Why Clicker Train?

Many people who have not looked into clicker training scoff at the idea. They claim that they ‘cannot be bothered’ to have to have a clicker with them all the time and who wants a dog that will only respond to the sound of ‘click‘? But these same people think nothing of using a leash or food rewards when training their pet. Is there really a difference between getting a leash and doing dog leash training or getting a clicker?


The ultimate goal of dog clicker training is to have an animal that will respond to voice and/or hand signals without having to use a clicker. The clicker is only a tool to be used in the beginning of training and to teach new behaviours or tricks. The same way a leash is used to train a dog to heel before you begin more advanced training.


The clicker method is also one of the only training methods that relies almost solely on positive reinforcement rather than on correction or discipline. We have all seen trained killer whales perform, can you imagine trying to train one of these huge animals using discipline or correction? No. Trainers use the ‘clicker method’ to get the animals to want to perform certain actions.


People who train dolphins and whales get the animals to behave in certain ways by teaching the animals that certain actions get rewarded and other actions are ignored. The animal learns that if it wants a treat it has to do certain things and the more often it does these actions the more rewards it receives.


These same principals can be applied to training and teaching your pet. It is a fast, simple and easy training method to learn, both for you as an owner and for your dog. All members of the family can learn how to train using this method. And the relationship you build between you and your pet is built on trust rather than fear.