Clicker training is a method of training that uses positive reinforcement to get an animal to perform a certain action. It has been successfully used to train dolphins, horses, chickens and dogs. The advantage of clicker training is that it is easy, fast and simple. You do not have to be a professional trainer to use this method. By using a positive reinforcement method of training rather than one based on discipline or correction you are a building a relationship of trust between you and your pet rather than a relationship built on fear.

The ultimate goal of almost every person who has ever owned a dog is to have a well trained, well behaved pet. In order to achieve this goal you have to train your pet, but since most of us are not animal trainers it is hard to know where to start. One of the fastest and easiest ways of training a dog is by using the ‘clicker’ method.

Clicker training is a way of training your dog using positive reinforcement to let the animal know when it has done a desired or correct action. You do not use correction or discipline but work with the animal to increase his desire to want to earn rewards. You ignore unwanted actions and praise the good ones.

Clicker training involves using a small tool referred to as a ‘clicker’ in combination with a primary reinforcer. A primary reinforcer is usually a food reward of some kind but it can also be a toy or any other reward that your pet enjoys.

The first step in all clicker training is to teach your pet that the ‘click’ sound means that a reward is coming. This stage is known as charging the clicker. Once your dog understands that every time he hears a ‘click’ he will be rewarded you can use the clicker method to train him to do almost anything.

When clicker trainer it is important to remember two things, your ultimate goal and the small step theory. The ultimate goal of all clicker training is to have a dog that responds to either voice or hand commands and no longer needs to use the clicker. You have to work in baby steps towards the goal. That means rather than working on an action as a whole you have to break it down into small steps and reward each positive action in the right direction.

Clicker training is one of the easiest and fastest ways of teaching dogs. You do not need to be a professional to use this method, it is simple and any dog owner can learn how to do it. Your reward will be a happier, well mannered, social pet.

The first step in all clicker training is to ‘charge the clicker‘. You have to teach your dog that the sound of a click means that a reward is on the way. Since no dog is going to want to work or learn just for the ‘click' sound you have to pair the noise with a primary reward. Most trainers initially use food as a primary reward but you do not have to. You can also try a toy, verbal praise or petting.

If you are working with food keep the pieces small. This is after all a training session and not a meal. You want to reward your pet but you do not want to be waiting while he is chewing a large bone. If you are using a toy you have to be able to get it back quickly, you do not want to have to fight with the animal after every click.

To begin charging the clicker have your reward ready and your clicker. Take your pet to a quiet area of the house and try to limit the distractions. Click the clicker and give your dog a treat. Always click before moving your hand with the treat. You want the dog to make the association between click first, then treat. You do not want him constantly watching to see what your reward hand is doing.

Watch the dog, you do not want him to be doing the same action every time you click. If he is laying down wait until he moves and then click. You do not want your dog to think that the click is for lying down. Keep repeating this. Depending on the animal you may have to do a few sessions of click and treat before he makes the association. These sessions do not have to be more than a couple of minutes of random action, click and treat. You may also click any time he does an action that you actually like, sitting or going back to lying down.

After a few sessions (with some dogs, you may only need one or two) your dog will make the connection between the sound and the reward. When your dog is not looking at you, 'click'. If your dog turns his head towards you at the sound, looking for a reward you will know that the connection has been made. You have successfully charged your clicker. You can now move on to more difficult and involved training.