A clicker is a tool used to communicate exactness to a dog. It’s the bridge between the moment a dog executes a behavior to the reward he gets after the click. It’s a communication device. Always pair the click with a reward. Otherwise, your clicker will soon become useless.
Besides building behaviors, clicker training can salvage them. Here is a 30-second example of how helpful a well timed click can be. And be assured, Dudley got a treat after the click.
You get what you click. So be mindful of when you’re clicking. It takes practice. I play clicker games with my students in real time. They’re helpful to them, and ultimately to the dog, who is depending on the trainer to give him good information with that little device.
Here are a few on-line clicking reflex games where you can test your own skills.
This is a fun one. A stop light. When it turns green, click!
This is an interesting one. Click start and try to click exactly when the numbers counting forward rapidly reach the mark of 500. Not as easy as you’d think!
This one’s similar to the stop light test, but one big square changes color. That’s when you click.
These games give you an idea of how much of a skill clicking is. Real time practice, though, with a clicker in your hand and without your dog to start is essential. Clickers shouldn’t be clicked with your dog unless you’re using one to train. Remember, keep the promise. A click always equals a treat!
By Helen Verte
Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Trick Dog Instructor
Positive Rewards Dog Trainer, South Florida
