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.

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