Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is "Dog Clicker Training "?

Dog Clicker Training , also called "Click & Treat" Training, is a term used to describe a type of training that uses a conditioned reinforcer, usually a cricket-like clicker, to mark a behavior that will be rewarded. Clicker Training uses the science of Operant Conditioning (OC), which notes that behaviors that are rewarded are made stronger and will occur more frequently

My dog is afraid of the clicker! What do I do?

Some dogs are afraid of the sound of the clicker. There are a couple of solutions to this. One solution is to put several strips of adhesive tape over the dimpled end of the clicker. The more layers of tape, the softer the click. As the dog becomes used to the sound, you can begin removing layers of tape. Another solution is to use a different marker. Click the end of a ball point pen. Use the "bubble" on the lid of a baby food jar. Use a whistle or a flashlight.

Will I have to carry a clicker around with me all the time, forever, always doling out treats?

No. Basically, the clicker is used for teaching a behavior, not for maintaining a behavior that's already established. The clicker is incredibly useful for catching your dog doing things you like, and you may find it helpful to have one nearby (you can buy them in bulk to have them in numerous places. Buy them with loops attached, or drill or melt holes to attach loops yourself). But you can use a second conditioned reinforcer, such as "Yes!" that you are more likely to have with you. You can also deliver real-life treats (like opening the door when the dog sits, throwing the ball when the dog drops it, etc.) to reward them without the clicker. And after the dog has figured out precisely what action is the one being rewarded, you don't need to use the precision of the clicker to keep informing them. As for treats, you should always reward behaviors you like, but it doesn't have to be with food - praise, petting, and anything else your dog likes should do. But high value treats like food are excellent motivators for getting the dog to learn the behavior in the first place.

Won't my dog get confused in a class with lots of other clickers?

No. Dogs seem to figure it out pretty quickly. It may be that the clickers sound different to them so they can tell which one is "theirs", or maybe they just focus on where the sound is coming from.

What are R+, R-, P+, P-, and extinction?

You'll see these abbreviations pop up on the list fairly often. They are abbreviations for terms used in Operant Conditioning. They stand for:

• Positive reinforcement (R+): something is added to increase the occurrence of a behavior. For example, you give the dog a treat to reinforce the sit.
• Negative reinforcement (R-): something is removed to increase the occurrence of a behavior. For example, in the forced retrieve (not a clicker technique), a dog's ear is pinched to force him to open his mouth to take the dumbbell. When the dog opens his mouth -- the desired behavior -- the ear pinch is released.
• Positive punishment (P+): something is added to decrease the occurrence of a behavior. For example, a collar pop is applied (not a clicker training technique) to discourage a dog from pulling on the lead.
• Negative punishment (P-): something is removed to decrease the occurrence of a behavior. For example, turning away (removing attention) from a dog who is jumping up on you.
• Extinction: weakening of behavior through lack of reinforcement. For example, your dog is learning what the cue "sit" means. You reinforce sits after cue, but ignore -- do not reinforce -- any other behavior. Other behaviors become less likely due to lack of reinforcement.

I have more than one dog. How do I work with multiple dogs?

To learn a new skill, your dog needs to concentrate. Our job as trainers is to make this as easy as possible, and one way is to limit distractions during early learning. Other dogs are a huge distraction. It's hard to concentrate when you're worried about competing for reinforcement. So do your dog a favor and put the other dogs in another room or behind a baby gate.

Keep training periods short ( between 30 seconds and two minutes), then switch and do a session with a different dog. The dogs will quickly learn to be quiet and patient as you work with another dog

Can I use clicker training to train my dog for a sport?

Yes. Clicker training is being used successfully to teach all kinds of dog-related activities, including competition obedience, agility, tracking, Schutzhund, flyball, canine musical freestyle, field work, water, and draft. Clicker training is even being used to train service dogs. The behaviors are as reliable as those taught with traditional methods, and the dogs are genuinely enthusiastic about participating. After all, what's the point of doing these activities if the dogs don't enjoy them?

Why would you recommend clicker training?

Clicker training is effective, easy, and fun, for both the owner and the dog. Even children can be wonderful clicker trainers. Clicker training is dog-friendly and never involves harsh punishment or force. Dogs enjoy the mental stimulation of clicker training and it helps the whole family enjoy their dog because it strengthens communication and bonding.

practice, practice, practice!