When a dog trainer sets criteria with a dog during a dog training session, and the dog performs the criteria, the trainer uses a marker word or clicker to signify that the criteria was complete. The word or sound is a bridge, which tells the dog that he was right and reinforcement is on the way. Some trainers say that the click ends the behavior. And that’s true, but there’s a but.
The click ends the behavior, or the contract we have with the dog, but the reinforcement needs to be delivered promptly, and preferable in one of two places. Either in a place where it emphasizes the dog’s correct position, for example, if cuing a sit, and the dog is sitting, when the trainer clicks, the treat should be delivered while the dog is still sitting. Pronto. Dog trainers need to hustle. If the dog gets up, the trainer can use the treat to re-sit the dog, but it’s vital to take advantage of the payment part of the contract. Feeding for position is an important consideration. Bob Bailey’s saying, “Feed for position,” is the mantra of many a dog trainer. Here’s an example of feed for position from a distance. The click ends the behavior, and I toss a treat to Dudley as soon as possible.
The second way reinforcement can be delivered is as a set-up for the next trial. If, for example, the dog trainer is training her client’s dog to go to his mat, she may click when the dog has four paws on the mat, then toss a treat away from the mat to set up the new trial. Ideally, the trainer would toss a treat to the dog on the mat immediately after the click, then toss another one away from the mat to set up for the next trial. Feeding for position and set up because the dog needs to be off the mat to go to the mat.
In a case like mat training, using a better treat for reinforcement on the mat, then a lesser treat to toss to get the dog off the mat, is my preference, especially for a dog that’s relatively green. As long as the dog works for both treats, keeping a little variation in taste to tell the dog what is most important can help the training cause.
Once a click or marker word is delivered, it’s imperative to deliver the treat promptly and with position feeding in mind. Letting the dog know what position is correct through both clicking and feeding, builds the communication and creates clarity in understanding between trainer and dog.
By Helen Verte
Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Trick Dog Instructor
Broward county clicker training
