Dog Training With The Click Method

A relatively new and gentle approach at dog training is gaining popularity amongst dog owners. Known as the click method, this type of dog training is revolutionary in that the trainer waits for a dog to act, then gives a command, and then gives a reward - as opposed to traditional methods, where the trainer gives a command and expects the dog to comply. The click method makes it easier to train a puppy, and can sometimes be used to train an older dog.

The click method utilizes a clicker. This is a little box, about one inch long and a half an inch wide, which has a flexible piece of metal on one side. Depressing the metal piece inside the box produces the click sound. It is the sound of the click that the dog learns to associate with desired behavior. He also learns to expect a treat or reward after hearing the click.

Getting started with the click method:

To get started with click training a dog, all the dog owner needs is a clicker, a bag of treats, and patience. The owner will sit on the floor, and simply observe the dog. As soon as the dog begins to sit on its own, the owner will depress the clicker and give the dog a treat. Only one treat per sit is necessary. The dog owner will continue with this pattern for a few sessions. At first the dog will not understand the connection between action, click and reward, but it will not take long before he catches on to the pattern.

Once the dog understands what the desired action is expected of him, the dog owner can begin to add the word “sit” to the training process. It will no longer be necessary for the owner to reward the dog every time he sits, and the dog will gladly repeat the action several times with the knowledge that the behavior will eventually be rewarded. This would also be the time to start working on other commands, such as lie down and stay.

Advantages of the click method of training:

Many dog trainers prefer the click method for training to the traditional methods. For one, it does not require the owner to touch the dog. Traditional methods can be especially tiresome when training a squirming puppy that does not understand what is going on. By waiting for the puppy to act on its own, then clicking and rewarding, the dog is happier as will be the owner. Neither party will be frustrated by the end of the training session.

The click method is a gentler approach in that it does not employ force, punishment, aversive methods or choke collars. This makes the method safe for use in puppies whose disposition and bodies need to be handled with care. Training a dog is a two-way communication, and puppies will respond better to their owners if they are treated with respect. It is not necessary to break the dog of habits. Instead, the click method reinforces desired behaviors that the dog already possesses.

Patience is a key ingredient to the success of the click method. If the owner is used to using traditional methods for training, it will be tough at first to restrain from telling the dog what to do. Learning to be patient will pay off once the dog understands the action, click, and reward process and becomes an enthusiastic learner.

Will an older dog respond?

Because patience is required, it may be harder to click train an older dog that was initially trained using traditional methods. The older dog may become stressed and lose interest because it does not understand what is required of it. If this happens, the dog’s mind will shut down to the idea of learning and the click method will be ineffective. However, some older dogs will adapt quickly to this new way of learning and the transition to the click method will be easy.

As many dog-training methods have come and gone over the ages, some have stayed with us and some continue to revolutionize how dogs are trained. The click method is one such revolutionary program. If it continues to grow in popularity, choke chains and forceful techniques will no longer be needed to train our dogs. The click method will create a lifelong friendship between the owner and the dog that is rewarding for both parties.

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