CLICKER TRAINING - The Basics

The clicker gives you the ability to reward exactly what you want.  There is no way a dog can make a mistake in clicker training  - the only punishment is he doesn't get a treat and must try again.

Clicker training is a perfect means of training all dogs and puppies.  With this method, the pup never makes a mistake and is never wrong - therefore you don't have to risk damaging the relationship between you and your puppy by telling him off. The pup learns very early on that training is fun and looks forward to his next chance to show off! You must make the link in your pup's mind between the click and the reward. 

Initially, clicker training should be done in short bursts so as not to give your dog time to get bored. Make sure you have not just recently fed your pup as the treats may not be so enticing!

So firstly have some easy to eat, favourite treats ready to entice him to focus.  Treats should be soft and juicy so that they can go down easily - you do not want to waste valuable training time by having the dog chewing for a long time! Sound the clicker, the dog does not have to do anything special - just click and immediately give the pup a treat - just keep the clicker by your side there is no need to point.  Repeat a few times and soon your pup will start to look for the treat after each click.  It doesn't matter how long it takes as all dogs learn at different speeds.  You should also move about and click and reward as your fab canine needs to know a click means a reward where ever you are and whatever you are doing.

Teaching the Sit Command

Sit is the easy command to start with Sit.  Say "sit", hold a treat in front of the dog's nose, raise it upwards and slightly backwards over the dog's head until his nose comes up and his bottom lowers to the ground.  As soon as he sits, say sit, click and reward.

More clicker training tips in our next newsletter.