Clicker Training
Clicker training is a relatively new technique for working with dogs. Clicker training is a kind of "operant conditioning". Clicker training is established on the principles of operant conditioning and uses positive reinforcement to assist the dog learning new behaviors. Clicker training is a gentle training technique which uses positive reinforcement as a learning system based on operant conditioning. Clicker training is the most effective way to teach your pet to behave in an acceptable way. Clicker Training is a technique of training that uses of a clicking device, hence the name "clicker". Clicker training is now being used by countless dog training schools and individual dog owners all over the world. Clicker training is rapidly becoming more recognized and is continually replacing old style compulsive dog training. Clicker training is very effective for all types of pets. Clicker training is the most effective way to teach your pet to behave in an acceptable fashion.
Clicker training is by far the fastest, most effective way to train your dog. It is based on scientific principles of how dog's learn. Clicker training is appropriate for puppies through senior dogs, for dogs that compete in dog sports, and for great family pets. Clicker training is a great way to enrich your relationship with your dog.
Clicker training is now used to train family pets, obedience competition winners, service dogs for the handicapped, Hollywood dogs, even police and guard dogs. Clicker training is founded on positive reinforcement and shaping behaviors in very small steps. Clicker training is all about rewarding the behavior you want and ignoring all the behaviors you don't want. Clicker training is a useful technique that allows you to train your dog with no form of punishment.
Clicker training is a relatively modern technique for working with dogs. Clicker training is an new way of communicating with and training animals. Begun by dolphin trainer Karen Pryor, it has quickly spread in popularity because its effectiveness has been proven with young puppies and with "problem dogs,"as well as with countless other dogs in a variety of situations. Clicker training is founded on well-researched principles of how animals learn, and puts its focus on what the dog is performing correctly. Clicker training is a great way to teach obedience in a dog-friendly way. When used in tandem with counter-conditioning and desensitization techniques, it can be used to address a wide variety of behavior problems like barking, destructive chewing, digging, jumping and aggression.
You'll love clicker training for of the bond you build with your dog and its effective results. Successful clicker training involves dedication and practice. Clicker trainers frequently see rapid learning, long retention of skills and a "delightful" response to the sound of the click in their instructing animal. Clicker–trained animals become great problem–solvers, develop confidence, and perform their work enthusiastically.
With clicker training you don't need exceptional skills or strength. With clicker training, you don't need any fancy training equipment like choke chains or pinch collars. The clicker behaves like the click of a camera, marking the precise moment he has performed what you like.
Clicker training employs a distinct marker signal to exactly capture the behavior the trainer wants, and assures the animal that a worthwhile reward will accompany. The first step in clicker training is to teach the dog or puppy that the clicker sound signifies that they'll get a primary reinforcer, usually food. To do this, you must "charge" or "load" the clicker. The way to do this is the trainer clicks the clicker and then right away gives the dog a reward, usually a savory treat. The treat should be small enough that it can be consumed almost immediately. If the dog instantly looks toward the trainer as if anticipating a reward, it's likely that the dog or puppy has made the positive association. Today many clicker trainers use this "charging" method of introducing the clicker. Afterwards, the trainer then uses the clicker to mark wanted behaviors as they happen. At the precise moment the animal performs the wanted behavior, the trainer clicks and immediately delivers a food reward or another reinforcing stimulus.
Clicker trainers frequently use the procedure of shaping, which entails gradually transforming a particular behavior into the wanted behavior by reinforcing successive approximations to it. A successive approximation is a scientific term that refers to gradually shaping or training an animal to perform a desired response by first reinforcing responses that are similar to the desired response. Clicker trainers learn to "break down" behaviors rather than "bunching" them in a complex form. The key to clicker training is the trainer's timing; clicking too early or clicking too late rewards whatever behavior is happening at the instant the clicker sounds. Novice clicker trainers will need practice in developing their timing. As with all dog training programs, patience and consistency will play a fundamental role in your success. With practice, you will hone your timing and your training skills will improve substantially.
How To Get Started With Clicker Dog Training
How To Charge Your Clicker Or Marker
The first step in clicker dog training is to get your marker signal working. We call this charging your clicker. this is a very simple exercise, but the most important exercise because this is what make the clicker a valuable tool in clicker dog training.
How To Teach Targeting
The next step is to get your targeting working for you. This is how we move the dog around into different positions or locations. Targets are used in many different aspects of dog training.
Resources For Clicker Training
Clicker Training Academy
One of the best instructional courses on clicker training I have used. They teach you the 4 important secrets about using the clicker for training dogs (or any other animals). This information will make YOU capable of solving every behavior problem you will ever encounter. It will also explain to you how to teach any new behavior or trick you can imagine.
Karen Pryor Clickertraining (KPCT)
Karen Pryor is a leader in the field of dog training and a recognized world leader in the science and application of clicker training. Karen Pryor has the most comprehensive source of information for clicker training on the internet. They also offer a complete line of clicker supplies at the Karen Pryor Clicker Gear Store. They have several programs for clicker training, the programs I recommend are the Getting Started Clicker Training for Dogs Kit for the beginner and the Dog Training Kit Plus and also the Puppy Training Kit Plus.