guessing.
How to get started
- Charge the clicker. Grab a handful of tiny, soft treats. Click, then give a treat right away. Do this about 10 times. You're not asking for anything yet...you're just teaching that click equals treat.
- Catch something easy. Ask for a sit (or wait for your dog to offer one). Click the second their bottom touches the floor, then treat.
- Keep sessions short. A few minutes at a time is plenty. Stop while your dog still wants more.
- Click once, treat once. One click per correct behavior, and always follow through with the reward.
- Keep treats out of sight. Ask, click, then reach for the treat. Otherwise it turns into a bribe instead of a reward.
Is your dog nervous about the sound?
Some pups jump at the click at first. Try muffling it in your pocket or with a sock, and use extra-good treats. Some dogs do great with a short word like "yes!" used exactly like a click...it's the same idea.
What can you teach with a clicker?
Just about anything: sit, down, come, leave it, looking at you on walks, going to their bed, even fun tricks. It works for puppies, senior dogs and rescues alike...and plenty of people use it with cats too!
Pick one up at The Hungry Puppy
We carry the Train Right Dog Training Clicker in store and online, plus soft training treats to go with it. Stop in and we'll help you pick the right treats for your pup...or add a clicker to your free local delivery (low $20 minimum).
The Hungry Puppy
1288 Highway 33, Farmingdale, NJ
732-938-4470