Dogs

ASK THE DOG TRAINER: Clicker Training Pros and Cons

by Terry Lynn Cuyler, APDT, CPDT-KA

Dear Terry:

I have a situation where I could use a little assistance or your recommendation. In training dogs, what situations would you advise using a clicker, and which ones would you prefer another method? I am trying to figure out which is best for what types of training. I do know that some dogs are afraid of it, but aside from that, I'd just like an opinion on the best areas of training for using a clicker.

Thanks,

A student of dog training

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Dear student:

The clicker is a fabulous tool for positive reward training. But, I don't use it in all situations. There are some trainers who just use clickers occasionally, and some who use it as the basis for all their training. The effectiveness of the clicker is based on the concept that it is a marker/bridge to let the dog know that THAT particular behavior is the one which will earn it a reward. As a marker it has the advantage of being unique and something that stands out in the dog's mind. It also has the advantage of sounding the same no matter who is using it or what emotions the handler is feeling. So when there are multiple trainers/handlers in a household, the clicker helps give a consistent message. It also has no emotion attached to it - it is pure and concise. So if you've had a rotten drive home on I-4, the clicker doesn't impart that anxiousness to your pup.

The disadvantage is that the handler's timing has to be precise and some folks find it difficult to juggle clicker, treats, leash, dog and their own learning all at the same time. And as you mentioned, some dogs are fearful of the noise. Though that can be conquered by using one of the quieter clickers. The other disadvantage is that most people don't always have a clicker in their pocket and miss opportunities to tell a dog she's right. This can be solved by training an alternative word like "click" or 'YES', to use when your clicker is in the car instead of your pocket. Wish someone would invent a jewelry grade clicker I could wear around my neck or wrist........

I personally find the clicker most useful when I'm trying to shape a behavior. This means that I have to get small approximations of the behavior and build it up to the finished product. I don't use it as often for simpler behaviors where I can lure the dog into the finished behavior without having to go through steps.

For example I might use a simple lure/hand signal to get the dog into a 'down' position. You can click that, of course, but you don't have to. Dog follows the treat into a prone position and gets the treat in that position. She "gets it" that being is that position is what earned her the food.

If I'm trying to get the dog to go to her bed and lie in it, I will use the clicker to mark small approximations of the end behavior I'm building. I will begin clicking any interaction with the bed, might toss one or two treats into the bed and click when she's in there, then toss the actual reward treat outside the bed to restart the 'game'. A clicker savvy dog figures out quickly that it's the bed that gets the treat.

Then you up the criteria and only click for say, putting a paw on the bed, then for two paws, then getting in, and so on. It sounds long to write up, but it is really a very quick process and it is amazing to watch the dog learn. They love the 'game' because they are using their brain and having fun while they learn.

So the quick response is that if the end behavior can be lured or molded such as with a spin or a sit, I feel the clicker is superfluous. I also have to take into account the ability of the trainer to time the click and coordinate all the parts. But if the end behavior requires chaining several behaviors together, or capturing a behavior like a stretch to turn into a "bow" then the clicker is the perfect tool. Give it a try!

A good source for more info is www.clickertraining.com and kikopup's channel on YouTube. Finally, watch for our post coming up this Saturday, December 18, when we will offer an extremely entertaining Kikopup video right here. You're sure to enjoy this wonderful dancing troupe. Don't miss it!

Terry, the Paws Prof

Our ASK THE DOG TRAINER Column can be reached at [email protected]

For more information on Terry Lynn Cuyler and her training, you may find her at Paws Prof.

A personal appointment with a trainer will likely provide more specific information on your dog's issues and your questions.

The PawsProf's advice does not replace an actual consultation with a qualified trainer.

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