Clicker Training For Dogs: Positive Reinforcement Training

There is nothing more adorable than a new puppy. Large adoring eyes, and unconditional love pave the way for a new attachment. Yet many new puppy owners quickly learn that their adorable little pets come without a whole lot of knowledge about what is expected of them. Clicker training for dogs, an easy system of positive reinforcement, can turn that clueless puppy into an obedient delight.

The clicker is a small, hand held device that literally 'clicks' when you press it. Made of lightweight plastic and metal, it is small enough to fit in a pocket or purse for easy accessibility. Some dog owners like to keep a few clickers on hand, placed strategically throughout the house, so that good behavior can be instantly rewarded with the click.

Clicker training for dogs will vary slightly from trainer to trainer but the basic premise remains the same. When your dog demonstrates a desirable behavior, you click and treat. This is a wonderful method for specific command training.

For example, if you want to teach your dog to sit you can place a small treat in your closed hand. Say, "sit." Glide your hand directly over the dog's nose and move it just beyond his head. As your hand moves back, behind his head, he will naturally sit down to stay close to the treat. As soon as his bottom hits the ground you click, praise, and give him the treat.

In no time at all, your dog will associate the click with good things. If you want to teach your dog to lie down, the technique is similar. Say, "lie down" and with treat in closed hand, place your hand on the ground in front of the dog's nose. He will naturally lie down to reach your hand. As soon as his body hits the ground, you click and treat. You will obviously be verbally praising the dog each time he does something positive as well.

There are available group and individual classes in clicker training for dogs just about everywhere. This popular method works quickly and is an effective and easy way to help get your message across. Once your dog is trained, you don't need to continue with the clicker, but some trainers recommend using the clicker to reinforce all good canine behaviors.

Therefore, in addition to teaching specific commands, clicker training for dogs can be used to let your dog know when he or she is doing something you approve of. If you see the dog quietly playing with a dog toy, you can click and treat. For this technique of clicker training for dogs, it makes sense to have a few clickers scattered throughout the house, because the click needs to be immediate. If you leave the room to find the clicker and the dog is no longer performing that good behavior, a click will be meaningless.

Clicker training for dogs is an inexpensive, easy, and quick way to get your message across to your dog. It allows for an instant understanding by the dog that he has done something good. It helps him to realize what is expected of him, and this in turn, will help him to be a happier pet. It will also help to strengthen the bond between the two of you.

You can find clickers for under two dollars, so there's no huge investment to get the benefit of this excellent training method. If you'd like to check out my top pick, "click" here now.

About the Author:
Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at Dog Gifts and Toys for Dog Lovers.

Copyright 2004. All rights reserved.

---

The Sporting Westie Terrier

Because it is intelligent and energetic, a Westie terrier is... Read More

Dealing With Canine Ringworm

Ringworm is an annoying, highly contagious fungal disorder that is... Read More

America; You Are Over Feeding Your Pets

As many of you know America is serious about our... Read More

Do You Enjoy Watching Your Dog Wear Handmade Dog Scarfs Just To Suit Their Personality?

Yes! We love our wonderful and dear Pooches! We care... Read More

Got Fleas?

Author of Keep Fleas OffStill using all the chemicals you... Read More

Saving Ginger From Being Put To Sleep ? Part 2

The Story Continues... Following the first of many visits to... Read More

How I Get More Training Done On My Horses In 1/2 The Time

Here's a simple way... to help your horse learn twice... Read More

Caring for Your Dogs Teeth

A dog, like a human baby, experiences the world through... Read More

How to Housebreak Your Dog or Puppy

Dogs are creatures of habit; and once they develop a... Read More

Westie Pups - Tips for Success in Housetraining

Perhaps the best way to train your westie pups not... Read More

Proper Diet For the Discus Fish

The Discus fish has its habitat in the South American... Read More

Dog Health Conditions and Terms You Should Know, Part 3...

Continued from part two.Epilepsy/seizure disorderWhen your Boxer is between 2... Read More

How to Make Your Cats Life, and YOUR Life, Happier - Training Your Cat

Imagine that you are scolding your cat for scratching at... Read More

The Story Of My Amazing Dog Shandy

This is the story of my dog called Shandy. He... Read More

Is Pet Insurance Right For Your Pet?

Trying to decide if you should get insurance on your... Read More

What Should I Make My Snake Cage From?

What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More

Attacking the Pit Bull Problem in Los Angeles-MuttShack Animal Rescue Launches Grassroots Campaign

Twenty-six percent of the dogs at the six Los Angeles... Read More

My Dog Died !

Pets provide an unconditional love that requires very little on... Read More

Antibiotics? I Think Not

Have you noticed that doctors are now being much more... Read More

How To Get Your Horse From Pulling Back While Tied

Some people have horses they don't dare tie. Why? Because... Read More

Dog Lover Gifts

Whether you are searching for something to say "Happy Birthday"... Read More

Whats the Real Deal on Pet Insurance?

Even if you haven't had a run-in involving your pet... Read More

How to Choose the Right Bird Cage

If the "tweet, tweet" of little beaks is in your... Read More

Dog Hygiene Basics

Giving your dog a bath is important, but not as... Read More

Facts About Rottweilers

Looking for some quick Rottweiler dog facts? Here's a quick... Read More

Puppies, Kittens, Rabbits, Hamsters, Fish Tanks, Exotic Pets and Bird Houses!

Pet's, any kind of pet can be a welcome addition... Read More

Is Dog Obedience School for You?

Are you thinking about dog obedience school? Do you know... Read More

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Dog for Family Life

Dog's come in all shapes and sizes ? out of... Read More

Rescue Dogs

We have all grown up with at least one hero... Read More

Teaching Your Dog to Heel

Teaching your dog to heel is one of the most... Read More

How To Care For your Pet Dog

He will be there by your side, as your loving... Read More

Choosing a Vet For Your Dog - A Dog Owners Checklist

Most dogs live between ten and seventeen years. The relationship... Read More

A Dog Bit Me, Whom Can I Sue?

Any person, whether a minor or adult, having been bitten... Read More